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APPENDIX TO THE REPORT OF THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

REPORTS FROM THE

' DIRECTOR

DIVISION OF CHEMISTRY

DIVISION OF FIELD HUSBANDRY

DIVISION OF ANIMAL HUSBANDRY

FOR THE YEAR ENDING MARCH 31, 1914.

PRINTED BY ORDER OP PARLIAMENT,

OTTAWA PRINTED BY J. db L. TACHJ^, PRINTER TO THE KING'S MOST

EXCELLENT MAJESTY 1916 [No. 16—1915]

s

01

s

:/:

01

e

is o

16-1915-Vo]. I.

5 GEORGE V. SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 A. 1915

APPENDIX TO THE REPORT OF THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

REPORTS FROM THE

DIRECTOR

DIVISION OF CHEMISTRY

DIVISION OF FIELD HUSBANDRY

DIVISION OF ANIMAL HUSBANDRY

FOR THE YEAR ENDING MARCH 31, 1914.

PRINTED BY ORDER OF PARLIAMENT.

OTTAWA PRINTED BY J. de L. TACHE, PRINTER TO THE KING'S MOST

EXCELLENT MAJESTY 1915 iNo. 16—1015]

5 GEORGE V. SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 A. 1915

iW^

•J

A P P E N n I X

TO THE

REPORT OF THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTDRE

ON

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

Ottawa, March 31, 1914.

Sii!.- T have tlio ]ionour to submit herewith, for yuur approval, the twenty-seventh annual report of the work carried on at the several Dominion Experimental Farms and Stations.

Following the phui pat into operation hist year, the present report is divided into two sections, the first containing my report as Director and giving a summary of the years results in the various Divisions on the Central Experimental Farm and on th.' branch Experimental Farms, Station.?, and Substations. For the preparation of tl ese Divisional and Branch Farm notes, I am indebted to the chief officers of the Divisions liere and tlie Superintendents of the Branches.

SectioJi B contains detailed reports on the various lines of ext erin eiital work under way throughout the Dominion Experimental Farms system during the year. These have been prepared by the Dominion officers having supervision of such work on the Central and branch Farms, in collaboration with the Super! nteiulents of the latter.

These detailed reports fall under the heads of Animal Husbandry, AgrostologA-. Botany, Cereal Brcedin.g and Variety Testing, Chemistry, Entomology. Field Husbandry, Horticulture (including Vegetable <Jardening and Flowers), Poultry Husbandry, and Tobacco Husbandry.

Section A, whicli provides a concise, yet comprehensive, account of the work, is designed especially for those desirous of obtaining general information as to what is being done on the Experimental Farms system.

Section B is intended more immediately to aid the farmer in the various details of hi5 work.

vi EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

The favour with which this arrangement of the matter contained in the annual report has been received would seem to indicate that it presents the data of the year's operations in a much uiore acceptable and conA'^enient form than that previously followed.

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

J. H. GRISDALE, Director, Dominion Experimental Farms.

To the Honourable

The Minister of Agriculture, Ottawa.

5 GEORGE V. SESSIONAL PAPER Nc. 16 A. 1915

CONTEISTTS

SECTION A.

Pages. Director's Report — J. H. Grisdale, B. Agr.

Including general notes, and synopses of the woi k of the various Divisions. Branch

Farms, Stations and Sub-stations 1-S3

SECTION B.

Prepared by

CHEMISTRY, Report from —

Ottawa, Ont Frank T. Shutt, ^r A 85-135

FIELD HUSBANDRY, Report from —

Ottawa, Ont O. C. White, B S.A 141-163

Charlottetown, P.E.I J. A. Clark, B.S.A 164-173

Nappan, N.S W. W. Baird, B.S.A 174-178

Kentville, N.S W. Saxby Blair. 179-181

Fredericton, N.li W. W. Hubbard 182-184

Ste. Anne de la Pocati&re, Que Jos. Begin 185-187

Cap Rouge, Que Gus. A. Langelier 188-198

Brandon, Man W. C. McKillican, B.S.A 199-225

Indian Head, Sask '. T. J. Harrison, B.S.A 226-247

Rosthern, Sask Wm. A. Munro, B.A., B.S.A 248-257

Scott, Sask R. E. Everest, B.S.A 258-267

Lethbridge, Alta W. H. Fairfield, M.S 268-282

I^acombe, Alta v G. H. Hutton, B.S.A 283-289

Agassiz. B.C P. H. Moore. B.S.A 290-292

ANIMAL HUSBANDRY

(1.) Beef Cattle, Report from^

Ottawa, Ont E. S. Archibald, B.A., B.S.A 297

Charlottetown, P.E.I J. A. Clark, B.S.A 298-300

Nappan, N.S W. W. Baird, B.S.A 301-307

Kentville, N.S W. Saxby Blair 308-310

Fredericton, N.I! W.W.Hubbard 311

Brandon, Man W. C. McKillican, B.S.A 312-314

Indian Head, Sas/. ' T. J. Harrison, B.S.A 315-318

Scott, Sask R. E. Everest, B.S.A 319

Rosthern, Sasi. Wm. A. Munro, B.A., B.S.A 320-323

Lacombe, Alta G. H. Hutton, B.S.A 324-326

Lethbridge, Alta W. H. Fairfield, M.S 327-328

(2.) Dairy Cattle and Dairying, Report from —

Ottawa, Ont r E. S. Archibald, B.A., B.S.A 329-359

Charlottetown, P.E.I I. A. Clark, B.S.A 360

Nappan, N.S W. W. Baird, B.S.A 361-364

Kentville, N.S W. Saxby Blair 365

Fredericton, N.i; W.W.Hubbard 366-368

Cap Rouge, Que Gus. A. Langelier 369-374

Ste. Anne de la Pocati^re, Qut. . . . Jos. Begin 375-379

Brandon, Man W. C. McKillican, B.S.A 380-382

Indian Head, Sask T. J. Harrison, B.S.A 383

Lacombe, Alta G. H. Hutton. B.S.A 384-386

Agassiz, B.C P. H. Moore, B.S.A 387-399

vii

viii EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v.. A. 1915

(3.) Horses, Report from —

Ottawa, Ont U. S. Archibald, B.A., B.S.A 400-403

Charlottetowii, P.E.I J. A. Clark, B.S.A 404

Nappan, N.S W. W. Baird, B.S.A. . . .' 405

Kentville, N.S W. Saxby Blair 406

Fredericton, N.B W. W. Hubbard 407-4011

Cap Rouge, Que Ous. A. Langelier 410-412

Ste. Anne de la PocatiSre, Que Jos. Begin 413-414

Brandon, Man VV. C. McKillican, B.S.A 41.'i

Indian Head, Sasli T. J. Harrison, B.S.A 416-41S

Scott, Sask R. E. Everest, B.S.A ^419

Lacombe, Alta G. H. Hutton, B.S.A 420

Agas.siz, B.C P. H. Moore, B.S.A 421

(4.) Sheep, Report from —

Ottawa, Ont B. S. Archibald, B.A., B.S.A 422-425

Charlottetown, P.E.I.., :. J. A. Clark, B.S.A 426-428

Nappan, N.S W. W. Baird. B.S.A 429-432

Cap Rouge, Que Gus. A. Langelier 433

Brandon, Man W. C. McKillican, B.S.A 434-435

Indian Head, Sask T. J. Harrison, B.S.A 436-437

Lacombe, Alta G. H. Hutton, B.S.A 438

Lethbridge, Alta W. H. Fairfield, M.S 439-441

Agassiz, B.C P. H. Moore, B.S.A 442

(5.) Swine, Report from — •

Ottawa, Ont B. S. Archibald, B.A., B.S.A 443-446

Nappan, N.S W. W. Baird, B.S.A 447-448

Cap Rouge, Que Gus. A. Langelier 449

Ste. Anne de la PocatiSre, Que Jos. Begin 450

Brandon, Man W. C. McKillican, B.S.A 451-456

Indian Head, Sask T. J. Harrison, B.S.A 457

Lacombe, Alta G. H. Hutton, B.S.A 458

Agassiz, B.C P. H. Moore, B.S.A 459-475

Note. — In Volume II will be found the Reports from the Divisions of Horticulture, Cereals, Botany, Entomology, Forage Plants, Poultry and Tobacco.

5 GEORGE V.

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

A. 1915

ANNUAL REPORT OF THE EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

mOR THE YEAR, E>mi:isra- MIARCH 31, 1914.

EEPORT OF THE DIRECTOR

J. H. GRISDALE, B.Agr.

CROP RETURNS AND LIVE STOCK CONDITIONS IN 1913.

The following tables may prove of interest, as showing the average and total yields of the main field crops of the Dominion for the years 1912 and 1913, and the average yields and prices received therefor. In table II the average yields and prices for the above years are compared for the eastern provinces, the prairie provinces and British Columbia.

In table III, the numbers of the various classes of live stock are given for the five years 1909-1913, the Dominion being again divided for this purpose into the eastern, prairie and western sections.

A total estimated area under field crops of 35,375,000 acres produced returns valued at $652,771,500 as compared with 35,750,000 acres under field crops in 1912 with a total yield valued at $556,344,100.

The tables and other data given in this connection are compiled from figures given by the Census and Statistics Monthly, issued by the Department of Trade and Commerce.

Table I. — Comparison of Yields and Prices obtained for the years 1912 and 1913.

Crop.

Average Yield per acre.

Average Price per Bush.

Fall wheat

Spring wheat

All wheat

Oats

Barley

Rye

Peas

Beans

Buckwheat

Mixed grains. . . .

Flax

Ckjrn for husking

Potatoes

Turnips, etc

Hay and clover.

Fodder corn

Sugar beets

Alfalfa

16—1

1912

bush.

20-99 20-32 20-38 39-29 31-24 1911 1.5 07 17-51 26-38 34-64 12-92 56-84 175-38 403-71

tons.

1-46 10-15 10-63

2-84

1913

1912

)ush.	1
23-29	-84
20-81	-6a
21-04	•62
38-78	-32
29-96	-45
19-28	■72
18-05	1-26
17-19	2-18
21-99	•62
33-33	-58
11-30	•90
60-30	-62
165-88	•44
358-30	-24
tons.	per ton.
1-33	11-09
8-62	4-93
8-71	500
2-54	1200

1913

•80

' -66

-67

-32

•42

•66

111

1^88

•64

•55

•97

•64

•49

•28

per ton

11-48 4-78 612

11-85

Total Production.

1912

1913

20,

203,

224,

391,

49,

2,

3,

10, 17, 26, 16, 84, 80,

387,000 772,000 159,000 629,000 398,000 428,000 913,000 920.500 517.000 198,000 130,000 949,700 885,000 010,000

tons. 12,117,000

3, 0.37,. 500 201,000 285,700

22,592,000

209,125,000

231,717,000

404,609,000

48,319,000

2,300,000

3,951,800

800,900

8,372,000

15,792,000

17,539,000

16,772,600

78,544,000

66,788,000

tons.

10,859,000

2,616,300

148,000

237,770

2 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

Table II. — Comparison of Eastern Canada, Prairie Provinces and Britisli Columbia

as to Yields and Prices Obtained.

	Eastern Provinces.	Prairie Provinces.	British Columbia.
t Crop.	Aver. Yield per Acre.	Aver. Prices obtained.	Aver. Yield per Acre.	Aver. Prices obtained.	Aver. Yield per Acre.	Aver. Prices obtained.
	1912	1913	1912	1913	1912	1913	1912	1913	1912	1913	1912	1913
Fall wheat	Bush. 20^63 18-21	Bush. 23-91 1973	% •92 •98 •49 •70 154 •84 1-62 •42 •27 11-20 5-00 4-75 10-55	S •85 107 •45 •67	Bu.sh. 21-87 20-96 44-90 .32-95	Bush. 21-67 21-12 41-92 30-79 17-25 22-73 10-98 176-66 217-94 163	•67 •59 •25 •31 114 •57 •95 •38 •46 8^73 500 9-27 10-52	$ •67	Bush. .33-00	Bush. 33-14 26-67 55-50 .35-25 26-67	$ 1-03 •93 •51 •64 1-38	$ 101
6pring wheat	-65 30-33 -26 .16-00	■99
Oata	32-56 32-87	■58
Barley	27-97 18-81 16-74 13-18	27^95 22^04 20-34 17-11	•32 •85 •48 106 •41 •47 8-24 500 8-50 10-39	45-33 30-66	•68
Peas	1-60 23-83	150
Rye	•91 1-39 ■47	22-52 12-75 217-63
Flax
P olatoes	192-121180-47 .377-78!38.'5-25	233-15 415-90 2-28	207-30 584-35 2-11	-49 ■53 17-45	•66
Tu mips, etc	•siisofi-.'is	•60
TTav and clover	Tons. 1-44 11-16 7-99 2-73	1-44 9-23 8-97 2-84	11^28 5-20 4-03 11-47	1-70	17 00
Su^ar beets	7-00 5-00
Fodder corn	3-73 249	626 262	8-00 4-20	7-66 4-60	9^00 17^00	1200
Alfalfa	14-66

Table HI.— Farm Live Stock, 1909-13.

	1909	1910	1911	1912	1913
Eastern Provinces — Horses	1,352,552 2,441,306 2,748,691 2,375,264 2,469,108 779,937 407,999 1,636,088 330, 126 443,401	1,341,065 2,426,280 2,577,867 2,253,777 2,342,304 872,134 417,671 1,673,096 344,693 411,660	1,343,570	1.335.628	1,436,207
Milch Co-ws . . ,	2,076,0.561 2,079,188 2,509,622! 2,410,671 1,850,9001 1.7.50.994	2, 188,. 824
Other cattle	2,479,406
Sheep	1,747,108
	2,864,603 1,194.927 484,170 1,324,405 285, 130 712,221 57,415 33,9.53 105,230 39,272 33,604	2,638,410 1,296,994 491,289 1,315,681 290,685 806,415 .59,735 .34,011 101,021 40,702 32,485	2,491,564
Western Provinces — Horses	1,369,283
Milfh cows , - ■	516,011
Other cattle	1,336,098
Rheen	3a6,423
Swine *	922,221
British Columbia —	60.518
			Z'r,5^9
Other cattle			100.183
She^p			45,000
			34,541
			1

Note. — Figures for 1909 and 1910 from British Columbia not available.

REPORT OF TUE DIRECTOR 3

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

:\lETEOrtOLOGlCxVL RECORDS AT OTlAWA.

Table of Meteorological Obser\'ations taiken at the Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa, from April 1, 1913, to March 31, 1914, giving maximum, minimum and mean temporature for each month, with date of occurrence; also the rainfall, snowfall and total precipitation.

											B	m . >> a ee o
											O	T3-5
	s	P			,						■^^	•33
		3	.		VI		^fS		^2	=3	c.-a	<- ft
Month.	P.	'S	e	i	SB	Q	CO % o		B	•a is o a m	T Precip	^■3		OS Q
	o	o	O	O	o		O		In.	In.	In.		In.
April	56-.39'3419	22-30	45-34	86-.5'26th....	21-0	20th....	2-00	S.	2-00	10 0-78	4th.
May	64-96 42-52	22-43.53-73	89-0 4th....	28-8	10th....	2-39		2 -.39	90-76	28th.
June	77-77 50-67 27 09 0i-21	93-2	27th....	350 9fh....	0-82		0-S2	10 0-25	26th.
July	82-61 57-50 25-11	70-05	100-	4th....	44-8 12th....	2-30		2-30	8 0-98	12th.
August	7902 55-10 23-91	07-05197-2	17th....	.38-0 2.5th....	3-13		3-13	12 1-70	22nd.
September. . . .	67-77 45-90 21-87	56-83;88-0	2nd....	30-0 15th....	2-69		2-69	8l0-9l'21st.
October	58-78 42-37il6-08	50-41	78-2	6th &						1
	1			10th..	22-0 31st	4-08	S.	4-08	14	1-02 2nd.
November.. . .	45-20 30-62 14.57	37-90 53-2	22nd....	17-2 2Sth....	2-48	2-00	2-68	12	0-92 19th
December	.30- 11 16-84 13-27	23-47 42-6	5th....	— 5-0,27th &
							28th...	0-58	17 00	2-28	13'0-76	8th.
January	20-84	2-08	18-76	11-46 410	29th						1
					& 30th	-.30-0	13th....	0-64	30-50	3-68	17,0-9021st.
February March	16-89'-4-62i21-51	6-13 42-0	3rfl	-30-2!llth....		11-00	1-10	6 0-55	7th
33-07 17-24 15-82	25-15 48-0 26th....	- 2-0 12th &	0-40	9-75	1-36	14 0-40
							20th...	30th.
							21-51	70-25	28-51	133
					j

Rain or snow fell on 133 days during the 12 months. Heaviest rainfall in 24 hours, 1-70 inches on August 22. Heaviest snowfall in 24 hours, 9-00 inches on January 21. The highest temperature during the 12 months was 100-0° on .July 4. The lowest temperature during the 12 months was —32-2° on February 11.

During the growing season rain fell 10 days in April, 9 days in May, 10 days in June, 8 days in July, 12 days in August, and 8 days in September.

February shows the lowest number of days with precipitation, viz., 6.

Total precipitation during the 12 months, 28-51 inches, as compared with 43-18 inches during 1912-13

16— li

4 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE V.^ A. 1915

Rainfall, Snowfall and Total Precipitation from 1890 to 1913-14; also the average

annual amount that has fallen.

Years.	Rainfall.	Snowfall.	, Total. Precipitation.
1890	24-73 30-19 23-78 31-79 23-05 27-01 21 -.53 24-18 24-75 33-86 29-18 29-2»l 25-94 26-43 25-95 23-71 1-90 21-73 24-70 22 13 28-40 18-94 20-12 32-54 21-51	64-85 73-50 105-00 72-50 71-50 87-50 99-75 89 03 112-25 77-25 108-00 97-25 101-75 85-00 108.- 75 87-25 24-50 72-50 134-75 107-90 61-25 88-25 98 -.50 106-50 70-25	31 -"^2
1891	37-54
1892	34 • 28
1893	39-04
1894	30-20
1895	35-76
1896	31-50
1897	33-08
1808	35-97
1899	41-63
1900	40-72
1901	38-91
1902	36-10
1903	34-92
1904	36-79
1905	32-42
1906 January 1 to March 31	4-34
1906-07	28-94
1907-08	38-18
	32-91
1909-10	34-51
	27-72
1911-12 :	29-95
	43-18
1913-14	28-51
Total for 24 years and 3 months	617-56	2,205-50	838-32
Average for 24 j^ears	25-73	91-89	34-93

Record of Sunshine at the Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa, from April 1, 1913,

to March 31, 1914.

Months.

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November December. January — February. . March

Number of days with Sunshine.

28 27 30 31 29 27 23 22 19 19 28 23

Number of

days

without

Sunshine.

2 4 0 0 2

3

8 8 12 12 0 8

Total hours Sunshine.

219-8 244-8 309 0 278-9 258-6 222-5 134-3 106-7 77-6 98-6 188 -0 150-3

Average

Sunshine per day.

7-32 7-89 10-30 8-99 8-34 7-41 33

55 50 18 71

84

WILLIAM T. ELLIS,

Observer.

REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR 5

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

PUBLICATIONS ISSUED DURING THE YEAE.

During the year ending March 31, 1914, the following publications have been issued or are in the press at its close: —

The Annual Report of the Dominion Experimental Earms for the year 1912-13.

In the Regular Series of bulletins: —

No. 73, Smut Diseases of Cultivated Plants, their Cause aud Control,-- by the Dominion Botanist, Mr. H. T. Giissow. This bulletin treats of the smuts of barley, corn, oats, wheat, millet, and broom com, suggests treatments to prevent the sowing of infected seed, methods of cleaning and disinfecting separators used in the thre.-h- ing of smutty grain, etc., etc.

Nos. 74, 75, 76 and 77 give, in a summarized form, the results of the season's work in cereals, field husbandly, forage plants and horticulture, respectively. These bulletins were prepared by the officers in charge of those divisions of the work at the Central Farm, in collaboration with the Supeanntendents of the branch Earms and Stations.

It is planned to continue this series of crop bulletins year by year in the endeavour to place in the farmer's hands, in time to be of use to him in his next year's operations, the results of the season's work throughout the Experimental Farms system.

In the Second Series of bulletins, there were issued : —

No. 15, on Preparing Land for Grain Crops on the Prairies. This was com- piled by myself from data furnished by the Superintendents of our western Farms and Stations. It is primarily intended to be an aid to the new settler, and special arrangements have been made to render it available to those taking up our western lands.

No. 16, How to tell the Age of Hens and Pigeons, by Mr. Victor Fortier, of the Poultry Division, explains the details of a system for the above purpose, discovered by the author, and practised by him for some years with success in his work of judg- ing poultry at exhibitions.

No. 17, entitled Forest Insect Conditions in British Columbia: A preliminary Survey, by Mr. J. M. Swaine, M.Sc, B.S.A., Assistant Entomologist for Fore^ Insects, gives some results of the author's investigations into forest conditions and the depredations of forest insects in British Columbia. This work was undertaken at the request of the Provincial Government of that province, and will be continued during the coming year.

No. 18, on the Strawberry Root Weevil in British Columbia, was prepared by Mr. R. C. Treherne, B.S.A., Field Officer of the Division of Entomology. Tie author has been stationed in British Columbia for some time and has had an excel- lent opportunity of studying at first hand some of its injurious insects.

Of Circulars, two have been issued by the Division of Botany and one by the Division of Entomology.

No. 4, of the first-named Division, was prepared by the Dominion Botanist, Mr. H. T. Giissow, assisted by Mr. A. E. Kellett, artist in the Division of Entomology, and is entitled Potato Diseases transmitted by the use of Unsound Seed Potatoes. It was brought out as a poster in colours, giving finely executed illustrations of potatoes affected with the diseases treated of, and was designed especially for hang- ing up in public places, such as schools and post oflices, throughout the country.

Circular No. 5, by Mr. J. W. Eastham, Assistant Dominion Botanist, treats of the Powdery Scab of Potatoes.

Circular No. 3 of the Division of Entomology, entitled the Chinch Bug m Ontario, gives the results of an eJiamination of the infested areas in that province, carried on by Mr. H. F. Hudson, Field Officer in the above Division.

6 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

In addition to the above-mentioned publications, prepared in their entirety by the officers of the Experimental Farms system, they have contributed special Articles to each issue of the Agricultural Gazette, the official organ of the Federal Depart- ment of Agriculture.

COKKESPONDENCE.

The totals of the letters received by, and sent out from, the various Divisions at the Central Experimental Farm and the branch Experimental Farms and Stations, are tabulated below. The figures given indicate a steady growth in the appreciation of the work of the Experimental Farms, on the part of the farming community.

The total given for reports and bulletins sent out covers only such special applications as are received at the Central Farm. The Experimental Farms mailing list and the greater number of special applicants are supplied from the Publica- tions Branch, Department of Agriculture, Ottawa.

CENTRAL EXPERIMENTAL FARM.

	Division. ,	Letters Received.	Letters Sent.
Director . . .	19,959 2,000 3,013 6,426 13,131 1.937 6,384 3,641 587 5,405	12 546
Field Husbandry	1 754
Chemistrv	3 025
Horticulture	6,747 3 505
Cereals ;
Botany	2 251
Entomology	7,814 5 213
Animal Husbandry
AKrostolos V	S73
Poultry	6 174
•Tobacco
French Correspondence	6,261 15,545	3 746
Miscellaneous	5 100
Totals	84,289	58,838

"Figures not available.

REPORTS, BULLETINS, AND CIRCULARS.

Reports and Bulletins mailed

Circulars re Distributioa Seed Grain.

12,010 23,538

REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

BRANCH FARMS AND STATIONS.

Farm or Station.

Letters Received.

Letters Sent.

Charlottetown

Freili'iicton

Nappan

Kentville

Ste. Anne de la Pocati^re

Cap Rouge

Brandon

Indian Head

Rosthcrn

Scott

Lethbridge

Laconibe

Agassiz

Invermere

Sidney

Totals

1,538	1.421
1,621	1.950
1,958	1,634
2,557	2,623
684	521
2,318	2,793
4,215	4,081
13,157	12,917
1,610	1,5.56
1,088	1,069
4,282	3,972
4,877	4,487
4,040	4.069
662	538
1,248	936

45,855

44,587

The totals for the branch Farms and Stations are exclusive of reports, bulle- tins and circulars sent out.

By adding the totals for the Central and branch Farms, the total number of letters received at all points is seen to be 130,144, and of those sent out 103,425.

DISTRIBUTION OF SAMPLES.

The annual distribution of samples of seed grain and potatoes was carried on imder similar regulations to those followed last year, all applications for grain samples being filled at Ottawa, as well as those for potatoes from Ontario and Quebec.

The details of the distribution made from Ottawa will be found in the report from the Division of Cereals. The total number of samples sent out from Ottawa was 9,238. In addition to these, there were distributed from the branch Experi- mental Farms and Stations the following numbers of samples of potatoes: —

Charlottetown 13

Fredericton 55

Nappan .S45

Brandon 392

Indinn Head 1.2fi6

Rosthern 434

Scott 71

Lethbridg-e 1,891

Lacombe 627

Agassiz -314

making a total sent out from all farms, of 14,646 samples.

Other distributions of material, more limited in scope, or of a special character, were also made, such as that of tobacco seed, some 3,G40 samples of which were sent . out, of inoculated soil for the growth of alfalfa, chiefly sent out from the western Experimental Farms, aa well as a distribution of sweet corn to applicants from Quebec, carried on from the Cap Rouge Station, and of tree seeds, etc., from the Prairie Farms.

8 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915 BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS.

BUILDINGS.

Four new greenhouses were erected this year at the Central Earni, giving about 7,500 square feet of glass. Their construction was sufficiently advanced at the close of the year to permit of experimental work being begun.

In October last, the main barn at the Central Earm was destroyed by fire. The cattle were all saved, but the machinery and equipment, together with a large supply of feed, were lost. Work was commenced at once on the erection of a new building, it being necessary to provide shelter for the cattle as soon as possible. Fortunately, the autumn was a favourable one, and the two wings of the new barn were got ready for the stock before cold weather set in. Construction has been continued through- out the winter, and the building will be completed during the coming summer.

In the Poultry Division, there were built an experiment and feed house, a cockerel house and an experimental breeding house.

More detailed descrij^tions of the above buildings will he found in the reports of th« Divisions of H,^rticulture, Poultry and Animal Husbandry, respectively.

ROADS.

The main roads through the Central Farm were treated with Tarvia during the past summer, with satisfactory results. The surface was first covered with broken stone, which was thoroughly compacted by a steam roller. Tarvia was then applied hot and more stone somewhat more finely crushed spread thereon and again rolled. After rolling the second layer of stone another light coating of Tarvia was applied and stone dust sca.ttered thickly thereon. The road was then considered ready for use.

On the branch Farms and Stations, notably at Kentville, N.S., Ste. Anne de la Pocatiere, Que., and Indian Head, Sask,, extensive building operations were carried on. These will be treated of in greater detail in the notes of the work at the branches.

VISITORS TO THE FARM.

In addition to the numbers visiting the Farm either singly or in small groups, there were numerous organized excursions during the summer months.

In this connection, the Auditorium proved most useful in affording facilities for the preparation and serving of lunch, the giving of addresses, etc. Several congresses and conventions were held in the city during the year, and a visit to the • Farm was, as a ruH made part of the programme.

In co-operation with the Ontario Department of Agriculture, a short course in judging was given the judges chosen for the fall fairs in the eastern part of the province.

ADDITIONS TO AND CHANGES IN THE STAFF.

Mr. M. B. Davis, B.S.A., A9sist.ant to the Dominion Horticulturist, was appointed in December last.

He was born at Yarmouth, N.S., and received his public and high school train- ing at the Yarmouth County Academy. He graduated from the Nova Scotia Agri- cultural College in 1910, and continued his studies at Macdonald College, from which institvition he graduated in 1912.

REPORT or TUE DIRECTOR 9

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

During this period of training, he worked on several farms, including a year on the Government Farm at Truro, N.S., and a season under Professor Blair at Macdonald College.

After graduating, he returned to ISTova Scotia as manager of the Sunnyside farm and orchards, and also had charge of the Demonstration Orchard work for the Annapolis valley, carried on by the Dominion Goverament. During this time he acted as secretary of the Bridgetown Fruit Co., Ltd., and of the United Fruit Com- panies of Nova Scotia, Ltd.

In his present position, he is chiefly engaged in pomological work. Mr, A. J. Logsdail, B.S.A., Assistant to the Dominion Horticulturist, received his early education in England. Coming to Canada, he took his degree at the Ontario Agricultural CoUogo. after which, returning to the Old Country, he spent two years as apprentice with James G. Sweet, V.M.H., F.E.H.S., proprietor of one of the largest establishments under glass in Great Britain. The following eighteen months were passed as Student Gardener at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, where he was attached to the Landscape, Decorative and Tropical Departments, and secured a certificate for courses taken in economic and systematic botany, physics and chemistiy.

Returning to America, he took a postgraduate course in Plant Genetics at Cornell University, and then took a position under the Ontario Department of Agri- culture as Assistant Horticulturist and Expert in Plant Genetics at the Horticul- tural Experiment Station, Jordan Harbour. For eight months he was Acting Director of the Station.

He left this post to take his present position, in which he has plant breeding for his special field of woi'k.

Mr. W. Dreher, B.S.A., Assistant to the Dominion Horticulturist, devotes his attention principally to vegetable gardening.

Mr. Dreher, after spending two years in the Agricultural School of the Canton of Neufchatel, Switzerland, came to Canada, and took the four-year course at Macdonald College, graduating in 1912. In addition to his college training, he has had considerable practical experience in farming and market gardening. He took his present position soon after graduation.

Mr. Walter L. Graham, B.S.A., Assistant to the Dominion Field Husbandman, was born at Britannia J3ay, near Ottawa. He received his early training at the rural public school, the Ottawa Collegiate Institute and at his father's stock and daily farm. He entered the Ontario Agricultural College in 1909, taking the agri- cultural option. Graduating in 1912, he returned home and continued farming in partnership with his brother until he took the position he now holds.

Mr. R. W. Nich'ols, F.C.S. (England), Assistant in Milling and Baking to the Dominion Cerealist, received his early education at the King Alfred's grammar school. Wantage, England. He then attended the City of Dublin Technical School, taking the complete seven-year course in science.

In 1901, he was appointed Assistant to F, Escombe, B. Sc, F.L.S., in the Guinness Research Laboratory, retaining tho position during the three years the institution was maintained. He was then employed in the Scientific Department of the GuinnciS Brewery, Dublin, until 1911, being engaged in experimental work on the cultivation of barley and on the analysis of cereals, in connection with the Irish Department of Agriculture.

In 1912, he came to Canada and took a special course in milling and baking technology in Chicago the same year, after which he took his present position. His work consists in the testing of the milling and baking qualities of varieties of wheat and in testing for the. public samples of bad and suspicious flour. He has also been conducting researches in breadmakiiig methods, and during the summer months does work on the experimental plots of the Cereal Division.

10 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

Mr. George Robertson, Assistant to the Dominion Poultry Hiisbandman, received liis public and high school training in the city of Ottawa, and in 1894 went to the Ontario Agricultural College, where he spent two years, specializing in poultry culture in the second year.

After leaving college, he took up mixed farming at Galetta, Ont., paying special attention to poultry in its various branches. In 1904, he moved to the vicinity of Ottawa and took up poultry breeding exclusively, with most of the leading varieties of land and waterfowl.

During the latter period a considerable portion of his time has been occupied in judging, lecturing and editorial work, being widely and favourably known in all these lines.

He has been an executive officer of many of the Specialty Clubs and Poultry Associations and at the time of his appointment was serving his fifth term as President of the Eastern Ontario Poultry Association.

Mr. A. E. Kellett, Artist in the Division of Entomology, was born at Keswick, Cumberland coimty, England.

After receiving his public school education, he studied at Armstrong University, Newcastle-on-Tyne, and served five years' apprenticeship to process engraving and illustrating.

In 1910, he came to Canada and spent three years in Winnipeg with the leading engraving houses, as artist and designer. He was appointed to his present position in August, 1913.

Mr. W. W. Baird, B.S.A., Superintendent of the Experimental Farm, Nappan, N.S., is a native of Nova Scotia, and received his public and high school training in that province. In 1907, he entered Macdonald College, taking the four-year course and specializing in Animal Husbandry.

During his college course he gained considerable practical experience, belns (engaged during the summer in the Horticultural and Animal Husbandry Depart- ments at the College, and also with the Agricultural Survey of the Province of Quebec by the Commission of Conservation, and judging field crops for the Seed Bran'ch of the Dominion Department of Agriculture.

After graduation in 1912, he took the position of manager of a large estate in the Maritime Provinces, remaining therein until appointed Superintendent of the Nappan Fairm, upon the rasignation of Mr. K. Robei^tsooi, former Superintendent.

Mr. Elzear Montreuil, B.S.A., Assistant to the Superintendent, Experimental Station, Cap liouge, Que., was born at Ancienne Lorette, in that province.

After his early training in the country school, and practical experience gained on his fathers farm, he entered the Quebec Seminary, from which he proceeded to La.val TTniversity, where he took his arts degree.

Studying for two and a half years at the Agricultural Institute at Oka, he took his degree of B.S.A., in 1912. He then accepted the post of lecturer for the Pro- vincial Department of Agriculture, resigning to take his present position.

Mr. T. J. Harrison, B.S.A.,, Superintendent of the Experimental Farm at Indian Head, Sask., was born near Carman, Man., and received his early education there, working during the summer on the farm.

After leaving high school, he took a five-year course at the Manitoba Agrieul- tiu-al College, and on graduation was made Assistant to the Professor of Field Husbandry, and later on was made assistant professor of that department, which position he was filling at the time of appointment as Superintendent of the Indian Head Farm.

Mr. K. MacBean. B.S.A.. Assistant to the Superintendent, Experimental Farm, Indian Head, Sask.. was born in Islay, in the highlands of Scotland, where he received his public and high school training.

After five years spent in commercial life he came to Canada and having acquired some practical experience of our farming methods by working on farms in Ontario

REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR 11

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

and Quebec, he entered ^Xfacdonald College, specializing in Animal Husbandry in his ianal year. He graduated in 1913, and was appointed to the position he now holds, made vacant by the resignation of Mr. R. Whiteman.

Mr. Victor Matthews, B.S.A., Assistant to the Superintendent, Experimental Station, Lethbridge, Alta., was born in Newfoundland, where he received his early education and agricultural training, receiving an A A certificate from the St. Johns' Methodist College.

In 1908, he came to Canada and farmed in Ontario until the autumn of 1909, when he entered Macdouald College. He specialized in Animal Husbandry during his course there and, graduating in 1913. was soon after appointed to his present position.

Mr. G. E. Parham, Superintendent of the Experimental Station at Invermere, B.C., was b'om at Melton Farm, Gillingham, Dorset, England, and received his early agricultural training at his home, a large sheep and dairy farm.

He then took a four-years' course at Reading College, and received the diploma of agriculture, specializing in horticulture and dairying. He managed an experi- mental farm for the late Sir W. Palmer, M.P., in connection with the Reading College, and published in book form the results obtained. He was then appointed Agricultural Lecturer and Demonstrator to the Bucks County Council, resigning this position to take that of manager of tho experimental farm and lecturer in agricul- ture at the Reading Ccllege. In 1908, he came to Canada and joined his brother in a fruit farm in the Okanagan valley, British Columbia, where he remained until appointed Superintendent of the Invermere Station.

Mr. Angus Mackay, Superintendent of the i^Kpcrimental Farm at Indian Head, Sask., since its establishment in 1887. was this year made Inspector of Western Experimental Farms.

Mr. Mackay's long experience in Experimental Farm work, his familiarity with agricultural conditions in general in the west, and his recognized position as an authority on good farming make his appointment as Inspector an excellent one.

The worth of his work as Superintendent of the Experimental Farm at Indian Head in furthering the agricultural interests of the prairie provinces, and those of Saskatchewan more particularly, can scarcely be overestimated.

He undertook the task of managing the Indian Head Farm in 1887, when settlers on the prairies were few and correct cultural methods for the region unde- termined, and henc^D the crop-producing value of the prairie lands very problematical. ITis faith in the country was perfect, and he has i-howu wonderful devotion to the tasks set him of working out methods of crop production suitable to local soil and climatic conditions, of testing for suitability and productiveness the infinite variety of cereals, legumes, forage crops, fruits, trees, etc., possible of cultivation in Saskatch- ewan. His judgment in these matters has been most excellent, and his courageous and concise advocacy of what experience has shown him to be right have combined to make his name and his opinions honoured and respected by farmer and town- dweller alike, throughout his adopted province and far afield.

The Experimental Farms system and the poultry interests of the Dominion at large, suffered a great loss in September last through the death of Mr. A. G. Gilbert, Poultry Manager at the Central Farm since its establishment in 1887 until the winter of 1912-13, when ill health compelled him to give up active work as head of the Poultry Division.

Mr. Gilbert was one of the pioneers in poultry improvement in Canada, having made it a study for years before entering the Government service, and his work has laid a firm foundation for future experiment along these lines.

In his capacity of poultry manager, his efforts were untiring in educating the Canadian farmer in profitable poultry keeping. His interest and work were directed to aid the farmer rather than the fancier and to establish poultry raising as a profit- able part of our farm industries.

12 EXPERIME^'TAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

As a speaker, his services were in constant demand, and his practical advice, bright personality and Scotch humour vpon him a host of ready listeners and warm friends.

In his reports and bulletins on poultry matters he covered the whole ground of farm poultry management. His evidence, as given before committees of the Senate and House of Commons from time to time, has been printed and distributed in large editions. These, with his numerous articles in the agricultural press, have made his name familiar to poultrymen throughout the Dominion.

Outside of his official duties, his interests were varied. He was closely identified with church, society and philanthropic work, and all who had the good fortune to know him in any of his activities, will always remember his geniality, simplicity and helpfulness.

MEETINGS ATTENDED.

My duties as Dii^ctor permit of mj attending but few meetings to speak on agricultural or other subjects. I was able, however, to be present at certain of the more important agricultural meetings and functions during the year, among which might be mentioned more particularly the winter fairs for Ontario at Guelph and Ottawa, the Manitoba Winter Fair at Brandon, the opening of the Manitoba Agri- cultural College at Winnipeg, the Dry-Farming Congress at Tulsa, Oklahoma, U.S,A., where I had the honour to be one of the Canadian delegates and give two addresses, the one on " Live Stock for Dry-Farming District-s," and the other on'' Seme Experimental Work in Cultural Methods on the Dominion Experimental Farms in Dry-Farming Districts," the Eastern Ontario Dariymen's Convention, the We.-tern Ontario Dairymen's Convention, the Quebec Dairymen's Convention, the Quebec Live Stock Association at Montreal, the Ontario Live Stock Association at Toronto, the Macdonald Agricultural College Commencement exercises at Ste. Anne de Bellevue, Que., as well as a considerable number of Farmers' Club meetings and annual meetings of agricultural associations of different kinds.

JOUKNEYS MADE.

As usual, the various Experimental Farms and Stations constituting this system were visited by me during the year. In some cases, several visits were made. This was done where work under way or other circumstance seemed to require a visit for inspection or to decide on lines of action to be followed.

In addition to the?e journeys made in connection with the Experimental Farms, ,1 made a number of other trips into various parts of Canada, the most notable of which was the journey made by Mr. G. H. Clark, Seed Commissioner, and myself, from North Bay to Winnipeg by way of the Northern Ontario railroad to Cochrnne, and thence over the right-of-way of the Transcontinental to Transcona, near Winni- peg. The object of the trip was to obtain at first hand what information we couM as to the agricultural value of the so-called "clay belt," said to extend from some 150 miles within hhe province of Quebec on the east to nearly Superior Junction on the west, and from New Liskeard or Ilaileybury on the south to near James or Hudson bay on the north.

We left Ottawa via Canadian Pacific on the night of Thursday, June 26. Next morning, we left North Bay on the Timiskaming and Northern Ontario. The first hundred miles or thereabouts traversed by this line of railway is most unpromising for agriculture. The ground is broken, hilly and rocky. Lumbering and mining were proceeding actively, the latter reaching its climax at Cobalt.

From Cobalt, we proceeded to New Liskeard at the northern end of lake Timis- kaming. and next morning went over the most southerly part of the "clay belt" in

iEPORT OF THE DIRECTOR 13

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

company with Mr. Galbraith, District Representative of the Provincial Department of Agriculture, who drove with us through the best parts of the local farming area. The soil is a heavy clay, apparently fertile, but rather difficult to handle. There were many signs of late spring frosts; in fact there had been 8 degrees of frost on June 23.

On the morning of the 28th, we took train again for farther north. The coun- try passed through is well-suited for agriculture, but will, of course, require great expenditure for roads, clearing and draining before it can be expected to prove vei^y profitable. The last two operations will apparently prove rather difficult.

About 50 miles north of Now' Liskeard, we crossed the divide, and after that tlie streams flow north into James bay. Some 30 miles short of Cochrane is Montoith, where the Provincial Government has a demonstration farm supervised by Mr. Galbraith, who had accompanied us. The soil here was quite similar to that farther south and, while crops were somewhat more backward than those at Ottawa, they were quite as promising.

Sunday was spent at Cochrane, where soil and crops appeared much the same as in the more southern portions visited. On Monday, after some local inspections, some 7 miles westward, we went by motor speeder along the railway eastward, cross- ing the Abitibi river and going almost to the northern extremity of Abitibi lake. The country is very uniform in appearance. The surface is slightly undulating. The higher parts are covered with strong growths of fir, spruce and popiar, the clay coming practically to the surface. The lower or really level parts are covered with from G inches to 2 feet of black muck or Sphagnum moss, with a fairly strong growth of spruce thereon, while the lowest parts are waterlogged and covered deep with muck and moss, forming what is called muskeg. This is the character of the country, we were informed, from 150 to 160 miles east of Cochrane, or for some miles into the province of Quebec.

On Tuesday we started from Cochrane westward, along the railway, crossing Frederick House river. Conception creek and Driftwood river. At Mattagami river, 31 miles from Cochrane, two townships have been ceded to an American company. This company agrees to bring in and locate on this land at least twenty-five settlers a year. The company gets all the wood but owns no land, and has cleared about 150 acres, built a large saw-mill and is building a large pulp mill on Poplar rapids.

From this point to Ground Hog river is 19 miles. The first 31 miles frtm Cochrane to Jacksonboro on the Mattagami was similar to east of Cochrane. The next 19 miles was hardly as good on the average.

From Ground Hog to Ivapuskasing river, 20 miles, was again quite similar in character. The highest parts seldom or never rose over 10 feet above the grade level, while practically never did the grade level stand more than 6 or 8 feet above the lowest stretches.

From Kapuskasing to Echo lake is 9 miles, to Apazatika is 11 miles farther, to Crow creek is 10 miles farther still, and ]\Iissinaibi, the greatest river of them all, is 10 miles beyond. From Missinaibi to Hearst, 21 miles, completes the first stret'-h of 130 miles, west of Cochrane, Hearst being a divisional point.

From Kapuskasing to Hearst was over a most remarkably uniform stretch of country, drained by numerous rivers and small streams, well wooded and yet easily cleared. In fact, it is a region of great agricultural possibilities. Of the whole stretch from 20 miles east of Cochrane to Hearst, or 150 miles, one might safely say that from 20 to 25 per cent would be easily cleared, from 30 to 40 per cent fairly tfasiTy cleared, some burning of muck and some drainage being necessaiy, and from 20 to 25 per cent more possible of being cleared but, being a little more difficult of drainage, would come under cultivstion later and so cost more. That is, probably 80 to 85 per cent of the country could be brouirht under the plough.

At Hearst, we were fortunate in meeting ]\Ir Wilgar, District Engineer of the N.T.R., and obtained from him much information about the country and assistance in our journey.

14 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

The next morning, Wednesday, July 2, we started on the second lap of 125 miles to Grant, the second divisional point west of Cochrane. The country west of Hearst is like that east of it, drained by numerous streams flowing north. In the stretch from Hearst to English river, some 97 miles, the railway crosses the Kakabenakagami, "White river, Skunk river, Negagami river, the Negagami branch, Bad river, the Pegachouan, Flint river and English river. From Hearst to the latter point is probably the best part of the clay belt. I should judge that from 26 to 30 per cent would be easily cleared, from 40 to 45 per cent would need no great effort to clear, and from 25 to 30 per cent more could be cleared, but would require more work to do so. It promises to be a splendid agricultural country. From English river to Grant, while still in the clay belt, is likely to be of but small value agricul- turally, being as it is, rather low where level, with the higher parts rocky.

From Grant to Armstrong, the next divisional point, the country is of very small agricultural value if one may judge by what one sees along the right of way on the N.T.R., rocky rises, quaking muskegs, sliallow black lak^es, and sluggish rivesrs, with a very rare stretch of decent soil making up the district through which the railway runs, for a distance of about 130 miles between the above points. The road on this division crosses a number of rivers, some running south and some- north. Of the latter, the most notable was the Kowkashagami, and of the former the Ombabika, Jack Fish, Seymour, Mud, Rapid creek and Whitesand may be men- tioned.

We spent the night at Summit, some 30 miles from Armstrong.

From Summit to Armstrong the character of the country changes for several miles; barren sand dunes struggle for the mastery with stunted jack pine and dwarf poplar. This gradually changes near Armstrong, and spots of quite fertile soil show up both east and west of this divisional point.

From Armstrong to Superior Junction, the country is, for the most part, of small agricultural value. Lakes, rocks, rivers, muskegs, sand hills, gravelly knolls, with here and there small clay pockets make up the district as traversed by the N.T.Iv. It will no doubt, in time, be brought under agriculture, in part at least, as the good parts seem to be fertile and the climate appears tx) be favourable. It would, however, on the whole appear to be more suitable for a forest reserve or a park than for agricultural development. The same may be said of the country to the west of Superior Junction to Reddit, the first divisional point east out of Winnipeg on the IST.T.R. From Graham to Redditt the country is exceedingly picturesque. Lakes are almost always in sight. It is the prettiest part of the whole N.T.R. From Reddit to Transcona some good country is traversed.

We reached Transcona at 2.30 a.m. Sunday and the next morning an automobile bus took us the rest of the way into Winnipeg.

Another trip taken was that to visit certain of the more important Exj)eriment Stations and Agricultural Colleges in the central part of the United States. Am.ong the institutions visited were Manhattan, Kansas, Agricultural College and Experi- ment Station; Ames, Iowa, Agricultural College and Experiment Station; Urbana. m., Experiment Station and Agricultural College, and Lansing, Mich., Agricultural College and Experiment Station.

In November, I attended the meeting of the Directors of Agricultural Colleges and Experiment Stations, held in Washington, D.C., U.S.A.

REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR 15

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

EXPERIMENTS AT FORT VERMILION, PEACE RIVER DISTRICT,

ALBERTA.

Robert Jones., Experimentalist.

In the spring of 1913, work on the land was possible abuut April 17, harrowing was commenced on the 19th and the first wheat was sown on the 21st. May weather was fine and warm, with frequent showers. The grain germinated and grew well, but was retarded later by the dry, hot weather of June and early July. After Jvdy 10, showers were frequent and growth remarkably rapid. All wheat headed out by July 6. Haying commenced on the 18th of that month. The first wheat was cut on August 2, and harvest was general by the 18th.

September was rainy, delaying harvesting and threshing.

Wheat yields throughout the Fort Vermilion district averaged about 21 bushels per acre, oats 50 bushel.s, and barley 45 bushels per acre.

On the Experimental Station, nine varieties of spring wheat were tested, the highest yield 59^ bushels per acre, being given by Bishop. Prelude wheat wa- the first to ripen, on August 2, yielding at the rate of 48 bushels per acre. The lowest yield was 39^ bushels per acre.

Five varieties of oats were tested with yields from 84 bushels 24 pounds to 42 bushels 12 pounds per acre.

Two varieties of two-row barley yielded 4S bushels 36 pounds and 30 bushels 20 pounds respectively, while of four varieties of six-row, the highest was obtained from Champion, 65 bushels per acre, and the lowest 60 bushels from Success.

One variety of peas tested, the Arthur, gave 42 bushels per acre.

New and, it is hoped, hardier varieties of alfalfa have been tried this year, those formerly under test having been winter-killed.

Canary grass gave a yield of 2 tons 513 pounds per acre. Timothy, tall fescue, western rye and awnless brome failed to grow well, owing to entering the previous winter in poor condition.

Most of the apple and plum trees made good growth, although none fruited this year. Raspberries and currants did well.

The ornamental trees and shrubs grew well, and the display of annuals was very fine.

The following sorts of vegetables were grown successfully this year. Asparagus, rhubarb, celery, onions, beets, carrots, squash, cucumbers, citrons, tomatoes, beans, lettuce, garden peas, cabbage, and cauliflower.

Five varieties of potatoes were grown : Rochester Rose, Gold Coin, Carman No. 1, Early Rose and Irish Cobbler. The first-named gave the highest yield, 404 bushels per acre, and the Irish Cobbler the lowest, 308^ bushels.

METEOROLOGICAL RECORDS.

The following records of temperatures, precipitation and sunshine were taken by Mr. Robert Joties, Experimentalist at Fort Vermilion, and arranged in tabular form by Mr. W. T. Ellis, Weather Observer at the Central Farm, who has also pre- pared tables comparing ths Fort Vermilion records with those at Ottawa.

16

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 19^5

Table of Meteorological Observations taken at Fort Vermilion, Peace River District, Alberta, from April 1, 1913, to Marcli 31, 1914, showing maximmn, minimum and mean temperature, the highest and lowest for each month with date of occurrence; also rainfall, snowfall, and total precipitatioa.

Months.

a g

03

a a

'3

«>

e ■»> d

Q

o

Q

'S

o

c

CO

SB

Ah

C cS ^ .

o S. .Si ^

eg g-fi

April

May

June

July

August

Septerober. . . .

October

November

December

January

February '..

March

48-88 59-72 7313 74-66

72-07 53-75 38-73 25-72 19-16 -1-58 -2-OY 23-70

21 14 31-55 33-54 43-55

44-93

31-89

19-10

3 36

-4-38

-20-41

-26-46

-10-47

27-74 28-16 34-59 3100

27' 21- 19 22' 23 18 24 37

14 86 62 36 55 83 38' 40

35-01 45-63 55-83 59 05

58-50 42-82 28-91 14-54

7- -11 -14

39 00 I7i

78-0 74-0 88-5 84-0

84-8 69-0 69-6 46-0 65-0

2ath.

26th.

4th.

23rd.

6th. 27th. 2nd. 5th. 4th.

8th..

7th..

2iid.. 25th& 28th.. 30th..

nth..

28 th..

-8-13,

12-514th. 16-2 25th. 40- 0,10th.

1-5 14-5 26-0 32-9

28-2

23-9 - 2-5 -19-5|22nd. -39-0 24th. -54- 0 29th." -56-5i 2nd. -40-5 25th.

0-3S 0-91 0-98

1-57

1-81 308 0-72 017

300

0-50 1-50 4-25 7-00 4-75 7-00

9-621 28-00

0-68 0-91 0-98

1-57 1-81 308 0-77 0-32 0-42 0-70 0-47 0-70

3 0-34 5 0-45 3 0-86

22nd.

9th.

14th.

70-64

41

60 30 50 40 3 0 30

13th. OO'Slst. 07| 1st. 3020th. ITilSth. 201 20th. 40!l8th. .30 27th. 50 31st.

12-41 55

REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR

17

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Some Weather Observations taken at Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa, as com- pared with those taken at Fort Vermilion, Peace River District, Alberta.

APRIL.

	Mean Tempera- ture.	Highest Tempera- ture.	Lowest Tempera- ture.	Total Precipi- tation.	Heaviest in 24 hours.	-Total hours Sunshine.	Average Sunshine per day.
Ottawa	o 45-34 O 35-01	o 86-5 O 78-0	o 21-0 o 1-5	2-00 0-68	0-78 0-34	219-8 206-3
Fort Vermilion	7-32 6-87

MAY.

Ottawa	o 53-73 45-63	O 89-0 o 74-0	28-8 O 14-5	2-39 0-91	0-f^ 0-45	244-8 242-1	7-89
Fort Vermilion	7-80

JUNE.

Ottawa	Q 64-21 55-83	O 93-2 o 88-5	O 35-0 0 26-0	0-82 0-98	0 25 0-86	309 0 351-9	10-30
Fort Vermilion	11-73

JULY.

Ottawa

Fort Vermilion

,wa

, Vermi]

wa

Vermil

wa

Vermil

IG— 2

70-05 59 05

100-0

o

84-0

44-8

O

32-9

2-30 1-57

0-98 0-64

278-9 294-7

8-99 9-50

AUGUST.

Ottawa	67-05 O 58-50	o 97-2 0 84-8	O 38-0 o 28-2	3-13 1-81	1-70 100	258-6 252-9	8-34
Fort Vermilion	8-15

SEPTEMBER.

Ottawa	O 56-83 O 42-82	O 880 o 69 0	o 30-0 O 23-9	2-69 3 08	0 91 1-07	222-5 142-7	7-41
Fort Vermilion	4-75

OCTOBER.

Ottawa	o 50-41 o 28-91	O 78-2 O 69-6	O 22-0 O -2-5	4-08 0-77	1-02 0-30	134-3 89-9'	4-33
Fort Vermilion	2-90

18

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

I 5 GEORGE v.. A. 1915

Some Weather Obserratons taken at Exp-jrimental Farm, Ottawa, — Continued.

NOVEMBER.

Ottawa

Fort Vermilion

Ottawa

Fort Vermilion

Ottawa Fort Ve

Ottawa Fort Vc

Ottawa ,

Fort Vermilion

Mean Tempera- ture.

37-90

O

14-54

Highest Lowest

Tempera- Tempera^

ture. ture

63-2

O

460

17-2 -19-5

Total Precipi- tation.

2-68 0-32

Heaviest

in 24 hours.

0-92 0-17

Total

hours

Sunshine.

106-7 670

Average Sunshine per day.

3-55 2-23

DECEMBER.

23-47

O

7-39

42-6

o

650

-5-0

o

390

2-28 0-42

0-76 0-20

JANUARY.

FEBRUARY.

MARCH.

77-6

42-7

2-50 1-37

Ottawa	o 11-46 O -11-00	o 410 0 12-5	O -30-0 0 -54-0	3-68 0-70	0-90 0-40	98-6 71-7	3. 18
Fort Vermilion	2-31
	*

Ottawa	0 613 0 -14-17	0 43 0 0 16-2	0 -30-2 0 -56-5	110 0-47	0-55 0-30	188-0 94-7	6-71
Fort Vermilion	3-38

25-15

o

-813

48-0

o

40-0

-2-0

O

-40-5

1-36 0-70

0-40 0-50

150-3

188-7

4-84 6-08

REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR

19

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

liiccoRD of .Sunshine at Fort Vermilion, Peace River District, Alberta, from x\pril 1.

1913, to March 31, 1914.

Mouth.

April ,

May

June

July

August

September

October

November December. January. . . . February. . March

Number of flays

with Sunshine.

Number

of days

without

Sunshine.

26 30 29 28 26 19 24 18 17 15 19 27

4

1

1

3

5

11

7

12

14

16

9

4

Total

hours

Sunshine.

206' 242'

351-9

2<)4-

252-

142- 89- 670 42-7 71-7 94-7

188-7

Average Sunshine per day.

6-87 7-80 11-73 9-50 8-15 4-75 2-90 2-23 1-37 2-31 3-38 6-08

WILLIAM T. ELLIS,

Observer.

EXPERIMENTS AT GROUARD, LESSER SLAVE LAKE, ALBERTA.

The work at this point was again carried on under the supervision of Brother Laurent, of the Indian Mission.

The growing s-eason of 1913 was wet and the temperatures low. Only three hot days occurred, the highest temperature being 94 degrees.

In spite of this, grains grew well. Barky was ripe on August 10, Early Red Fife wheat and Banner oats on September 1.

Threshing was completed on October 9. The yields were as follows: —

\Mie>at: Early Fife, 28 bus'hels per acre; Preston, 22 bushels; Marquis, 18 bushels. The yield of the last two was reduced from their being on heavy clay soil.

Ligowo oats yielded 45 bus.hels per acre, and Banner 40 bushels. Odessa barley gave 35 bushels per acre, and Man-churian, 34 bushels per acre.

In horticulture, while the cool, wet season was injurious to some of the plants tested, the results as a whole were satisfactory.

The fall planting of garden seeds has been practised at Grouard for years, with success.

Onions, carrots and parsnips were sown in the fall of 1912. The seedlings came up soon after snow disappeared in the spring and kept in good condition, being undamaged by the late spring frosts and heavy winds.

Soon after the m'id<lle of June, vegetables started in hotrbeds, wGre trans- planted into the open. These comprised cabbage, cauliflower, tomatoes, celery and squash. The yields from aU were satisfactory in quantity and quality.

Late in April and early in May, the following varieties were sown in the open : Carrots, table beets, beans, peas, turnips (table), lettuce, onions, table corn, radish, rhubarb. These all did well except onions, which were destroyed by the onion worm.

More than fifty varieties of flowers were grown successfully.

Currants and strawberries gave good yields.

16— 2i

20 EXPERIME^^TAL FARMS

I 5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

EXPEEIMENTS AT GEANDE PRAIRIE, ALBERTA.

Exi)erimental work was continued by Mr. S. J. Webb at this point. The spring opened early, seeding commencing on April 12. The season as a whole was favour- able, although wet, delaying* haying and harvesting. On October 13, most of the grain wa6 still in stook.

Potatoes and all kinds of vegetables were an excellent crop.

In cereals, Marquis and Preston wheats gave yields of 40 bushels and 35 bushels per acre, respectively. Banner and Thousand Dollar oats gave 70 bushels and 62 bushels per acre, and Arthur peas 45 bushels per acre.

Two varieties of mangels yielded 4 tons 1,100 pounds and 4 tons 800 pounds per acre, respectively, and two of turnips gave a return of 4 tons 1,200 pounds and 4 tons 900 pounds.

Alfalfa, Alsike, Mammoth Red and White Dutch clovers were sown with and without nurse crops, a good catch being obtained in each case. Equally good results were obtained with Red Top, Timothy and Orchard grass.

The following vegetables produced well: Peas, beets, carrots, lettuce, onions, beans and potatoes.

The display of flowers sown in the open was a very fine one.

EXPERBIENTS AT PORTS RESOLUTION AND PROVIDENCE, MAC- KENZIE DISTRICT.

Experiments were continued this year at the above points under the supervision of Father Duport, at Fort Resolution, and of Father Giroux at Fort Providence.

At Fort Resolution, seeding was completed about the middle of May under fairly favourable conditions, but dry weather following, much of the grain did not germi- nate. The latter half of May and all June were exceptionally cold. On June 25 there was a severe frost, the cabbage, peas and turnips suffering especially. In late July and early August, there was a good rainfall, but rather too late to have much effect on the yield of grain. The grain plots were attacked and destroyed just before the harvest by large flocks of small birds, which visit that region each ■ year so that the yields could not be obtained.

Vegefcables which survived the frost of June 25 did very well. Those grown included carrots, beets, peas, turnips, onions, cauliflower and cabbage.

As giving some indication of the shortness of the season, the following general notes may be of interest: Snow disappeared the third week in April; on May 19 the bay was still full of ice; it became clear on the 21st but was again blocked by ice coming in from the lake (Lesser Slave) on June S. The first boat arrived on June 5, and the first steamboat on June 13.

On September 10 four inches of snow fell. Ice was formed along the shores of the bay on September 21 and, a month later, the ice on the bay would bear skaters.

The soil at the beginning of winter was full of moisture, which should give the 1914 crops a good start.

EXPERIMENT AT FORT PROVIDENCE.

The dryness of the season was most abnormal. No rain fell until June 10, and none after that during the remainder of the growing season. Even the n;itivo prairie hay was almost a total failure. There was a frost on July 8 which damaged the wheat considerably. Early in August the crows attacked the fields, destroying some of the varieties of cereals under test and damaging others.

Four varieties of whea.t were tested: Bishop, Red Fife, Marquis and Preston. All matured on August 23.

REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR 21

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Maiicliuriau barley was ripe on August 19.

Five varieties of oats were grown: Banner, Gold Eain, Pioneer, Sixty Day and Thousand Dollar. The first four matured on August 10, and the last qn August 23. Spring rye was ripe on Septeinboi- 4, and four varieties of peas, Arthur Selected, Golden Vine, Prussian Blue and•^^%ite Marrowfat, on the same date.

The following vegetables were grown successfully : Lettuce, cabbage, beets, carrots and turnips. Tomatoes did not ripen, and table corn did not form ears.

The first fall frost occurred on September 5, and the ground froze for the winter on the 22nd. The ground has been covered with snow since the beginning of October.

EXPERIMENTS AT KAMLOOPS, B.C.

The possibilities of crop production in a region of sparse rainfall were again made the subject of experiment in 1913, on the Harper Ranch at Kamloops, under the supervision of Mr. L. F. Stobart.

The snowfall during the winter of 1912-13 was an average one, 18 inches falling in January. The weather throughout February was cold — 17 degrees being the

lowest registered.

Spring opened late, ploughing commencing on April 7. Fall wheat seemed to come through the winter well.

The fall wheat land was harrowed on April 16, and from then on a ' dust blanket' was kept on the snrface to conserve moisture.

On April 28, barley was sown. The germination was good and, by preservinsr the soil mulch, and hence the moisture, through frequent cross-harrowings, a good crop was harve&ted.

The yield of wheat was very low.

The fruit plantation was kept cultivated throughout the season. The growth was very slow in most cases.

Ten pounds of each of the following varieties of potatoes were sown on May 15, and were harvested on September 25, with yields as stated: Clyde, 73 pounds; Table Talk, 73 pounds; Up-to-date, 61 pounds; Eureka, 60 pounds; Green Mountain, 90 pounds: Carman No. 1, 78 pounds; Early Hebron, 65 pounds.

EXPERIMENTS AT SALMON ARM, B.C.

Mr. Thomas A. Sharpe continued, during 1913, his experimental work for the department.

The cool, dry weather of spring, continuing until early June, delayed germina- tion and -rly growth. June was also dry, though warmer. When rains finally came, the season was well advanced and vegetables could not recover. Fruit was also a light crop. Potatoes were very light.

Additional varieties of apples, plums and cherries were set out and made good growth.

The bush and tree fruits under test comprise a number of varieties of the follow- ing: Apples, pears, plums, damsons, cherries, grapes, strawberries, raspberries, logan- berry, blackberries, red, white and black currants and gooseberries.

22

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v.. A. 1915

The meteorological data for the year were as follows: —

Salmox Arm. — Meteorological Eecord for 1913.

Month.	Highest Temperature.	Lowest Temperature.	Rainfall.	Snowfall.	Sunshine.
1913. April	Date. 11 31 7 20-24 1-2-5 12-17 1 10 7 6 27 23	Degree. 74 80 88 92 92 77 73 51 44 45 -48 -56	Date. 1 3 13-16 8 18-19-26 18 30 12-20 22-24 27 4 25	Degree. 19 24 40 44 43 31 21 20 14 1 -5 12	Inches. 0-.52 1-26 2-27 1-83 0-78 1-74 1-84 10	Inches.	H. M. 290-4
Mav		220-36
		237-12
July		287-12
Auffust		226-54
SpDlomV)er		208^8
October		108-36
November	4^ 71 151 10^ 1	49-06
December ...	38^8
January	1-84 0-40 0-89	30^8
February	56-54
March	121-48
Totals	14-37	391	1,874-42

niE DIVISION OF FIELD HUSBAXDEY.

The operations of the Field Husbandry Division are very practical in nature. The scope of its work may be said to include: — ■

1. Soil management.

2. Crop management.

3. Agricultural engineering.

In addition to the conduct of experimental work along the above lines it is the duty of this Division to supply grain and fodder for the up-keep of the live stock on the Farm. A very limited amount of land suitable for experimental tests is available, and for that reason those reported upon herein do not by any means cover the field of work that the Division naturally includes.

In this report the following lines of work are dealt with: —

WEATHER CONDITIONS AND CROP YIELDS,

For field crops, the season of 1913 was one of the worst in the history of the Fann. Clovers, as a rule, were badly Avinter and spring-killed, and the hay crop at the outset promised poorly. June and July were very dry. .Hay made little growth, and in many cases was a failure. Corn suifered severely and yielded below the average. Straw was light, but the oats filled fairly well and harvested an aver- age crop of grain. Mangels were greatly retarded at first, but made a good late- autumn growth and produced a medivim crop.

COST OF PRODUCTION OF FIELD CROPS.

Because of the comparatively low yields in 1913, the cost of production per unit was high. The following table summarizes the costs of producing mangels, i!orn, oats and hay.

REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR

23

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Cost of Production of Field Crops, Central Farm, 1913,

	Crop.	Area.	Yield per Acre.	Cos	T TO PHODtrCE.
	Tons.	Bushels.	Per acre.	Per ton.	Perbushel
Mangels ,	Acres. 200 18 00 35 00	17 12	584	S cts. 3G .35 22 03 15 96	$ cts. 2 14 1 84	Cents. 6-22
Ensilage corn
Oats	52	24-3
Oat straw	M6 2
Hay	33-5		11 78	5 89

rotations of crops.

The value of suitable rotations of crops is too often underestimated by oiu* farmers. The results of our experiments in this connection would indicate that in the management of crops the order in which they are grown is of great im-portance. There are now in operation, for various purposes, fifteen rotations. For ordinaiy rfarm purposes any one of the following will likely be found satisfactory: —

Rotation 'A' (five years' duration).

Hoed crop, manured. — Grain, seeded down with clovers and grass. Clover hay, top dressed with manure in autumn. Timothy hay, field ploughed in August, ^op worked and ribbed up in. October. Grain, seeded down with red clover to be ploughed under the following spring when the succeeding hoed crop is corn.

Rotation ' B' {five years' duration).

Hoed crop, manured. — Grain seeded down with clovers and grass, seeds top dressed with manure in autumn. Clover hay, ploughed in autumn. Grain seeded down with clovers and grass. Clover hay.

Soiling Crop Roiadion ' R' {three years' duration).

Hoed crop, manured.— Grain, seeded down with clover and gras5. Clover hay, ftimothy hay, field plouglied in Aug^ust, top worked and ribbed up in October.

Soiling Crop Rotation ' R' {three years' duration). Hoed crop, manured. — Grain, seeded down with clovers and grass. Clover hay.

Soiling Crop Rotation ' R ' (three years' duration).

Corn for early fall feed, manured. — Peas and oats to cut green, seeded down with clover.'; and gra.ss. Clover hay, to cut green.

Some characteristics of the above rotations, desirable under almost any condi- tions, are as follows: —

1, Grain fields are always seeded down with clover, even though it be used only as a fertilizer, as in the case of the fifth year of rotati-on 'A.'

•2. (Jras3 and clover seedings arc heavy. Increased crops of hay and rare fail- ures of a catch have justified them.

24

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

3. Hoed crops form a large proportion of every rotation. An attempt to farm a small area without a hoed crop was not successful. Weeds could not readily be kept in check.

4. No field is left in hay for more than two successive years. Our records show that the second crop almost always costs more per ton than the first, and that .succeeding crops are very liable to be grown at a loss.

5. Barnyard manure is applied frequently in comparatively small quantities, rather than at long intervals in large quantities.

The following record shows the comparison of the chief items in connection with these rotations : —

. Costs, Eeturns and Net Profits of Eotations " A," " B," " C," " D " and " R."

dotation.

Cost to operate per acre.

Value of

returns

per acre.

Profit or

loss per

acre, 1913.

Profit, average

of 8 vears, 1904-11.

A (Five years' duration) . . . B (Five years' duration). . . C (Four years' duration) . , . D (Three years' duration) . *R (Three years' duration)

cts.

17 55 21 83 17 08 19 35 19 14

cts.

19 40 21 47

16 97

17 80 19 50

cts.

1 85 -0 36 -0 11 -1 55

0 36

$ cts.

8 78

9 03 8 15

10 08

I Records kept for 1912-13 only.

SHALLOW PLOUGHING AND SUBSOILING VERSUS DEEP PLOUGHING.

This experiment has now been under way for ten years. Two four-year rota- tions differing only in the above-mentioned autumn preparation for hoed crop of mangels and corn were laid down in 1904.

The average returns for the ten years show a very slight advantage in favour of the deep ploughing. If there is taken into consideration the fact that where sub- soiling is practised a single plough must be used, whereas a two-furrow riding plough may be operated under the deep-ploughing method, the higher cost of operation in the former method would reduce the actual net profits still more. This experiment ■will be continued, as the results have not as yet shown any decided advantage in favour of either method.

COMMEKCIAL FERTILIZERS AS A PART SUBSTITUTE FOR BARNYARD MANURE.

In 1&13 there were completed five years of experiments designed to supply information concerning the relative fertilizing merits, in regular farm rotation of: —

1. No manure or fertilizer of any kind, but pastured one year in four (records kept in 1913 only).

2. Barnyard manvire.

3. Complete commercial fertilizer.

4. Barnyard manure, together with commercial fertilizer.

Tlie i-€sailts S'how a distinct advantage in barnyard manure alone over com- mercial fertilizer alone for this soil, but point to the possibility of combining the two to good advantage when barnyard manure is scarce or high in price.

REl'ORT OF THE DIRECTOR 25

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

DIVISION OF CHEMISTRY.

The work carried ou by the Division of Chemistry has been similar in character to that of past years, though in several of its braucRes there has been a widening of its scope and a very considerable increase in the amount accomplished. This has been rendered possible by additional chemical a^-sistance and the better accommo- dation and facilities offered by the recent extension of the chemical building.

Research work upon the solution of problems affecting Canadian agriculture has first attention, but no less important is the educational and advisory work for the individual farmer. This latter has increased very considerably, both as to correspon- dence and the number of samples received for examination. It has from the first been the policy to encourage this phase of the work, and it is therefore gratifyiig to note that farmers throughout the Dominion are more and more realizing that the Division of Chemistry can be of real assistance to them in the difficulties that present themselves in their everyday work. As a bureau of information on subjects relating to the chemistry of agriculture, this Division is doing an important and valuable work, one which is appreciated and one which must make for the improvement of farming throughout the length and breadth of the land. This consulting work necessarily consumes a large amount of time, both in the office and in the laboratory, •but it is believed to be time well spent in the country's interests.

SOILS.

The work on soils, in so far as complete chemical and physical examination is concerned, is chiefly confined to representative samples of the uucropped, unmanured soils from newly-settled districts in the Dominion and, naturally, the larger nufi.ber of these have been sent in by the north-western provinces and British Columbia. The results have furnished sufficient data for a report ou their general character and suitability for various croj)s, to indicate their deficiencies, if such have been noted, and the methods of culture, etc., whereby fertility may be maintained or increased.

In the case of cultivated soils sent in by farmers, complete analysis is not as a rule made, the character and extent of the examination being determined by the nature of the inqliiry in the light of the information furnished respecting the past cropping and treatment of the soil.

Difficulties having arisen, it is alleged, in the successful cultivation of certain of the lands in the western section of the Canadian Pacific Railway Irrigation trac!", east of Calgary, through rise of alkali and other causes, a number of soils carefully collected in this district have been under critical examination. This investigation is still in progress and will continue probably throughout the whole of next year. The results, it is hoped, will be of value in determining the suitability of these lands for cultivation under irrigation, and in outlining the means to be taken against injury from alkali, where such are deemed necessarj'.

The experiments in connection with the investigation on the conservation of soil moisture as influenced by cultural methods and cropping have been continued. The field operations are being conducted on several of the branch Farms and Stations in the northwestern provinces. This work was commenced three years ago and may be continued for another three years or more before a final report is made, but the results have already emphasized the value of early and deei) ploughing berfo-re the rains are over, and of the preservation of an earth mulch and the destruction of ■weeds by harrowing as means for this conservatioai of moisture. The benefit of sub- soil packing for this purpose has not been marked in all cases, though on the lighter soils it is undoubtedly of value. It is expected that this work will eventually permit of the outlining of systems of soil management suitable for lands in districts of sparse and irregular rainfall.

26 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

»

5 GEORGE v., A 1915

NATURALLY-OCCURRINO FERTILIZERS AND AMENDMENTS.

A number of the more abundant seaweeds occurring on both the Pacific and Atlantic coasts have been analysed, thus adding to our knowledge of their relative manurial value. Very considerable differences in composition have been found, notably in potash and nitrogen.

Many soils are sour or unproductive through a deficiency of lime, and there is an awakened interest throughout Eastern Canada in the matter of liming as a means of increasing fertility. In this connection a number of marls and limestones ^the latter to be applied to the soil in a finely ground condition — have been analysed and reported on.

FEEDING STUFFS.

The most important work in this connection has been the analysis of a series of products from the elevators, commonly classed as screenings, and consisting chiefly of various weed seeds. Concurrently with the analytical work, feeding experiments with poultry have been carried on, and these are still in progress.

FARM ROOTS.

The feeding value, as determined by chemical analysis, of many varieties of mangels, carrots and turnips, has been ascertained. This is a continuation of an investigation begun several years ago, and it is one that has yielded valuable res\ilts for the guidance of the stock raiser.

SUGAR BEETS.

As in past years, several of the more important of thgf factory varieties of sugar beets, as grown on the branch Farms and Stations, have been analysed. The daita give ample proof that suitable beets for sugar extraction can be grown in many parts of the Dominion.

FERTILIZERS.

Experiments with commercial fertilizers have been carried on at Fredericton, N.B., and at Kentville, N.S. The crop employed at each Station was potatoes. The ■work was more or less of a preliminary character, but certain conclusions may be drawn therefrom which will be found of value to potato growers in these provinces. In t].is work the field operations were under the charge of the Superintendents of the resi)ective Stations.

MEAT INSPECTION DIVISION.

The number of samples received for examination has very considerably increased during the past year. The materials analysed include the products of packing houses and canneries and the various chemical and other compounds employed in their manufacture.

WELL WATERS FROM FARM HOMESTEADS.

From the increasing number of samples sent in for analysis, one may judge that this useful work is awakening throughout our rural distrieta a keener inter«t in the wholeeomeness of the farm water supply — an interest that must result in better health to the farmer's family and better thrift in his live stock.

REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR 27

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

HORTICULTURAL DIVISION.

During this year, perhaps the chief feature of interest in the Horticultural Divi- sion was the erection at Ottawa of the new greenhouses which had been badly needed. Foui- houses have been erected of the Pierson U-Bar, flat iron frame construction with curved eaves, and giving about 7,500 square feet of glass. Experiments were begun in these houses before the close of the year with tomatoes, cucumbers, melons, grapes, and many kinds of flowers, and it is expected that valuable experimental work will be done in the future.

The work of the Horticultural Division is subdivided under the heads of pomology, vegetable gardening, ornamental gardening, and plant breeding, and the office work as in tlie otiier Divisions. Space will allow for a few facts only in regard to each.

POMOLOGY.

Although the season was not a very favourable one for fruits, on the whole the apple crop at the Central Farm was fair. Owing to the manner in which the greatei part of the orchard was originally laid out, by which only a few trees of each sort are grown, variety tests haye been more prominent than cultural experiments in these orchards, but the amount of information gathered in regard to a large numbf r of varieties has been very great) and varied, and the Central Farm is looked to more and more each year for information in regard to apples. At the newer Farms, more attention is being given to cultural work. The outstanding features in the pomo- logical work for 1913-14 were the appointment of an Assistant to the Dominion Horticulturist to devote most of his time to this work; and the promising character of some of the newer varieties of apples and strawberries originated at the Central Farm, such as Melba, Joyce, Thurso, Glenton, Rocket, Bingo, and Niobe among apples, and Cassandra, Cordelia, Desdemona, Ophelia and Portia among strawberries.

VEGETABLE GARDENING.

^^'fore attention is being paid each year to vegetable gardening in the Horti- cultural Division, and at the Central Farm a specialist is now in charge of this work. The same varieties are being tested at Ottawa as at practically all the branch Farms and Stations, and the average results from these tests should prove of great value to vegetable growers in different parts of Canada. The desirability of using home-grov/n seed where good strains are available, was particularly noticeable in 1913. The germination is usually better from home-grown seeds, and where earli- ness is important, as it is where vegetables are sold, the advantage of having seed that one can i-ely on is apparent. The Early Malcolm corn and Alacrity tomato, two varieties selected in the Horticultural Division, gave very satisfactory results.

OUXAMENTAL GARDENING.

At all the Exi->erimcntal Fanns and Stations, a strong effort is being made to make the grounds attractive, as there is great need for improvement in the surround- ings of the rural homes of Canada. These dcmonstratior.s of w;;at can be done under the various climatic conditions in the Dominion should be an inspiration to Cana- dians. Tn conjunction with the endeavour for pleasing effects is, of course, the experimental work with ornamental trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants, both as to varieties ajid methods of culture. One of the most striking things at most of the Farms in 191?. was the fine display of bulbs which, at the Prairie Farms especially, were much admired.

28 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

6 GEORGE v., A. 1915

PLANT BREEDING.

Believing that there is a great' opportxinity in Canada for the development of fruits, vegetables and oruameutal plants especially suited to Canadian conditions, more attention is being paid to plant breeding in the Horticultural Division. In 1913, breeding work was cai-ricd on with apples, pears, grapes, gooseberries, straw- berries, corn, tomatoes, peas, beans and among flowers, with geraniums, sweet peas, and columbine. A specialty is being made of the development of early fstrains of vegetables, and some very promising ones were grown in 1913. Many new apples, originated in the Horticultural Division, fruited and descriptions were made of them, and some of the best named. Some good new plums of the Americana type were also described.

Work on the central card index system by which a record is kept of the experi- ments in horticulture and lists of varieties at all the Farms and Stations was con- tinued during the past year and is proving a ready means of reference. A bulletin on Plum Culture was published during the year. Visits to the branch Farms and Stations were made as usual. A number of important meetings were attended and addresses given.

CEREAL DIVISION.

In spite of serious drawbacks in some sections of Canada the past season was, on the whole, miusually favourable for cereals.

In the Maritime Provinces, nearly all early-sown grain gave good results, and the crops were harvested without difiiculty, but late-sown grain was badly damaged, and in some cases quite ruilaed, by a prolonged period of wet weather in the early autumn.

A large area in Quebec and Ontario suffered from drought during, the greater part of the summer. The yield was materially lessened, especially on such fields as were sown late, but the quality of the grain was unusually good. It is doubtful whether such bright, hard kernels of spring wheat have ever before been obtained on the Central Experimental Farm and in the Ottawa valley generally.

While conditions varied somewhat in different parts of Central and Weste:Ti Canada they were favourable on the whole, and the crops harvested were rather ahove the average in yield and quality.

NEW VARIETIES OF CEREALS.

The work with spring wheat is being given special attention by the Dominion Cerealist, who has a large number of new crosis-bred varieties under observation. Many new varieties of oats, barley, peas, and flax are also being tested, but the study of most of these has not yet advanced far enough to warrant their introduction to the public. Great care has to be exercised to avoid the premature introduction of varie- ties which may prove disappointing when thoroughly tested. Attention may be called to three of the Dominion Cerealist's new early maturing sorts of spring wheat.

Prelude — This variety is in a clas? by itself. Its extraordinaiy earliness in ripening makes it extremely valuable for high latitudes or high altitudes where Marquis cannot be depended upon to ripen before there is danger of autumn frosts. Prelude generally ripens about two weeks before Marquis. It does not generally give a veft-y large yield, and it is seriously affected by drought in May or June; but even with these limitations it is likely to be very valuable over large tracts of couo- try, especially in northern Saskatchewan and northern and central Alberta.

REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR 29

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Pioneer. — This is a new wheat introduced this winter for test in those districts where Marquis is too hite in ripening and where there is not sufficient rainfall for Prelude. Pioneer ripens between Marquis and Prelude, and has shown superior ability to resist drought. The kernels of this wheat are red and very hard. It yields flour of excellent colour and strength.

Marquis. — This iN?markable variety has again won the highest award in inter- national competition. At Tulsa, Oklahoma, last autumn the first prize at the Inter- national Dry Farming Congress was won by an exhibit of this variety grown by Mr. Paul Gerlach, of Allan, Sask. This is the third international triumph in succession for Marquis wheat.

MILLING AND BAKING TESTS.

The appointment of a special assistant for milling and baking researches has made possible the enlargement of this branch of the work. Tests can now be made, as often as is necessary, of the new varieties of wheat which are being produced here, as well as those obtained from outside sources. Baking tests of flour of doubtful quality are also being made for the public whenever such samples are submitted.

DISTRIBUTION OP SAMPLES OF SEED GRAIN AND POTATOES.

The annual free distribution of samples of seed grain and pKJtatoes has been conducted as usual, and is now drawing to a close. The total number of samples distributed this year will he over 9,200, about a thousand in excess of last year. The principal varieties sent out are Banner and Ligowo oats. Marquis and Prelude ■rvheats, Manchurian barley, Arthur jpeas and Gold Coin potatoes. The great decrease in the number of applications for Red Fife during the last three years has been a very striking feature of the distribution. This year less than 2O0 samples of this variety are being sent out. The largest number of samples di>tributed this season to one province will be over 3,100 to Quebec. Ontario is receiving the next largest number, nearly 2,000.

DIVISION OF BOTANY.

The work of the Division of Botany includes tAvo main groups, viz.. Plant Pathology and Economic Botany. In addition, the Dominion Botanist has charge of the Botanic Gardens and that part in the administration of the Destructive Insect and Pest Act dealing with diseases of plants due to fungi and bacteria-

THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE DESTRUCTIVE INSECT AND PEST ACT.

As indicated in the last report, the efforts of the officers and inspectors appointed under this Act were mainly directed against the introduction or spread of malig- nant potato diseases. The discovery of Powdery Scab (Sjinngospora suhterranea) in the eastern provinces of Canada, particularly in shipments mad-e to the United Statfs, prompted that country to place an embargo upon all Canadian i)otatoes. The Dominion Botanist is able to report that while powdery scab exists in the afl^ected areas, it has not actually shown itself destructive. The infections are slight and the market

30 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

value of tlie tubers is but little impaired. The embargo placed upon Canadian potatoes alarmed the growers and shippers who claimed that it would be most difficult to find another market for the potato crop; their fears proved to be ungrounded, however, as the price of potatoes did not drop to any appreciable extent. Towards the end of the year of report, potatoes were almost scarce.

In order to instruct the farmers, the Division issued two new farmers' circulars : No. 4, entitled 'Potato Diseases transmitted by the use of Unsound Seed Potatoes,' a most useful representation of the most common potato diseases in natural colours, and with a brief and instructive text; and Circular No. 5 on 'Powdery Scab of Potatoes,' which publication briefly treats of this disease which was until recently unsuspected in the Dominion. These two circulars were most widely distributed and instructions by letter and public lectures have enabled this Division to reach many farmers. It is hoped that the persistent efforts to prevent potato diseases from being propagated by the careless use of unsound seed tubers will show good results. In fall and spring the inspection service was directed towards certifying seed potatoes to be free from disease. This will be followed by inspection of the fields and later of the crops, so that this disease should most quickly come under control.

PLANT PATHOLOGICAL WOKK.

The work done in this section includes the advice by letter or demonstration on the control of plant diseases already known, and research on a large number of obscure diseases affecting specific vegetation of all kinds. The importance of clear- ing up diseases hitherto little understood must be fully realized. We only need refer to such obscuTe di6e.a6es as ' Little Peach ' and ' Peach Yellows,' the last-named disease being most destructive in the Niagara peninsnla, and about the cause of which absolutely nothing has been discovered since it was first reported in scientific literature. As the disease is at present unknown in tlie western peach orchards of Canada, this appears a sufficient reason for specializing in the investigation of one disease alone.

There are numerous problems of a physiological nature which have persist)ently defied solution. Of these ' Bitter Pit ' of fruit is one of the most prominent, and is regarded as the most troublesome and economically important fruit disease. Then reference may be made to the perplexing phenomenon ' black heart ' of fruit trees, which is viewed with suspicion by fruit growers, but for which belief, in our opinion, there is no real foundation. In some provinces this trouble is regarded with much concern and accurate information is greatly needed.

Furthermore, the relation of soil organisms to plant diseases is another problem urgently requiring attention.

Our experience with common potato scab would indicate that the organism either lives directly in the soil, or its growth is favoured by the chemical condition of the soil, brought about by the use of various manures or fertilizers. Thus the Dominion Botanist was able to prove that the organism of potato scab commonly referred to as Oospora scabies, really belonged to the group of most widely-distributed soil organisms of the genus Actinomyces. The biology of the soil is a study which increases in importance every year, and, if followed by special research, will no doubt lead to important discoveries in the control of many plant diseases which are carried in tlie soil. The discover^' of relationship of the potato organism to the group of soil organisms of the genus Actinomyces opens up a further field of inquiry, viz., its relation to 'lump jaw' disease in cattle caused by another member of the same group (AcUnomycus hovis). A number of diseases of the skin and hair of men and animals, like ringworm, favus, etc., may be more closely related to this group

REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR 31

SESSIONAL PAP£R No. 16

of organisms tlian may appear from previous researches. This is one field of inves- tigation entered into more recently by the laboratories of this Division.

Owing to the recent discovery of powdery scab in Canada and to the apparent difficulty of finding means of checking it, experiments have been undertaken and will be continued for such time as may be necessary to show whether control measures are possible or not.

Another disease hitherto recorded from Europe and the United States of America, known as Silver Scurf of potatoes has been observed during the year, an account of which will be foimd in the report of the Dominion Botanist.

The disease ' Silver Leaf ' of fruit trees has engaged the attention of this Division ; it has been ascertained that this disease may be produced at will by inocula- tion with a particular fungus (Stereum purpureum), but it has also been found that there are other agents producing the same symptoms. These must be investi- gated before one can be in a position to suggest methods for the control of the disease.

The St. Catharines laboratory of plant pathology is continuing its good work among the fruit farmers in the Niagara peninsula. Mr. McCubbin, the assistant in charge, by his careful work and by his desire to give advice and demonstrate methods of treatment, has gained the confidence of the fruit growers.

In the section for the eradication of weeds and the identification of plants poison- ous to live stock, and other wild plants harmless or injurious, the assistant. Miss Faith Fyles, has a splendid opportunity to demonstrate to the farmer what plants to avoid and how to exterminate weeds.

The weed question is ever prominent. The routine necessary for their exter- ijiination often does not suit the practice of farming followed by some farmers; others permit little weed patches to become large and spread imtil their eradication is by no means easy. In most instances where advice is requested one feels that a little early attention might have saved considerable trouble. Of weeds it may be said correctly ' a stitch in time saves nine.' There is no better weed eradicator than a spade, and the sooner it is used the quicker will the weeds disappear. Plough- ing up large patches of veined dock, Canada thistle, couch grass, etc., will only make them larger in the coming season.

The Dominion Botanist was absent on official business in the western provinces and towards the end of the fiscal year he was appointed to represent the Dominion of Canada at the first international phytopathological conference at Rome, Italy. While in Europe he was authorized to pursue certain investigations in connection with the utilization of any potatoes that may not be sold and heretofore were left to spoil. He is preparing a report on the question of evaporating potatoes for use as stock food at a time when fresh herbage is not available, and the possible intro- duction of the industry into Canada.

This is the age of specialization, and the work of the Division of Botany includes many phases in which special researches will become necessary, when the work done by the officers in this Division will become of still greater value because of its appli- cation to the special needs of all who require information and help along these lines of work.

THE DIVISION OF ENTOMOLOGY.

THE .\DM1NISTRATI0N OF THE DESTRUCTIVE INSECT AND PEST ACT.

This work includes the inspection and fumigation of imported nursery stock and the Brown-tail Moth control work. In order to facilitate the importation of trees and other plants into the western provinces, an additional port of entry was declared at North Porteil, Sask., by Order in Council, and a fumigation station has been erected there. This will enable importers in Saskatchewan and Alberta to

32 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

secure their shipments without great delay, aa essential condition for successful planting. As insuperable difficulties had been encountered in regard to the intercep- tion for the purposes of inspection and fumigation of shipments of nursery stock sent through tho mails, the importation through the mails of those classes of nursery stock which required inspection or fumigation was prohibited by Order in Council, and the regulation came into effect on March 1. The entry of European nursery stock via the port of St. John, N.B., during the period December 8 to March 4, was also made possible by amending regulation 6. Owing to the repeated discovery of pol>atoes imported into British Columbia from California which were infested with the Potato Tuber Moth, one of the most serious insect pests affecting the potato, this insect was scheduled under section 12 of the regulations. Further, as a result of an inquiry made in Calif oo'nia by the Dominion Enfcomolog-ist-, the importataon of potsatoes from California was prohibited.

In the addition to the new fumigration station at North Portal, Sask., new stations and additions to our accommodation for dealing with imported nursery stock have been erected at St. John, N.B., and Niagara Falls. During the importation seafou of 1'912-13, which closed in May, 1913, over four million trees and plants were inspected.

The Brown-tail Moth control work includes the scouting work during the winter months, a study of the bionomics of the insect and the importation of pai'a&ites and their colonization during the summer. In New Brunswick the scouting woa-k was carried on by a field force of nine men, four of whom were employed by the Provin- cial Government. The work for the season 1912-13 was concluded in February, and only eighty-one winter webs of the Brown-tail Moth, as compared with 2,452 in 1911-12, were colleicted in the seven (X)unties at present infested. This decrease was largely due to the absence of any invasion of the moths from Maine during the flying season in July, 1912. In Nova Scotia a field force of nine men, four of whom •were employed by the Provincial Government, collected over 11,000 winter webs, both the infested territory and the number of webs being greater than in the previous year.

The investigations on the bionomics of the Brown-tail Moth, particularly on the effect of temperature and the dropping of the webs during the winter, were continvied with Tiseful results.

The importation of the parasites of the Brown-tail and Gipsy Moths from Massa- chusetts was continued through the courteous co-operation of Dr. L. O. Howard, Chief of the Bureau of Entomology of the United States Department of Agriculture, and his assistants. An officer was stationed at the Gipsy Moth Parasite Laboratory, Melrose Highlands, Mass., to collect parasitized caterpillars, rear them and breed out the parasites. The parasites were then shipped to the Entomological Laboratory at Fredericton, N.B., and distributed from there to various selected localities. Alto- gether 46,548 cocoons of the hymenopterous parasite, Apanteles lacteicolor, 5,738 puparia of the parasitic fly Compsilura concinnata, and 475 cocoons of the hymen- opterous par-asite Meteoras versicolor were secured and shipped. In addition, 200 adults of the imported European predaceous beetle Calosoma sycophanta were col- lected and shipped to New Brunswick, and 976 larvse were collected, fed and allowed to hibernate.

In addition to the importation and colonization of these native parasites of the Gipsy and Brown-tail Moths, imported originally by the United States Government from Europe and Asia, a careful study of the native parasites of certain of our "com- moner insects, such as the Tent Caterpillar {Malacosoma disstria), and the Fall Web-worm {Ilyphantria cunea) was begun, such an investigation being very neces- sary in connection with the work on the natural control of lepidopterous insects.

REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR 33

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

INSECTS AFFECTING FIELD CROPS.

As complete an investigation as possible was made of the outbreak of the Cut- worm, Porosagrotis orlhogonia, which had proved so injurious to wheat and oats in southern Alberta in 1912, and to which reference was made in the last annual report. Mr. Arthur Gibson, Chief Assistant Entomologist, spent some time in the infected district in the spring, and Mr. E. H. Strickland, Eield. Officer, was stationed at tli« Experimental Farm at Lethbridg-e, where an entomological laboratory was estab- lished for the purpose of studying this insect and other similar troubles. ■ Control experiments were carried out, but the feeding- habits of the larva; rendered most of them valueless. Fortunately, natural causes were responsible for a very maiked decrease in the abundance of the insect.

The Army Worm, Leucania unipuncta, reappeared and Mr. Norman Criddle reported its occurrence in southern Manitoba.

Experiments were carried out at the Entomological Laboratory, Covey Hill, Que., and at Bowesville, Out., on the control of locusts by the bacterial disease caused by Coccohacillus acidiorum d'Herelle, a cultvire of which was obtained from the Pasteur Institute, Paris (France).

In co-operation with the Bureau of Entomology of the United States Depart- ment of Agriculture, an investigation on the White Grubs {Lachnosterna spp.) was- begun. Field laboratories were established at Aweme, Man., and Strathroy, Ont., where the local species of LacltuGsterna were studied. The lengthy life-cycle of the insects will necessitate an inquiry extending over several years. Observations on various insects affecting cereals and other field crops were also made.

A special inquiry was undertaken regarding extensive injuries to winter w-heat in southern Alberta. The occurrence of Eelworms (Nematodes) in injured plants suggested a possible cause, but further investigation does not appear to place entire responsibility upon these pests.

INSECTS AFFECTING FRUIT CROPS.

In Nova Scotia the investigations on the Bud Moth of apple, which is one of the worst apple pests in the fruit-growing sections, and on the Green Fruit-worms (Xylina, spp.) were continued by Mr. G. E. Saunders. Our work on the former insect, both in the laboratory and in the experimental orchards, where spraying* ex,peri- meuts have been carried on, has enabled us to determine the correct time to spray and the materials to use to prevent bud-worm injuries.

At the Entomological Laboratory at Covey Hill, Que., Mr. C. E. Petch con- tinued his work on the Apple and Plum Curculios, but progress was seriously affected by the almost complete failure of the apple and plum crops in that region.

Mr. W. A. Eoss completed a third season's work on the Apple Maggot (Tihago- letis pomonella) in the Niagara fruit district, and has now tried out most of the methods of control usually recommended, including soil insecticides, spraying, poisoning and cultural methods. He also commenced a study of the Aphides of the region.

In British Columbia, Mr. R. C. Treherne completed his studies of the Straw- berry Root Weevil (0 tiorhynchus ovatus) and a bulletin on the insect and its con- trol is now in the press. Studies were also made on the Lessor Apple Worm and Bud Moth. Mr. Tom Wilson continued the work of assisting the Indians in fruit cul- ture, with increasing success.

INSECTS AFFECTING FOREST AND SHADE TREKS.

At the request of the Provincial Government an investigation of the insects destroying merchantable timber in British Columbia was begun by Mr. J. i^L Swnine, who spent some time in the southern part of the province. A preliminary su \ey

IG— 3

34 EXPERniEXTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v.. A. 1915

indicated that an immense amount of valuable timber is being destroyed by various injurious insects which were studied. A preliminary account of this invest ig'at ion, in which control measures are recommended, has beeai prepared and is now in the press.

Serious insect damage was discovered in Stanley Park, Vancouver, B.C., and the control of the responsible species is now being studied with a view to advising the Parks Board in regard to the conservation of this valuable piece of virgin forest.

Th<*' Forest Tent Caterpillar again defoliated large areas of poplar, birch, maple and other deciduous trees in Eastern Canada, particularly in Quebec and New Bruns- wick. It was found that bacterial disease' destroyed large numbers. The ppnice Budworm and Larch Sawfly continue to spread; the former being very prevalent in the New Brunswick forests.

IXSECTS AFFECTING DOMESTIC ANIMALS AND MAN.

An investigation was undertaken with a view to testing the value of various

substances as insecticides in the destruction of house-fly larvae in manure piles, as

^the control of the house-fly under rural conditions is an important question. Of

the various insecticides used, chloride of lime scattered over the manure as it is

piled gave the best results.

Further inquiries were made concerning the obscure disease known as 'tick paralysis ' in children in British Columbia.

MISCELLANEOUS WORK.

Experiments have beeii made on the destruction of mill-infesting insects by su pier-heating as a substitute for fumigation, with gratifying results. The study of. insects affecting greenhouses has been continued, chiefly in Toronto greenhouses, by Mr. Ross.

APICULTUHE.

During the year a beginning has been made in the organization of the apicul- tviral work on the different Experimental Farms with a view to giving the subject the attention it deserves, and which is now rendered possible by the appointment of Mr. Sladen. He has continued his work on queen-rearing and varietal tests, a number of queens having been imported from European countries. Bees have also been shipped successfuly in wire ' combless ' cages from Ottawa to Indian ITend, a distance of over 1,600 miles.

GENERAL.

One of the outstanding features of the year's work has been the demonstration of the value of the policy which has been extended during the year of establishing field or regional laboratories. The direct contact with the farmers and fruit- growers, and with their problems, has increased the value of the work, and the oppor- tunities of rendering immediate assistance t^D a degree more in keeping with the requirements; as a result great satisfaction and appreciation have been expressed by those in whose interests we are working.

During the year the Dominion Entomologist has visited the different parts of the Dominion, and also visited Oregon, California and Utah, where the entomo- logical conditions, particularly in regard to the Potato Tuber Moth and the Alfalfa "Weevil were studied. Messrs. Gibson, Swaine and Sladen, in addition to their other duties, attended meetings and delivered addresses.

REPORT OF TEE DIRECTOR 35

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

DIVISION OF ANIMAL HUSBANDRY.

The scope of work of this Division includes directly the care, breeding, feeding, housing and marketing of horses, cattle, sheep and swine and their products on the Central Experimental Farm, together with the testing of food stuffs and the testing of methods in care and management and of all machinery pertaining thereto. In consultation with the branch Farm Superintendents, this Division also assists largely in these various operations on all the branch Farms where live stock is maintained, thus systematizing and consolidating all the live stock experimental work on the Dominion Experimental Farms.

For the past year the animal husbandry work on the Central Experimental Farm has been fairly interesting, considering the numerous and varied difficulties encountered. The summer feeding of live stock was carried on under most adverse conditions. The pasture area allowed to each class of stock is exceedingly small, only a little over 19 acres being available for this purpose. Owing to the early spring frosts which killed out the clover, followed by the severe drought of midsummer, not only were these small pastures severely checked in their growth, but the soiling crops supplied by the Field Husbandry Division were also very limited. However, the copious fall rains and the late open season largely assisted in putting all live stock in good condition before the winter months.

On October 11, this Division suffered a severe setback in the loss by fire of the main dairy barn, calf barn, bull barn and steer barn. This necessitated the tempor- ary discontinuance of most of the experimental work on this Farm, not only with dairy and beef cattle, but also with horses, sheep, and swine, since the buildings in which these latter classes were housed were of necessity utilized in some measure for the housing of cattle. With the completion of the new buildings, now under construction, all such postponed work will be again taken up.

There are 465 head of live stock at present in the stables, made up as follows: 140 cattle, 27 horses, 81 sheep, and 217 swine.

HORSES.

Although the horses on the Central Experimental Farm are still expected to do all the labour connected with the various Divisions, yet the numbers now include six pure-bred Clydesdale mares and four grade Clydesdale mares, all of a uniform type and exceptionally good quality and breeding, with which experimental breed- ing work is being started. A number of the.-e mares are in foal, and experimental work along the lines of feeding, care, management and housing of pregnant mares and foals is being planned.

The horse labour supplied to the various Divisions on the Central Experimental Farm amounted to 6,889 days, which, at the conservative valuation of 70 cents per day, gives a total return of $4,822.30.

No experimental horse feeding work was conducted during the past year.

DAIRY CATTLE,

The pure-bred diairy herds now in the stables are Ayrshire, Canadian, Holstein, Guernsey and Jersey. All these herds have made normal growth during the past year and have given satisf-actory returns.

Aside from the pure-bred herds, there are two excellent grade herds — Holstein and Ayrshire — which have given an excellent account of themselves, both in their production and in their breeding qualities. These grade herds have also been utilized quite largely in dairy cattle feeding experiments. 16— 3i

36

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

DAIRY CATTLE FEEDING EXPERIMENTS.

The investigational work along the lines of the greatest number of cattle which may be profitably fed on a 200-acre farm is being continued, and with most interest- ing results.

A continuation and expansion of experimental feeding work, as reported in the year 1913, has been conducted during the past year. A complete summary of this investigational work to determine the feeding values of molasses and molasses meals may be found in the detailed report of the Dominion Animal Husbandman.

MILKING MACHINES.

As previously reported, a Sharpies Mechanical Milker was installed on the Central Experimental Farm in July, 1912. This machine has given fairly good satisfaction. In order to get further data as to the value of milking machines, a Burrell-Lawrence-Kennedy machine was installed in September, 1913. The pur- pose of these milking machine tests was to compare each machine with the other land also with good hand milking as to thoroughness, to detennine their effect upon the cows, to examine into the purity of the milk drawn in this way, to compare the machines with hand milking for cost and to get some information as to the dura- bility of the machines. Unfortunately, both these machines were destroyed when the bams were burned. However, it is proposed to continue these tests as soon as the new buildings are completed.

DAIRY cow RETURNS.

It will ag'ain be noted that the quality of the dairy cattle on the Central Experi- mental Farm has made a marked improvement. The following is a brief summary showing the returns of some of the cows in the various herds, the profits being based on the following valuations: Butter, 30 cents per pound; skim-milk, 20 cents per hundred pounds ; pasture, $1 per head per month ; hay, $7 ; straw, $4 ; green feed, $3 ; and meal, $25 per ton.

No. of Head.	Age.	Breed.	Average Days in Milk.	Average Pounds Milk produced.	Average per cent Fat.	Average Profit over Feed betweencalvinga (labour, manure and calf not included.)
67 11 5 5		Years. 3 and over.. 2	All breeds and grades. . . Five breeds	348 396 326 295 541 422 328 315 400	Lb. 7,3.33 5, 535 8,518 4,885 7,520 8,072 10,808 11,221 6,272	p.c. 4-25 513 4- OR 4-90 5-16 4- 08 3-44 3-54 5-45	$ 60-30 50-31
3 and over.. 3 " 3 " 3 " 3 " 3 ' " 3 "	Avrshire	73-55
Canadian	44-79
Guernsey	74 05
<;	Grade Avrshire	82-86
5	Grade Holstein	86-54
R	Holstein	85-53
5	Jersey	71-54

In the above valuation, butter at 30 cents per pound is equivalent to milk at only $1.65 per hundred pounds, yet, in reality, the manufacture and sale of cream cheese, Coulommier cheese and certified milk, with a large part of the milk, has netted $3 per hundred pounds. However, the above valuations are useful for the comparison of these productions with the average herd throughout Canada.

REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR 37

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

The possibilities of opeuing up fancy cheese markets by the aver^age fanner in the vicinity of the larger Canadian cities has been well demonstrated. The increased profits from the alame may be readily seen.

BEEF PRODUCTION.

Steer feeding investigational work, comparing rations and food stuffs, was again under way on the Central Experimental Farm, but was of necessity discontinued owing to the loss of buildings. The steers purchased for this work were forwarded to the Experimental Farm, Nappan, N.S., for similar purposes.

SHEEP,

The conducting of investigations with sheep on the Central Farm is continued under the same difficulty, namely, the great shortage of available land. Breeding work, on a small scale, with Shropshires and Leicesters, has, however, been most successful during the past year, and these small flocks are now in excellent condi- tion. Lamb feeding experimental work anticipated for the winter of 1913-14 was of necessity postponed, as the sheep buildings were largely utilized for the housing of cattle. A special lamb feeding shed was constructed during the past year, in which further studies in lamb feeding are to be conducted.

SWINE.

Considering the shortage of pasture, another successful year is to be reported for swine husbandry. With the exception of one line of experimental feeding work with brood sows continued on a small scale throughout the winter, no special work was under way. Further investig'ational work along the lines of feeding of tankage to brood sows and litters is being taken up upon a large scale.

Three breeds of swine are kept, Yorkshire, Tamworth and Berkshire, and a fairly successful breeding season may be reported.

LIVE STOCK BUILDINGS.

The Animal Husbandry Division has during the piast year prepared or assisted in the preparation of plans and specifications for a large number of live stock build- ings erected on branch Farms and Stations. The new bams at the Central Experi- mental Farm, Ottawa, are also being planned and constructed under the immediate supervision of the Animal Husbandry Division. Many plans of farm buildings and specifications for the same have also been sent out during the year, free of charge, to individual farmers who requested assistance along such lines. Such inquiries are being encouraged as much as possible.

MISCELLANEOUS.

The correspondence of this Division, pertaining to feeding, breeding, care and mianagemcnt, and hovising of animals, together with the prevention and treatment of many of the minor ailments of all classes of stock, has largely increased duriug the past year.

The Dominion Animal Husbandman, in attending to his duties outside the Central Experimental Farm, has officially visited many of the branch Farms on which live stock work is being conducted. In addition to such official trips, both the Dominion Animal Husbandman and the Assistant Dominion Animal Husband- man have made many trips attending meetings in various parts of Canada, judging at numerous exhibitions, and studying live stock CHjnditions and the needs for experimental w^ork and demonstrational work relating to live stock.

33 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS '

' 5 GEOflGE v., A. 1915

DIVISION OF rOKAGE PLANTS.

The work of the Division of Forage Plants is in general of an entirely scientific nature, the aim being : —

1. To produce superior varieties and strains of forage crops.

2. To ascertain the value of the diiferent varieties for the different environ- ments of Caniadian soils and climate.

3. To investigate thoroughly the value of both native and foreign plants that are or may be used for fodder.

Owing to the fact that the Division has only completed the second year of its existence, the breeding work is not very far advanced, and definite results ciannot be expected within the next two or three years.

The breeding work which at present demands the greater amount of attention is tliat witli leguminous forage plants and grasses. ' Among these two classes of plants the species with which work on as large a scale as possible is being con- ducted are : Alfalfa, red clover, alsike clover, timothy and orchard grass.

CLOVERS AND ALFALFA.

In the breeding of leguminous forage plants, including alfalfa and clovers, two main objects are liept in view, namely, breeding for increased hardiness and breeding for increased yield and superior quality.

At present all the various commercial varieties of alfalfa and clovers are com- posed of numerous radically different types, a few of which possess the desired char- acters, and many that do not. This fact was very clearly demonstrated on the alfalfa plots growing at the Central Experimental Farm during the early spring of 1913 when they were put to a very severe test, by the extreme freezing and thawing. This test was so severe that some of the plots that had previously withstood several winters were almost entirely killed out. The remaining plants, however, may be said to represent hardy types, and the most desirable of them have been used (as a basis of material for further breeding work, and were either self-fertilized or crossed by hand. The resulting seed will be used next year to obtain individuals for pedigree breeding.

A similar course of procedure is also well under way with red clover and alsike, the only difference being that, as the different individual plants of these two clovers are sterile to their own pollen, the pedigree breeding must be accomplished by the crossing of specially selected mother plants.

In order to secure a strain of variegated alfalfa of known origin, crosses were made between the true alfalfa (Medicago sativa) and yellow lucerne (Medicago falcata). The individual plants obtained from the seed resulting from this cross ■will be self-fertilized, and subsequent desirable segregations fixed by repeated self- fertilization.

As a source of material for further breeding work, 1,200 individual plants of alfalfa of varied lyi^e were transplanted into the field, and it is hoped that next year many desirable types will appear that will be fixed by either self-fertilization or crossing.

A corresponding number of individual plants of red clover were also transplanted to the field during July, and will be used as a source of material for the selection of suitable mother plants for crossing.

In addition to this, a line of experiments for the production by mass selection of hardy strains of red clover and alsike, was started this season at several of the branch Farms and at Ottawa. Seed was obtained from several private growers and eeedsmen in different parts of Canada. Each lot of seed has been used for two plote

RETORT OF THE DIRECTOR 39

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

at the branch Farms and three at Ottawa, and it is hoped that it will be possible to show, by actual figures, the comparative hardiness and value of these different regional strains. By conducting similar experiments during succeeding years from tlio Fowl that will be obtained from these and folio-wing plots, it is onJy reasonable to suppose that a gradual elimination of the undesirable and less hardy individuals will lake place, and a more hardy strain be firbally produced.

GRASSES.

Timothy.— During 1912, forty-two lots of individual timothy plants were each obtained from the seed of a single wild plant, and in 1913 the entire lot amply demon- strated the polymorphous character of the species. Also the fact that many of the lots were very similar in general character, showed that the morphological characters of these plants are in general hereditary.

Seventeen of the most vigorous and desirable plants among those lots were isolated and self-fertilized. Fr>^m the resulting seed, individuals will be obtained next year, which will be tested for characters that would make them worthy of fur- ther investigation.

From the year's experience it is a moderate estimate to state that it will be possible to produce a uniform strain of timothy within the next few years, having a yielding ciapacity 25 per cent greater than any timothy now obtainable commer- cially-

As further material for future breeding work, 2,400 individual timothy plants obtained from lots of seed produced chiefly in western Canada, were transplanted into the field during the summer.

Orchard grass.'— Work similar to that with timothy was also started in 1912 with orchard grass. In this species the range of type is even greater, while the morpho- logical characters seem to be as readily transmissible.

From the 200 individual plants transplanted into the field in 1912, ten of the most desirable were selected and self-fertilized. From the seed obtained from these plants, individuala will be obtained and subjected to a test similar to tha.t for timothy.

Other grasses. — For the season of 1914, wftrk similar to that with timothy and orchard grass will be started with western rye grass, meadow fescue and one or more of the, at present, uncultivated species of Agropijrum.

FIELD ROOTS AND INDIAN CORN.

During the season of 1913 the usual variety tests with field roots and Indian corn were conducted at the Central Experimental Farm and at the various branch Farms, a total of 27 varieties of turnips, 19 of mangels, 6 of sugar beets and 15 of corn being tesred.

Previous to 1913 each variety was grown in a single plot and the yield per acre calculated from the same. For the season of 1913, however, the tests were conducted in duplicate plots, situated in different parts of the field, thus eliminating in some measure the disturbing influence of varying soU conditions upon the comparative yield of the varieties, by averaging the results from both plots. The results for the season from this method of variety testing were very instructive, and it will be con- tinued in the future. _ ■ . i , j j

For the coming season, several apparently inferior varieties have been dropped from the tests, while, on tlie other hand, a few new ones liiive been introduced. Among the introductions into this line of experiment are several promising Swedish and Danish varieties of turnips, mangels and carrots.

40 ' EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

I 5 GEORG'^ v., A. 1915

Boot breeding. — From several of the varieties of mangels, carrots and turnips that have averaged highest in dry matter per acre for the past ten years, 200 seed roots were selected in the fall of 1913. These roots have been carefully stored and will be planted in the spring of 3914, thus making a start in systematic root breedincr.

HERBARIUM.

The collection of Canadian grasses and sedges started in 1912 has been increased during the past year to the extent of several hundred species.

Arrangements have also been -comjileted with the Botaniq Garden, Lund, Sweden, to exchange collections of Canadian flora for grasses and sedges from Sweden, Norway, Finland and Denmark. In accordance with this arrangement a duplicate collection iof 1,000 sheets has been exchanged for an equally large collec- tion of grasses and sedges from northern Europe.

BROOM CORN.

The experiments iwith broom corn have so far shown that an early seeding h essential in the vicinity of Ottawa. In 1913, a small quantitv of marketable b:ush was produced, but whether the crop will prove profitable caimot, as yet, be deter- mined from the results at the Central Experimental Farm.

POULTKY DIVISION.

The work of this Division is to investigate all poultry problems that are of interest ito farmers land poultrymen. This experimental work includes breeding, incubation, brooding, rearing, feeding, housing, the production of fleth and ( ggs, diseases, etc., and to carry out this work turkeys, geese, ducks, guineas and ordinmv fowl are utilized.

The major portion of the experimental work is conducted at the Central p'aut at Ottawa, where special oqui)unent and assistance are maintained. The Exj eri- mental Farms and Stations at which poultry plants are being installed are used more in the nature of demonstrations, though experiments having a local value are also conducted there.

The plant at the '.Central Farm, Ottawa, consists of about 5 acres, upon which jhe main buildings are erected, and 12 to 14 acres of park and water at a short distance away, where the experiments in turkeys and waterfowl are being conducted. This latter portion has been but lately added to the plant, and the buildings as yet are not complete.

During the past year several new buildings have been added to the plant on the Central Experimental Farm; these consist of a feed and storehouse; an experimental breeding house, and a cockerel house, which is also used as a brooder house.

As a rule, about 300 laying hens are kept on the Central plant, including the most i>opular utility breeds and varieties. This year two breeds of turkeys, five orf ducks, three of geese, and one of guinea fowl are being introduced.

The incubators are one Mammoth of 1,200-egg capacity and eight or ten small lamp machines of the recognized standard varieties. The brooders cpnsist of indi- vidual electric hovers placed in one wing of the cockerel house, one room brooder st,ov6 and a number of individual hovers, portable and otherwise.

PjOultry work has not as yet started at all of the branch Farms and Experimental Stations. This year, however, work was started at Agaesiz, B.C., Invormei'e, B.C., Lethbridge, Alta., Laoom'be, Alta., Indian Head, Sask., Brandion, Man., Cap RJouge, Que., Nappan, N.S., Kentville, N.S., Fredericton, N.B., and Charlo|ttetown, P.E.I. A start on the other Farms will in all probability be made next year. This work is more in the nature of ' farm poultry ' than ' poultry farms.' The extent of the

REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR 41

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

stock wliioh is being kepit at these Farms is enough for one man to look after. At some of the Farms only one breed is kept but never more than three. It is not the intention to i-ecommeind to the farmer the keej^ing of several varieties, but rather tlie proper choice of a suitable variety followed by judicious selection, year 'after year.

At all of the plants it is the intention to have both portable and permanent houses; tlie portable house is small enough to be moved easily from place to place, tlie pei-manent house large enough to hold about 100 hens, which is the size of the flock recommended for the 'average farmer. At several of the Stations, notably Cap Rouge and Lacombe, turkeys, geese and ducks arc being experimented with, and at Invermere, B.C., a specialty is being made of turkeys.

One of the main experiments which are being conducted is the production of a laying strain in several of the utility varie;ties. Just as soon as such a strain is established at the Central Experimental Farm, cockerels from this strain will be sup- plied to the Branch Farms for breeding purposes. The cockerels from subsequent matings will be available to the farmers and for those wishing breeding stock from the branch Farms. Practically no stock or eggs will be sold from the Central plant, as the surplus stock will be distributed to the outlying Farms and the eggs used for incubntion and experimental work.

As the male is recognized as exerting more influence than the female on the high i)rnduction of eggs, this system of supplj'ing cockerels from high egg-pvo- ducers should result, in time, in good lajnng strains on the branch Farms and they in turn, will distribute the cockerels raised to the farmers. The final results in the farmer's flock oan mean only a higher average egg production.

Experiments in cotton front houses ar>e being continued, and among the new experiments are: Breeding, to determine how far the male and the female are respon- sible for stamina, vitality, fertility, production of egg and meat, colour of plumage, type, sex, etc.; incubator and fertility tests that cover numerous phases of the sub- jects; brooding to discover cause and remedy of mortality among chicks; confined runs versus free range to determine eifect on breeding stock and reproduction; feed- ing screenings from Port Arthur elevators to detennine their value for poultry; the shipping of eggs by parcel post versus express; the practicability pi shipping breed- ing eggs that are partially hatched, and from which J;he infertile eggs have been removed; ducks, Indian Rnimers for egg production and Pekins for market pur- poses; geese as a farm crop, best method of management, feeding and rearing turkeys; artificial versus natural methods; study oi Blackhead, etc.

TOBACCO DIVISION.

The experimental work of this Division, as distinguished from the supplying of information to the public through the medium of reports, bulletins, correspondence and samples, is conducted at the Central Farm, Ottawa, and at the Tobacco Stations at St. Jacques I'Achigan and Farnham, in Quebec, and Harrow in Ontario.

Results in 1913. central farm.

Fermentation. — The fermentation of the 1912 tobacco crop was finished by the end of May, 1913, on which date the packing was commenced. At the present time, the tobaccos are finishing the ripening process in the boxes.

Crop. — The seed sown germinated well and furnished an abundance of good material for transplanting early in June. The plantation specially devoted to the growing of tobacco for seed gave an abundant .yield.

Am-ong the new varieties trietl, certain Italian hybrids gave results w'hich encourage the hope that they may be used in the production of the yellow tobaccos in southern Ontario.

42 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915 FARNHAM, QUB.

Crop. — Sowing' was very successful and the seedlings were fit for transplantation late in May. This work was, howevei-, hindered by rainy weather and injuries by insects.

One cannot obtain at once, on land freshly broken from old meadow, tobacco of an elastic texture, but the yield in weight was satisfactory, except on one plot which could not be manured, and received only one application of artificial fertilizer.

The priucipal varieties grown were the Comstock Spanish, Havana Seed Leaf, Yamaska and Big Ohio X Sumatra. They gave tobacco of a fair quality with the exception of Big Ohio X Sumatra, the product of which was somewhat lacking in elasticity.

Improvements made. — Among the principal ones may be mentioned new fencing, the drainage of some 15 arpents of land, and the building of a dam to control the brook running across the Station.

HARROW.

Sowing. — This was, as a whole, successful and an abundance of good plants was obtained. The conclusions from the experimental work of the year may be summarized as follows: Sow early, replace the cotton covers by glass, sow thinly, renew the soil in the seed bed often, and disinfect it either by formalin or steam.

Brown rust of the seedlings was frequently noticed. Not only is the yield insufficient from attacked plants, but each time a diseased specimen is used in trans- planting, the evil is increased by spreading it over the whole field.

This disease was made the subject of communications to the press, giving the nature of the disease and the methods of fighting it. These methods will be proved by experiment.

Plantaiions.- — These suffered at first from drought. Eains later brought on, a normal growth when on August 3, a very violent hail storm destroyed all hope of a crop.

EXPERIMENTAL STATION FOR PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND.

Charlottetowx. P.E.I.

CHARACTER OF SEASON AND GENERAL CROP NOTES.

The winter of 1912-13 was exceptional in character. There was severe frost which eaatered the ground to a great depth owing to the long periods when the ground was bare. Snow lay on the ground very little more than one month, or from the middle of Febniaiy to the middle of March. Muoh injury was done by the sudden changes of March, which caused great freshets washing out huge trenches and gullies in unlooked-for places. The very warm weather of April brought the grass and trees forward about two weeks ahead of previous years. May was so cool that growth almost remained at a standstill. June was similar to May. The weather was favourable to the thorough working of the land and the transplanting of vegetables and flowers. The grasses and clovers thickened up in the bottom but made but little growth. Corn remained at a standstill. July was favourable for all crops, and during August a good hay crop was saved in splendid condition. There was good harvest weather in September. The rainfall of October was excessive and almost continuous. The warm, moist weather was ideal for the growth of the roots, but sprouted the late grain very badly, the greater part of which was not saved in good condition until the drying winds of November came. A light frost occurred Sep-

REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR 43

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

tember 30 which only touched plants on low lands. No frost occurred in October. The weather conditions favoured the lat.e annual and perennial flowers so that there was wonderful autumn bloom. The lawus remained green throughout November. The very heavy snowfaJls and severe frosts made the winter of 1913-14 one long to be remembered.

NEW AREAS.

The areas of land acquired just previous to the commencement of the fiscal year were cleared of unnecessary trees, fences and rubbish. New fences were con- structed around them and the posts painted.

BUILDINGS.

Two colony houses, a Simplex brooder house and a few small rearing buildings were added to the poultry plant. Some repair work was done, including the putting of a foundation under the kitchen of the Superintendent's residence.

CNDERDRAINAGE.

Thirty thousand feet of drain tile was purchased for the new areas, and tile was laid on most of the Conolly property before winter set in. The remainder will be laid early in the spring of 1914.

HORSES.

A team of draft mares was purchased locally in the fall for farm work. Tha six horses at the Station on IMarch 31, 1914, have been healthy throughout the year and are ready for the spring work.

BEES.

Two colonic of Italian bees were purchased locally. Five colonies of black bees were ordered for this section by the Dominion Entomologist from Bridgetown, N.S.. in the spring of 1913.

The bees from Bridgetown arrived in very bad condition, the hives and combs being broken and the bees killed so that the express company paid two-thirds of the first cost of the colonies. There was left of this shipment of black bees one fairly strong colony and two very weak ones. The weak ones were built up by transferring combs of brood from the Italian colonies. Italian queens were also introduced into those colonies.

The bees produced a good quantity of honey which was extracted. They refused to fill any comb sections. On November 7, 1913, thirty-one pounds of sugar syrup was fed to them. The five colonies came through the winter in good condition.

CO-OPERATIVE WORK.

Co-operative work was continued with cereals on a number of farms. The results of these and of the experimental plot work with cereals will be found in the detailed section of this report.

farmers' Picmcs and visitors.

Ninteen Farmers' Institutes came to the Farm during the summer. The lead- ing men of the province and many distinguished visitors added much to the educa- .tional value of these pleaisant picnics by giving instruction and d'olivering addressSCB that were appreciated by the farmers and their wives. The attendance increased

44 EXPERIMENTAL EARMS

' 5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

greatly over the previous year, reaching the 400 mark on August 21, when four Institutes arrived on the same day. The number of visitors recorded during the year was 6,906.

EXHIBITIONS AND SEED FAIRS.

The Station exhibits at the county fairs and the provincial exhibition were much larger than on previous years and attracted much favourable comment. A display was made at the first Annual Flower Show on August 28 and 29. This show proved to be a great success. It was held by the Floral Association of Prince EdAvard Island, and tJie interest in improving the residences and parks of the towais pnd thii homesteads in the coimtry is quite marked. The Superintendent judged at the fall exhibitions and the seed fairs held during the winter.

AGRICULTURAL MEETINGS.

The Superintendent gave addresses at the fall exhibitions and at the seed fairs and at as many institute meetings as time permitted. Many farmers were visited personally in different sections of the province, and farm work discussed.

Instruction was given in Field Husbandry to the students taking the Short Course in Agriculture held at Charlottetown during the first part of January, 1914, and at the several Short Courses in Household Science on the ' Improvement of the Farm Home.'

At the request of the different Boards of T'rade, the Superintendent gave illus- trated lectures in Charlottetown and Summerside on 'Landscape Gardening ' and the 'Improvement of . the Home Grounds.'

CONVENTIONS AND ASSOCIATIONS,

The Superintendent attended the various agricultural conventions and associa.- tion meetings in the province; the Nova Scotia Fruit Growers' Association at Kentville, JST.S., and the associations held in connection with the Maritime Winter Fair at Amherst, N.S.

DISTRIBUTION OF SEED POTATOES?- AND SALE OF SEED GRAIN.

Thirteen samples of potatoes were sent out in April; ten lots of Banner oats and three lots of barley were sold to farmers for seed purposes in the spring of 1913. A quantity of Banner oats has been registered with the Canadian Seed Growers' Association and sealed by their inspector and will be sold to the farmer3 in the spring of 1914.

REPORT OF TEE DIRECTOR

45

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

METEOROLOGICAL RECOBDS.

	Temperature Fahr.			Prectpitation.	_j
Months.	Maximum.	Minimum.	Rainfall.	Snowfall.	Total Pre.	Bright Sunshine.
	Date.	Degrees.	Date.	Degrees.	Days.	Ins.	Days.	Ins.
April. . ;	26 6 11 4 16 2 7 10 & 11 8 25 8 17	78f 68| 73 83^5 79^ 5 75 70 61 56 45 43 44	8 9 1 1 21 30 1 &31 29 16&17 21&23 22 21	17-5 285 335 44 43 39 33 18 7 - 6 -21 8	12 20 14 14 10 13 17 10 6 2 3 7	3- 09 29 127 401 2^89 3-98 771 165 211 •73 •08 346	5 1	7^75 1	386 3^ 127 401 2-89 398 7-71 209 3-76 3-93 3-63 494	148-8
May	195-6
June	255-5
July Aueust			222-2
		251 • 2
Seotember			182^3
			66-3
November	4 10 11 6	4.4 16-5 32 355	101-6
December	62-5
1914. January February	796 138-3
March	5; 14 85	128-5
Total Annual. .	128	33^88	42' 112 -00	45- 07	1,832-4
						1

Note. — One inch of rain is figured as equivalent to ten inches of snowfall.

EXPERBIENTAL FARM FOR NOVA SCOTIA.

Nappan. N.S.

THE SEASON.

During the winter of 1912-13, the snowfall was light, with no severe frosts in the latter part of the season. Over 2 inches of rain fell on March 27, doing con- siderable damage by washing, especially on the ploughed sidehills.

The weather in April was variable and broken, with a very warm wave from the 21st to the 26th. Seeding started on May 6 and was general by the 10th. It was retarded by wet, cold weather, frost being recorded on nine nights between the 1st and the 18th. Seed sown germinated very slowly.

June was cooler than usual and the rainfall was lighter. Seeding and plant- ing were fairly through by the 21st. Growth was slow until the latter part of the month. July was dull and wet, but growth was rapid. Haying was delayed but most of the clover hay was secured in good condition.

August was brighter and most of the grain was ready to cut by the end of the month. September was, on the whole, suitable for harvesting operations and the greater part of the early-sown grain was harvested without damage, but that sown late was unfit to cut until October and was greatly injured oy the frequent rains of that month.

November gave seasonable weather, but the heavy October rains had made the land so wet that the root harvest was carried on under great difficulties and plough- ing could not be done to any advantage. Cold winter weather set in on Decem- ber 27.

46 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

I 5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

NOTES ON THE WORK.

Live stoch. — The experiment of grading up the common cows of the district by the use of a pure- bred sire, commenced in 1911, was continued successfully tliis year and further data of interest gathered, though conclusive results cannot be expected for some time to come.

Up to date, all progeny give strong indications of being superior to the founda- tion stock.

The experiment in feeding steers was very successful, both in data gathered and profit made. The steers were divided into two main groups, on a basis of type, into good butchers and good stockers. These were eacii subdivided into heavy-fed and light-fed groups, each of which wan further subdivided into lots fed difEerent rations. Details of the experiment will be found in tne report of the Division of Animal Husbandry.

A sheep feeding experiment similar to that conducted in 1912-13 v/as carried on. Fifty-six grade wethers were purchased for the test. These were divided into four lots and fed on different rations. Lots 1 and 2 received clover hay and moal; lots 3 and 1 timothy hay and meal; lots 1 and 3 also received roots in addition to the meal ration. The average net profit per liead in each lot was : Lot 1, $2.51 ; lot 2, $2.53 ; lot 3, $2.26 ; and lot 4, $1.95.

Owing to tliC limited accommodation for swine, little work was done in experi- mental feeding. New colony houses vv'ere built and all swine were wintered in them. While they took just a little more attention and feed v/hen wintered in this way, their healthy condition more than compensated for it.

A new flock of pure-bred Shropshire sheep has been established. These animals are more typical of the breed than were the former flock. The Leicester flock formerly at this Farm was transferred to the Experimental Station, Charlotte- town, P.E.I.

A number of new colony houses for poultry were built. These are of different styles in order to study the relative suitability to the district. Three breeds of fowl are now kept, Barred Rock, White Wyandotte and White Leghorn.

Cereals, Corn for Ensilage and Roots: — In cereals, twelve varieties of wheat ranged from 24 bushels to 42 bushels per acre. Twelve varieties of oats ran from 48 bushels 8 pounds to 61 bushels 26 pounds; six varieties of two-row barley from 33 bushels 16 pounds to 50 bushels and six varieties of six-row barley from 29 bushels 3 pounds to 45 bushels 40 pounds.

The buckwheat plots did not do as well as they might, owing to the presence of couch grass. Five varieties were sown with yields from 32 bushels 24 pounds to 44 bushels 8 poundr.

Peas were very late and the returns, owing to the injury from heavy rains, were not worth reporting.

Five varieties of ensilage corn ranged in yield from 12 tons 1,500 pounds to 16 tons 700 pounds per acre.

Sugar beets did fairly well, the three varieties tested yielding from 13 tons 1,000 pounds to 13 tons 1,500 pounds. Twelve varieties of turnips gave yields of from 30 tons 1,000 pounds to 42 tons 1,000 pounds per acre; eleven sorts of mangels from 16 tons 500 pounds to 32 tons 1,200 potmds; six varieties of carrots from 16 tons 1,000 pounds to 23 tons 1,000 pounds. Twenty varieties of potatoes gave from 173 bushels 20 pounds to 556 bushels 40 pounds.

Fruits amd veg&tahl&s. — The apple crop was hardly up to the average, and scab was much in evidence. On the Farm, the small commercial orchard made very vigorous growth during the season, and some of the early varieties, such as Duchess and Wealthy, produced some fruit.

The season was not favourable to bush fruits, the yield was only medium and the growth fair. Strawberries were below the average in yield owing to the previous

REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR

47

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

wet autumn preveutiug their being properly cleaned out. There was also some winter-killing.

The vegetable garden was placed in a piece of ground naturally wet, which, with the heavy rains and the fact that the drains became plugged up with tree rooLS.. kept the ground very heavy throughout the season.

Both annual and perennial flowers did exceptionally well.

An exhibit of farm produce was made at Halifax, September 2 to 12, and also a honey exhibit at the Maritime Winter Fair.

During the year, the Superintendent gave a number of addresses at various points throughout the province.

The number of visitors during the year was about 1,369.

Meteorological Eecords, Nappan, N.S.

Month.	TBJ-rPER.ATURE	F.	PREaPIT.-VTION.	Totiil ^ Sunshine.
Mean.	Highest.	Lowest.	Rainfall.	Snowfall .	Total.
1913. April	40-03 47-75 54-56 02-33 61-00 54-59 55-28 38-09 27-50 13-5 7-5 30-17	o 71 67 74 82 80 78 72 65 55 46 42 46	o 14 26 31 41 33 31 28 10 0 19 27 8	Inches. 301 2-38 1-97 4-98 3-76 2-70 7-83 1-63 2-65 1-SO -••^0 1-93	Inches. 4-5	Inches. 3-46 2-38 1-97 4-98 3-76 2-70 7-83 2-03 4 25 300 2-60 2- 13	Hours. 132-70
May	169-15
June ..••		265-90
July		226-05
August		238- 10
Seotember		165-95
OctoV>f*r		71-30
November	4-0 160 12 23 2	115-45
December	80-20
1914. January	92-40
February	138-50
March	107-85

EXPERIMENTAL STATION FOR THE ANNAPOLIS VALLEY,

Kentville, N.S.

the season.

April, on the average, was about 3 degrees higher in temperature than the average of previous seasons, and May on the other hand averaged 3 degrees lower than previous seasons. The result was that apples started to leaf out toward the latter part of April, but made little growth until the latter part of May. This gave an excellent opportunity for apple scab to obtain a start on the partially-opened leaves. Where the trees were not sprayed early to protect the partially-grown foliage, scab developed rapidly, and from this infection a great loss resulted to the growers from spotted fruit and destroyed foliage. The following months to October were, on the average, 1 degree in temperature lower than the average of previous

48

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

: 5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

yeaiPS. October was abnormally high in teani>eratiLre and the average was nine degrees above that of former seasons. November and December were seasonable months. January during the first two weeks was very cold, the thermometer regis- tering to 5 degrees below zero. This was followed by a warm spell and the ground completely thawed out. From the 10th to the last of February the coldest weather ever experienced in the valley is reported, the temperature going below zero on eight different days and falling to as low as 17 degrees below zero. There was little snow on the ground, and the frost entered to a great depth. High winds accompanied the cold, and cellars supposed to be frost proof were penetrated.

The rainfall was light during June and August, and crops suffered, the potato crop especially being much reduced in yield. October was an unusually wet month and rain is recorded on twenty days with a total of 9-60 inches, or about 20 per cent greater than the average. This, with the warm weather, favoured the forage crops; roots especially made good growth during the month. The first fall frost of 1 degree was recorded on October 1. The only other frost recorded for the month was on the 23rd, when the temperature fell to 32 degrees. During the first week in November, frost occurred every night and 11 and 10 degrees were recorded on the 3rd. and 4th respectively.

There was a short period of sleighing during Christmas week, and fair sleigh- ing from the 19th to the 24th of January; again from the 15th to the end of Febru- ary, and for a week in March. Brooks and streams thawed out early in March, but the weather remained cold and dull for the most part.

Meteorological Records.

Month.	Temperature	F.	Precipitation.	Totil
Mean.	Highest.	Lowest.	Rainfall.	Snowfall.	Total.	Sunshine,
1913. Anril	o 41-9	o 77	0 19	Inches. 4-29	Inches.	Inches. 4-29	Hours. 137-1
	46-2	70 1	27	317		3-17	178-2
	56-7	78	33	1-23		1-23	270-1
Tiilv	65-4	87	44	3-72		3-72	252- 1
	63-3	86	36	1-70		1-70	238-4
Rf^'ntpTTi Vipr	54-3	84	35	2-55		2-55	156-6
	56-5	74	31	9-60		9-60	57-8
N^nvpTn V>pr	38-4	65	21	1-97		1-97	111 5
December	23-44	55	6	3- 02	13-75	4-39	74-65
1914. Januarv	19 68	53	5 below	1-18	16-25	2-80	91-6
Februarv	14-19	43	17 below	-79	18	2-59	118-7
March	30-72	50	11	313	6	3-73	118-2
Total for vear				36-35	54- 00	41-74	1,801-95

REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR 49

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

CROPS GROWN.

Thirteen acres were planted to potatoes. Nine acres were sown besides the experimental plots, but the yield per acre was only 117i bushels, the light crop being due to the dry weather and the poor land on which they were grown. Ten acres of corn planted gave 82 tons of ensilage for the silo. It was fairly well matured when cut. Ten acres of oats averaged 38-6 bushels per acre. Other than the turnip test plots there were 4 acres in turnips which yielded 2,362 bushels. One-half of -these were grown on a piece of land that had been cleared of green stumps the previous season, and commercial fertilizers only were used. The soil was very poor and light.

The hay crop was small owing to the area in grass being limited, consisting of 8 acres of dyke land and 3 acres in the ravine south of the ma'in road; 23 tons were harvested. Fifteen acres were sown to buckwheat and ploughed under on the newly-broken land.

FRUITS PLANTED.

Two trees each of 314 varieties of apples, pears, cherries, peaches, plums, quinces and apricots were planted. In addition to this, several larger experimental blocks were set to apples, plums, cherries and pears, making a total of 1,590 trees planted, consisting of 800 apple, 336 plum, 16 pear, 134 cherry, 75 peach, 10 apricot and 10 quince. There are 33 acres now planted with young fruit trees. Thirty- one varieties of grapes, nine of gooseberries, thirty of currants, sixteen of black- berries, eight of raspberries, ten of strawberries, making a total of 1,972 plants of small fruits, were set. The fruits have, with a few exceptions, made good growth.

LAWNS AND PLANTING OF SHRUBS AND TREES.

About five acres around the buildings at the front of the farm are too rough and broken to be of any value except for ornamental purj^oses; accordingly this has been graded and planted in part with shrubs and trees. This area is veiy poor and owing to the dry season the grass made a very feeble start, but gained some- what at the end of the season with the favourable fall rains. The shrubs and- trees have done well with the exception of the evergreens which were largely a failure and which it will be necessary to replant. An avenue of sugar maples planted along the principal road through the centre of the farm has made an excellent growth; a grass plot 10 feet wide has been left at each side of the road.

ROADS.

The roads have been greatly improved by grading where necessary and new roads have been constructed to the back of the farm. An approach was made to the ravine half-way toward the south end. This was difficult to construct owing to the abrupt character of the bank and to the fact that the sandstone lies near the surface, which made it necessary to do considerable blasting with dynamite.

FENCING.

Nearly 2i miles of fence were constructed around the farm. Cedar posts were set a rod apart and wire was used. The east fence was particularly difficult to construct owing to the rough nature of the land along the upper edge of the ravine, and also because of rock near the surface, which had to be blasted.

16^

50 EXPERIMEN'TAL FARMS

^ ' 5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

CLEARING LAND.

In addition to freeing land, already broken, of roots and stone, 17 acres in green stumps were cleared and ploughed. This land for the most part is covered with hardwood stumps and large hemlock and spruce stumps. The hardwood has made a thick sprout growth which keeps the root^ green and renders the task of clearing doubly difficult. It is necessary to use considerable dynamite, and hand stumping machines are also employed. An eSort was made to have the work, or part of it at least, done by contract, but no one could be got to undertake it. The large-size Manitoba brush breaker is used to plough the land, and three pair of oxen are necessary to break the thick network of roots. One 10-acre area cost $218.75 per acre. The other seven acres cost $282.40 per acre.

Ten acres were brushed over during the summer at a cost of $20 per acre. This will be burned over next spring and it is thought that by cutting in the summer and burning it about the middle of June, the stumps vpill not make sprout growth and will rot rather than remain alive as at present on the acres being cleared.

DYKING.

Dykes to the extent of 2,525 feet were constructed around the marsh area during the summer. It is proposed to put the 8 acres enclosed by this dyke into good shape next season by draining and ploughing.

OVERFLOW WATER.

Since the areas at the rear have been cleared up, trouble is caused in the spring and after much rain by the heavy flow of water from the fields which damages the crops and carries the top soil from the upper to the lower areas. Three hundred feet of 15-inch drain was put in at one point to carry off this water, and much time has been spent in constructing surface stone drains and catch basins. It is hoped that these may in part overcome this trouble.

APIARY.

An apiary has been started and four colonies of black bees were carried over the winter.

BUILDINGS CONSTRUCTED.

An ice-house 16 by 20 feet was put up during the summer. Seven poultry colony houses 8 by 12 feet each were also built. A building 8 by 12 feet was erected near the apiary for apiary supplies and a workroom.

STOCK.

In addition to the six working horses and one driver, three pair of oxen are kept during the summer for breaking land. The ox teams are better than hor^eJ for this work as they are much more steady on the uneven ground. Eleven Short- horn cows and one bull were purchased; four have given heifer calves and one a bull calf. This stock is all in excellent condition. Eighteen steers were bought in jSTovember at a cost of 5|- cents per pound, live weight, and were sold the last of March at 7^ cents per pound live weight. They weighed at the start 18,905 pounds, and, when sold, 22,910 pounds, a total gain of 4,005 pounds.

REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR 51

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

EXPERIMENTAL ORCHARDS.

Experimental orchard -work has been conducted at Falmouth, Hants county; Berwick, Kings county; and Bridgetown, Annapolis county. ^ The object is to deter- mine what materials are best for the control of orcliard insects and diseases, and the most profitable for the fruit grower. The time and method of application and problems relating to cultivation and fertilization are being studied at these stations. The work of Berwick and Falmouth has, during the past sea-on, been in the charge of Mr. J. M. Robinson. B.S.A., assistant at the Kentville Station, and at Bridgetown, Mr. M. B. Davis, B.S.A. has had charge. The work so far proves conclusively that even in seasons favourable for scab development, such as the one just past, thorough applications in season of lime sulphur or Bordeaux will give practically clean fruit. Experiments in thinning of fruit have also been conducted and much data of value secured.

FERTILIZER EXPERIMENTS.

A series of fertilizer experiments combining orchard trees and agricultural crops between the trees in the young orchards was started. The crop during the past season was potatoes, which will be followed with grain seeded to clover.

EXPERIMENTS IN GREENHOL'SE.

The greenhouse was used during the winter to conduct soil tests with various fertilizers, and tomatoes, lettuce and spinach were the principal crops grown.

CEREAL PLOTS.

Two plots, each of one-quarter acre, of Daubeney and Banner oats, Canadian Thorpe and Maiichurian barley, Red Fife and Marquis wheat were sown. These made fair growth, but the ground came up thick Math buckwheat from a crop turned down late the fail previous, and, as a result, the returns were not of a reliable nature. One bushel of each of these has been hand-picked for seeding in the spring.

FLOWERS AND VEGETABLES.

Tests were made of fifty varieties of potatoes, and 200 varieties of vegetables. All of the principal annual flowering plants were grown in many varieties, and seeds of fifty-five perennial flowering plants were started in shaded frames and will be per- manently set in the perennial border next spring.

MEETINGS ATTENDED.

Addresses were given by the Superintendent at a series of meetings in Kings and Annapolis counties early in April, 1913, and in February and March, 1914. On August 27 and 28, lawns and flowers were judged for the Prince Edward Island Floral Exhibition, Charlottetown, P.E.I. Fruit was judged at the Nova Scotia Provincial Exhibition, Halifax, N.S., September 3 and 4; Hants, Kings and Anna- polis Exhibition, Windsor, N.S., October 8 and 9; Cumberland County Exhibition, Parrsboro, N.S., October 16; and Maritime Winter Fair, December 9.

Meetings of the Nova Scotia Fruit Growers, Kentville, N.S., January 20 and 25; Maritime Winter Fair, Amherst, N.S., December 10; Nova Scotia Farmers' Association, Bridgewater, January 29; Dartmouth Agricultural Society, February 13, were also addressed. A series of five lectures in fruit culture was delivered to the students in attendance at the Nova Scotia Agricultural College, Truro, N.S., during February and March.

16-4^

52 . EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

The New England apple show, Boston, was attended November 14, and also the meetings of the American Pomological Society and Society for the Promotion of Horticultural Science, November 15 to 20.

The Assistant, Mr. Robinson, also addressed a series of meetings in Kings and Annapolis counties during March and April.

EXPERIMENTAL STATION FOR NEW BRUNSWICK.

Fredericton, N.B.

This Station, the establishment of which in October, 1912, was noted in the report for that year, has been developed during 1913, until now there are good barns built, and good progress has been made in clearing land, fencing and draining. As there was only a comparatively small portion of the area of the station land cleared and most of this cleared land was so weedy as to be unfit for research work, but little experimental work was undertaken this year.

The weather conditions were somewhat abnormal during the season. Follow- ing a winter milder and with much less snow than the average, April was cool with a very few warm days. May was both wet and cold, and June was also wet. As much of the land was very wet naturally, this weather made it almost impossible to get any crop in the ground early. On the sod ground where it was desired to put grain, no ploughing could be done till the first of June. Rain continued until July 15, and there was but little warmth. From the 15th July till the 1st October sufficient rain fell to keep all crops growing well, but the weather might be classed as dry. Through October, the total precipitation showed 7-4 inches for the month, while 4-8 inches is the average for the last thirty-nine years. The wet weather was so continuous as seriously to interfere with all harvesting operations, and a gTreat deal of late grain throughout the southern part of the province was spoiled, as well as serious damage done to the potato crop.

There was a good deal of frost through May, and on the 23rd June there was quite a heavy frost on the lower-lying parts of the farm. The first frost again noticed on the farm was on the 16th September, which just touched some tender plants, and there was no more till the 28th September, when most of the potatoes were blackened and the upper part of the corn plants whitened. There was no further frost till the 21st October, and there were only three days on which tlie sun shone in that period. The balance of the month was much brighter, though the precipitation in the ten days was 2-25 inches. There was 4 degrees of frost on the 31st, 10 degrees on the 1st November, and 17 degrees frost on the 2nd. This cold spell froze a great many potatoes in the fields and in transit.

Throughout November the weather was delightfully mild and bright, the rain- fall for that month only totalling 1-14 inches.

REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR

53

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

KixoRD OF Tempeuatuke, Precipitation and Sunshine at Fredericton for the year

1913.

April

May

June

July

August

September.

October

November. December.

January. . . February. March

Total.

Months.

1913.

1914.

Temper.^tures.

Highest.

Lowest.

83	15
83	27
83	34
91	47
87	36
85	29
76	26
62	4
47	-13
51	-11
38	-20
60	-9

Mean.

42 47 58 64 63 55 53 36 24

22 12 30

Precipita- tation.

Inches.

2-2 40 10 51 4-0 2-1 7-4 1-5 2-7

41 2-9 60

43-9

Hours of

Bright

Sunshine.

160 181 2.57 213 244 192 57 107 112

81 123 124

1,851

BUILDINGS.

Two houses already on the place were repaired. One was fitted up for the use of the Superintendent until a residence can be built, and one for the foreman. A herdsman's house was also erected, a well drilled for water supply, and a house built over it, and pumping machinery, a pneumatic tank and air compressor installed. The various houses and barns were connected with the tank by service pipes.

A main cattle bam 50 by 100 feet, a dairy barn connected to it, 41 by 102 feet, together to house 100 head of cattle, a horse barn 30 by 90 feet, and a dairy building with cold storage attached, were erected, the cattle barn being occupied^ in January and the other buildings at the end of the fiscal year.

FENCING AND DRAINING.

Between 2 and 3 miles of woven wire fencinr was erected, and 17 acres of land tile drained as well as over half a mile of heavy open ditch dug.

CLEARING LAND.

One hundred and fifty acres were cut over, wood removed, brush burned, small bushes cut and approximately 50 acres stumped and ploughed.

ROADMAKING.

Four thousand and thirty feet of farm road was constructed with stone founda- tion and gravel surface through the centre of the farm, connecting the highway on the river bank with Doak station on the Canadian Pacific railway, and the high-

54 EXPERUIEXTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v.. A. 1915

way across the front of the station land was turnpiked, stone-filled in places and all gravelled. A half mile of road ditch was dug along the Wilsey road where it passes through the Station.

LIVE STOCK.

Seven draught mares, two draught geldings ranging in weight from 1,530 to 1,900 pounds, and one driving mare were purchased, making with the four grade Clyde mares alr€;ady on the farm, six two-horse teams and one horse for single farm work. Eight mares were bred, but only four have proved pregnant.

Two grade cows were purchased and their milk sold to families of officers and men working on the Station.

During the winter thirty-nine cattle were bought for feeding. Feeders were very high at time of purchase and the quality of those available very poor. They will be carried along for the early summer market.

POULTRY.

Three small flocks of Rhode Island Reds, Barred Plymouth Rocks and White Wyandottes were started. Ninety-four chickens were raised and the best kept to make up three laying flocks which were wintered in colony houses. Preparatioiis were made to conduct poultry work on a more extensive scale in 1914.

CROPS,

Six and one-seventh acres of potatoes, twelve and a half acres of Indian corn and five acres of turnips comprised the field hoed crops. As the drier land on the farm was so full of mustard, only one and a quarter acres of oats were sown there. To pull the mustard from this cost $36. The yield was 60 bushels. Some oats and barley sown late on very wet land were a failure.

HORTICULTURE.

One and one-third acres of land were devoted to garden vegetables and flowers, etc., and twelve thousand shrubs, seedling trees, etc., were set in a nursery for future ornamental trees.

Tests were made of varieties of vegetables as to yield and characteristics and distance apart for thinning beets, carrots, etc.

POTATOES.

A variety test of 154 samples was made in rows of 66 hills •each. Yields varied from 13 bushels per acre to 631 bushels, over forty varieties yielding at the rate of 400 bushels or over per acre.

Eighteen fertilizer plots to test different chemicals and combinations of chemi- cals were planted with potatoes. The average yield for the six and one-seventh acres, including plots where no fertilizer was used, was 288 bushels and 51 pounds per acre. The commercial plot of If acres yielded at the rate of 337 bushels and 25 pounds per acre.

Fifty-five pound samples of seed .potatoes of Irish Cobbler, Green Mountain, Delaware and Carman varieties, were distributed to applicants in Xew Brunswick.

REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR 55

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

MEETINGS AND ADDRESSES.

The sessions of the Annual Meeting of the Farmers' and Dairymen's Associa- tion at Fredcricton were attended by the Superintendent and an address given by him on the growing of Indian Com for Silage, and the comparative results in food value from the crops of Indian corn and turnips per acre as grown at the Station.

Ten horses and four cattle were also furnished for the judging classes in con- nection with the same meeting.

Lectures on live stock feeding and the agricultural capabilities of New Bruns- wick were given before the Short Course students at the Agricultural School at Woodstock in March.

EXPERIMENTAL STATION FOR EASTERN QUEBEC.

St. Anne de La Pocatiere, Que.

character of season.

With the exception of 1912, the season of 1913 was probably the most unfavour- able for lield work and yield of crops experienced for many years.

The snowfall during the winter of 1912-13 was very light, biit there was an exceptional amount of rain, and the soil was covered all winter with a heavy coat of ice. This damaged grass land very much, and the clover meadows were com- pletely destroyed.

The ice and snow were practically all gone by March 22. April, though bright, was windy and cold. It was the driest month of the season, and at its close the soil was powdery on the surface while the subsoil was still frozen.

May opened warm and dry, but became colder on the 7th, continuing cold and rainy to the end of the month. This was very unfavourable to growth.

Temi>eratures in June were variable and there were frequent light rain.s. July was rainy and cool, most unfavourable weather for haying, which was in conse- quence delayed in this district until August, with the exception of the hay crop on the Experimental Station, which was saved in July.

August and September gave the best growing weather of the year and the grain crops were harvested in excellent condition.

October was rainy and cold. During the month, much of the grain in this dis- trict, which had been sown in June, was harvested. In a section like eastern Quebec, where the growing season is so short and the weather so uncertain, more attention to fall cultivation is very desirable. It would avoid, to a great extent, the late harvesting of the crops and would double the chance of profitable returns.

Fall work on the land was possible up to November 20. The first snow fell on December 7. January and February were marked by extremely cold weather and frequent snowfalls, though none of them was heavy. March was a cold month, although no extremely low temperatures were registered. The snow and ice dis- appeared during the last days of the month.

It might be stated that the snowfall in those parts of the counties of L'Islet and Kamouraska bordering on the river and surrounding the Experimental Station is lighter than in other sections in the same latitude. This is probably caused by the low altitude and the proximity of the St. Lawrence.

ENLARGEMENT OF THE STATION.

One hundred and twenty-five arpents of land were added to the Station in the fall of 1913.

56

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

LINES OF WORK.

Twelve head of Ayrshires were sent to the Station from the Central Experi- mental Farm at Ottawa. These will form the nucleus of a herd.

A boar and two sows of the Yorkshire breed were received from the Experi- mental Station, Cap Rouge, Que. These will serve as foundation breeding stock and it is hoped to give the work with swine a prominent place in the programme of the Station.

Six colonies of bees were purchased to start an apiary. The results of the season, both in honey and in new colonies, were excellent. The district around Ste. Anne de la Pocatiere should prove suitable for apiculture, and the demand for honey is good, although few farmers keep bees. It is hoped to enlarge the scope of this work, taking up both the commercial and the experimental sides of bee- keeping.

Poultry work will be commenced as soon as the poultry buildings can be erected.

IMPROVEMENTS MADE.

This work has taken up most of the time and attention during the year.

Over nine thousand feet of drain tile have been laid. This drainage work has already proved its utility and value. Larger drains have been laid from the barn yards and mains to carry off the water from the laterals.

Some one thousand loads of stone have been gathered from the fields and most of it used in the construction of foundations of the farm buildings.

NEW BUILDINGS.

A cow barn and a horse barn have been built during the year. These have been erected and fitted up in the most modern way, pleasing appearance being united as far as possible to convenience of interior arrangement, ventilation, light, ease of access and economy of construction.

Meteorological Eecords.

		Temp'skatuhe F.		Precipitation.
Months.									Snn^iliiiip
	Date.	Maxi- mum.	Date.	Mini- mum.	Mean.	Rain.	Snow.	Total.
		o		o	o	Inches.	Inches.	Inches.	Houirs.
1913. April	25 6 27 1 16 7 8 8 9	82-2 87-8 82^2 83-2 81^2 81^8 75-4 63^2 32-2	8 7 22 30 25 13 31 27 31	8-6 220 33-8 440 39-2 332 24-2 3-8 -20 0	39-4 492 57-9 63^4 62^4 54-3 47-5 36-5 17^2	•12 2^G9 1^53 3-64 1^34 2^81 342 •77 •13	6	•72 2-69 1^53 3-64 134 2-91 3-42 ■77 113	200-6
Mftv	1S7-7
		241-5
Tiilv		226-8
		246 • 8
September		199-8
	80-2
November December		89-9
10	66-8
1914.
Januarv	28 28 17	38^4 36-2 470	13 11 12	-30-6 -32-6 - 30	12-9 5-9 24^4	•30	19 13 12	2^10 1-.30 1^28	92-2
'FpHnmrv	104-3
March	•08	139-8
Total						16 83	60	22-83	1.876-4

REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR 67

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

EXPEEIMi::N^TAL STATION FOR CENTRAL QUEBEC.

Cap Rouge, Que.

character of season.

For the farmer of central Quebec, 1913 was a very good year. The spring wa3 exceedingly early and the only drawback was the drought which lasted throughout August. Those who sowed early, cultivated their hoed crops well, and attended to their work in time, did not suffer materially from this dry period.

Hay. — The mild winter of 1912-13 left bare many meadows and pastures," and there was not much clover. Still, the crop of hay was a fair one, due to the splendid growing weather of June. At the Station, it averaged over two tons per acre.

Grain. — The crop of grain was the heaviest seen in central Quebec for years. There was just enough precipitation to hasten germination, also to force vegetation, and all which was sown before May 15 escaped the bad effects of the drought of August. At the Station, oats for the trial plots were put in on the last two dtiya of April; the main crop averaged over 78 bushels per'acre.

Coi^n. — The drought of August was detrimental to Indian corn, and a rather early frost, on the night of September ]4, cut down the yield in tons.

Roots: — Though momentarily stopped by the dry weather of August, roots recuperated under the beneficial effects of the cool nights of September and Oct' her.

Fruit. — Tlie temperature was just right for fruit, with the exception of a fr. st during the middle of May. This hurt the early flowering trees.

Vegetables. — The season was as good as could be wished for. Vegetables and peppers, as well as egg plants, matured their fruit for the first time at this Station. A lot of tomato seed was saved, which shows that temperatures were favourable.

Flowers. — There was enough heat and precipitation, at the right time, for flowers.

LIVE STOCK.

All the live stock did well during the year.

Horses. — There are now seventeen horses at the Station : twelve French Canadians — nine mares, two yearling fillies, one colt; two teams of from 2,60O to 2,900 pounds weight, and a driver of about 1,000 pounds.

Experiment — Winterijig a horse at low cost. — This experiment was continued for the third year.

Cost of raising horses. — Very few people have an idea of what it costs to raise a horse until he is fit to work or to sell. To throw light on this subject, it is intended to weigh the feed given to young animals. A colt dropped on May 31, 1913, l.ad eaten food amounting to $27.51 by April 1, 1914. On the latter date, when he was ten months old, he weighed 735 pounds. The average weight of the sire and dam of this weanling is about 1,075 pounds.

Dairy cattle. — The herd now comprises fifty-three head of pure-bred and grade French Canadians. There are one aged and three yearling bulls, twenty-seven cows, nine yearling heifers and thirteen calves. Out of this number, there are sixteen grade cows and heifers. These grades are kept to see if a profitable herd can be developed from them by using pure-bred bulls as sires. The profits given by eighteen cows which completed a lactation period during the year, were from $107.10 dowa to $24.22, neglecting the labour item.

58

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

Sheep. — There are on the Station, one ram, sLs breeding ewes, and eight ewe lambs, all pure-bred Leicesters. The flock is small, but the individuals very good, having character and weight. No experiment has been started yet on account of lack of accommodation. Twelve fine lambs were raised from six ewes, four rams bringing over $40 each at the public sale held during October at Quebec.

Swine. — There are only three pure-bred Yorkshire sows. The piggery waa used for horses during the erection of a new barn and there was no room for hcgf. A boar bred at this Station made the highest price at the auction sale of the Pro- vincial Government, at Quebec, in the fall of 1913.

Poultry. — A small beginning has been made in poultry keeping.

Bees. — Ten colonies were bought on June 20, a little too late for best results. The average production of honey was 31-9 pounds, and eleven colonies were put, on November 10, in a cellar especially fixed for them."

FIELD HUSBANDRY.

Yield of crops under field conditions. — The following table shows that, in 1913, swedes gave by far the most digestible dry matter per acre.

Kind of crop.	Variety.	Yield.	Digestible dry matter per acre.
Swedes	Good Luck	39,290 1b. or 654 bush. 50 1b. 14,524 1b. or 7 tons 524 1b. 26, 699 lb. or 444 bush. 59 lb 4,118 1b. or 2 tons 118 1b. 2,6591b. or 78 bush. 71b	3,654 1b. 2 367 lb
Corn	Longfellow
Carrots	White Belgian	2,3501b. 1 919 lb
Hay	Timothy and clover Banner
Oats	1,723 1b.

Cost of production of crops. — The exact cost of production was kept for 18 acres of swedes, oats and hay, with the following results : —

Kind of Crop.	Cost of 1 ton.	Cost of 1 busheL	Cost of 100 pounds digest- ible dry matter.
Swedes	$1-94		$1-04
Oats	$0-31	1-40
Hay (timothy and clo- ver)	3-86	•41

As the crop of clover was an exceedingly large one, it is probable that, for an average number of years, the cost to produce 100 pounds dig'estible dry matter in hay would be much higher than it was this year.

Rotations. — One 3, one 4 and one 6-year rotation have been compared for profit since 1911 inclusive. It is yet too early to give definite results, but the following table shows that it is advantageous to rotat*^, crops: —

	3-year rotation.	4-year rotation.	6-year rotation.
'	$28-03 16-80	S23 14 12-67	S22-51
	15 -.58
Increase in 3 veRrs	$11-26 67	$10-47 83	$6-93
Percentage of increase	31

REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR 59

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Bates of seeding com for silage. — ^All the com grown for silage for three years has been weighed, and the following figures are interesting: —

In hills 42 inches in every direction. 5 tons 1,364 pounds per acre

VARrETY TESTS.

The trial plots are now permanently located on a piece of uniform soil where a three-year rotation is used : Roots and Indian com for the Agrostologist, grain for the Cerealist, and hay for the experiment with different quantities of seed and to find the best nurse crop.

Roots. — Fourteen varieties of turnips (swedes), eleven of mangels, three of sugar beets, and six of carrots were tried on duplicate plots of one-fiftieth acre each. There were two check rows at the ends and also between each kind of root, so that no variety had more room or light than any other one.

Indian corn. — -The three best yielding varieties for silage were, this year: Ninety Day, Salzer's jSTorth Dakota, and White Cap Yellow Dent.

Cereals. — Fourteen varieties of spring wheat, four of 2-row barley, seven of 6-row barley, ten of oats, and six of pea? were sown on one-sixtieth acre plots.

Vegetables. — Three hundred and sixty-four varieties of vegetables were tested in 1913.

S^cd groiving. — ^We have grown seed from many varieties of beans, corn, cucumber, lettuce, musk melon, peas, pt'ppers, radish, squash, tomatoes, water melon, and there seems to be no reason why we cannot grow seed of nearly all the vegetables used in this district.

Ornamental gardening. — Twenty-five varieties of conifers, 109 of deciduous trees and shrubs, 47 of roses, and over GOO of perennials, annuals and bulbs were grown in 1913, and notes were taken of each variety. We distributed over 1,400 packages of seed and as many plants of perennials. At Quebec Exhibition, we made a display of flowers and were awarded a diploma and gold medal for same.

IMPROVEilENTS.

dealing of land. — About 15 acres were stumped and ploughed during 1913 ready to i)ut under crop in 1914.

Drainage. — Over 32,000 feet or more than 6 miles in length, of tiles were laid ill 1913. iSTothing smaller thar. 3-inch is used, as it has been found that the 2-inch will clog very easily. The ditching machine was used, and with a careful man to run it better work can be done with it than by hand.

Horse ham. — What is probably the best horse barn in Eastern Canada was built during the autumn and eSrly winter. It is 102 feet by 32 feet with an L 26 feet by 20 feet. The foundations and floor are concrete, it has a plank frame, and the roof is metal. There are sixteen tie and eight box-stalls, with different floorings of clay, cork, brick, wood and concrete to see which suits our conditions best. The system of ventilation is the Rutherford. Hay is brought down tu each mangei" in chutes, whilst bedding comes through the ventilating shafts. There are twenty- eight windows, and those of the ground floor are placed at 7 feet, so that whilst the stable is very well lighted, there is no direct glare to hurt the horses' eyes. A hay fork serves to bring in the hay. and a carrier to take out manure. There is a grod harness room, a feed room, and a granary above these.

With nine paddocks of from one to one and a half acres each having a neat, well-painted shed, and a stud of the best French Canadian mares which could be

60

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

bought, we have what may be considered one of the beat horse-breeding plants in Quebec.

Some Weather Observations taken at Cap Rouge Experimental Station, 1913-1914.

	Temperature	F.		Pbecipitation.		Total Sunshine.
	Mean.	Highest.	Lowest.	Rainfall.	Snowfall.	Total.	Heaviest in 24 hrs.
1913. April	0 39-35 48-95 57-30 65-19 61-58 56-60 48-96 33-42 21-23 707 •84 23-70	o 83 85 84 88 83 82 73 61 37 43 33 45	o 15-2 25-2 36-2 45-2 40-2 28-2 24-2 13-2 - 11 -24-8 -30-7 - 2-1	Inches. 214 3-27 2-53 5-36 1-97 4-01 411 1-75 -40 •03	Inches. 1-2	Inches. 2^26 3-27 2-53 5-36 1-97 4-01 4-11 2-01 3-35 3-43 3-26 2-98	Inches. •83 105 •68 r22 •58 1^95 ■81 •88 •80 •60 •80 •70	Hours. 199^8
May	207^4
June		233-7
July ....		215-4
		230 • 7
September Ootoher . .		209^3
	76-3
November December 1914. January	2-6 29-5 34-0 326 263	6M 434 57^5
February	106^1
March	•35	125 4
Tntjil for vear	25 92 33 18 21-25 24-77	126^2 131-2	38-54 46-30 21-25 24^77		1,766^1
Average for two y<	^ars			1,5937
IS, May to ars for six {	October. .			1,172^8
Average of two ye to October . .	growing mc	mths, May			1, 059^8

EXPERIMENTAL FARM FOR MANITOBA.

Brandon, Man.

weather conditions.

Th« spring of 1913 opened up with favourable weather. Winter had continued late, but when warm weather came, the change was rapid. Seeding began on April 16. On the higher parts of the Farm, conditions for seeding were ideal, and it was finished early. About two hundred acres of the land along the Assiniboine river were flooded for most of the month of May, and, as a result, seeding was late and crops unsatisfactory.

The weather was very dry for the growing part of the season, the total rainfall up to the end of July being only 5^53 inches. This affected the crops on the unflooded land and prevented yields from being as heavy as are expected in a normal season.

August was a month of moderate rainfall. The autumn months were dry and the winter snowfall was light. The total precipitation for the year was less than 13 inches.

TESTS OF cereals.

Duplicate plots were used in the testing of varieties of grain this year, in order that the possibility of error might be lessened. Four named varieties of wheat were tested and also ten new varieties produced by the Dominion Cerealist, and known by numbers only, were given a trial. Marquis as usual gave the best results; Red Fife also showed its value for Manitoba. None of the new varieties was at all

REPORT OF TEE DIRECTOR 61

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

a serious couteuder against these two. Of the seveutoeii varieties of oats tested this year, Banner was found to be the most satisfactory for general use. Ten varie- ties of six-row barley and seven of two-row were tested. The six-row varieties are the better for Manitoba, and of these Manchurian and O.A.C. No. 21 are recom- mended. Of ten varieties of field peas, Mackay is thfi heaviest yielder, and Arthur the earliest.

CULTLTRAL WORK.

The extensive system of cultural experiments inaugurated in 1911 has been continued according to the detailed plan decided upon. A great mass of figures giving yields obtained under different treatments is being gathered. It is rather early as yet for definite results from this work, but in the course of a few years more, some valuable information should be available on the different questions which are being investigated.

The experiments with rotations made rather poor progress on account of the overflowing of the Assiniboine river. Most of the land that is used for the rotatione is on the lower portions of the Farm. The flood made such unusual conditions on these fields that the season's results are not of much value.

FORAGE CROPS.

Experiments with different varieties of grasses, clovers, alfalfa and mixtures of the same, gave interesting results. Alfalfa shows itself to be decidedly the most productive hay crop, no matter whether alone or in mixtures. Western Rye grass also gave very good results. Notes taken on plots of grass and clover mixtures showed that alfalfa and Western Rye grass were dominant and gradually increased their proportion of the crop.

Field crops of hay were heavy on the flooded land, but rather below average on the higher part of the Farm.

Thirteen varieties of fodder corn, twenty-two varieties of turnips, eleven varieties of mangels, three varieties of sugar beets and nine varieties of carrots were included in the tests of field roots. The dry weather affected the crop of roots and it was hardly up ta average.

HORTICULTURE.

Twenty-eight varieties of potatoes were tested in uniform test rows, and were also subjected to a cooking test. A test of fertilizers applied to potatoes was also made. The usual tests of varieties of all the kinds of garden vegetables were made. Notes were taken on the appearance and table quality of these vegetables as well as on the yield and date of being ready for use.

The usual display of flowers was made, and was greatly admired by many visitors. Tulips planted in the previous fall made an especially fine showing in the spring of 1913.

Numerous sorts of trees and shrubs continue to thrive on the grounds around the Superintendent's house. Notes were taken on the growth and comparative hardiness of each.

A large crop of plums was harvested from the native Manitoba plum trees, some of which produced fruit of voi-y good quality. Smaller quantities of. Cheney, Aitkoii and other named varieties were also produced.

The 3,000 young seedlings of standard apples which were set out the previous year have done very well. Nearly all have wintered well and are alive to the tip.

62 EXPERUIEXTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915 LIVE STOCK.

The milking Shorthorn cows have done better than in previous years. One cow made a record of 11,334 pounds of milk in one yielding period. Eecords are being kept of the amount of feed consumed by each animal every day, and informa- tion will be available on the cost of milk production and the cost of raising calves and heifers.

An experiment in feeding steers out-of-doors was completed in the spring of 1913. In the fall an experiment was started in which di-y corn fodder cured in stooks is compared with ensilage as a feed for fattening steers. The lot fed ensilage are making decidedly the better gains.

The flock of breeding ewes was used for an experiment in wintering sheep. One lot was fed in an open shed and one lot in a good barn; the ones in the shed wintered equally as well as the others. A comparison was also made between grass hay and alfalfa as a winter feed for breeding ewes, with result-s in favour of alfalfa. Data on the cost of feeding sheep are also being collected.

Experiments in feeding pigs showed that barley had a slight advantage over oats as a winter feed for half-grown pigs and that both were decidedly preferable to shorts. Feeding three times a day showed no advantage over twice a day for pigs of one to two hundred pounds weight. The breeding sows were increased in number and reasonably good success was attained in raising young pigs.

rOULTRY AND BEliS.

A man with special training in these two lines of work was engaged and began work in May, 1913. The flock of Barred Rocks was increased, and a small flock of White Wyandottes was obtained. Experimental work with cotton front colony houses showed that this type of building is quite satisfactory in this climate.

The season was not very favourable for bees as the amount of bloom was below average. However, a fair amount of honey was produced and the number of colonies doubled.

BUILDIN<5S.

A new horse barn was built this season, and is found to be very satisfactory. It will allow more room for cattle in the old building. A new piggery 82 feet long was also constructed. It is a good example of the ])est and most modern ideas in piggery construction.

Six colony houses for poultry were also built. Variations in construction were used in order to find out the best type.

A new office, 20 feet by 30 feet in size, has been built and is found to be a great help in handling the ever-growing office work in connection with the Farm.

A cottage for the herdsman was also erected and fills a much-felt want.

EXHIBITIONS.

Exhibits showing the products of the Experimental Farm, and illustrating some of the lines of experimental work being followed were made at the Dominion Fair at Brandon in July. 1913, and at the annual exhibition of the Brandon Horti- cultural Society in August, 1913.

MEETINGS.

The Superintendent addressed farmers' meeting? at the following points in ]\[anitoba: Deloraine, Cartwright, Morden, Manitou, Fannystelle. Culross. St. Claude, Eathwell. Cypress Eiver, Treesbank, Methven, Carroll, Douglas, Sidney and Macgregor; judged seed fairs at the first four points above nnmed; acted as judge

REPORT OF TEE DIRECTOR

63

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

at the Manitoba Provincial Seed Fair at Winnipeg, and at the Hartney Ploughing Match.

The Assistant Superintendent addressed farmers' meetings at the following points in Manitoba: Ilartney, Neepawa, Lyleton, Waskada, Whitewater, Ninga, Killarney, Cartwright, Crystal City, Larivicre, Darlingford, ^il^rdon. Plum Coulee, Rosenfeld, Kirkella, McAuley, Macdonald, Keyes, Arden, Franklin and Newdale; and judged seed fairs at the first two above named.

A wide range of agricultural topics was covered in the subjects taken up at these meetings. Among the subjects most frequently discussed were the following: ' The Work of the Experimental Farms,' * Rotation of Crops,' ' Corn Growing in Manitoba^' ' Alfalfa Growing,' ' Mixed Farming.'

DISTRIBUTION.

During the year the following distribution was madi^ : 392 samples of potatoes, 1 bundle of Manitoba maples, 2,200 pounds of inoculated soil for alfalfa, 500 pounds of inoculated soil for red clover.

VISITORS.

The number of visitors who inspected the Farm during the year was a^pprrxi- matelb' 11,000.

Meteorolooic'Al Records.

Months.

1913.

April

May

June

July

August

September.

October

November. December.

1914.

January . . . February. March

Highest Tempera- ture.

82-7

88

90

95-3

94

87-3

81-3

59-7

411

38

37-9

44-9

Lowest Tempera- ture.

18-1

18

32

41

41

23

- 3

- 3 -19-8

-37-6 -46-4 -20-8

Total Rainfall.

Total. Snowfall.

Inches.

•25

104

2-34

1-70

3o6

•68

•73

•04

10-34

Hours

Bright

Sunshine.

Inches. 1

16 3 1

226-4 199 -8 218-8 228-8 235-6 199-1 137-5 93-1 112^2

73^5 134-2 114

1973

Reckoning 10 inches of snowfall as equivalent to 1 inch of rainfall, the total pre- cipitation for the year ending March 31, 1914, was 12-84 inches.

EXPERIMENTAL FARM FOR SOUTHERN SASKATCHEWAN.

Indian Head, Sask.

weather conditions.

On the whole, the weather conditions during the summer of 1913 were excellent for both cereal and fodder crops. Seeding commenced about the 15th of April, and the latter part of April and the first part of May were comparatively dry, which facilitated early sowing.

64 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

During the growing period of June and July, S-3 inches of rain fell, result- ing in a luxuriant growth of stem and leaf. A large crop of hay was harvested, but was somewhat difficult to cure because of the rains during July. The cereal crop ripened comparatively early and was all harvested before any frost appeared. The winter of 1913-14 was comparatively mild and stock wintered outside in good condition.

INVESTIGATIONS IN PROGRESS.

Cereals. — Four named varieties of wheat were tested on the Farm in 1913. Of the named sorts the Marquis and Red Fife seem best adapted to the climatic and soil conditions of southern Saskatchewan. The Prelude, while maturing much earlier than either of these sorts, seems unlikely to become a commercial wheat in this portion of the province because of its inferior yield.

Of twelve varieties of oats, the Banner seems to give best results. This is very noticeable when the average for five or ten years is taken. It yields high and produces an oat of good quality both for milling and feed. Another promising sort is the Victory. This has not been under test long enough, however, to enable its being recommended as highly as the Banner.

Among the six-row barley, Manchurian and O.A.C. No. 2rl are the highest yielders and among the earliest maturers.

The two-row sorts are not giving as good result as are the six. They are usually weaker in the straw and do not yield so well.

It is only recently that varieties of flax have been been isolated, but last season there were about ten varieties tested and among these the Premost was both tlie highest yielder and the earliest maturer.

In the introduction of peas in the west, early maturity is one of the most important points. For this reason, the Arthur pea is recommended. Another promising sort is the Solo. The Solo is an importation from Sweden and has not been under test long enough for final conclusion as to its value.

Forage crops. — Of the forage crops, grass is one of the most important. The results of a test made with different sorts on this Farm seem to indicate that, for hay, Western rye will give best results in this district. Brome is an excellent pasture grass but has two objections. The first is, it is hard to eradicate when the land is broken up, and the second is that it has a tendency to spread into adjoin- ing fields and especially into hedges and windbreaks where it will eventually kill out the trees. This is more noticeable on heavy soils and where precipitation is over twenty inches per annum. Where these conditions prevail English Blue grass will make a good substitute.

The clovers are not well adapted to the light rainfalls of southern Saskatchewan. Among the different kinds, the common red clover seems to give best results.

Alfalfa is probably the best suited to western conditions of any of the legumes. It is drouth-resistant and if northern grown sorts are obtained, it proves to bs perfectly hardy. Among the sorts giving best results on the Indian Head Farm are the Grimm and the Baltic.

Fodder corn is a crop that should not be neglected on any stock farm. It gives a large yield of succulent fodder. Last season a large quantity of corn ensilage was fed on this Farm and proved very valuable for both milch cows and fattening steers. Among the varieties best adapted -to conditions here are North- western Dent and Longfellow. The former is usually the better becavise of its early-maturing character.

Varieties of turnips, mangels, sugar beets and carrots are grown each t-eason on this Farm. In all about five acres of land is devoted to the purpose, as a large quantity of roots is required for winter feeding. Swedes .are proving very satis- factory for conditions here.

■ 1,7 -V *

cc

o

> <

16— I'Jly— p. (!4.

REPORT OF TEE DIRECTOR 65

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Horticulture. — A large number of varieties of tlie different kinds ot vegetables are being tested each soascni and as soon as they have been in the iKst for live years, the five-year average will be published.

Many sorts of perennial flowers prove hardy in the west. They possibly require less attention than any other flower and give a large bloom in the early season. They also give a magnificent bloom during August and part of Seiitcniber.

Annual flowers are planted in smaller beds and among triese asters flowered profusely.

Some of the old orchards and hedges were cut out last season and the land prepared for lawns. These were sown in early July and a good stand of grass secured. The lawn grass was a mixture of Kentucky blue grass and White Dutch clover.

Besides the trees on the avenues and windbreaks, a comparatively huge arboretum is maintained. Many of the plants being tried out are proving hardy while a few are evidently too tender for conditions in the West. Of the trees that are giving best results, the Manitoba maple and Green ash are proving most satis- factory. Of the conifers some of the spruce and Scotch pine seem to be quite hardy. Among the flowering shrubs the caragana and lilac both produce an abundance of bloom early in tho spring. In the orchards the crabs and hybrids gave a profusion of bloom and a heavy crop. These are proving perfectly hardy. Last year a ship- ment of two-year-old seedlings of those standard sorts proving to be hardy at Dunstan, Man., were received. Nearly all these lived through the winter.

A number of selected 'and hybrid sorts of plums were received from the South Dakota Agricultural College. These were planted and the Assiniboia, a selection of native plum, has proven most satisfactory.

A large number of the small fruits can be grown. Of these, the raspberry and currant seem most hardy.

Field Ilushcondry. — Oiie of the most important lines of work under this head is the rotation tests. In this experiment, the object is not only to note the effect of each rotation on the fertility of the soil but also to find the cost of. production of the various crops in each. Tlie rotation that seems best suited to a mixed-farming district is one which includes: First year, summer-fallow; second year, wheat; third year, wheat; fourth year, oats seeded down; fifth year, hay; sixth year, pasture.

A large portion of the Farm is divided into small plots for the purpose of studying different methods of cultivation and crop management. Such que-tions as different systems of summer-fallowing, treating stubble, depth of ploughing, methods of harrowing, etc., are being studied.

Live Stock. — Until recently, horses were kept on the Farm for work only. The policy, however, is now changed and a start has been made to establish a stud of breeding mares.

At this Farm only Shorthorn cattle are kept. The herd has been handled until recently as a beef herd but as the demand of our farmers is for a dual-purpose cow the poor milkers are being culled out and a dual-purpose herd thus developed. With this end in view, a bull from a good milking strain was secured last fall. In addition to this work, steers are fattened on the Farm each winter. Last season twenty-erght steers were fed.

Shropshire sheep are kept on the Farm for the purpose of supplying breeding stock to farmers in th<> district, also to produce stock on which to calculate the co^t of producing sheep in tlie West. In conjunction with this work, a flock of rnnge ewes were bought some years ago and crossed with a pure-bred Shropshire ram. the idea being to see what improvement could be made in the mutton and wool qualities of range stock by the use of pure-bred toj) crosses. In the winter one hundred lambs were used in a feeding experiment. These were bought in the fall at 6i cents a pound. They were divided into four lots of twenty-five each and fed

16—5

66 EXFERIMEYTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

different rations. The ration that proved most economical was mixed hay, and oats and barley fed whole. No profit was made in this experiment because of the fact that the lambs were bought in the fall at a " lamb price " while they were sold in the spring with no margin at a " sheep price."

Two breeds of swine are kept at this Farm, namely, Yorkshire and Berk-hire. No experimental work has been carried on with the exception of a test of wintering the sows in single-board cabins, outside, and in the piggery. The results from this test would seem to indicate that sows can be wintered to good advantage outside, one of the sows outside having already given birth to a small but very vigorous litter.

Poultry were only kept at this Farm in recent years for the purpose of supply- ings eggs and fowl for the table. In October, the Dominion Poultry Husbandman prepared plans of cotton-front houses. Three of these Avere built and eighty birds secured. These were wintered in the cotton-front houses and came through in fine condition. No freezing of combs or feet was noticed. This seems to indicate that poultry can be wintered in this type of house in southern Saskatchewan quite satisfactorily.

BUILDING.

During the year extensive buiiding operations went on at this Farm. A new barn was built to take the place of the one burned in 1912. This is a excellent structure with a large loft overhead that will hold sufficient feed for one season. The stable proper is fitted with iron stanchions and will accommodate about seventy-five head of cattle and twenty horses in a wing of the main barn. At one ,end of the main barn there is a large milk room. At the other end there are three well-built bull pens. Along one side are three root houses, large enough to hold fibout 125 tons of roots.

Three cotton-front portable poultry houses were built in October. Two of ^hese were 12 feet by 14 feet without a floor, large enough for forty birds each. The ether was 10 feet by 12 feet with a floor. The idea in building this type of house was to ascertain the cheapest suitable house that could be used by farmers in this district.

In the fall a herdsman's cottage was built. It is 30 feet by 33 feet, with a small J)ack kitchen 9 feet by 10 feet. It includes seven rooms, with an uij£nished attic. It is a very pleasing little building of a style that could be used to good advantage by many of our farmers.

EXTENSION \A'ORK.

Since his appointment in August, the Superintendent has found time to do con- siderable extension work. An address on cultivated grasses was given on October 22, at the Dry Farming Congress, Tulsa, Oklahoma. On December 15 he attended a farmers' convention at North Battleford under the auspices of the Agricultural Society and Board of Trade, delivering three lectures, one on Alfalfa Culture, one on the Problems on the Grain Farm and their Solution, and one on the Results Obtained in Field Husbandry on the Indian Head Experimental Farm.

He assisted in judging the grain at the provincial seed grain fairs at Saskatoon. Saskatchewan, and Winnipeg, Manitoba, and also at the inter-provincial seed grain fair and stock show at Brandon.

EXCURSIONS.

On July 24, an excursion was run to the Farm, including all towns on the main line from Moosejaw on the west to Moosomin on the east. A large number of people tpok advantage of the excursion and visited the Farm.

REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR

67

SESSIONAL PA'^ER No. 16

VISITORS.

The total number of visitors to the Farm during the year was about 2.fi.'^.'>.

DISTRIBt'TIOX OF SAMPLES.

While the distribution of all cereal samples is made from Ottawa, a large amount of potatoes, vegetable and flower seeds and tree and shrub seedlings and cuttings are distributed from this Farm to applicants in southern Saskatchewan each aeason. Last year the distribution amounted to: Potatoes, 1,-2iM> packages; flower seeds, 184 packages; vegetable seeds, 144 packages; maple, ash and caragana seedlings, 1.247 packages. To in a bundle.

S.iVLES OL' SKF.D GRAIN'.

Last year an endeavour was made to supply a large number of applicants with good seed grain. Wheat, oats, barley, flax and peas were sold in lots ranging from 1 bushel to 0 bushels, with the result that the following grain was sold: Wheat, il^Hh bushels; oats. 47 bushels; barley, 90 busliels; flax, 14 bu.shels ; peas, .30 bushels; fall rye, 35 bushe.s.

METEOROLOCaCAL RECDUDS.

Month.	Temperature F.	Rainfall.	Snowfall.	Sunshine
Maximum.	Minimum.		Mean.
1913.	Date. 14 27 11 25 1 5 2 5 11 5 27 14	80 90 88 84 84 88 73 53 43 44 45 47	Date. 25 7: 2 26 5 24 28 13 25 24 5 27	12 23 33 38 41 26 5 3 -12 -34 -38 -19	o 42-63 48 -.39 G1-.30 61-16 61-61 53-33 33-22 27-03 17-10 7-19 — 4-83	Days. 1 G 10 8 6 4 2	Inches. -13 i-:o 4-37 4- 13 2 -.35 -55 4-87	Inches.	Hours. 166-5
Mav	7-	174-6
June	224-9
July		2S-">-3
August	16- 7-50 •50 12-50 4- 10-	245-5
September October November	200-9 107-2 99-2
December			123-2
1914. .Tanuarv			S3 - 2
Kebruurv			113-2
March	21-93'		111-6
		1		37	17-60	57-50	1,9:35-3
		1

Reckoning 10 inches ot sin-wfall as equivalent to 1 inch of rainfall, the total ])re- cipitation for the >ear ending JMarrli ."U, 1914, was 28 -o") inches.

EXPEK I. MENTAL STATION FOR CENTRAL SASKATCHEWAN.

RiXSTHERN, SaSK,

CIIARA( TKR OF Till-'. SEASON.

The precipitation was lower in 191.3 than in 1012 or 1911, liut was more evenly distriliuted throughout the season, which developed a much more even growth in the grain crops than occurred in 1912. Coupled with this was the fact that in 191:3 there

in— 5 A

68

EXPLRIMEIiTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

were no severe frosts until September 20, which allowed the grain to mature fully. The grain of 1913 was there, ^re of a superior grade.

There was the least snowfall in 1913-14 of any season since the establishment of the Station in 1909.

A severe hailstorm, damaging an area 2 miles wide and more than 30 miles long,

passed within half a mile of the Station on the north side on Jvily 25. The crops

within the area of this storm were a total loss. On September 5 lightning struck and

burned a shock of oats at a distance of 400 feet from the Superintendent's residence.

Following is the weather record for the year : —

METEOROLOGICAL RECORDS.

Month.	Temperature F.	Pre- cipitation.	Hours of Sunshine.
Maximum. Date. i	Minimum.	Date.
1913. April	72-2 78-7 85-7 84-1 821 84-1 690 52-9 330 35-5 38-8 38-0	16 7 11 29 30 5 2 5 10 7 28 12	14-8 22-1 .35 0 39-7 39-7 29-7 0-7 - 3-9 -21-8 -32-3 -42-8 -15-9	2 13 6 27 17 20 29 19 24 30 6 6	Inches. •26 1-26 1-87 3-80 3-59 2-89 0-29 0-34 0 0-65 0 0-55	203 0
May	227-9
June	234-7
July August	289-2 248-7
September	231-5
October	126-4
November	109-9
December	109-5
1914. January	97-9
February	146-9
March	149-1
Total					15-50	2,174-7

FIELD IIUSBAKDRY,

The work in the rotations carried on since 1911 is attracting more general interest each year, and demonstrating the great importance of the effect of humus in the soil as furnished by hay crops, and the increase of grain yields due to the inclusion of both grass and roots in the rotation, as well as to the greater quantity ,of manure supplied by a rotation involving crops which necessitate the keepiug of a large number of live stock. Another marked effect of a rotation involving a variety of crops is the eradication of weeds. No attempt is made to haudpull we ds from the grain crops on any of the rotations, and it is found that with good culti- vation in a rotation involving summer-fallow, followed by roots, followed by g a in needed down, there are practically no weeds left in the succeeding crop. Ti is applies particularly to wild oats, which are such a menace to agriculture in the West.

The work in cultural investigation, begun in 1911, has not been continued sufficiently long to give definite conclusions. The most notable feature in any of •the experiments, is the good effect on wheat and a succeeding crop of oats of rn «pplication of manure on summer-fallow. Unfortunately a number of these expoii- ^ents have been interfered with on account of Isheir location on ground affected by *' alkali." An effort will be made to begin some of these experiments again on more 'uniform plots.

REl'ORT OF THE DIRECTOR 69

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

CEREALS.

A number of varieties of wheat, oats, and barley, tliat had been under trial for some time, were discarded in 1913, and a number of new varieties were added, •particularly some new hybrid wheats bred by Dr. Chas. Saunders. None of the rew •wheats proved in the one year of trial to be so satisfactory in every way as ^Ia'<]uis. •The Prohide wheat, although much earlier than the Marquis, and of apparently as •e'ood quality, does x\ot yield sufficiently to warrant its adoption in a district similar to this.

FORAGE CROPS.

Ten strains of red clover were sown on summer-fallowed land in the spring of 1913 and made good growth during the season. They were not cut, so that their town growth served as a winter mulch for the roots. In the spring of 1914 the plants •were almost totally killed. Whether the injury came from winter-killina- or from 'being smothered by too much mulch can not be determined. A further attempt \vill be made to find out whether the crop is adaptable to the winter in this district.

The red clover sown with rye grass and alfalfa for mixed hay in the rotation f^ame through the winter in good condition, and has done so for the three pait Seasons .

Alfalfa. — Not a great deal of work has been done yet in alfalfa, but enough has been done to demonstrate that it can be grown succesfully in this district. One acre of Grimms' alfalfa, sown in 1910, yielded, in 1913, 3,102 pounds, and 1 acre of Turkestan sown at the same time yielded in 1913, 2,470 pounds. In August, .a plot was sown to alfalfa and cut once in the autumn to check weed growth. This .plot came tiirough the winter in excellent condition.

HORTICULTURE.

Horticulture at the Station received new impetus in the spring of 1913 by the employment of a qualified gardener. This, together with the fact that the hedges planted for windbreaks in 1910 and 1911 are now large enough to be of some effect, has caused the horticultural feature of the farm work to draw considerably more attention. The bush fruits planted in 1910 came into good bearing in 1913, and yielded for the first time. The strawberry plants had been mulched in the autumn of every year since the farm was started, but in the spring of 1913 it was not removed until nearly the end of May. It is thought that this is the reason why we had a good yield of strawberries in 1913; by the mulch having been left on, the buds were pro- tected from the late spring frosts.

Some of the apple^ trees planted in 1909 began to yield in 1913. One tree yielded twenty-seven fair-sized apples.

Floivers. — Over a quarter of a mile of flower border around the lawn laid out in 1912 and partly planted, gave a magnificent disi)lay in 1913. The asters luade a particularly brilliant showing towards autumn, while the tulips were the promin- ent feature in the beginning of the season. The shrubs, particularly the lonicera, syringa and spirea made a good showing. Most of those planted in 1910 flowi/rcd for the first time in 1913.

Vegetables. — Owing to the increased protection afforded by the greater growth of the windbreaks, the vegetables were more satisfactory than previously. This was the first season tomatoes, s(iuash, cucumbers and corn ripened.

The cultural experiments in potatoes of 1912 were repeated in 1913. Some of the results were not so marked, but on the whole were quite satisfactory.

70

EXPERIMEXTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

ANIMAL HUSBAXDRY.

The first attempt made here at a systematic experiment in animal husbandry was begun in November by the purchase of eleven steers for experimental feeding. The attempt is quite justified by the results.

Horses. — There are five work horses and two drivers at the Station which are quite sufficient to do the work.

Live Stock Demonstration. — On March 23, upwards of forty farmers assembled at the Station for a demonstration in judging- and feeding steers. The driveway of tlie new barn was fitted up with special lighting and seats, and the steers used in the feeding experiment were used for demonstration purposes.

The appreciation expressed by the visitors warrants the repetition of such meetings*

BUILDINGS.

The new barn wliieli was begun in the autumn of 1912 but which was delayed because of inclement weather, was completed in 1913. It is 40 feet by 70 feet with 18-foot walls, and has accommodation for ten horses and five cattle, besides a grain room 20 feet square, and a drive way 30 feet wide, the full width of the barn.

Adjoining the barn and opening into the feed alley of the cow stable is a rcot cellar lof solid cement 40 feet by 30 feet and 7 feet 6 inches high at one side and 7 feet at the other.

An old building 90 feet long and 20 feet wide that had served as a granary and workshop was remodelled, placed on a brick foundation and sheeted outside and inside. A granary occupies one end and the remainder is made sufficiently warm to serve as a. workshop. By means of this, much work such as cleaning seeds and repairing imple- ments and tools can be done during the winter that heretofore had to be delayed until spring.

GROrNDS.

The lawns and bordering shrubs and trees are sufficiently established and developed now to afford a fair idea of the plan in view in the laying out of the grounds.

EXHIBITION,

With the assistance of the vSuperintendent of the Indian Head Experimental Farm, a display of material grown on the Experimental Farms was made at the Prince Albert Exhibition, which elicited much favourable comment, both from the Exhibition Board and from visitors. The display consisted chiefly of sheaves of grains and grasses, pre- served fruits, vegetables, shrubs and young trees.

DISTRIBUTION-OF SEEDS.

» In the spring of 1913 there were 434 samples of potatoes sent out, besides a num- ber of bundles of maple, ash, and caragana plants.

EXPERIMENTAL STATION FOR NORTHWEST SASKATCHEWAN.

Scott, Sask.

The growing season of 1913 opened early in April with bright, warm weather. Work on the land commenced on the 7th, and the first seed was sown the next day. By the 21st, grain was appearing above the ground. The weather then changed to

REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR 71

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

cool and cloudy, although there was very little rainfall. This continued until the middle of May. The ample supply of moisture in the soil at seeding time and the warm weather at that time assisted germination and growth proceeded evenly and well. The weather from the middle of May on was favourable; bright, warm weather pre- vailing, with frequent showers.

The harvest was, in general, an early one, a good proportion of the grain crop being in stook in August. Weather conditions were not such as to produce an unusually heavy yield, Imt rather a fair one and a safe and early harvest, which was carricfl on under favourable conditions, and before the close of the season, on October 27, thresh- ing and fall work on the land had been completed.

BL'ILDTXGS AND IMPROVEMENTS.

The Superintendent's house, the barns, etc., were wired for electric light, whieli is obtained from the town of Scott lighting plant.

An experimental building was erected during the year. This is a two-story build- ing; the lower floor contains bins for the storage of large quantities of seed grain, space for cleaning grain, a well-lighted room for use in handpieking seed and a room for samples and display purposes. The second floor is for use in storing the crops from the t«st plots, etc. The basement is divided into two rooms, one for use in stor- ing roots and the other for a Avinter work room, cooking feed, etc. Part of one of these basement rooms can be partitioned off for the winter storage of bees.

The main entrance to the Station was changed and a driveway opened up through the lawns. This, with the erection of a lawn fence along the road, adds materially to the appearance of the Station.

CEREAL CROPS.

The regular work with cereals was carried on and satisfactory results were obtained in most of the tests made. Marquis led in yield among the wheats, and Victory in oats. Barley was an exception in that only light yields were obtained.

ROTATIONS.

The five'rotations under trial here have all shown a margin of profit for the year's work. Rotation A, one year's duration, gave a profit per acre of $S.79; rotation C, three years' duration, profit per acre, $1:.73 ; rotation J, six years' duration, profit per acre, $5.95; rotation P, eight years' duration, profit per acre, $4.40; rotation R, nine years' duration, profit per acre, $6.63.

CULTURAL EXPERIMENTS.

Four out of the thirteen cultural experiments arranged for the western Experi- mental Farms are at present laid down. From these four, data of value should soon be obtained. In experiment 5, ^lethods of Seeding to Grass and Clover, the 1913 figures indicate the advantage of seeding without a nurse crop and of seeding on summer-fallow or root ground, to obtain the largest yield.

In experiment 11, Depths of Seeding for Wheat and Oats, the results ari tins year, as last, favourable to seeding at a depth of three inches.

HORTICULTURE.

The work in horticulture was more successful than in previous years. Tomatoes ripened on the vine, cucumbers grew in the open, celery came to the table stage and corn was practically in use. Additional .«tocks of ornamental trees and shrubs, app;.:; seedlings and small fruits, were received and set out. Strav.berries, raspberries and currants of good qucdity were gathered.

72

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

LIVE STOCK.

During the year a driving mare was purchased, and a colt was obtained from one of the work mares, bringing the total number of horses to eleven head.

In October, 1913, seventeen steers were purchased for an outside feeding experi- ment. They were pastured until December 2, when they were put into the corral and started on a light meal ration. This was gradually increased until the animals were on practically full feed. The gains made were fair but, owing to the low price at which the animals were sold, the work was conducted at a Loss.

VISITORS.

Nearly 800 visited the Station during the year, most of them in July and August. On July 17, an excursion was held at the Station under the charge of the Scott Board of Trade, which was well attended.

METEOROLOGIC.\L RECORDS.

NM

Months.

1913.

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

1914.

January

February

March

Highest	Lo\A	'EST
Te.mperatuke F.	Temperature F.	Mean	Total	Hours
			Tempera-	Precipi-	Bright
—	—	—	—	ture.	tation.	Sunshine.
Day.	Deg.	Day.	Deg.	Deg.	Inches.	Hours.
13	790	25	14-1	43-23	■15	238-1
26	84-9	6	18-2	45C1	•95	247 3
10	90-1	14	28-7	56-72	1-28	220-1
20	87-4	31	.35-2	59-85	2-98	282-3
29	86- 1	17	34-3	59-89	2-62	238-8
4	86- 0	24	20- 1	57-24	1-24	234-5
1	72-0	28	- 5-4	32-99	■46	137 0
4	54-8	21	- 8-8	23-90	■25	ia8^8
4	40-5	25	-12-8	15-57	•08	lOM
5	380	24	-40-1	1-91	•65	96-6
27	37-2	3	-46-6	5-70	•03	128-5
14	44' 0	26 •	-21-9	19-37	• 20	157 9
					10-89	2,191^0

EXPERIMENTAL STATION FOR SOUTHERN ALBERTA.

Lethbridge, Alberta.

THE SEASON.

The season of 1913 opened at about the usual time for the district. Winter grain, however, suffered, numy areas in the winter wheat fields being badly inju;ed owing to the high, dry winds that prevailed. Spring seeding commenced early in April, germination was rapid and a good stand was obtained in all cases. Tlie rainfall during the spring was scant, especially during late May and early June. Crops of all kinds suifered acutely, particularly early-sown grain. The rainfall, from late June on, was reasonably satisfactory. The late rain, however, stimulated

16— 19l5-p. 72.

REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR

73

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

a second growtli which caused uneven ripening and thus materially reduced the yield and quality of both wheat and barley. The result with oats was better, tlie second growtli being so strong and vigorous that it reached maturity before any serious loss was suffered from the shelling of the first growth.

METEOROLOGICAL TABLE.

Month.

Temperature F.

Maximum. Minimum.

191.'].

April

May

June

July

August

September

OctobiT

November

December

1914.

January

February

March

Degrees.

Degrees.

81-2	170
83-3	19-2
86-6	39-9
89-2	.38 0
92-8	35-8
89-3	26-2
78-2	12-3
58-0	90
600	- 70
55 1	-270
48-1	-400
64"0	-15-9

Mean.

Degrees.

43-8

48-45

60-96

61-89

54-21

.59-9

39-2

.35-1

29-57

17-05 11-05 29-42

Precipita- tion.

Incbe.?.

0-.52 70 70 29 93 65 0-50 0.36 0-00

1-55 0-96 1-12

16-28

Sun.shine.

Hours.

223-4 244-8 281-8 345-0 321-2 276-5 152-7 121-8 1.56-0

10.1 1 120-4 207-4

2,555-1

ROTATION OF CROPS.

Among some of the interesting points brought out in the rotations 'for the season are : —

On Non-irrigated Land. — 1. Wheat following corn yielded as well as wheat after summer-fallow, and much better than wheat following t\irnips. The latter difference is no doubt due to the fact that the roots made considerable growth in the fall, thereby using up moisture, whereas the corn ceased growth with the first froat.

2. A good profit was obtained from alfalfa seed when the crop was planted in rows and intertilled.

3. Heavy yields of oats and peiis, grown for feed, were obtained when sown i n summer fallow.

On Irrigated Land. — 1. The yield of spring wheat was over 52 bushels per aeie following potatoes.

2. Potatoes planted on alfalfa sod gave a yield of 635 bushels ;'0 pounds per acre.

RATES OF SEEDING.

Tests to determine the correct quantity of wheat, oats and barley to sow have now been conducted for five and, in some cases, six years. Each of the above grains has been seeded at the rates of 15, 30, 45, GO, 75, 90, 105, and 120 pounds per acrd. The preparation of the land in nearly all cases, each ycnr, was summer- fallow.

74 ' EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

The results in 1913 correspond closely to the average of past years. Without exception, the smallest amounts of each gave the lowest yields. The crops obtained increased quite rapidly with the amounts of seed used up to a certain point, after Arhich the increase was small and irregular. It is the point at which this change takes place that appears to be the most profitable quantity of seed to use. Our results to date indicate the following rates of seed to be the best : —

Winter wheat, non-irrigated, 60 pounds per acre. Spring wheat, non-irrigated, 75 pounds per acre. Oats, non-irrigated, about 75 povmds per acre. Barley, non-irrigated, 75 to 90 pounds per acre. Spring wheat, irrigated, 90 to 105 pounds per acrp. Oats, irrigated, about 90 pounds per acre.

The results with barley on the irrigated plots have not been uniform, and it is therefore difRji^dt to draw definite conclusions. From the data to hand, however,

75 to 90 pounds per acre may be recommended.

, SOIL CULTURAL EXPERIMENTS.

The dry-land soil cultivation investigations incepted in 1911 were carried out successfully, but as yet few of the experiments have shown any marked results. Some interesting points, hov/ever, have been brought out, which may be briefly mentioned.

Prairie Brealiiny. — In this experiment, the results have brought out nothing that has not before been fairly well demonstrated. They strongly support the con- tention that sowing crops immediately after breaking is unprofitable, and point out that the most advisable and practical method -ef procedure on new land is to break the sod in the spring and allow it to lie till the following season before cropping.

Depth of ploughing. — The plots ploughed 8 and 4 inches deep appeared to suffer from drouth before those ploughed 6 and 7 inches deep. Ploughing beyond the latter depth, however, seemed of no advantage.

Time of Ploughing. — One of the most striking results observed, because it happened almost without exception, was the fact that land ploughed in the fall gave poorer returns than that which was ploughed in the spring. Similar results have been obtained in previous years, but the difference has never been so marked as was the case this year. No doubt the dry winter with its scanty rainfall was, in a great measure, responsible for these results.

CEREALS.

The usual variety tests of wheat, oats, barley and peas were carried out on both the irrigated and non-irrigated land. There was nothing striking in the season's results in these investigations that would warrant special mention.

FORAGE CROPS.

Corn has done much better than usual this season. Some varieties, such as North- western Dent, Canada Yellow and Longfellow, ripened a few ears. The heaviest yield- ing sort in the variety test on the dry land was the Ninety Day, which yielded at the rate of 11 tons 1,064 pounds of green feed per acre. The best yielding variety on the irrigated land was Compton's Early, which gave a yield of 15 tons and 1,278 pounds per acre.

REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR 75

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Turnips, iiuuigels and carrots did reasonably well.

On the dry land, the yields of liay were very light. Bromc grass produced only 1,580 pounds and Western Rye 1,100 pounds per acre. Alfalfa sown broadcast yielded only 1,481 pounds per acre, whereas alfalfa sown in rows yielded about double this amount. It would appear, therefore, that for hay as well as for seed purposes, it will pay to sow this crop in rows far enough apart to permit of cultivation.

On the irrigated land, the average yield of hay was between four and five tons per acre, this being slightly below the average for the past five or six yeai^.

HORTICULTURE.

The season has been a particularly favourable one for horticultural work. Trees and shrubs came through the winter with slight injury, and appeared, with few excep- tions, to be in a strong, vigorous condition in the spring. A large number of apples bore fruit for the first time. The yield of small fruit was quite satisfactor.v. On account of the late fall, the more tender vegetables such as tomatoes, corn, squash, etc., matured somewhat better than usual.

STOCK.

No breeding stock is kept on the farm up to the present time.

A steer-feeding experiment was conducted during the winter. Xineteen head were divided into three lots.

Lot I. — Fed on alfalfa hay, roots and meal made a net profit of $10.81 per head.

Lot II. — Fed on alfalfa hay, oat sheaves, meal, and roots made a net lu'otit per steer of $16.04.

Lot III. — In which were included the culls, and were fed similarly to lot II made a net profit of 57 cents per head.

The average net profit per head of all the steers in the three lots was $s.(iS.

A sheep-feeding experiment was conducted consisting of 250 range lambs and 50 range yearlings, divided into six lots of fifty each.

Group I. — Yearlings, fed alfalfa hay. meal, and roots made a net profit ])er bead of $1.31.

Group 11. — Lambs, fed alfalfa hay, meal, and roots made a net profit of $1.16 per head.

Group III. — Lambs on a longer feeding period and sheared before being so^d. fed on alfalfa hay and roots, made a net profit of ^LoT per head. (This group received meal after other groups were sold).

Group IV. — Lambs, fed alfalfa hay and meal made a net profit of $1.15 per head.

Group V. — Lambs, fed alfalfa hay and screenings made a net profit of $1.90 per head.

Group VI. — Lambs, on a longer feeding period and sheared before l)eing sold, fed on alfalfa hay alone made a net profit of $1.43 per head. (This group received meal after the other groups were sold.)

MEETINGS AND CONVENTIONS ATTENDED.

The Superintendent attended and addressed a number of farmers' meetings in this part of the province, also the Western C-anada Irrigation Association Convention held at Lethbridge. Ife attended the International Dry Farming Congress held at Tulsa, Oklahoma, and acted in the capacity of Chairman of Jury of Awards at the International Dry Farming Soil Products Exposition which was held in conjunction with the Congress.

76 EXFERIMENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915 VISITORS.

The number of visitors to the Station during the year that were actually counted was 2,108. No doubt many more tb -- this came.

DISTRIBUTION OF SAMPLES.

3-pound bags of potatoes sent out 1,891

Packets of cuttings (willow and poplar) 90

5-pound bags of winter wheat 12

150-pound bags of inoculated alfalfa soil 33

EXPERIMENTAL STATION FOR CENTRAL ALBERTA.

Lacombe, Alberta.

With the exception of a frost on May 18 the weather during the spring and summer of 1913 was favourable for the production of all crops commonly grown in this district. While there was sufficient rain at the time crops required moisture to produce a satisfactory crop, yet the precipitation for the entire season was the least of any year recorded at this Station, except 1910. The total precipitation for the year was 14.115 inches.

This Station now has 20 head of horses, 101 head of cattle, 20 head of sheep and 24 hogs of various ages. All this stock appears to be thriving, and many of the dairy cows have made satisfactory records during the year. The Hoktein heifer " Lawncrest Lee Beets," 2 years old, has produced 8,166 pounds of milk, while "Lawncrest Rosa Echo," whose lactation period is not completed at this date, has given 11,143 pounds during the year.

The first apples of any kind to be produced at this Station were ripened last season and were satisfactory as to size and quality for the variety. Many seedlings are being grown with the hope of securing a variety that will prove hardier than anything being tested at i-resent. A satisfactory crop of currants and raspberries was produced last season.

A splendid range of varieties of trees and shrubs for ornamental purposes are proving hardy in central Alberta, and it is certain that the home grounds may be made very attractive by any farmers willing to give tho required time and attention.

A large amount of new woven wire fence (six and one-half miles in all) was erected during the year. This new fence, together with that planned to be erected the coming season, will complete the fencing on the new farm recently acquired, and all fields will be fenced for all classes of stock.

The Superintendent was one of the representatives of the Department of Agri- culture at the Dry Farming Congress at Tulsa, Oklahoma, in October. He acted as judge of ^ sheep and swine at the Winnipeg Industrial Exhibition and judge of dairy cattle at the Regina Summer Fair, and also acted as judge of sheep and swine at the Regina Winter Fair. He addressed institute meetings at Consort and Hazelmere, and gave addix?sses before the Farmers' Convention at North Battleford, Saskatchewan. He was also a representative of the Department of Agriculture at the banquet tendered J. C. Hill & Sons by the Board of Trade of Lloydminster, Sask.

DISTRIBUTION.

A total of 627 samples of potatoes and 13,175 j\fanitoba maple and 5,300 Cara- gaiia >eedlin,as were distributed to farmers living in central Alberta during the spring of 1913.

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR

.METEOROLOGICAL RECORDS.

77

	Temperature.	Precipita- tion.	SunsViine.
	Maximum.	Date.	Minimum.	Date.
1913- April	Degrees. 77^8 77-4 81-8 84-8 84- 0 80- 0 81-5 59^8 57-8 53-6 48-6 640	12 25 & 30 9 24 26 8&27 1 3 10 6 24 12	Degrees. 174 18- 1 36-2 319 35-5 24-4 9-7 - -5 -133 -361 -41-6 -23-6	23 5 17 25 19 23 30 23 25 24 5 26	Inches. •15 •48 298 3-43 2-43 •59 •68 •05 •07 145 100 •80	Hours. 260-8
May	277-1
June	271-9
July	336 3
August	3111
September	240-4
October	141-7
November	146-2
December	136-7
1914. January	73-5
February	120-1
March	153-8
					14 11	2,469-6

EXPERIMENTAL FARM FOR BRITISH COLUMBIA.

Agassiz, B.C.

On the whole the weather conditions were more favourable this year than last, though the spring was wetter than that of 1012. The rain in April retarded seeding operations to some extent, and May and June were also wet, but, since there were alternate rainy and fine spells, the work was not materially affected. July was reason- ably warm and dry, and August also, though occasional heavy showers fell in the latter month.

In the latter part of September there was a spell of fine weather; but October and November were wet, a condition which rather interfered with the root and corn harvest. No frosts were experienced before November 14. December and January were mild until the end of the latter month, when the first snow fell. The cold spell lasted until February 5, after which it was very mild and warm till towards the end of !March, when there were 10 degrees of frost, very cold winds and snow. Coming a^s it did after the mild weather, this cold spell did considerable damage.

The meteorological data are given below: —

78

EJPERIilEN^TAL FAIiMS

5 GEORGE v.. A. 1915

METEOROLOGICAL RECORDS.

JIoNTHS.	Maximum Temperature.	MiNIMtrM Temperature.	Me.-jn Temp. Deg.	Total Precipitation.
Date.	Deg.	Date.	Deg.	Rain.	Snaw.	Days. Hours. Mins.
1913. April	19 31 1 22 1 13 1 2 , 2, 3, 6, 7,11 4, 6, 11 26 19	75 78 84 91 91 78 66 61 50 49 60 73	28 5 6, 17, 20 16 17,19,20 15 6,28,29 14-20 23 28 5 26	33 33 40 45 40 40 33 25 29 12 12 22	51-27 52-22 58-31 52-45 64-47 56-51 47-77 45-23 40-22 38-00 .39-56 45 02	in. 4-72 6-08 7-33 3-71 2-71 7 -68 8-84 12-29 3-36 13-33 3-43 3-12	in. 27 7 2	21 16 24 25 26 23 15 9 11 5 11 17	125 120 147 189 202 170 73 39 55 12 66 98	48
May	6
June	6
July	48
A iigust	30
September October	42 22
November December 1914. January	30 12 36
February March	54 30
Total						76-60	36	2a3	1,302	4
	' 1

In spite of the showery weather, the farm crops made a very satisfactoiy show- ing, with the one exception of the wheat crop, of which mention is made later. All were harvested in good condition. The following crops were grown to feed the live Stock : —

Clover hay.. ..- 116 tons 960 pounds.

Corn silage 2S4 '• 1,770

Mangels 136 " 110

Carrots. 9 " 1.980

Sugar beets 6 " 100 "

Turnips 10 " SOO "

Potatoes 16 " 1,500 "

Mixed grains 96S bushels.

Barley 100 "

Peas 45

Different kinds of fertilizers and manures were tried with mangels. It is impos- sible, however, with but one year's work on these trials, to draw conclusions of any definite value.

This year, 205 rods of permanent fence has been erected. In addition to tiie replacing of old fencing on the boundaries, it has been found necessary to divide the Farm into four sections, so as to be able to change the pasture in accordance with the system of rotation followed. Also, with the advent of the new dairy herd, a greater number of lanes and yards have been constructed, and the grounds and gardens have had to be protected.

A good deal of labosr has been expended on the farm roads. The new roads have borders 8 feet wide sown to a grass mixture, and being fenced in are capable of being used as paddocks when need arises. Both the avenue leading from the highway and the central farm road have been gravelled to a depth of 0 to IS inches, and gravel ha.s also been spread in the exercising yards for the cattle. A cement footpath has been laid from the main building to the highway.

The horses being kept entirely for working purposes, there is no experimental work to be reported. Some useful figures have been collected, however, on the cobt

KEPOUT OF THE DIRECTOR 79

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

of food and care. One new team has ueeu added to the force, a pair of tlirce-ycar purej-bred Clydesdale fillies. The.-e were bought at the close of the year. The horses were kept busy throughout the entire year with the various improvements, roadmaking, etc., and are in good condition at the present time.

With the herd of grade Holstciu-Friesian cattle, breeding work has been c »n- tinued, and at the same time a careful testing of each individual has been kept up, with the object of obtaining uniform groups for experimental work.

The whole herd shows a better average performance than last year. Of the calves born, 50 per cent were heifers, and all these have been raised. The total number of animals now in the herd is sixty. This year figures were collected on the cost of raising yearling heifers and some work was done to find the cost of vealing dairy bull calves. Some 'bacteriological testing was done by Mr. G. IT. ITnwin, of the lleallh of Animals Branch. The results show the important part played by air-borne organisms in milk contamination. This is more particularly the case where care and cleanliness are observed in handling the milk and utensils; since a dust-laden air is shown to be capable of producing n dirty sample of milk, even with the most careful handling and the cleanest of milk pails.

With hogs, the work in breeding and feeding has been very successful. The breeding stock at present consists of t^s-enty-seven head; one aged boar, two young boars, eight sows over one year, and sixteen sows under one year. The breeding stock was kept in the " A " shaped cots. This method of housing has proved very satisfactory, both in the number of pigs farrowed and the number raised.

Some useful information has been gathered on the cost of raising a litter of young pigs. A record was kept of the cost of the sow's maintenance during the winter, and during the period from farrowing to weaning time. Tt "was found that the cost of food per pig raised, during the whole period, was $1.5.5.

A great deal of work has been done to ascertain the value of rice-meLiI for fattening hogs, and the results are important. Though the accommodation for this work was limited, over one hundred pigs have been put through these trials. Tt has been proved conclusively "that rice-ineal is not a profitable food for fatlenirg hogs. It has been proved, moreover, that it is injurious. In every case where the rice-meal was fed either exclusively or in a half-and-half mixture with other grains, it produced a diseased condition, strongly resembling beri-beri in man. The diseased pigs were examined by Dr. Hawden. Health of Animals Branch. His post- mortem findings determined the specific nature of the disease.

In the flock of T)orset Horned sheep no experimental work was done owing to lack of accommodation. The winter being mild the sheep were pasturing the whole year, with the exception of one week.

It is pleasing to be able to report an advance in the poultry work, which was reorganized at the beginning of the year. Mr. V. Kuhn has been placed in charge of the details of the work and has collected a groat deal of information which forms a good foundation for future experiments. The entire flock, for laying and breeding, numbers 342 birds, 'of which 66 are Barred Plymouth Ilocks. the remainder While Leghorns.

The farm dairy since June has been in the charge of Miss R. Keene. The work (has been, first, the handling of the product of the dairy herd in the form of sweet cream, butter, soft cheese, and a limited amount of high-class bottled milk, BoM locally. A considerable amount of milk -testing has been done. In addi- tion to the regular testing of the herd individuals, there have been some special tests for the pure-bred cows. Also, a number of samples ha.ve been sent in for testing from the surrounding district. Experiments were made with corrosive sublimate and lorraalin as preservatives of milk for testing.

In the making of soft cheese fair success can be reported, though the dairy is too small and the equipment too limited for any extensive work.

80 EXPERIMENTAL FABMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

Of the cereals, the wheat crop was a complete failure. The entire crop was badly infested with the wheat midge, and nothing was harvested.

Twelve varieties of oats were grown from selected heads. Of these the earliest variety was Eighty Day, the latest Danish Island. The Lincoln gave the highest yield. Four varieties were grown for hay of which Swedish Select gave the best results.

Of the fifteen varieties of barley, the earliest was Success, which matured in 100 days, and which gave the lightest yield. Danish Chevalier matured in 115 days and gave the largest yield of the varieties grown.

As forage crops, there were grown eleven varieties of mangels, eight varieties of Indian corn, nine varieties of carrots, ten varieties of turnips, and three varieties of sugar beets. All these were grown in the double-plot system, which has given better satisfaction tluin the single plots. There being plenty of moisture throughout the season, all root crops gave reasonably good results. The turnips were badly infested with the cabbage maggot, and, though they were given thorough treatment, the crop necessarily suffered. Figuring from the gross yield per acre of the mangels, Danish Sludstrup stands first with 36 tons, 1,700 pounds. Prize Maiumoth Long Red was second in yield.

With the varieties of Indian corn, Oompton's Early and Early Longfellow again head the list.

Of the carrots, Improved Short White was again best, and with sugar beets the largest gross yield was obtained from Klein Wanzleben.

The principal horticultural work was the testing of vegetables, of which 10.^ varieties were grown with varying success. Next in importance was the variety test- ing of flowers and bulbs. Considerable work was also expended on the grounds and in the handling of the young orchard of 4 acres, containing apples, pears, plums, cherries, blackberries, gooseberries, black, white and red currants and strawberries.

During the year, 314 samples of potatoes were distributed.

EXPERIMENTAL STATION FOR THE UPPER COLUMBIA VALLEY.

Invermere^ B.C.

The present Superintendent, Mr. G. E. Parham, took up his duties early in April, 1913.

During the previous season, much of the land had been cleared, a barn had been built and general preparatory work done, under the supervision of Mr. Duncan Ander- son. In 1913, the Superintendent's house was erected, as well as a cottage for the farm foreman.

NOTES ON THE WEATHER.

The spring of 1913 was backward, frosty nights occurring until the end of April. There was also a frost on the night of June 5. In general, however, the weather con- ditions during the summer and autumn were favourable to farming operations. The rainfall was about the average (9 inches) and fell at such times as to save a great deal of irrigation. The winter of 1913-14 has been exceptionally mild ; sleighing com- menced on Ja.nuary 21 and the snow disappeared during the first week in ]\rarch.

As horticulture is to be a main feature of the work at this Station, a special effort was made this year to get the orchards set out and experimental work with fruits, vegetables and flowers under way. Planting was commenced in April of many varieties received and heeled in the previous autumn. Five hundred and thirty-seven apple trees of different varieties were set out. Some of these have been winter-killed, but the hardier sorts seem to have stood the winter well.

t- <

o

v:

X

CO

X

16— 1915— p. 80.

REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR

81

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Winter-killing was severe among the cherries, plums, pears, and peaches set out. Bush fruits did well, except the blackberries and some varieties of gooseberries. Crape- vines were winter-killed.

All the above are being grown under irrigation, and experimental work will be carried on in different methods of cultivation, with varying amounts of water and times of application.

Vegetables were also grown under irrigation. With the exception of cabbages and peas, which were irrigated twice, only one application of water was retiuired, owing to timely rains. Experiments as to amount of water and times of application will be carried on with vegetables also.

Forty varieties of vegetables were tested under similar conditions as to cultiva,tion and irrigation.

The success obtained with flowers was marked, and the season of bloom prolonged.

Some field crops were grown, but no experimental work with cereals, roots, or grasses was attempted. Outside of horticulture, the work done was preparatory in nature, such as clearing and grading for irrigation. Seventeen acres on the west side of the Station were enclosed with a strong poultry and cattle fence, and 2 acre? of the low land has been cleared and got ready to sow with clover and alfalfa.

Work with live stock has not yet been commenced. Three horses have so far done the work of the Station. A beginning has been made with poultry, and it is planned to make poultry keeping a special feature of the work at this Station.

The Superintendent has addressed various farmers' meetings during the year and has rendered considerable assistance to ranchers in the vicinity by personal visits and advice. He has also taken part in the formation of a co-operative society in connection with the Farmers' Institute of the Windermere district.

Under his supervision, an exhibit was made of the products of the Station at the Athalmer Fair, got up by the Windermere District Agricultural Association.

METEOROLOGICAL RECORDS.

Month.	Temperatitre	F.	PREaPITATIpN.	Total.	Sunshine.
Date.	Max.	Min.	Date.	Rainfall.	Snowfall.
1913. Julv	21	o 93	0 Not kept .		Inches. 174 1-55 l^SO •42 ■63 0 •75 0 •07	Inches.	Inches. 1-74 1-55 1-80 •42 •63 0 2^25 •5 ■39	Hours. Not kept.
	2 90 18 76 2 ! 63
September Of t oKfT				193-8
			117-6
November December 1914. Janunrv	2 15 6 27 17	4.5 40 46 46 54			2* 0 10-5 •5 3-25	60-5
- 6 -11 -27 - 5	23 23 4 25	41-4 .54-5
Fol)iuary	73-6
March	144-8

*Ten inches of snow equals 1 inch of rain.

The recording apparatus set up at this Station was not complete until December.

IG— 6

R— IG

82 EXPEUIMEXTAL FAHMS

5 GEORGE v.. A, 1915 EXPERIMENTAL STATION FOR THE SAANICH PENINSULA,

Sidney, B.C.

The climate of this part of Vancouver island is very mild and equable, extremes of temperature being rarely met with. While the precipitation during most of the growing season of 1913 was very light, only .05 inch falling from April 2G to August 16, the atmosphere was humid, and the crop yields satisfactory.

WORK CARRIED ON.

Clearing operations were vigorously pursued on 78 acres partly cleared and reported on last year, and also on the 47 acres left uncleared on March 31, 1913.

The roots, windfalls and logs were piled by a donkey engine in several piles 100 feet high, with a base GO feet in diameter. The bottom of each pile was closely packed with logs of from 2 to 8 feet diameter. In thcse, 150 holes were bored and 150 sticks of stumping powder jjut in singly. These were fired simultaneously. The vibration packed the whole mass and shook the dirt from the roots. The heaps were then fired, leaving only some 7 per cent to rcpile. This clearing operation cost $220 per acre.

After the piles v.cre burned out, clearing the land of rocks and roots was commenced. Dynamite was used to break up the large boulders, some of which weighed over 10 tons. The amount of rock removed averaged 50 tons to the acre and its removal cost $105 per acre. The material was used to bed new roads, make railway and road crossings, bridges and retaining walls on ihe sea beach.

A general survey was then made and levels taken- for ditching, grading, road- making, fencing, etc. This work was then proceeded with, the labour connected with the various items costing as follows: —

Per rod.

Ditching (after being cleared and stoned) $1 00

Draining with 3, 6. and 8-inch tile 1 00

Roadmaking for farm purposes 110

Roadmaking for transiiortation (team, grader, and labour) 3 00

Fencing, including cedar posts 1 08

AGRICULTURE AND HORTICULTURE.

As soon as the land was cleared and drained, the breaking plough was put in, further clearing of rocks and roots was done and the disc harrow, leveller, grader find roller applied. These were' followed by the walking plough, spring-tooth harrow and smoothing harrow, after which the soil was ready for the disc seeder. The cost varied according to the nature of the soil, which comprises good loam, quick- sand, turf, and bog, with seams of strong clay containing iron oxide. This thorough preparation cleaned the ground well and got the soil into good condition for after- cultivation.

ROADS.

The 66-foot wide East vSaanich road running through the centre of the Experi- mental Station has been prepared to make a boulevard; tulip trees have been planted 40 feet apart on each side. These will be protected by a border of Kentucky Blue grass.

In July, the service road w;as made through to the sea beach, giving ready access to the British Columbia Electric and the Canadian Northern stations. These are named " Bazan Bay " and are situated in the centre of the Experimental Station.

The 2h miles of new road? now on the Station are well crowned, both sides are channelled to take away surface water and they are in good condition for trans- portation purposes.

REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR

83

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

A great change has been made in the appearance of the Station since clearing operations began eighteen months ago. Then giant cedars and Douglas firs grew 200 feet high, 8 feet diameter at the base and. being deep-rooted took 40 sticks of stumping powder to uproot thom; windfalls and twisted logs were cross-piled amongst second growth, treacherous places of quicksand and bog were found, where, if a horse got in, cables were required to get him out. Now automobiles travel over the same ground down to the two railway stations and the sea beach, through avenues planted with shrubs and trees, and fields of fall wheat and rye are growing. There remains, howevei", much to be done before the plans for this Station may be said to be well under way.

On account of the difficulty and amount of the clearing to be done, the season was too advanced for experimental crop growing, so 30 acres were sown to oats for fodder, wliite clover, which was ploughed under in the fall, and roots for the stock. These all gave satisfactory crops.

The 30 acres set aside for horticulture has been planted with British Columbia .<5hrubs and plants and fruit trees imported from Japan. France, Germany, the United States and Eastern Canada.

The nursery, orchards, avenue, and arboretum look well, and the lawn sown with Kentucky Blue grass is a good catch.

The five general purpose horses have been fully employed the whole year and are in excellent condition.

JIETEOROLOGICAL RKCORD.S.

	Month.	Temperature F.	Precipita- tion.	Sunshine.
	Highest.	Lowest .	Mean.
'kprii . . .	1913.	Degrees.. 65 65 69 82 SO 71 60 55 50 45 51 67	Degrees. 42 40 42. 53 50 46 36 41 35 33 26 29	Degrees. 50 51 57 64 62 -.50 .58 -.50 49-50 47 44 39-50 44 46	Inches. 0-62 0-80 1-05 0-45 0-84 1-95 3-63 4-70 1-35 0-47 1-56 2-05	Hours. 127-48
May	166-00
J^inc	167-42
July	274-48
August	237-18
September	198-06
October	91-30
Novemher	56-36
Deceinher	33-42
	1914.	35 - O'i
	65 54
	117-24
Totals				19-47	1,569-54
1

Note. — .■Xs the ineteorologieal instruments were not installed at the Sidney Station until February 14, 1914, the above records up to that date were obtained from other observers in the Suanich penin-ula. There may he som.e difTerence between the temperatures and rainfall at these points and at the Expcri menta Station, hut the above will give a good idea of the weather conditions of the district.

16— 6 J

5 george v. sessional paper no. 16 a. 1915

Dominion of Canada

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Dominion Experimental Farms

REPORT

FROM

THE DIVISIOiN OF CHEMISTRY

For the Year ending March 31, 1914

PREPARED BY Dominion Chemist. Frank T. Shutt, M.A., F.I.C.

5 GEORGE V. SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 • A. 1915

REPORT OF THE DIVISION OF CHEMISTRY.

FRANK T. SHUTT, M.A., Y.I.G., F.R.S.C., Dominion Ciikmist.

Ottawa, March 31, 1914.

J. H. Grisdalk, Esq., B. Agr.,

Director, Dominion Experimental Farms, Ottawa, Ont.

Sir, — I have the honour to submit herewith the twenty-seventh Annual Report of the Division of Chemistry of the Dominion Experimental Farms.

For the most part the work of the Division during the year now closing has been a continuation of the various researches, investigations and experiments which have occupied our attention for a number of years past, though several new ijroblems of very considerable importance to Canadian agriculture have been attacked.

Very satisfactory progress, we believe, has been made in all the branches of the Division's activities, the increased laboratory accommodation made possible by the extension of the Chemical Building and the appointment of additional assistants on the staff having very greatly facilitated the purely analytical work.

The correspondence continues to increase and the requests of farmers for the examination of soils and other matters of an agricultural nature, become more numerous. This phase of the work, which may be considered as directly educational and ndvisojy, has been encouraged from the first, for the information thus sent out instructs and assists the man on the farm in his difficulties and everyday work. Valuable and important as are the published reports and bulletins, this direct com- munication with the individual farmer who is honestly seeking for help has had a special influence and valiie, as our experience of many years has amply proven. It has shown itself to be not only the best and most direct means of reaching the indi- vidual, but one that has proved of very considerable service iji the neighbourhood or district of the individual, since every farmer, more or less, acts as a centre in the wider dissemination of the knowledge. We have sought to malvc this Division a bureau of information for the Dominion on subjects relating generally to the chemistry of agriculture, to which all may apply with their questions regarding the nature, composition and properties of soils, manures and fertilizers, forage plants and feeding stuffs, insecticides, the requirements of stock and crops, etc., etc., and the farmers, we are pleased to record, are more and more recognizing that we are able, in supplying the dasired information, to assist them very materially.

The samples received for analysis or examination during the past year are classi- fied in the subjoined table, the provinces from which they were forwarded being indicated. Many of these snmples have been taken in connection with the several investigations carried on by the Division, but a very large propnrtiou of tliem have been sent in by farmers.

87

88

EXPEIilMENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v.. A. 1915

Samples received for Examination and Report for the twelve naontlis ending

March 31, 1914.

			i				^		-73
Sample.	e8 CO JZ ■f.e	i	1	o '5 e8	c c	3	0)	*43 8 m > O	C CO 1— 1	0
	w	<	494 6	S	O	C?	^	"^	P^	H
Soils	46 5	573 5	372 1	51 9	78 14	25 9	17 13	2 7	1,658
Muds, mucks and marls	69
Manures and fertilizers	13	1	0	1	7	24	16	6	0	68
Forage plants, fodders and feeding
stutfs	5 24 6	18 15 7	13 12 2	8 12 4	104 178 585	30 23 24	7 8 3	16 ■■■5'	6	213
Waters	272
Miscellaneous	633
-	2,915

The ' waters ' inehide 84 samples of rain and snow analysed in our investigation to ascertain the fertilizing value of these forms of precipitation, and the ' mis- cellaneous ' include dairy products, fungicides and insecticides and some 500 samples from the Meat Inspection Division, Health of Animals Branch,

Soils. — ^We now publish fairly complete chemical and physical data respecting a series of soils typical of well defined geological areas in Nova Scotia. These were col- lected and forwarded by the Secretary of Agriculture for Nova Scotia and our report on them will serve as a beginning to a more exact knowledge of the soils of the more important agricultural areas or districts of that provnice. Our deductions will fur- nish information that will be valuable in the economic upkeep and improvement of the soils in question.

The analysis of many soils from .virgin or unoccupied area^ in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia has also been undertaken, but the results will be held over for future publication, pending a more complete examination of the soils of the districts involved.

There has also been in progress an examination of a large series of soils collected over the area of the Canadian Pacific Railway irrigation tract east of Calgary. The investigation includes a careful search for ' alkali ' compounds and their quantitative determination, if found. The publication of these results will also be deferred until the work is completed.

Conservation of Soil Moisture. — The work begun some years ago on certain of the western J^xperimental Farms and Stations to ascertain the influence of subsoil- ing, depth and time of ploughing, frequency and depth of cultivation, sub-surface packing, etc., on the moisture content of the soil, has been continued. As this investi- gation progresses we accumulate proof of the value of early and fairly deep plough- ing, of sub-surface packing on light soils and of frequent stirring of the surface crust by culti\'^tion, to conserve moisture.

The Composition of W%eat as influenced hy Climatic Conditions. — A continua- tion of this research has afforded further proof of our contention that the protein con- tent of the cereals may be very considerably infiuenced by the character of the season, or to state the case somewhat more fully, that the amount of available moisture in the soil and the temperatures prevailing during the filling out of the kernel and its period of maturing, markedly affect its composition. If there is a sufficiency of moisture in the soil during the early part of the season to bring the crop to a good growth, then a fairly dry soil and high temperatures during the later summer months, hasten

DIYISIOK OF CUEMI^TRY 89

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

iiiatinity and conduce to a liard berry with a high protein (gluten) content. On the othcT hand when the vegetative period is lengthened and ripening deferred, as by cool ami damp weatlier, the tendency will be towards the production of a soft and starchy j:rain.

Fodders and Feidlnfj Stuffs. — This chapter deals witli the analysis and nutritive value of a number of forage plants and concentrated feeding stuffs. These include by-products of the distillery, brewery, starch factory, and linseed oil mill. Several molasses feeds are also reported on.

We have during the year analysed a large series of samples of elevator screenings and of weed seeds separated therefrom, to determine their food value. The publica- tion of these data, however, is deferred for the present, pending the completion of our inquiry as to the practical usefulness of these screenings in stock feeding.

Fertilizer Experiments with Potatoes. — Information is furnished on the profitable use of fertilizers on the potato crop, as gathered from experimental work carried on at the Experimental Station at Kentville, N.S., and at the Experimental Station, Frederictoui, N.B. In this investigation the usual forms of nitrogen, phosphoric acid and potash found in the fertilizer market were used, and the tables of data given show the profits obtained from the various mixtures employed. The largest profits followed in the majority of instances the application of mixtures containing all three elements of plant food, and a further consideration of the data clearly shows that moderate, rather than very large, dressings were the more profitable.

The Relative Value of Field Roots. — This is a continuation of an investigation that has been carried on for isome years. The series includes mangels, turnips a»d carrots, the analysis being made from roots grown on the Central Farm, Ottawa.

The influence of heredity in mangels has been further studied, using the Gate Post and Giant Yellow Globe. The former variety has for the past fourteen years, during which the subject has been under investigation, proved invariably the better root, both as to dry matter and sugar.

Sugar Beets. — Three of the leading? varieties of sugar beets, Vilmorin's Improved A., Vilmorin's Improved B., and elein Wenzleben, have been grown at fourteen of the Dominion Experimental Farms and Stations and representative roots therefrom have been submitted to analysis. The data, as a whole, are very satisfactory, indicating that beets rich in sugar and eminently suitable for factory purpose.?, may be grown in widely distant parts of the Dominion.

Naturally-occ^irring Fertilizers. — This chapter includes the analysis of marls, limestones, and other materials of fertilizing value sent in during the year. It also furnishes information as to the use of lime and its compounds in practical agri- culture.

Insecticides and Fungicides. — A series of thirteen samples of arsenate of lead, representing the more important brands on the market, has been examined. The detailed analyses are given in tabular form and notes added as to the more salient properties of this valuable insecticide.

Several insecticides and sprays recently put upon the market, have also been analyzed and are here reported on as to their probable value.

Fertilizing Value of Rain and Snow. — The data for the seventh year of this investi- gation are here presented. During the past year there were furnished from these sources for the enrichment of the soil, 6,208 pounds of available nitrogen per acre. The average amount, per annum, for the past seven years, is 6-182 pounds per acre.

Meat Inspection Division. — This work consists in the analysis of samples col- lected by the Inspectors of the Meat Inspection Division, Health of Animals Branch

90 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

Department of Agriculture, at the various packing houses and fruit and vegetable canneries throughout the Dominion.

During the year April 1, 1913 — March 31, 1914, 510 samples have been critically examined as to nature and purity, as follows: —

Lards, tallow, oils and butters 55

Preserved meats — sausages, mince meat, etc 76

Colouring and dye stuffs 56

Preservatives 67

Pickling solutions ■ 33

Spices and condiments . 19

Evaporated apples and apple waste 201

Miscellaneous 3

Total 510

The increase in late years in this branch of work will be apparent when it is stated that for the preceding year the samples examined numbered 185, and for the year ending March 31, 1912, 8G. The reports on these materials are submitted to the Veterinary Director General.

The Water Stipply of Farm Homesteads. — During the year, 272 samples of water were entered for examination. Of these 84 were from the rain and snow investiga- tion, which has already been referred to. The remainder, 168, were fro^-'^ wells and other sources of water supply on Canadian farms. Of these we reported 62 as pure and wholesome, 44 as highly suspicious, 25 as seriously polluted and 37 as non- potable by reason of high salinity.

We have from the first urged with all the emphasis at our command the desira- bility of an ample supply of pure water for the health of the farmer and his family, the thrift of his stock and the wholesomeness of his dairy produce. In too many instances, we regret to say, farmers are still using water from barnyard and back- door wells that are seriously contaminated with drainage matter. But we can also record, and with much satisfaction, that there is an ever increasing number who are abandoning these shallow and badly-placed, wells for a deep seated source — the bored or driven well — so situated as to be beyond the possibility of local pullution.

Stajf: Achnowledgments. — I would acknowledge with thanks the valuable assist- ance rendered during the year by the staff. Mr. A. T. Charron, M.A.. has con-"" tinued in the general oversight and conduct of the work as First Assistant Chemist, and has been more especially helpful in connection with the correspondence and lectures in French on agricultural subjects. Mr. C. H. Eobinson, B.A., has had entire charge of the analytical work m connection with the samples sent in by the Meat Inspection Division, and the analysis of Insecticides and Fungicides. To Mr. A. T. Stuart, B.A., has been assigned the water analyses, the work in connection with the rain and snow investigation, and the large number of nitrogen determina- tions necessary in so many researches. J\[r. J. T. Janson, B.Sc, and Mr. J. M. Scott, M.Sc, have been chiefly engaged in the analysis of soils, fertilizing materials and feeding stufFs.

I have the honour to be, sir.

Tour obedient servant,

FRANK T. SHUTT,

Dominion Chemist.

n/17S70V OF CEEMISiTRY

- 91

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

NOVA SCOTIA SOILS.

The four soil .samples now reported were collected and forwarded, with notes, by Mr. L. C. Harlow at the instance of Principal Gumming of Truro, N.S., Secretary of Agriculture for Nova Scotia.

Lahfi. No. 8758. — Labelled No. 4N. 'From farm of Mr. Cock, New Annan, Ctd. Co.; cultivated area, for many years in grass, but not manured; in river valley 'which is frequently ovei-flowed; only surface drained; soil probably about 2 feet deep. Typi- cal of many miles, as the river valley broadens.' A coarse and very loose gravelly loam of a deep brown colour and showing an abundance of root fibre.

Lahy. No. <97o.9.— Labelled No. 6N. ' From farm Jno. Cunningham, Bay Head, Col. Co.; virgin soil but U'sed for pasture, covered with laurel and dry upland grass; no drainage. The north shore of Colchester county has much soil of this nature.' A light yellowish-grey soil, containing some gravel and of a generally poor, thin appear- ance.

Lahy. No. 5760.— Labelled No. 7S. ' From Otter Brook, Stowiack, Col. Co.; virgin soil, covered with laurel, blueberry, low ground grasses. No drainage, ground low. Depth of soil without apparent change 18 inches. The north side of Stewiack valley has extensive flats of similar soil.' A bi'ownish-red clay loam, without stones or gravel and fairly friable.

Lahy. No. 576i.— Labelled No. 18S. ' From property of Mr. M. L. Tupper, :Middle Musquodoboit, Halifax Oo. Virgin soil, scattered over with small spruce, blueberry, arbutus. No underdrainage, but needs it. With heavy clay subsoil. Typical of west side of valley of Musquodoboit River.' A light-red, loose, gravelly loam, with a fair amount of stones and rock fragments.

The results of the physical examination of these soils are given in the subjoined table, and their study will afford much useful information as to the general nature of the loams, their culture and treatment and their suitability for specific crops.

Approxim.xte Physical Analysis of Soils from Nova Scotia.

>> c r	Stones and gravel.	Fine gravel and very coarse sand.	Coarse and fine .sand.	Silt, fine silt and clay, (by difference).	Organic matter. (Loss on ignition.)
8,753 8,759 8,760	per cent 34.6 10.6	per cent 16.0 8.8	per cent 30.8 52.4 59.9 3t.C	per cent .82 24.56 32 35 11.55	per cent 17.78 3.64 7 75
8,761	35.2	11.7	6.95

Lahy No. 8758. — This is essentially gravelly, the proportion of reck fragments being quite large. The greater part of the fine soil (less than 5 mm. diam.) is sand, much of which is quite coarse. The percentage of clay and silt is very small, practi- cally negligible. For a soil of this character the amount of organic matter is very high; it should be remarked, however, that the larger part of this is not humified, but exists as root fibre that has undergone little or no decomposition as yet.

The absence of clay and the coarseness of a large proportion of the sand explain the lack of cohesivcness of this soil and indicate that its crops might suffer very con- siderably in seasons of drought. The very liberal amount of vegetable matter present would no doubt do much to offset the tendency of this soil to dry out rapidly. In soils

92 EXPERIMENTAL FABMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

of this type, cultivation leads to the dissipation of organic matter and, therefore, for the maintenance of fertility it will be essential to supply continually humus-forming material as with farm manures and the turning under of green crops. By this means the soil may be made more retentive of moisture and of such plant fool as may be supplied in the form of commercial fertilizers.

If the water table is not too high, this soil would readily drain, allowing an easy and complete aeration. This soil should rapidly warm up in spring and respond well in favourable seasons to high manuring. It is not, from the physical standpoint, to be considered a good general farming soil, but it has characters which make it suitable for some crops, prominent among which we might place potatoes, and similar garden crops.

Lahy. No. 8759. — This soil differs essentially from the preceding in its smaller percentages of gravel and very coarse sand and its much larger proportion of silt and clay. Though it might be characterized as a clay loam, it contains sufficient coarse material to make it friable and to permit of it being easily worked. From the physical standpoint the exceedingly small organic content is its most unfavourable feature, and it is undoubtedly in the addition of humus-forming material tliat improvement, iirst as to tilth and then ' life ' of the soil, is to be chiefly looked for.

Lahy. No. 8700. — This is a clay or heavy clay loam. With good drainage and careful, rational tillage it should prove a strong, productive soil. With an increased organic matter content, the probability is that the texture would be considerably improved, and hence the desirability of stable manures and the adoption of a rota- tion which would from time to time add to the soil's store of humus. Besides its valuable influence on the texture, humus may always be considered as an economical source of plant food.

Lahy. No. 8761. — This is a gravelly, loam, but probably contains sufficient silt and clay to give it ' strength ' and make it fairly retentive of moisture. From the viewpoint of texture it should prove very fairly satisfactory for a large range of crops, but the value of organic matter as an amendment, as well as for the purpose of enrichment, may, as in the preceding instance, be again emphasized.

The composition of the soils as revealed by chemical analysis is set forth in the following table. In addition to the amounts of the essential mineral elements of plant food (phosphoric acid, potash and lime) obtained by the use of a strong acid solvent, the percentages of these constituents soluble in a dilute solution of an organic acid have been obtained. These latter may be regarded as representing more or less closely the proportions available for crop use, and hence in a certain degree may serve to indicate the need or non-need of specific fertilizers.

In considering these analytical data with the view of deducing the relative fertility of the soils, it must not be lost sight of that it is impossible to establish rigid standards as regards the minimum amounts of plant food that must be present in order that a soil may be classed as economically productive. Again, it nuist be borne in mind that the climatic conditions of the district, the drainage and the texture of the soil, play a most important part in maintaining fertility. Further, the amount of humus-forming material and its condition are potent factors, not only in determining the water-holding capacity of a soil, but also in affording nourishment for the micro-organisms of the soil, the role of which is largely to prepare the plant food constituents for the use of farm crops. Especially is this true as regards nitri- fication— probably the most important of all the conversions into available forms within the soil. These matters, here so briefly discussed, will be found more fiilly considered in the Keport of the Chemist, Experimental Farms, 1S97, but possibly sufficient has been said to show that percentages of the more important elements, useful as they are, must not be taken as the sole guide in the valuation of a soil. Its

DIVISION OF CBEMISTHY

93

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

future culture, drainage, the cliaracter of the crops grown and several other factors may profoundly modify the deductions made simply from analytical data.

Analysis of (air-dried) Soils.

			1 ^'	eS							AV.^ILABLE
		'C	t^-3	r- a							Constituents.
	'5	rganic an Volatile Matter.	Insoluble. Mineral M (sand and	.t'i o ce	6	.2 & 0!	.2 'fc4 o		Total .
La by. No.	Lime.	Phosphoric Acid.	O
	S	O p.c.	O	1-3	g	Ph	flH		a			tH
	p.c.	p.c	p.c.	p.c.	p.c.	p.c.	p.c.	p.c.	p.c.	p.c.	p.c.	p.c.
875S	3 52	17-78	57-71	15 97	1.64	1 33	23	-27	98-45	-.54	•99	•087	-048
8750	45	3 64	91 00	3-92	•04	-.35	•026	-145	99-57	•107	Nil	•Oil	016
8760	1 23	7-75	80 07	9.38	■36	-91	•u	•37	100 18	•23	15	-023	■019
87(11	100	0-95	80 73	10 31	11	•08	004	-42	100-20	•204	' 02	•023	•018

Laby. No. 8768^ — A large amount of vegetable matter usually betokens rich- ness in nitrogen, and it is not surprising, therefore, to find this soil characterized by a high percentage of this element. The crude condition of much of this organic matter, however, leads us to conclude that but a small portion of this nitrogen is in a form readily convertible into plant food; we must rather consider this as a store of nitrogen to be gradually made available by good methods of culture. It is quite probable also, for the same reason, that in spite of this apparent abundance of nitrogen, a good response might be obtained from applications of manure, since euch furnish readily convertible, nitrifiable nitrogen for the immediate feeding of our crops.

In the mineral elements of fertility — potash and phosphoric acid — this soil appears to be fairly well supplied, the amounts comparing favourably with those obtained from many of our good soils, i.e., of average fertility. The proportions which may be considered as more or less available are, we think, quite satisfactory, indicating no especial or immediate necessity for fertilizers furnishing these elements in soluble forms.

For a soil of a sandy or gravelly character, the lime content is by no means low; we should judge there was sufficient at present both for crop use and for the promotion of nitrification.

Lahy. No. 8750. — The very small amount of humus-forming mat'jritil present in this soil has already been commented on and emphasis has been laid on the desirability of adding to its store, on both chemical and physical grounds. The percentage of nitro- gen, as might be expected under the circumstances, is quite low and the aim should be towards increasing it through organic forms (manure, the turning under of green crops, fish waste, etc.), rather than by application of the more soluble forms, such as nitrate of soda or sulphate of ammonia.

The phosphoric acid percentages — both ' total ' and ' available ' — are very small and a favourable response to phosphate fertilizers might well be expected. Among such fertilizers we should consider basic slag the most desirable for soils of this type.

The potash is similarly low and we have in consequence to emph.;size the desir- ability of including special potassic fertilizers e.g., wood ashes, sulphate and muriate of potash, in any scheme for the general improvement of the soil.

The amount of lime extracted with strong acid is excec^diugly sm;:ll and that which would be available for crop use is practic-Jly negligible. Lime may be furnished in one or more of many forms, but it would not be wise to use large amounts of quick- lime unless the soil were well manured or following the turning under of a good growth of some green crop. Wood ashes, in addition to it being a valuable potassic fertilizer

94 EXPERIMEXTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

is one of the most acceptable forms for supplying this element. If basic slag were . used, as suggested in. a preceding paragraph, there would be no need possibly for a special application of lime, as this fertilizer contains a fair quantity in a state or combination that is very useful agriculturally. Marl and ground limestone also sug- gest themselves as sources of lime useful on such soils.

A word of caution must be given with 'respect to the use of quicklime on poor soils. Though a response may be obtained at the outset, the continued or excessive employment of this material will bring disappointment uiiless at the same time the soil is generally enriched, as through manuring and the adoption of a rational rota- tion. These soils stand in need of lime, but they are also otherwise poor, and if lime only is used, the immediate return is at the expense of the soil's fertility and impover- ishment rather than enrichment results.

Lahy. No. 8760. — Although in certain particulars this soil is not equal to No. 8758, notably in containing less nitrogen and phosphoric acid, it is on the whole to be regarded as distinctly superior for many farm crops. Its organic matter is more humified and more intimately incorporated with the mineral components and it is in consequence more homogeneous and better adapted to the retention of moisture and to the favourable extension and development of the root system. The absence of such a large proportion of stone and rock fragments as characterizes No. 8758, and the larger clay content of this sample are in its favour. It is a soil that should prove very satisfactory under intelligent cultivation.

There are not any marked or particular deficiencies, so far as can be learned from the chemical data, though with improvement by manures and the increase of its organic content, the rational use of fertilizers would in all probability prove profitable. As a source of phosphoric acid the indications are that basic slag would be suitable. The desirability of organic manure was mentioned in discussing the physical data, and such manures would no doubt be the best forms to introduce nitrogen.

For a soil of this type we should consider the lime content too low for the best returns. An occasional liming might therefore, be recommended, as tending to the improvement of tilth, the promotion of nitrification and the supplying of plant food, directly and indirectly, .^ny of the forms of this amendment previously mentioned could be used.

Laby. No. 8761. — In colour and general appearance this soil is not unlike No. 8760; closer examination, however, shov/s it to contain a considerable proportion of gravel absent in the sample just discussed. In many of the chemical data — as in organic matter, nitrogen, insoluble mineral matter, oxide of iron and the amounts of 'available' phosphoric acid and potash, these two soils show a very strong similarity. It I'owever proves to be ■nuch poorer in ' total ' phosphoric acid, indicating that the stores of this element v^fA require replenishing at an earlier date. A further feature in which it differs from No. 8760, is its greater poverty in lime and hence the greater improvement that may be expected from liming, provided this is judiciously accom- plished.

SOILS FROM AVARD 1, CORXWALLIS., KINGS CO., N.S.

No. 1. Woodside Farm. — From centre of big orchard, south of big barn. In the air-dried condition this sample was of a dull or chocolate-red colour. It is osfentially a coarse-grained sand, with some pebbles and small quartz fragments. The masses of agglutinated sand particles are quite friable, being readily crushed between thumb and finger. The proportion of clay and silt is veiy small. There is but little evidence of vegetable debris. Reaction : very slig^?itly acid.

No. 2. ^Nood8^de Farm. — From directly northwest of big barn. Very similar in colour and general structure to No. 1, but a somewhai" coarser soil with appar- ently a large proportion of gravel. Eeaction: very faintly acid.

I>I\ISI0S OF CHEMISTRY

95

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

No. 3. Woodside Farm. — From directly northeast of biff barn. A coarse-grained, reddish sandy loam with some larpre pebbles or rock frapinents. Very little clay or -ilt. Keaction : very faintly acid.

No. Jf Blomidon Farm. — From northeast orchard. A comparatively fine-grained, reddish, sandy loam, with no pebbles. Very friable, with very little clay or silt. Some Tittle root fibre present. React ion : ver^' slightly acid.

No. 5. JIahitant Farm. — From field south of railway track. A reddish, coar.se- grained sandy loam, with some lumps of grey sand and a few pebbles and rock frag- ments. Friable. Very little root fibre present. Reaction : distinctly acid.

No. 6. Eahitant Farm. — From Lee Kinsmen's field north of road. A reddi>h sandy loam. Sand both coarse and fine-grained, but no gravel or pebbles. Appar- ently no root fibi;e. Not quit« so friable as preceding samples, possibly owing to presence of slightly more clay. Reaction: distinctly acid.

No. 7. Habitant Farm. — From orchard south of big barn.— Light chocolate-red sandy loam with some pebbles. Lumps or masses not quite so friable as in many of the other samples, probably owing to slightly more clay. Little evidence of organic debris. Reaction: distinctly acid.

The air-dried soils were prepared by first removing pebbles and rock fragments a'nd then gently crushing and sifting the remainder, the fine portion (less than • 5 mm.) being submitted to analysis.

Analysis of (air-dried) Soils from Ward 1, Cornwallis, Kings Co., N.S.

	Laby. No.	Moisture.	Organic and Volatile Matter.	Nitrogen.	Available Constituents.
No.	Phosphoric Acid.	Potash.	Lime.
		per cent	per cent	per cent	per cent	per cent	per cent
1	132G7	•88	4^60	112	•043	0158	•015
2	i;i:!G8	•90	4 20	•105	■0.53	•0135	021
o O	13269	■72	3-24	■077	•030	■0125	•009
4	1:5270	1 03	5 0.5	■1.37	•013	•0048	■007
ft	i:'.271	1 40	5-46	•119	•024	•0056	•021
H	13272	113	.5-58	•l.o0	•021	•00()3	■091
1	13273	1 12	5 12	•141	•047	•0094	•058

Physical characters and analytical data alike indicate that all these soils are of the same tyi>e or class, and that the difTerences between them are rather those of degree than of kind. They are sandy loams, the sand for the most part being coarse. Though many contain pebbles and rock fragments, none of the samples could be termed gravelly. Clay and silt are present only in very small proportions and in consequence the soils are free working, open and friable. IS'o doubt in the many years of cultivation the finer particles have washed and worked down into the subsoil.

The amount of vegetable matter (humus) might with advantage be increased in all the soils, both for improving tilth and moisture-holding capacity as well as to form a storehouse for organic nitrogen, a very important element in which these loams are only moderately rich. Organic manures would be the first desideratum towards the permanent improvement of these soils. If barnyard manure is not available in sufficient quantities, the humus-forming material must be furnished by practising a ccmpnratively short rotation, putting the land in grass with clover for, say, two years out of five. If the land is in orchard, legumiueus cover crops must be

96 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

grown, whicli will enrich the soil not only in organic matter but in the equally needed nitrogen.

Secondly, the very low lime-content leads to the conclusion that an application of lime or finely ground limestone would be beneficial, and we should strongly advise one or other as an economical means of raising the productiveness of these soils.

Judging from the amount of ' available ' phosphoric acid present, there does not seem to be any immediate need of a phosphatic fertilizer. If, however, it is decided to use such we would recommend atrial with basic slag, which, considering the nature of these soils, would appear to be the most suitable form in which to apply this element. The percentages of ' available ' potash are n«ot so satisfactory as those of phosphoric acid and indicat-e that a remunerative response might be obtained from an application of a potassic fertilizer for fruit and root crops.

With respect to soluble nitrogen (nitrate of soda, sulphate of ammonia) an application of, say, 100 to 150 lbs. per acre, in the spring, would probably be advan- tageous for grain and garden crops, but for orchard work we should consider bone meal (which also furnishes phosphoric acid) a more desirable form.

FERTILIZING MATERIALS.

The official examination of commercial fertilizers sold in Canada is undertaLen by the Inland Revenue Department and the Chemical Division of the Experimental Farms does not, therefore, make any analyses of the various brands upon the market, nor engage in any investigation in cases of alleged adulteration of these goods. There are, however, here and there throughout the Dominion, many materials occurring naturally that are of considerable fertilizing value and which, more or less easily obtained, may be used to advantage by our farmers to improve and enrich their lands. These materials comprise certain muds, mucks, marls, sea-weeds, fish refuse, etc., etc. It has been our custom from the first to examine into their value and to advise farmers respecting their economic u^e, and past reports of this Division contain much infor- mation on this important matter.

In the foUowiiig paragraphs an account is given of a number of these fertilizing materials analysed during the past year, many of them having been sent in by farmers for examination while others have been collected by the Division.

Marl and Limestone.

That many farmers, especially in the Eastern Provinces of the Dominion, are awakening to the fact that there are soils that can be improved by liming, marling or the application of ground limestone, has been noted in our recent reports. The demands for information on this phase of agricultural practice continue to be received and many samples of marl and of rocks supposed to be rich in carbonate of lime have been sent in for examination. To make generally accessible information on the function and uses of lime and its compounds in agriculture an article treating of the subject in its various phases was written for the 1913 report of this Division. As copies of this reixirt are still available, it will be unnecessary to repeat, in extenso, our reconi- mendations and advice in this matter. The following paragraphs, however, have been specially written to present succinctly the salient points, and they may give sufiicient information to meet ordinary cases. We shall always be pleased, however, on appli- cation, to supplement, as far as may be practicable, the particulars tl.ercin given and to make suggestions for specific cases.

Lime compounds. — Quicklime, slaked lime and carbonate of lime, though not classed as fertilizers, perform certain useful functions in the soil, the chief of which

DJTISIOy OF CUEMISTRY 97

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

may be summarized as follows : They furnish lime (which is an element of plant food) in a more or less available form aaid consequently are valuable for soils, natu- rally deficient in this constituent, as well as for soils that have loFt their lime by long-continued cropping. They neutralize the acidity, of low-lying, ill-drained soils and soils over-rich in organic matter, such as peat and muck soils; few farm crops thrive in an acid or sour soil. They promote nitrification of the humus of the soil and thus increase the amount of available nitrogen, the dominant element in crop growth. They act on the inert potash compounds of the soil, setting free this element and thus encouraging clover and other pol ash-loving plaiits. They also exert an influ- ence on the insoluble phosphates of the soil, especially those of iron and alumina, converting them into forms more readily utilized by crops. They improve the tex- ture of heavy clay soils, making them mellower.

The compounds, quicklime, slaked lime and carbonate of lime differ in their composition and hence in their agricultural value. On the basis of an equal purity, 100 lbs. quicklime is the equivalent of 130 lbs. slaked lime and of 180 lbs. carbonate of lime. In other words, it would require 2,600 lbs. slaked lime or 3,600 lbs. of carbon- ate of lime (marl, ground limestone) to furnish the lime and do the same chemical work in the soil as 2,000 lbs. of quicklime.

The rate of application per acre will depend on several factors — the character of soil, degree of its acidity, etc., but it may be stated as a general principle that on light and poor sandy loams the dressings should be small, say from 500 lbs. to 1,500 lbs. per acre of quicklime — the equivalent of (about) 900 lbs. to 2,700 lbs. of car- bonate. On heavy clay loams and on soils rich in vegetable matter heavier applications may be made, say from 1,000 lbs. to 4,000 lbs. quicklime — the equivalent of 1,800 lbs. to 7,000 lbs. carbonate of lime. In considering the amount, the frequency of the appli- cation must be borne in mind. It is undoubedly better to give small and frequent dressings than large ones at long intervals. Under ordinary conditions even when a soil responds well to liming, from 5 to 10 years should be allowed to elapse betweeen dressings.

While excessive amounts of quicklime, or its too frequent application, may do postive harm, no danger to soil or crops need be apprehended from large dressings of marl or ground limestone. Quicklime and slaked lime are probably best applied in the autumn, marl and g-round limestone may be put on the land at any season. Quick lime, known commonly as stone lime, is somewhat inconvenient and dis- agreeable to apply unless it can be bought in a ground condition and distributed with a fertilizer drill or lime spreader. Without special means for distribution the best plan is to put the lumps of lime in small heaps, say of 50 to 75 lbs. each, placed at intervals, according to the rate of application, on the ploughed soil. Over each heap pour slowly a little water, say 2 to 3 gallons, and cover with soil. When the lime is thoroughly slaked, the fine powder may be mixed with more soil, scattered and at once well harrowed in. Crushed marl and ground limestone offer no difficulties in their application. Uniformity in the distribution of all these lime compounds is desirable and since there is a tendency for the lime to wash down, they should not bo ploughed under but spread on the surface and harrowed in, as already described.

The use of lime entails the constant supplying of organic humus-forming matter to the soil if fertility is to be maintained.

Lime alone must lead to a soil's impoverishment and in time to its exhaustion below the point of profitable cultivation. In a system that is periodically adding to the soil's store of vegetable matter, as by the regular application of farm manures and the adoption of a rational rotation whereby plant residues arc returned, the occasional application of lime in one or other of these forms may be found desirable and-profitable. Laboratory No. 1121S. — From Mount Carmel, Antigonish Co., N.S. ; occurs as a large bed or deposit; moderately soft and of a reddish-grey or yellowish colour and 16—7

93 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v.. A. 1915

iu appearance like a semi-disintegTated limestone or other calcareous rock; in powder and lumps.

Analysis.

Moisture "23

Mineral matter insoluble in acid 1310

Carbonate of lime 81.73

Sulphate of limo '58

Organic and volatile matter* 1-02

Undetermined 3-34

100-00 * Containing nitrogen -05

This material is essentially carbonate of lime, and if crushed or powdered, could be used effectively as an amendment for all soils in need of lime. It should prove of particular value for the heavy soils mentioned by our correspondent as occur- ring in the neighbourhood.

Laboratory Nos. 12351-2. — These are samples of crushed limestone from English quarries, submitted for analysis by a Canadian correspondent who states that these limestones could be purchased for export at about 50 cents per cask of 400 lbs. and that the ocean rate would be about $3.50 per ton.

Analysis.

Carbonate of Lime

Mineral matter insoluble in acid Undetermined

No. 12.3.51

"B"

Monks I'ark.

90 07

50

3-43

IGOCO

No. 12352 "G" Portland Quar- ries.

90-52

3-30

18

100 00

As regards lime content there is little difference between these samples; both are of excellent quality. As an agricultural source of lime, however, their use would be prohibited by reason of their high cost to Canadian farmers.

Laboratory No. 13753. — Marl from bed at Lower West River, Antigonish Co., N. S., in powder and lumps of rock fragments and has the appearance of weathorod and disintegrated limestone.

^ Analysis.

Moisture

Carbonate of Lime

Mineral matter insoluble in acid

Loss on iffnition (organic matter)

Undetermined

81	17 00
14	94
	69
3	20

10000

It is essentially carbonate of lime, and if reduced to powder would assuredly prove a valuable amendment on soils requiring lime.

DiriSIOy OF CHEMISTRY S9

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Laboratory No. 1J,102. — From Clydesrlale, Antigonlsh Co., N.S. In powder and lumps of considerable hardness; resulting probably from disintegration of rock.

Analysis.

Moisture 3-81

Carbonate of lime 85-00

Mineral matter insoluble in acid 8-54

Loss on ignition (organic matter, etc.) -IS

Undetermined • 2.47

\

100.00

This is a calcareous deposit of fair quality. For its greater efficiency, however, crushing the whole to a condition of coarse powder is necessary.

Lahoratory No. 16278. — Marl from Muldoon, Que. ; stated to exist in very large quantities as a bed in an old lake bottom. Received as a putty-like substance of a light-grey colour and showing a large number of shells. It dries to an easily crumbled mass of a dark-grey, earthly appearance. It is almost entirely soluble in dilute hydrochloric acid, with brisk effervescence. This examination shows it to be marl of very good quality; it contains very little foreign matter. It would undoubtedly prove an effective source of lime for all classes of soils.

Laboratory No. 16523. — From Armstrong, B.C. Greyish-white, granular, almost completely soluble with brisk effervescence in dilute acid. Tnis is a calcerous deposit of very considerable agricultural value. It consists essentially of carbonate of lime and is probably derived by deposition from waters rich in that constituent. , The per- centage of foreign matter in the deposit is very small.

Lahoratory No. 16525. — Also from the neighbourhood of Armstrong, B.C. This, though containing a fair percentage of carbonate of lime, is distinctly inferior to No. 1C523, there being present a large proportion — approximately fifty per cent — of inert mineral matter.

Laboratory No. 1653Jf. — From Shuswap, B.C. This material, described as a ' white .sandy deposit ' occurs as a bed near a pond and is covered with about a foot of soil. As received it was of greyish-white colour, of earthy appearance and quite friable. It dissolves completely and readily in dilute acid with brisk effervescence, and furnisb.es evidence of being essentially carbonate of lime. It is to be considered a marl of excellent quality.

Lahoratory No. 1690]f.. — From Enderby. B.C.. stated to occur as a deposit resulting from the evaporation of seepage water passing through strata of calcareous rock.

Analysis.

Moisture 7-75

Organic and volatile water 2.03

Mine-al matter insoluble in acid 32-07

Oxide of iron and alumina 1-76

Carbonate of lime 5-5-46

Sulr^hato of lime .25

1 hosphcric acid traces.

Undetermined 148

100.00

This material, air-dried, it will be seen, contains only a little more than half its weight of carbonate of lime and therefore cannot be classed as a marl of high quality. 16-7J

100 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE V.i A. 1915

It could, however, be used to advantage on sour soils and those naturally deficient in lime — indeed on all soils needing that element — provided it were cheaply obtained.

Laboratory No. IJfJtSl. — A ' calcareous clay ' from Yittoria, Ontario. The corre- spondent writes ' There is a deposit of this material of about 18 inches covering about 20 acres at the foot of a hill and through which runs a small stream of water. It has evidently been a swamp.'

Analysis.

Carbonate of lime 62.25

Clay, sands, etc. (insoluble in acid) 32.22

Oxide of iron, etc, by difference 5.53

100.00

We might predict that this ' clay ' would be useful to sour soils and those deficient in lime; it is not, however, of first quality, considered as a source of lime.

Lahoratory No. 1S969. — A 'calcareous deposit' from Hedley, B.C., and for- warded for information as to its use and value in agriculture.

Analysis.

Carbonate of lime 14.02

Sulphate of lime 77-27

Clay, sand, etc. (insoluble In acid) 32.22

Undetermined 5-31

100.00

This deposit is a mixture of sulphate and carbonate of lime, the former pre- dominating. Sulphate of lime or gypsum has an agricultural value, chiefly, prob- ably, in liberating potash from its inert stores in the soil, and has been found of especial value for clover, a potash-loving crop. Though the percentage of carbonate of lime is not large, it is sufficient to make the deposit of value for the correcting of sourness of poorly drained soils. The application might be from 1,000 to 3.000 lbs. per acre.

Lahoratory No. 15051. — Described as 'rock deposit' from Saanich Peninsula, B.C., and occurring as a bed or deposit of decomposed material overlying limestone.

Analysis.

Per cent.

Mineral matter insoluble in acid 57-84

Oxide of iron and alumina 24.92

Lime 2.41

Magnesia 2.84

Potash , trace.

Phosphoric acid "

This deposit cannot be considered of any agricultural value, the lime content being too small to make the material of use as an amendment for sour soils, and the potash and phosphoric acid being present in traces only.

Lahoratory No. lJfl95. — ' Grey limestone ' from J. F. H., Buckingham, Que. Received in the form of a fine powder, with a request for information as to its value for agricultural purposes.

Analysis.

Carbonate of lime 91.30

Mineral matter insoluble in acid 1.70

Oxide of iron, alumina, etc. (undetermined)....' 7-00

100.00

This is a limestone of good quality and the degree of fineness to which it has been ground enhances its agricultural value from the standpoint of availability.

DIVISION OF CHEMISTRY 101

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 *^

Laboratory No. 10888.— ' Ground limestone' from E. L. Co., Sydney, Cape Breton, N.S., and forwarded for report as to composition and fineness.

Analysis.

Carbonate of lime 92.00

M neral matter insoluble in acid 6.15

Oxide of iron and alumina 1.5fi

Undetermined ,29

100.00

These results indicate a limestone of excellent quality. The mechanical separa- tion gave the following data: —

20-05 p.c. passes through sieve having 80 meshes to linear inch.

27-10 p.c. " " " " 40

35-81 p.c. " " " " 20

48-93 p.c. " " " " 10

72.16 p.c. " " " " 5 " "

Apparently this is coarser than much of the ground limestone used in the United States. We may conclude that the finer the grinding the more immediate will be the action of the limestone in the soil; on the other hand, it seems probable that a fairly coarse powder has an advantage in the majority of cases, for though slower, it will remain active in the soil for a longer period of years.

Laboratory No. 16146.— W. McD., Sussex. Limestone from Havelock, Kings Co., N.B., forwarded with an inquiry as to its value for grinding and use in agri- culture.

Analysis.

Carbonate of lime 94-92

Oxide of iron and alumina .60

Mineral matter insoluble in acid 2-24

Carbonate of magnesia, etc. (by difference) 2.24

100-00

A limestone of excellent quality and, in pulverized form, one eminently suit- able for agricultural purposes.

Laboratory Nos. lJfl55-6. — Two samples of ' waste lime ' from Randolph, N.B., and forwarded by W. W. H., Fredericton, with an enquiry as to their respective values for use on the land; probably occurring as refuse from lime kilns.

A nalysis.

No. 14155. No. 14156.

"Blue Rock." "Magnesia."

Per cent. Per cent.

Carbonate of lime 34.23 25.73

Caustic and slaked lime 43-45 30-67

Mineral matter insoluble in acid 1-50 .19

In fine powder (passing through .5mm. mesh) 58-60 48-22

In coarse powder and lumps 41-40 51-78

Both samples would be valuable for agricultural purposes but No. 14155 is the better by reason of its larger lime-content and its finer condition.

102 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v.. A. 1915

Laboratory Ko. 11^177. — 'Agricultural Lime.' V-V, L., and B. Co., Victoria, B. C. In the form of a very fine white powder and specially recommended for agricul- tural use. Occurring probably as a waste product in the burning of lime.

Analysis.

Carbonate of lime 67-34

Caustic and slaked lime 21-73

Mineral matter insoluble in acid 4-97

Oxide of iron. etc. (undetermined) 5-96

100-00

It is, undoubtedly, a useful source of lime-for the treatment of soils and one from which good results might be expected.

Lahoroitory No. 168^5. — ' Agricultural Lime.' E. H., Agassiz, B.C. A very fine and fiufi^y powder. Its source of manufacture could not be learned, but it is probably the waste lime from kilns.

Analysis.

Carbonate of lime 48-75

Caustic and slaked lime 44-60

Mineral matter insoluble in acid -22

Oxide of iron, alumina, magnesia, etc. (by difference) 6-43

100-00

From its composition as well as its physical condition, this should prove an excel- lime for agricultural purposes.

Superphosphate of Lime.

lent lime

Laboratory No. 16794.. — Sample forwarded from the Agricultural College, Truro, N.S., and labelled ' Superphosphate of Lime containing soluble phosphates 36 per cent.' From the United Alkali Co., Ltd., Pilkington Works.

Our analysis showed total phosphoric acid 19.13 per cent, water-soluble phosphoric acid, 16.09 per cent.

If all the phosphoric acid in a material containing 36 per cent phosphate of lime were made soluble, the percentage of water-soluble phosphoric acid so produced would be 16.99 per cent. It seems evident, therefore, that the manufacturers statement on the label is to be construed as meaning that the superphosphate contains water-soluble phosphoric acid equivalent to 36 per cent bone or rock phosphate.

Wood Ashes.

Laboratory No. 13175. — J. McC, Valcartier, Que. Purchased in the vicinity and forwarded for examination as to fertilizing value. Received in air-dried condition.

Analysis.

Moisture 1.04

Mineral matter insoluble in acid (sand, clay, etc.) 41.43

Organic and volatile matter (charcoal, etc.) 17-80

Oxide of iron and alumina 20.96

Lime 10.14

Magnesia .77

Potash 2-76

Soda 1.08

Phosphoric acid 110

Carbonic acid, etc. (undetermined) 2.92

10000

DIVISION OF CHEMISTRY 103

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

These ashes are decidely low in potash, the chief fertilizing element in materials of this character. In commercial wood ashes of fair quality, the potash is usually between 5 per cent and 6 per cent. It therefore would seem that these ashes have been partially leached or mixed with a good deal of sand, etc.

Laboratory No. 1061,8.—' Soft Maple Ashes ' from C. P. M., Sardis, B.C. Sample consists of powder and a number of vitrified masses or clinkers.

Analysis.

Per Cent.

Potash 1919

Phosphoric acid 2.71

Lime Cexisting chiefly as carbonate) 35-76

Mineral matter insoluble in acid 316

These ashes contain an unusually high percentage of potash and are, in conse- quence, of very considerable fertilizing value. They are practically free from sand or other foreign material and are to be regarded rather as the ' pure ash ' of the maple than as a commercial article.

Sewage Sludge or Poudrette.

This sample (Laboratory No. 16273) was submitted to analysis at the request of the Commission of Conservation, it having been obtained from Manchester, England.

In various systems of sewage purification by precipitation, a product is obtained from the settling vats or reservoirs, which is generally known as sludge. The com- position of this material will, naturally, vary with the concentration of the sewage, the nature and amount of the precipitant (lime, alum, etc.), and the degree to which it is subsequently dried; hence the fertilizing value is a matter of close inquiry.

Analysis.

Per Cent

Moisture 318

Organic and volatile matter 3306

Mineral matter 63.76

lori.oo

Clay, sand, etc., insoluble in acid 45.12

Oxide of iron and alumina 9-81

Lime 2-03

Phosphoric acid 1-22

Potash 08

Nitrogen, in organic matter 1-45

For the purpose of comparison, analyses of sludge from Hamilton and Toronto, made in the Farm laboratories some years ago, are appended.

Analyses of Sludge.

Hamilton. Toronto. Per Cent Per Cent.

Moisture 3175 3.94

Organic and volatile matter 390.') 40.91

Mineral matter 39-20 55.15

100.00 100.00

Clay, sand, etc., insoluble in acid 9-66 34.05

Oxide of iron and alumina 474 13.65

Lime 9-23 2-07

Magnesia 10 40 .33

Phosphoric acid -69 1.24

Potash -19 -21

Nitrogen, in organic matter -84 2.04

104 EXPEEIMEN'TAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

Their chief element of fertilizing value is nitrogen; of the other essential consti- tuents of plant food, the percentages are quite small. It will be evident from a study of these data that this material cannot be ranked veith commercial fertilizers, though it undoubtedly possesses a manurial value. It may be questioned if its plant food con- tent would warrant its carriage for long distances, but as supplemental to other man- ures it could be used locally to advantage.

Sludge and poudrette, it is claimed, have a value from the biological standpoint. They are said to be rich in the nitrifying organisms necessary for the conversion of soil nitrogen into nitrates, the form in which farm crops obtain their nitrogenous food. It is probable, therefore, that the beneficial results obtained from the use of these materials may in part be due to the presence of these micro-organisms.

Flue Ashes.

Lahoratcry No. 16806.— From B. M. S., Louisburg, O. B., N.S. Though labelled * Soot,' an examination shows clearly that this material is rather of the nature of flue ashes — a conclusion confirmed by the analytical data.

Analysis. ^

Per Cent.

Moisture 1'75

Organic and volatile matter S-95

Mineral matter^ 8930

100.00

Nitrogen . • • -20

Phosphoric acid '14

Potash2 13

'Containing 46-83 per cent insoluble in acid. ' Containing .032 per cent soluble in water.

The fertilizing value of this material is very small, practically negligible. Though not furnishing much plant food, it is possible that it might be found helpful for heavy soils, making them mellower and more easily worked.

Pulp Mill Refuse.

Laboratory No. 168S6. — ^From Pont St. Maurice, Que., and stated to be the refuse or waste in the manufacture of pulp by the sulphite process.

As received, it was a dark-grey, jelly-like substance, smelling strongly of sulphur- etted hydrogen and very strongly alkaline. On standing there was a separation into two layers, the upper a pale-yellow fluid, the lower a dark-grey, semi-solid mass. An examination of the sample as a whole showed that potash was present in traces only, and that the lime, which was abundant, was chiefly as sulphide and therefore could not be utilized for the treatment of soils in need of that element. The caustic character of the refuse entirely precluded its employment on the land.

FERTILIZER EXPERIMENTS WITH POTATOES.

The use of fertilizers in the Maritime Provinces has been steadily increasing for some years past, especially for the potato crop. Though some fa.mers have done a little experimental work to ascertain the forms and amounts of the feitilizers most likely to prove profitable, the larger number are practically working in the dark, know- ing little as to the deficiencies of their soil, the requirements of their crop or the cheap-

DlYISIOy OF CEEMISTRT 105

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

est and most available forms in wLich to furnish plant food as fertilizers. In order to investigate the relative merits of various forms and applications of fertilizers for the potato crop under the particular conditions of soil, climate, etc., obtaining at Frederic- ton, N.B., and Kentville, N.S., land was set aside, in the spring of 1913, at the Experi- mental Stations at these respective places, and a more or les< comprehensive plan, including the use of the various forms of nitrogen, phosphoric acid and potash com- monly found in fertilizers, inaugurated. The field work has been under the control of Mr. W. W. Plubbard, Superintendent at Fralericton and Mr. W, Saxby Blair, Super- intendent at Kentville, to whom I am indebted for the data and records given in this report.

Experiments at Frederkton, N.B.

Fifteen plots of one-tenth acre (A to 0) and three of one-half acre each (P. Q. and R.) were measured off. The series included three check plots, upon which no fer- tilizer was applied.

The soil was rather light sandy loam, fairly uniform in character' and apparently well drained naturally. For many years it had been in hay and the last previous man- uriiig had been two or three years prior to this experiment. In October, 1912, it had been ploughed and during the first week of May, 1913, it was thoroughly worked with the disc harrow. This was followed by cultivation continued every ten days until the time of planting. Shallow furrows were then opened up 30 inches apart and to a depth of 3^ inches.

The fertilizer was distributed by hand as evenly as p.>ssiblc along the bottom of the furrows and lightly covered with soil. Commercial New Brunswick White Stock potatoes were used as seed and planting was done on June 19th.

Throughout the season due attention was given to the pr€p?r cultivation of the crop, which was twice sprayed with Bordeaux mixture and Arsenoid. The vines were killed by frost on September 28th, but digging had to be deferred until October 23rd, owing to continued wet weather, which, however, did not adversely affect the crop.

In Table I the various fertilizers and the amounts applied per acre are given, together with the total and marketable yields of potatoes obtained. Ne': results after deducting the cost of fertilizer have been calculated, valuing the maiketble tuber at 44 cents and the culls at 20 cents, per bushel, thus showing the gains and losses per acre from the use of fertilizers throughout the series.

Experiments at Kenta'ille, N.S.

This series comprised twenty-four plots of lio acre each and ii^.cluded four to which no fertilizer was applied, to serve as checks.

The land had never been cropped and was only clea'red of stumps the previous season, many roots still remaining. The soil was a sandy loam of medium to poor quality?, but fairly level and uniform.

The fertilizer was broadcasted evenly by hand and harrowed in just before plant- ing. A uniform strain of Green Mouniain potatoes was used for seed. The rows were 33 inches apart. Planting was on June 6. Cultivation was given as necessary and the crop was twice sprayed with Bordeaux mixture and Paris green. At the close of the season the ' stand ' appeared to be exceptionally even. The crop was du^ September 30. The data and calculations therefrom, similar to those given for Fredericton, are presented in Table IL

103

EXPERIMEN'TAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

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DIVISION OF CHEMISTRY

107

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108

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

■ 5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

It would not be wise to draw hard and fast conclusions from one year's work, but a careful consideration of the data in the foregoing tables shows that there are a few inferences, broad and fundamental in character, that may be safely and legiti- mately made. To present these deductions in a form that may be readily grasped. Table III has been prepared. It gives for each series, the data for the plot showing the net maximum cash r€ceipt, from which is subtracted the average value of the crop without fertilizers. The table allows of deductions respecting the increases in profit from the use of fertilizers in general. It ' also furnishes interesting and valuable figures representing the respective profits and losses from the employment of any one element, any two elements and from the use of all three elements in the formula.

Table III. — Profit and Losses from Use of Fertilizers.

Maximum net receipts .- : • ■ ■

Average from check plots without fertilizer.

Maximnn net iiu rease {$) due to fertilizer. Maximum net increase (p.c.) h »

Uiiiifi any one eltment.

Nitrogen alone

Phosphoric acid alone

Potash alone

Lime alone

Using any two elements.

Nitrogen with phosphoric acid

Nitrogen with potash

Phosphoric acid with potash .

Using any three elements.

Nitrogen with phosphoric acid and potash

Fbedeeicton, N.B.

Marketable.

cts.

124 37 61 60

62 77 101-9

Profits* p.c.

150 30-8

33-7

2 7

42 9

15-4 29-4

78 87 93 96 101

15

6

15

0

6

Total.

cts.

128 37 67 07

61 30 91-40

Losses* p.c.

Kentville. N.S.

Marketable.

cts.

101 91

58 14

43 77 75-3

5-7 23-2

19 3 28-3

Profits* p.c.

30 1

7-9 14-7 41-2

10 85

33-9

32-5

9-9

6

8 11 14 40 45 54 59 6t 63 75

Total.

cts.

lOS 91 63 91

45 00 70-41

Lossey* p.c.

3-4

* Profits and losses have been calculated from the marketable crop only.

Though in the series at Kentville but one case of actual loss from the applica- tion of fertilizer occurred there are several instances in which the margin of profit from its use is exceedingly small. At Fredericton four fertilized plots gave no profit, yet on the same area, on apparently similar soil we find several plots upon which

DIVISION OF CHEMIiiTRY 1C9

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

the application of fertilizer has given splendid returns. The profits from the use of fertilizer range from 1 i>er cent to 101 -9 per cent, reckoned on the total value of the crop. This latter gain means a crop worth twice as much as the average from the unfertilized plots, and yet this immense gain, found after deduc-ing the cost of the fertilizer, does not neceesarily mark the limits of possi- bility. It must not be inferred from this that the profit to be derived from the application of fertilizers is a matter of mere chance — it is not — but it will be evident that there is here a problem that must be rationally attacked. In a large number of instances there is a profit to be reaped from the use of fertilizers, the problem is to find oiit those special forms and their amounts which will yield the maximum profit. There are few other means whereby the intelligent, observant farmer can so readily increase his income; on the other hand, without care and thoroughness and patient investigation the use of fertilizers is fraught with uncer- tainty. To double a total income from a crop might easily mean to increase four or five fold the net profits from the year's work. The results here recorded, it must be •remembered, apply simply to the potato crop, but they show that the study of the rational use of fertilizers fully merits the attention of farmers and particularly of those who are without a sufficiency of manure to maintain fertility and thus unable to obtain maximum yields.

Table III brings out in a striking manner that the largest profits and the largest number of cases giving a profit followed the application of all three elements of plant food. Further, where one or two of the elements only were furnished, a moderate profit of only about one-half of that otherwise obtained, is shown, the stand was not so good and the percentage of culls was much higher than when a complete feitilizer was used. As regards healthiness, field notes showed the plants on the complete fertilizer plots were the freer from rust and had in appearance the greater vigor.

A consideration of the detailed data of tables I and II shows that as to forms of plant food, nitrogen gave much the better results when applied, at least in part, as sul- phate of ammonia. Phosphoric acid would seem to be equally effective either as super- phosphate or basic slag, whi^e applied as bone meal it has proved, apparently, somewhat more valuable. Potash may be applied in either form, muriate or sulphate, with equal results as regards yield.

A further study of the details will make it very apparent that the largest profits do not necessarily follow the application of the largest amounts of fer ilizer. It is strikingly noticeable that the largest increase in net profits ($02.77 or 101.9 per cent) was effected by one of the smallest applications in the list, — a total of 435 pounds, at a cost of $6.85 — and it is quite possible that these applications might be still further reduced.

FODDERS AND FEEDIXG STUFFS.

Attention was directed in our last report to the working of the Commercial Feed- ing Stuffs Act under the operation of the Department of Inland Revenue. This Act requires that certain classes of feeds, more especially those occurring as by-products in manufacturing processes, shall be duly registered and shall bear a Libel or stater mcnt attached to the package giving the registraticn number and a guaranteed analysis in terms of its minimum content of protein and fat and its maximum content of fibre. Its enforcement has undoubtedly been of considerable protective value to the farmer and incidentally has very considerably reduced the number of miscellaneous samples of feeding stuffs that we have been accustomed to receive from farmers for examination and report.

The accompanying table contains the analytical data of certain fodders and feed- ing stuffs examined in the Experimental Farm lal oratories during the past year. The greater number of these samples arc of materials used in feeding experiments at one or other of the Ex]>crimental Farms or Stations. bi;t there are several, forwarded by farmers, respecting which there did not appear to be any exact knowledge on record.

no

EXPERIMEXTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

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DITISIOy OF CIJEMISTE7 111

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Cotion-serd Meal, Lahoratory Nos. 11/664, 16505, IG-IOG.— Tins product as foui:d on the market, is very A'ariable. The highest grades contain in the neighbourhood of 40 per cent protein and as much as 13 per cent oil. Many grades may fall considerably below these figures and may also contain an excess of fibre, and thus it is evident that cotton-seed meal should only be purchased on guaranteed analysis.

Samjile No. 14664, Owl Brand, was bonghl locally ut Ottawa and was manufactured at Memphis, Teini., U.S.A. Nos. 16505, 10506, forwarded from Truro, N.S., were from Jacksonville and Toledo respectively. All three are genuine and 'of good quality, but No. 16506, by reason of its somewhat higher protein content is tl^e best of the series.

Distillers' Grains, Laboratory Nos. UfSSl/, 14670, 15022, 16253. — These dried grains from the distillery are stated to result from the use of malted barley, rye and corn in equal proportions. This is a product of very considerable feeding value, contain- ing nearly 20 per cent of protein and from 4 to 6 per cent of oil or fat. The fibre content is rather high when compared with concentrates such as oil cake and cotton seed meal. The samples reported on were di-awn at intervals of several months apart, and, therefore, the close accord of the analyses would indicate a. very fair xmiformity in the composition of this product throughout the year.

Lahoratory No. 16968.— -Jiesjyectmg this sample the manufacturers write ' In the process of drying out ordinary mashes, containing corn, rye, barley, malt and oa.ts, the 'slop', as it leaves the still, is run over a strainer and hitherto only the part which did not go through has been saved. That which passed through has been allowed to run off without any use being made of it. It is this ' thin slop ' dried that we now send you a sample of, to ascertain its feeding value.' It would ai">poar to be an excellent feeding stuff, containing between 17 and 18 per cent protein and between 9 and 10 per cent fat, with a low fibre content, 5 per cent. In all probability it has a high digestibility, but we cannot speak as to its palatability or keeping qualities.

In addition to the tabulated data, this dried distillery slop was found to contain 3-37 per cent reducing sugars and -98 per cent non-reducing sugars. It had an acidity equivalent to 9-8 per cent in terms of lactic acid.

Brewers' Grains, Lahoratory No. 14663. — This was purchased from tlie Farmer's Feed Co., Toronto.

This sample conforms to the standard or average for dried brewers' grains. It is considered a valuable feeding stuff in the ration for dairy cows, chiefly in supply- ing i)rotein in a digestible form.-

Oil CoJre, Lahoratory No. 14662. — This is evidently manufactured by the new process, which means that a larger proportion of the oil is extracted from the flax seed, leaving the cake poorer in this constituent, than by the old process. The average protein and fat content for the new process meal would be 33-0 per cent and 3 per cent respectively, and for the old process 28-1 to 30-0 protein and 9-0 to 10-0 per cent oil.

Oil cake is a highly concentrated feeding stufl", presenting its protein ;-<nd oil in readily digestible forms. When fed judiciously it can be employed profiiably, b(jth in milk and beef production.

Gluten Meal, Lahoratory No. 14665. — The product of the Edwardsburg Starch Company, Cardinal, Ont., is in all essential features similar in composition to samples of gluten meal from this company analyzed by us in recent years. The protein content is very satisfactory, but the meal does not contain as much oil as in the product put out some years ago.

This by-product, fed with other grain feeds, and in judicious quantities, has a high nutritive value, more especially for increasing the digestable protein in the ration. -"

112 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

Barley Germ Meal, Laboratory No. 14974. — The manufacturer is stated by our correspoudent to be the ' Brassiere Champlain de' Quebec' Tbe analysis shows it to be somewhat richer in protein and poorer in fat than dried brewers' grains, with a lower fibre content than is usually found in this latter feeding stuff and its general feeding value, we presume, would be found slightly superior.

Veiny Pea Hay, Lahoratory No. 15672: — Commonly known as Veiny i*ea (Lathy rus venosus Muhl). This fodder plant was forwarded from Birch Hills, Sask. Our correspondent writes ' this forage plant, with the Pea Vine vetch (Laboratory No. 15672) grows in abundance on newly cleared land, continuing to grow for some years in grain fields. They also grow on bluffs, climbing trees. These vines grow with many wild grasses and are cured for hay. They furnish the first green stuff in the spring and are the last to freeze in the fall. They are relished by all classes of stock. I know of one man, living in the bush, who raises hogs chiefly on these vines.'

The sample as received ("September 9), was in the late flowering or fruiting stage, but contained no pods; the length of the vines was about 20 inches. The Dominion Botanist reports it a^ of doubtful value for economic growth.

The crude protein content is high, even for a leguminous hay, and the fibre is not at all excessive for a roughage of this character. Provided, therefore, that it is found to be palatable it should prove a highly nutritious feed.

American Vetch Hay, Lahoratory No. 1567S. — Commonly known as Pea Vine (Vicia Americana Muhl). This was forwarded with the preceeding sample. It was in the late flowering or fruiting stage, with stems about 18 inches long. It is reported by the Dominion Botanist as of doubtful economic value.

In composition it appears to be slightly inferior to the sample of Veiny Pea, but is nevertheless a rich fodder and in practical feeding work there is probably not much difference in their values.

Cocoa-hean Husks, Lahoratory No. 16311.- — This sample of cocoa shell or husks was forwarded from the Experimental Farm, Agassiz, B.C., where it was proposed, if found of satisfactory composition, to use this material in a feeding trial with cattle and Bwine. It is apparently a by-product of the cocoa and chocolate factory. A sample forwarded from Halifax, N.S., in 1898, furnished on analysis figures very similar to those now obtained.

We have no reliable information as to the digestibility of this product as a whole, but we do know that cocoa butter fat is readily assimilated. It is possible, therefore, that this by-product has a high feeding value. If found fairly digestible and pala- table it might serve, if finely ground, as an important constituent of the ration, fur- nishing protein and fat. Its palatability is a point upon which more information is needed, but it would seem probable that 2 pounds or so might be fed daily per head to dairy cows. t

Attention may be directed to the richness of this material in fertilizing constitu- ents, the following being the data obtained on this sample. Nitrogen 2.54 per cent; phosphoric acid 1-01 per cent and potash 2-80 per cent. These for the most part would be recovered in the solid and liquid excreta.

* Mixed Concentrates ' , Laboratory No. 16961. — This feeding stuff was forwarded' from New Westminster, B.C., where it could be purchased at $28 per ton, ' oat chop ' being sold at $30 per ton. It is stated that the cows relish the feed and seemingly do well on it.

It would seem to be an acceptable feeding stuff, comparing well with bran of good quality as to protein and fibre and decidedly richer in fat than this feeding stuff. As compared with ground or cru?hed oats, it contains higher percentages of protein and fat and has a lower fibre content, so that it should prove the superior feed.

nnrsiox of CHEMif^TRY Its

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Middlings, Lahoratory Ko. 141O6. — This is stated by our correspondent to have been bought from the T. H. Taylor Company, Chatham. Out. Its analysis indicates it to be genuine and of good quality. ,

Lahoratonj Xo. 16891-2. — These are wheat middlings, stated to be the output of the Maple Leaf Milling Company, Kenora, Ont. No. 16891 has the somewhat higher protein content and is, th<^reforc, the more valuable, but both would appear to be of excellent quality. The average protein content of middlings as generally found on the market is between 15-5 and 10 per cent.

Golden Flax, Lahoratory Xo. 16010. — Regarding this sample our correspondent at Lethbridge, Alta., writes ' This Golden Flax originated no doubt by accident. I have been growing it for three years, starting with a small handful of seed. Planted this year in the middle bf ^laj', it matured 10 days ahead of a field of common flax adjacent. The common flax has a blue flower, this variety has a white flower. It is not as tall but it is a heavier yielder than the common flax. On my field I threshed an average of over 19 bushels to the acre.'

Several years ago 20 samples, representing as many strains, of flax seed grown on the Experimental Farm at Ottawa. Avere analysed and the following averages were obtained. Protein 24.77 per cent; oil 37.10 per cent. If these figures may be taken as representative of the flax generally grown we may conclude that this Golden Flax, while somewhat lev.- in protein, is very considerably richer in oil than the commercial flax seed on the market.

Bran, Laboratory No. lJf661. — This was from the mills of the Maple Leaf Milling Company, Kenora, Ont.

The average coniposition of bran as obtained from analyses made a few years ago, of samples from the principal milling companies of Canada, is as follows: —

Moisture 11.07

Protein 14.52

Fat 4.37

Carbohydrates 54-19

Fibre . 10.14

Ash 5.71

100.00

This sample, therefore, with 14-84 per cent protein and 3-95 per cent fat, is genuine and of good quality.

HullcfiS Oats, Laboratory No. 14483. — This sample was from a strain <oi hulless oats growni on the Exix?rimental Farm, Ottawa. By comparing the data with

those from a well-ripened sample of Banner oats, it will be seen that the chief points are a higher protein content and a lower percentage of fibre in the hulless

variety.

Hulless Oats. Banner Oats.

Moisture 10.S4 12.74

Protein 15-89 11.22

Fat 5.00 4-82

Carbohydrates 63.^8 58-84

Fibre •-• 2-32 9.47

Ash 2-27 2.91

100-00 - 100.00

Molasses, Ijahoralory No. 14660. — This is a by-product from the refining of can© BUgar and imported from Louisiana, U.S.A. Cane molasses differs chiefly from beet root molasses in its lower ash content and in being more palatable.

16—8

114 EXPERniEXTAL F.I /MA.?

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

Further data as to its sugar content were found as follows: —

Per Cent.

Cane sugar 38-21

Glucose and other directly reducing sugars 22.36

Total sugars 60-57

It is on the percentage of sugar present that molasses may be valued: the other constituents may be considered of insignificant feeding value. Samples of molasses analysed in previous years have shown a total sugar content varying from 45 per cent to 67 per cent. The present sample, therefore, ranks among the best examined in this laboratory.

When molasses, and especially that from the beet root, is fed in large quanti- ties, looseness of the bowels is induced; fed judiciously, as a part of a well-balanced ration, molasses has given excellent results.

Molasses Feed, Lahoratory No. 15053. — This was obtained direct from the manu- facturers. The Caldwell's Feed Company, Dundas, Ont. Additional data as to sugar

content are as follows : —

Per Cent.

Cane sugar 28.92

Glucose and otlier reducing sugars — 15.94

Total sugars 44-86

J.lolassine Meal, Laboralory Xo. l-505Jf: — This was purchased locally (Ottawa),

but was manufactured by the ]Molassine Co., East Greenwich, England,

Supplementing the tabulated data, we obtained :

Per Cent.

Cane sugar 26-91

Glucose and other reducing sugars 8-41

Total sugars 35-32

Apart from their direct food value, depending practically on their sugar con- tent, these molasses feeds may be considered to act beneficially in increasing the appetite, stimulating the digestion and in keeping the animal in a thrifty condition.

Corn Fodder and Ensilage, Lahoratory Nos. 16W2-3. — These were used at the Experimental Farm, Brandon, Man., in a steer-feeding experiment, the object being, in a comparative test with the fodder and ensilage, to supply the same amount of dry matter to the animals. On the basis of dry matter one part of the fodder Avould be equivalent of 2i parts of ensilage, approjximately.

Both are of excellent quality, the protein content of each being somewhat higher than the average for these roughages. It would seem probable from their percentages of fibre that the corn was rather more mature than it usually is in Eastern Canada when cut for the silo.

THE RELATIVE VALUE OF FIELD ROOTS.

The importance of field roots in the ration of nearly all classes of stock is well and widely recognized, even in districts favourable to the successful growth of ensilage corn. Experienced stockmen agree that roots, altogether apart from their high digesti- bility and palatibility, have a value in maintaining health and thrift in the i'arni animal, and this medicinal property, if so it mny be calhd, appears to be due in large measure to their potash and soda compounds which are scmowhat cooling and slightly purgative in their action. Obviously, therefore, there are several good reasons why

DiriSIOX OF CHEMIfiTRY

115

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

roots should liud a place in the ration and why thej' should be regardeil, in judicious 'luantities, as highly beneficial to the animal.

The absolute feeding: value of roots compared with many other classes of feeding stuffs and as reckoned from their percentages of protein and fat must be regarded as low. The percentage of dry matter itresent is not high — it seldom exceeds 12 per cent — and tliis is made wyi chiefly of starch, sugar, pectin and other carb hydrates. The amount of fibre is, as a rule, very low, which no doubt is a factor making for the easy and ijractieally complete digestion of the root.

It is a fairly safe assumption to make that fi'om the nutritive standpoint the rela- tive \aluc of any sample or class of roots will depend chiefly upon the percentages of ' dry matter ' and sugar contained — the larger the percentages the greater the value of the root — and it was with this in view that some j'ears ago an inve.-tigation was inaugurated in this Division to learn what differences might exist in this regard among the various classes of roots, mangels, carrots, turnips, etc., and among the several varieties, as offered for sale, of each class. This work, carried on from season to season since 1903, has given some very interesting ro^ults, in that it has shown wide differences in dry matter and sugar-content between the varieties examined, dif- ferences in some cases that amounted to practically 100 per cent. It is ih • data from a continuation of this investigation on the Central Farm, Ottawa, in 1913, that are presented in the following tables.

MANGKLS.

The series comprises thirteen varieties, tht^ larger number of which have been grown and examined in previous years. They are arranged in the ord r of their rich- ness of dry matter. Data are also given for the percentage of sugar — the most impor- tant food" constituent in roots — and the average weight per root.

Analysis of Mangels, Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa, Ont., 1913.

Variety.

Mammoth Long Tied

Golden Tunkaid

(iiant Yellow Intermediate

Perfection Maniinolh Red

I'rize Mammoth Lonpf Red

Gate Post

Giant H;ilf Sugar White

Yellow Leviathan

Manimoih Yellow Intenriediate.

Giant N dlow (41obe

Kckendorfer Ked

Select! d Yellow Globe

Danish SInd>tru|>

Water.

p. c.

87-81 88-41 88-51 88-57 88-!)5 89-02 S!»-02 f)0 21 <)0-74 91- 10 91 30 91-42 92-39

Dry

Matter.

Sngar

in Juice.

p. c.

12 19 11-59 11- -19 11-43 11 05 10 98 10-38

9 -79 9 26 8-90 8-70 8 58 7 01

p. c.

5-76 6-56 6-89 6 51 6-76 6 27 5 55 507 5-24 518 4 44 507 3 85

Average

Weight

of

One Root.

Lb. Oz.

3 2 2 3 3 2 2 2 2 3 3

14 8

12 5

13 5 2

14 6

16 3 2 3

The results as a whole, compared with those of previous records, sh- w that the mangels of the 1913 crop are quite the eciual in dry matter and sugar to those produced at Ottawa in the most favourable seasons. They, however, will bring out the object of this investigation, in making evident that large differences in nutritive value exist among the varieties. Between the richest and the poorest there is a difference of 4.5S per cent dry matter and 1.91 per cent sugar, which means that the former con- tains 60 per cent more dry matter and 50 per cent more sugar than the latter. Ref-

16— 8i

116

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

ereuce to previous reports on this subject will show that mangels of the following Mammoth Long Red Half Sugar and Giant Yellow Intermediate have been placed at or near the head of the list and are therefrom to be considered as superior in feeding value, and are in consequence, from this point of view, the most desirable to grow.

The character of the season, as well as the richness of the soil, influences the com- position and size of root and it will, therefore, be of interest to compare the' averages from the results of the past eight years.

Mangels. — Yield and Average Composition, 1904-1913.

Yt^fir.

1904.

1905.

1906.

1907.

1908.

1909.

1910

1911

1912.

Average for 9 years.

Number

of Varieties Analysed.

10 17 16 10 12 14 8 23 13

Average

Weight

of

One Root.

Lb.

2 3 2 2

2 3 5 2 2

Oz.

11

9

7 11

2

5 10

9 14

Yield per Acre.

Tons Lb.

30 1,277 39 369

31

27 23 28 56 29

159 680 6'.i0 920 57 61

Dry Matter.
p. c
11	69
10	04
11	63
12	64
11	87
11	21
10	04
9	51
10 -51
10-96

Sugar.

p. c.

6 4 5 7 5 6 4 6 5

62 ■67 •93

46

33 •21 •46

43 •63

588

Influence of Heredity in Mangels.

It will be evident from what has been said respecting the differences in dry matter and sugar of the several varieties of mangels that heredity may be a factor of some importance in influencing the composition of roots. Tc obtain more direct evidence on this point we have, for the past fourteen years, grown side by side and analysed the Gate Post and Giant Yellow Globe, varieties representing two distinct types of mangels. The roots were grown, as far as was practicable, under identically the same conditions and consequently any differences in composition exhibited by them might be attributed to transmitted qualities.

The fact that the Gate Post varietj^ has each season for fourteen years without a single exception proved the richer both in dry matter and sugar, affords fairly good evidence that the composition of mangels is influenced by the factor of heredity and, as has been remarked in previous reports, indicates that improvement, as regards nutritive value, might be brought about bj' well-directed breeding experi- ments.

DITISIOX OF CEEMI&TRY

117

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Dry Matter and Sugar in Gate Post and Giant Yellow Globe Mangels.

		Gate Post.		gar n ice.	Giant Yellow Globe.
Season of Growth.	Average Weight cf One Root.	Dry Matter.	St 1 Ju	A\ Wei One	erage ght of Root.	Dry Matter.	Sugar in Juice.
1900	Lb. Oz.	Per cent. 11 14	Per cent. 6-15	Lb.	Oz.	Per cent. 8-19 9-10 10-24 lO-i-9 9-24 8-64 12-73 10-78 10 ^fi 10-95 7 80 6 66 7-87 8-90	Per cent. 2 fi4
1901	2 9 3 2 3 3 2 14 2 13 2 2 3 10 1 11 3 14 6 8 2 11 3 5 3 5	9 13 12 12 12 12 12 12 11 9 10 8 10	41 90 93 64 07 90 53 02 82 59 04 98	4 9 7 7 6 6 7 4 6 4 3 5 6	15 39 38 62 83 59 25 94 64 26 86 05 97	3 3 3 2 3 1 O 2 3 6 3 3 2	3 9 13 13 12 8 t 4 7 13 1 2 15	4 5 6 5 3 6 6 4 5 2 1 4 5	08
1902	24
1903 1904	17 26
1905	55
190G	45
1h07	34
1908	47
1909 ,	82
1910	74
1911	85
1912	75
1913	i»
Average for 14 years. . . .		11 49	6 17		9-47	4-60

TURNIPS.

This series comprises nineteen varieties and the following table gives the results of their examination in the order of their dry matter content.

Analysis of Turnips, Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa, Ont., 1913.

Variety.

Elephant

Lapland

Hartley's Bronze Top. . .

Perfection

Hazard's Improved

Kangaroo

Skirvings

Canadian Gem

Hall's Westbury

Mammoth Clyde

Good Luck

Bangholm

Jumbo. ...

Halewood's Bronze Top.

Magnum Bonum

New Century

Stubb

Best of All

Destersundom

Water.

Per cent.

88 89 89 89 90

-39 -56 •81 -96 14

90 15 90 19

90 90 90 90 90 90 90 90 91 91 91 91

24

34

-35

44

-49

50

55

-61

•10

-24

•90

-95

Dry Matter.
Per cent.
11 61
10 44
10 16
10 04
9-86
9-85
9 81
9-76
9 66
9 65
9 56
9 51
9-5C
9-45
9-39
8 90
8-76
810
8 05

Sugar in Juice.

Per cent.

44 73 32 52 52 42 63 83 53 83 42 42 42 62 42 52 83 42 42

Avernge Weight of One Root.

Lb.

2 3 2 2 3 3 4 4 2 1 2 2 2

2 3 2

Oz.

9

2

6

5

8 10

0

1

4 15 13

2

9 8 4 15 2 7 8

118

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

Between the best and the poorest there is a difference of 3-56 per cent dry matter, which means that 2,000 lbs. of the former has a feeding value equivalent to 2,884 lbs. of the latter. These figures are significant and taken into consideration with similar results from previous seasons, give emphasis to the statement that, in the choice of the variety to sow, this question of composition may well be regarded.

The averages for the past eight years are presented in the following table: —

Turnips. — Yield and Average Composition, 1905-1913.

Year.	Number of V.arieties Analysed.	Average Weight of One Root.	Yield per Acre.	Dry Matter.	Sugar.
1905 1906 1907	20 20 14 13 13 10 19 19	Lb. Oz. 2 13 1 10 3 5 3 12 2 10 3 11 3 12 2 14	Tons. Lb. 30 1,060 15 1,89.) 33 442 27 1,033 29 512 31 565 33 155 24 1,271	Per cent. 10 09 12 18 10 14 9-87 11 30 10-87 8-65 9-58	Per cent. 1 10 1-78 111
1908	1 52
1909	143
1910	107
1912	110
1913	154
Average for 8 years				10 -.^3	133

As in the case of mangels, the turnips of 1913 are somewhat better than those of 1912, but they have not given an average quite equal to that for the eight years that this experiment has been in progress.

The yearly averages show that considerable fluctuations may occur from season to season as regards dry matter, but that in respect to sugar content the figure remains fairly constant, or at all events that the range lies within narrow limits.

C.VRROTS.

This series includes six of the best known varieties. The results on the whole are not quite so good as those of last year, though the percentage of sugar was not affected to the same degree as that of the dry matter. Further, the records, show that certain apparent irregularities have occurred, the explanation of which it is not easy to find. Thus the White Belgian, which for several years has been closely associated with the Mammoth Wliite Intermediate at the bottom of the list, is this year the best of all.

Analysis ok Carrots, Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa, Ont., 1913.

Variety.

"White Belgian

Giant White Vosge.s

Ontario Chani (jion

Half Long Chantenay

Improved Short White

Mammoth White Intermediate

Water.

Per cent .

89 90 90 90 91 92

-84 •35 -79 ■79 ■30 •24

Dry Matter.
Per cent.
10	16
9	65
9	21
9	21
8	70
776

Sugar in Juice.

Per cent .

2 57 2 03 204 2 58 1 70 1-73

Average Weight of One Koot.

Lb. Oz.

6 14

3 10

5 13

In sugar content, the turnip seldom exceeds 1-5 per cent; carrots as a class are richer in this constituent, though not possessing more dry matter. The sugar in carrots

niVlSlOX OF CnEMfsiTRY

119

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

lui.s tln-niitihout the iuvestig-ation, that is, since 1905, always averaged above 2-0 per (L'lit and in four years of the eight the average has been above 3-0 per cent.

Carrots. — Yield and Average Composition 1905-1913.

Year.	Number of Varietie.s Analy.sed.	Average Weight of One Root.	Yield per Acre.	Dry Matter.	Sugar.
I'.tO;")	11 10 6 6 6 5 6 6	Lb. Oz. 1 3 1 2 1 1 1 3 1 • 0 1 9 1 1 1 8	Tons. Lb. 25 1,510 19 1,605 24 1,617 22 133 17 1,680 34 1,640 18 r>45 24 1,100	per cent. 10-25 10 59 10-30 10-89 10-40 10-17 10 -50 9-11	per ce 2 3 3 3 2 3 2 2	nt. 52
I'.IOli	36
1907 1!IU8 v.m 191(1	02 34 30 23
11112	54
1!)18 . .	11
Avenigr for S 3- cars			10-27	2-80

There would appear to be less variation from year to year in the composition of carrots than in the case of mangels or turnips, and from this it may be con- cluded that they are not influenced to the siame degree by environmental conditions as the latter roots. It is possible also that the varieties examined are more closely related to one another than the varieties of mangels and turnips. The annual averages, it will be noted, very closely approximate th.at for the eight-year period.

SUGAR BEETS FOR FACTORY PURPOSES.

The sugar beet, like other farm roots, is susceptible to conditions of season, soil and culture and in order to learn the suitability of di-ft'erent parts of the Dominion for the production of a crop that could be used for the profitable extrac- tion of sugar certain leading varieties have been grown for several years past on the larger number of the Dominion Experimental Farms and Stations. The seed of the three varieties userl, Vilmorin's Improved A, Vilmorin's Improved B and Klein Wanzlebcn was obtained from Messrs. Vilmorin, Andrieux et Cie, Paris, France, the noted breeders of beets with a high percentage of sugar.

The localities at which these beets were grown are widely distributed throughout Canada, from Charlottetowii, P.E.I., on the east to Agassiz, B.C., on the west and tho results of this investigation therefore, should well indicate the suitability or otherwise of the various provinces for beets of a satisfactory character.

In the following table the beets have been arranged according to variety and the locality where grown from cast to west. The datii include all the more important determinations necessary for an opinion as to the value of the crop for sugar extrac- tion.

120

EXPERIMEXTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915 Sugar Beets grown on the Dominion Experimental Farms, 1913.

Variety.

Locality.

Vilmorin's Im- proved A ICharlottetown, P.E.

Kentville, N.S

Nappan, N.S

Cap Rouge, Que

Ottawa, Ont

Brandon, Man

Rosthern, Sask

Indian Head, Sask .

Lethbridge, Alta., (irrigated)

11 (non-irrigated)

Lacombe, Alta

lAgassiz, B.C

Vilmorins Im |

pioved'B Charlottetown, P.E.I

Kentville, N.S

iNappan, N.S

;Cap Rouge, Que

j Ottawa, Ont

i Brandon, Man

Rosthern, Sask

Indian Head, Sask

Lethbridge, Alta., (irrigated)..

11 (non-irrigated)

Lacombe, Alta

Agassiz, B.C. .

Klein Wanzloben.

.E.I.

Charlottetown, P

Kentville, N.S

Nappan, N.S

Cap Rouge, Que

Ottawa, Ont

Brandon, Man

Rosthern, Sask

Indian Head, Sask

Lethbridge, Alta., (irrigated)

11 (non-iriigated)

Lacombe, Alta Agassiz, B.C .

RaymondNo. 2368, Lethbridge, Alta., (irrigated)

II . . 11 (non-irrigated)

Percent- age of	Percent- age of	Coefficient of Purity.	Average weight of	Yield
Sugar in	Solids in	One	per	Acre.
Juice.	Juice.	Root.
			Lb.	Oz.	Tonf	<. Lb.
14-45	16 11	89-6	2	9	14	1,436
17 91	18	37	97	5	0	11	14	512
19-79	20	90	94	7	1	o	16	500
19-55	22	37	87	4	0	13	0	592
15-64	17	46	89	5	d	15	14	850
13-65	16	27	83	9	2	1	14	1,700
15-80	18	46	85	5		14	16	1,060
20 42	21	97	92	9		6	14	1,760
19-47	21	26	91	6		10	15	674
19-85	21	46	92	5		1	9	743
J3-45	15	51	86	7		4	2	1,550
12 64	15	06	83	9		4	23	1,100
15-90	17	66	90	0	2	10	15	1,152
16-61	17	11	97	0	0	14	12	1,872
19-27	20	82	92	6	0	14	14	1,000
20-22	23	60	85	7		1	0	855
16-34	17	66	92	5		0	15	1,750
14 17	17	63	80	4		10	16	1,220
14-94	17	86	83	7		5	12	1,010
20 75	21	57	96	2		4	12	1,200
19-54	20	66	94	5		8	14	801
19-93	21	66	92	9		13	12	499
12-59	14	26	88	2		1	2	800
19-96	21	63	92	3		7	24	1,250
16 55	17	46	94	8	2	11	15	1,02Q
16-98	17-31	98	1	0	13	11	176
18-44	19 42	94	9	0	13	10	1,000
20 04	22 30	89	9	0	15	0	435
17-47	18 46	94	6	1	3	15	1,250
13 93	17 03	81	7	2	4	19	1,160
16 08	18 46	87	1	2	2	12	348
21 01	22-10	95	0		3	12	1,200
19-60	22-26	88	0		12	13	166
18-82	21 46	87	7		4	10	1,144
11-97	13-66	87	6		6	2	850
21-65	22-63	95	6		6	24
17-83	20-26	88	0		9	12	1,735
19-09	20	-66	92	4		8	12	1,505

Very considerable fluctuations will be observed as to richness in sugar in the same variety, due to conditions of season, etc., as obtaining at the several points of gro-ffth. These conditions, as taken from the field notes of the several Superintendents, may be briefly given and -n-ill be found of interest when making a study of the analy- tical data :

Charlottetown, P.E.I. — The soil is a friable, sandy loam, in good condition. The season was favourable to a hea-vy yield, but the actual sunshine as recorded was, dur- ing the ripening period, much below the average for a number, of years past.

The results indicate a crop of fair quality only, due in part probably to lack of sunshine when ripening and in part to the large size of the roots. The average per- centage of sugar in juice for the three varieties is very close to that of 1912, but decidedly lower than that obtained in 1911.

DiriSIOX OF CEEMISTliY 121

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

KcntviUe, N.8. — The soil is a sandy loam of rather poor quality. The season was fair for root crops in general, and an average yield was obtained.

Both as to sugar content and purity the beets from this Station are of excellent quality, indicating a crop eminently suitable for factory purposes.

Nappan, N.S. — A clay loam of good quality. The first part of the season was cold and backward, continuing cool until the middle of June, when weather became more promising. There was an unusual rainfall both in the earlier and later part of season, but the crop made a satisfactory growth.

The sugar percentages of all three varieties are excellent, and in this respect similar to these of previous seasons at this point. Since 1902, the first record for sugar beets at this farm, the annual average, almost without exception, has been higli.

Cap Bouge, Que. — As a crop, the sugar beets were, for the third season in suc- cession, a failure. This was probably in a large measure due to poor germination of the seed, owing to lack of moisture in the soil. The yields, it will be noticed, are exceedingly low. It has been found, in an examination of the soil recently made in the Farm laboratories, that the land is deficient in lime and slightly sour. An experi- ment will be carried on this year, applying lime, to learn how far the failure of this crop has been due to lime deficiency. The soil is described as a sandy loam with a shaly subsoil at 15 to 25 inches.

The sugar content of such beets as were obtained, was quite satisfactory, indeed decidedly above the average, indicating that, in spite of untoward conditions for a good yield, the conditions were favourable for a rich beet. The spring opened early and the temperatures almost ideal until August, when dry weather, which checked the growth of the roots, set in and continued until September 22nd.

Ottawa, Ont. — The soil is a sandy loam in fairly good condition. The yield was an average one and the beets of excellent quality, both as regards sugar content and purity.

Brandon, Man. — The soil is a rich, black, clay loam, characterized by a large humus and nitrogen content. The season as a whole was dry. The results as regards sugar percentages are only fair, with a rather low co-efficient of purity. Occasionally, beets with a satisfactory sugar content are obtained at this Farm, but as a rule the data do not indicate high quality, either as regards sugar or purity.

Bosthei-n, Sask: — The soil is a loam, rather light and rich in organic matter; it is slightly affected with alkali. The growth was not satisfactory and the yield was light. The season though not ideal for roots was not, on the whole, unfavourable. As in 1011 and 1912, however, analytical data do not indicate a very rich or a very pure beet.

Indian Head, Sask. — The soil is a rich clay loam. There was an ample precipi- tation during the growing season, especially June,- July and August. The results are decidedly better than those of last year, or indeed of any previous season at this Farm. The average percentage of sugar in juice for the three varieties is 20-73 and is the highest average obtained this year, though at four other points an average of over 19 per cent is recorded.

Letlihridge, Alta. — A sandy to clay loam. During the latter part of May and e?rly part of June the weather was very dry. Beginning the latter part of June and all through July and the greater part of August, there was a reasonable amount of rain but not enough to bring the yield of the beets on the dry land to equal that from the irrigated area. The weather during the mouth of September was generally dry and windy, and should have been favourable to the proper ripening of the beets.

The percentages of sugar as found in the irrigated and non-irrigated beets are remarkably close, and this is true for all three varieties. All the beets arc of excellent quality, the averages for sugar in juice exceeding 19 per cent, and the co-efficient of purity of two of the varieties exceeding 90. In that the analytical

122

EXPERIMEYTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

data do not show any marked differences in quality between the crops grown oa irrigated and non-irrigated land, the results are similar to those of 1912. In very dry seasons we have found the non-irrigated beets somewhat the richer.

The yields on the irrigated land, as usual, were larger than tho^e from the non-irrigated area, the differences for the past season being more marked than for several years.

Seed supplied by the sugar factory at Eaymond, Alta., was also sown on irri- gated and non-irrigated land. Wliile the data for sugar and purity from both areas were highly satisfactory, the beets grown on the non-irrigated were somewhat the richer.

Lacombe, Alta. — The results have been unsatisfactory at this farm, both as to quality and yield, ever since the beginning of the inquiry in 1907, pre- sumably due chiefly to unfavourable weather conditions. This season they are the lowest in the series. The soil is a heavy, black clay loam well supplied with plant food.

A study of the following meteorological observations at Lacombe will reveal, we think, the reasons for tlie lack of growth and the conclusion that the roots did not properly mature.

jVIeteorological Observations for Lacombe, Alta., Season of 1913.

Month.

Maximum

April

May

June. . . .

July

August. . . September

Date.

77-8 77-4 81-8 84-8 84 0 80 0

25 th

30th

12th and

9th 21tli

2(;th

8th |nd 27th

Mini-	Date.
mam.
17-4	23rd
181	nth
30-2	17th
319	25th
35-5	litth
24-4	23rd

Mean

tem- perature.

42-2

40-81

.56-97

57-65

57-6

50-9

Preciijita- tion.

15

•48 -98 43 -435 •59

Sunshine.

260-8 277 1 271 9 336 3 311 1 240-4

The beets were sown on May 26, and pulled September 23.

Agassiz, B.C. — In both yield and quality two of the varieties gave excellent returns; the third, for some reason not apparent, was niuoh below the average in sugar content.

The soil is a sandy loam and the season, as in 1912, was somewhat cool and •wet.

In the following table we present the averages as regards sugar content in juice for the period 1902-1913, obtained at the several localities included in this investi- gation.

Average Percentage of Sugar in Juice in Sugar Beets grown on the Dominion

Experimental Farms, 1902-1913.

Locality.

Charlottetown, P.E.I

Kentville, N.S

Napi)an, N.S

Co p Rouge, Que

Ot-tawa, Ont

Brandon, Man

Indian Head, Sask

Ivo.sthern, Sask

Lechbridge, Alta., Irrigated

ti II Non-irrigated.

Lacombe, Alta . . .

Agassiic, B.C

1902. 1903.

15-87 16-77 l5-i5

1904. 1905.

15-33|14-41

15-34 11 36 16-54

17 44

16-91 16-62 15-24

16-52

12-45 11-09 14-94

1906

17.08

14.. 3'

15.50

14.91

1907.

15-44 16-99 15-92

81017 32

14.28

13-34 17-65

1908

1909.

17-5316-74

16-3014-84 15-8218-83 15-66 1716

1910.

14-25

1911

1912. 1913.

17-23 15

10 09 17-91 16-7318-36 11-2112-77 17 1518-30

16-4317

10

16 44 ..• 18-4013 14 13 17 14

50 16 1014

. .il7 ■50:13 •4815 •30,14 -02il7 ■05117

3115-63 .17 17 6,S 19-17 92 19-94 5916-48 4013 92 78:20-73

12-69 ... 1918I16

95 17-53

15-61 19-64 19-33 12 67 1808

Dirn^rox of chemistry 123

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

When it is remembered that it is seed of the same stock that is sown throughout the series, the results will be of interest in showing the degree to which the quality of the beet may lie modified by weather and cultural conditions. From the same ^ced, beets were grown which yielded averages differing as much as 6-8 per cent sugar.

It will be further apparent from these data that beets of excellent quality for i-ugar extraction may be grown in many widely distant portions of the Dominion.

INSECTICIDKS AND FUNGICIDES. Arskxate of Lead.

The reader is referred to the annual report of this Division for 1912 for a general discussion of this insecticide, its composition, nature and use. It may, therefore, be only necessary here to insert its more salient properties and enumerate the essential features which will enable the orchardist to judge of the relative merits of the various brands upon the market.

This insecticide, it may be recorded, is steadily growing in popularity with fruit- growers and for tlic spraying of shade and forest trees. In many districts, it has com- pletely supplanted Paris green, the poison that was, until a few years ago, almost uni- versally employed against ' biting ' insects. The reasons for this arc, chiefly, the greater adhesiveness of the arsenate of lead to the foliage — thus lengtliening the period of efficiency of the spray — that it is practically nou-iujurious to foliage, even in com- paratively strong sprays and that the fine state of division in which this compound exists prevents it from readily settling out of the spray, thus contributing towards a xuiiform application of the poison on the foliage.

The larger number of well known brands of the arsenate of lead paste — the form in which it finds most favour with orchardists — contain in the neighbourhood of 50 per cent water, and less than .5 per cent of soluble arsenic oxide — the constituent that burns the foliage. Some few years ago, this Division proposed, tentatively, a standard a< follows: —

' That any arsenate of lead paste to he aeconnted genuine shall contain at least 50 ■per cent arsenate of lead; that the arsenic oxide in such combination shall not he less than. 12.5 per cent; that "the water soluble forms of arsenic should not exceed one per cent calculated as arsenic oxide, and that there should he no admixture with foreign materials to reduce or affect its strength.'

Arsenate of lead is also sold as a dry powder, but its use in this form, either as a ' dust ' spray or in the making of a liquid spray, has not found general favour.

During the past year, thirteen samples have been analysefl and the data are pre- sented in the following table. These brands, representing those found on the Can- adian market and one or two specially imported for experimental purposes, were sub- mitted by the Horticultural Division, which, during the past two seasons, has been carrying on an extensive investigation in the Farm's orchard- and fruit plantations with this insecticide. The samples for analysis were taken from the original con- tainers.

124

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

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DITLilON OF CHEMISTRY 125

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Detailed eonnnent on the^e data is unnecessary, but it may be pointed out that those pastes containing the least water and the smallest perceirtages of soluble arsenic oxide are, other things being equal, of the best quality.

We may be permitted to repeat that the practice foUowed by some manufacturers of putting a guarantee on the label, stating the percentage of arsenate of lead and particulars as to soluble impurities, is to be commended. It would allow the purchaser to judge of the relative merits of the various brands offered on the market.

Formaldehyde.

From time to time, samples of formaldehyde are sent in by farmers and agricul- tural organizations in the northwest, for examination. Occasionally we have found a sample below standard strength but these, as a rule, have been taken at retail stores, from bulk ; those drawn from the original containers have almost invariably conformed to the guarantee. We have no evidence, therefore, that the manufacturers are put- ting out a product below the standard though, as might be expected, all brands are not identical in the percentage of formaldehyde they contain.

Formaldehyde by weight. Laboratory Ko. ~ Per Cent.

14030 contains 37 17

14256 " 38-21

14257 •' 37-51

It is evident from these data that there had been no adulteration, the standard strength calling for 40 per cent by volume which is, approximately, 37.3 per cent by weight. They all conform with the guarantee.

The turbidity or milkiness observed in some samples is due to a slight ' polymeri- zation ' or the conversion of a part of the formaldehyde into a solid form. We have no data that would allow us to make any definite or final statement regarding the effect of slight polymerization on the value of the solution for destruction of smut in grain but such experience as we have had has not shown that there is any marked falling-off in fungicidal value.

PINE SPRAY INSECTICIDE.

Lahoratory No. ISOJfS, submitted by the Horticultural Division and forwarded for trial by Robinson Bros., Ltd., W. Bromwich, Staffs, England. It had the a])pearance of a strong soap solution and possessed a markedly alkaline reaction.

Analysis.

Per Cent

Moisture and loss at 100 degrees C 70-4

Total oil or fat 25-7

Total alkali, all potash 2.45

By distillation —

Water 62.0

Light oils 8.

This is evidently an aqueous solution of a potash soap containing a certain percentage of light oils.

It may be noted that emulsions and sprays made with a potash soap possess better spraying qualtities than those made with a soda soap.

WORM KILLER.

Lahoratory No. 150Jf3. — Submitted by H'orticultural Division and also for- warded by Eobinson Bros., Ltd. It is a clear, magenta colored liquid, with a slight deposit.

126 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915 Analysis.

Total solids at 100 degrees C, 26-58 grams per 100 c.c. containing Mercuric chloi-ide, 261S grams per 100 c.c.

This is a solution of mercuric chloride (corrosive sublimate), in an acid solu- tion, the normality of which is .93. The colouring matter is evidently added as a precautionary measure, corrosive sublimate being an active aud virulent poison tu man and beast.

VKLVAS LAWN SANDWEEl) KII.LEH AND FF.imLiZER.

Lahorafori/ No. 15045. — Submitted by Horticultural Division; forwarded for trial by Robinson Bros., Ltd. It is in the form of a powder, of grayish-white

appearance.

Analysis.

Per Cent.

Suipl'.ate of iron 11.40

Sulphate of ammonia' 26.60

^Mineral matter insoluble in acid, sand, etc 60-.30

' Equivalent to nitrogen 5.6

Fi-ee from arsetiic.

\

This is a mixture of sulphate of iron and sulphate of ammonia with about 60 per cent of sand. Sulphate of iron is used for the destruction of dandelions in lawns, but with somewhat doubtful success. Sulphate of ammonia is valuable as a fertilizer for supplying available nitrogen.

TOB.VOCO DECOCTION.

Laboratory No. iC566.— Submitted by the Division of Entomology, as a decoc- tion made in the course of experimental work for the destruction of aphides. The decoction was made by boiling one pound of tobacco ' stem butts ' in two gallons of water, allowing the preparation to simmer for one hour. Water from time to time was added to replace that lost by evaporation. It was of the colour of fairly

strong tea.

Analysis.

Nicotine 45 per cent.

The following report was written on this sample : ' We can find but little evidence in such literature as we have access to, as to the " strength " of the tobacco decoction necessary to be effective in the destruction cf aphides, that is, interpreting strength as percentage of nicotine present. It has always seemed probable that the insecticidal value of the decoction might depctid in some measure on other com- pounds present — tannin, bitter principles, etc. The nicotine present in tobacco stems is stated to be about 0-5 per cent and the directions for making the decoction l.^ually call for 1 to 2 lbs. to 2 galbus (20 lbs.) of water, the water while still boil- ing being poured over the stems and the mass allowed to steep overnight. Whether this extracts all the nicotine we have no evidence.

' The Kentucky Experiment Station reports on a tobacco extract prepared in St. Louis, U.S.A. (evidently by concentration) that contains 3-0 per cent nicotine, stating that the experiments showed that this extract diluted in the proportion of 1 part to 70 parts of water, was eifective as a spray for aphides. If we assume that the nicotine present measures the insecticidal value of the spray, then the decoction under discussion would bear considerable dilution, say 1 part to 10 parts water. There is, liowever, considerable doubt as to such diluted decoction being effective. Careful experimental work is evidently needed, with the analysis of such sprays as may be found effective.'

DITT!?TOy OF chemh^trt

127

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

THE FERTTLTZIXG VALUE OF RAIX AXD SNOW.

The data for the seventh year of this investigation, the chief object of which ii to cletorinine the possible enrichment of the soil, per acre, from the nitrogen corn- pnuiids furnij^hed by the precipitation, ai'e hero recorded. It will not be necessary to fli^euss in any detail the ])lan of the work, nor the factors that have been found to iiitliiencc the nitrogen-content of the rain and snow, as these matters were more or Ipj- fidly dealt with in our report for lOl-*^, to which the interested reader may be referred for further particulars of this research and its relation to practical agriculture.

The seventh year closed February 2Sth, 1014, and during the preceding twelve months 84 samples were analysed, 61 of rain and 23 of snow, representing a total pre- cipitation of .11.78 inches.

Ju t;dile I the data are given for the monthly totals of precipitation, the monthly a\o:'age nitrogen-content of the precipitation present as free and albuminoid ammonia and as nitrates and nitrites and for the pounds of nitrogen so furnished, per acre.

The total precipitation 31.78 inches, is 8.18 inches less than that of the previous year and. as we shall see from a subsequent table, 2.56 inches less than the average at Ottawa for the past 23 years. In both rain and snow the amounts are below the aver- ages, though the reduction is chiefly in the snowfall.

Ottawa as a rule is favoured with a fairly equable precipitation throughout the year and the records for the year ending February 28, 1914, show but one summer month, June — and one winter month — February — when the precipitation fell below 2 inches. June was exceptionally dry, with less than an inch of rain. March and October were the only months in which the precipitation exceeded 4 inches.

Table I. — Rain and Snow at Ottawa for the Year ending February 28, 1914.

1013.

March . . . .

April

May

June

July

August

Sfpteiiibfr. C)t tober. . . November. December. .

1914.

January. Febru.ary

raEciPiT.^TiON IX Inches.

Month ano Ykar.

Total

Rain.

2-20 2-00 2-39 ■82 2-30 3 13 2 69 408 2-48 58

64

23 31

Snow.

24 25

200 17 00

30-50 11 00

84 75

Total

in

Inches

of Rain.

4-62 200 2-39 ■82 2-30 3-13 2 69 408 268 228

3 69 1 10

31 78

Nitrogen.

In

Free

Ammonia.

p. p.m.

•17 •63 •40 •60 •37 •93 •68 •54 ■82 ■58

26 •82

In

Albumin- oid

Ammonia,

p.p.m.

•12 •17 •09 •13

■u

■16 •W7 19 ■04 •OS

14

In

Nitrates

& Nitrites.

p.p.m.

•16 •34 •19 •65 -41 •49 •23 •20 •02 •15

•17 •21

Total

p.p,

m.

45 14 68 38 90 58 98 93 88 81

•61 ■68

Pounds

of Nitrogen per acre.

•471 •517 •368 •256 •469 1-121 •597 •860 •5L'5 •410

•42<; •169

6208

The total nitrogen for the year amounted to 6.208 pounds, per acre — an amount practically identical with the results obtained for the two preceding years. A com- parison of the annual precipitation and amount of nitrogen furnished per acre for the

128

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

past seven years is allowed by the data set forth in table II, and it is interesting to note how very close the figures for the last mentioned datum are to the average for the -whole period of seven years during which this examination has been carried on.

Table II.^ — Precipitation and Amount of Nitrogen per Acre, Ottawa, Ont., 1908-1914.

-	Rain in inches.	Snow in inches.	Total precipitation in inches.	Pounds of nitrogen per acre.
Year ending February 29, 1908 ,, „ 28. 1909	2105 22 99 28-79 19-67 20 33 30 34 23 31	133 -00 96 25 80-75 73 00 104-25 96 25 84-75	37-35 32-63 36-87 26-97 30-76 39-96 31-78	'4-3-22 8-364
„ „ 28, 1910	6-869
H .. 28 19L1	5 271
29,1912 ■I 1. 28 1913. '	6-100 6 141
« 1. 28, lf»14	6-208
Averacre for 23 vears.	2£14	92-03	34 34
	6-182

In table III the weights and proportions of the total nitrogen furnished by tlie rain and snow respectively are presented for the year and for the experimental period 1908-1914. Of the total amount of nitrogen per acre, for the past year, 6-208 pounds, the data indicate that 5.192 pounds or 84 per cent of the whole was furnished by the rain, and 1.016 pounds, or 16 per cent, by the snow. It will be observed that for the past 5 years the proportions so supplied are remarkably constant, leading to the con- clusion that for the precipitation at Ottawa practically 85 per cent of the total nitrogen is found in the rain.

Table III. — Amounts of Nitrogen furnished by Rain and Snow.-

	TOT.4L.	By R.iiN.	By Snow.
	Pounds.	Proportion.	Pounds.	}*roportion.
Year ending February 29, 1908 28,1909 28,1910 28,1911 2'.t, 1912 28,1913 H 28, 1914	Lbs. 4-322 8-364 6 869 5-271 6-100 6144 6-208	3-243 7-528 5-830 4-424 5 -075 5113 5 192	Per cent. 75 90t 85 81 83 83 84	1 1 1 1 1	080 836 040 847 025 031 016	Per cent. 25* 10 16 16 17 17 16

-* Snowfall exceptionally heavy.

t Rain abnormally lich in animonia due to bush fires.

The data of table IV arc of interest in showing the distribution or proportion of the various nitrogen compounds in the rain and snow. Of the total nitrogen, 6.208 pounds, there are 4.471 pounds, or 72 per cent of the whole present as free and organic ammonia and 1-737 pounds, or 28 per cent as nitrates and nitrites. These ratios are identical with those of last year and in close accord with those obtained throughout the period of investigation.

The greater richness of the rain in nitrogen compounds is also brought out by the tabulated figures.

Diriaioy of chemistry

129

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 —

T.VBLE IV. — Average Nitrogen-content of Rain and Snow.

(Amount of Nitrogen per acre as Free ;in<l Albiniiuoid Ammonia and as Nitrates

and Nitrites, 1913-1914.)

	TJ O
	^					NlTllOGEN.
	<s
	s
	Ol	a	Parts per	Million.		Percentage of Total.	Pounds per .Acre.
.	c	o
	m	g	ci	"C •	CO ^		A	"C •	O! ?	"i-c •	CC OS
									1^
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		cS	», o	c fl	c«-C	•—4	o	c c	ee"E	»- e S	S 2
	Si s	o		In bumi mmo	Z5		IB a	In bumi mmo		£'SS
	^	PL,	HI .327	<^				^^	^§	^^-^	<:i
Rain	61	23.31	.145	.328	1.212	61	12	27	3.790	1.402
Snow . . .	23	84.75	.2(55	.090	.174	.529	50	17	33	.681	.335

Although the amount of nitrogen furnished by the rain and snow is not very large when considering the up-keep of the soil in this element — in the neighbourhood of 6 pounds, per acre, per annum — it is worthy of note that this nitrogen presents itself in forms immediately and directly available for crop use and that the larger amount falls at a season when vegetation is active. It is therefore, a warrantable assumption that the rain, apart from its solvent action in the soil and its many physiological functions, ])lnys an important role in directly assisting the growth of crops by supplying .them with a part of their needed nitrogen.

THE WATER SUPPLY OF FARM HOMESTEADS.

Since the establishment of the Dominion Experimental Farms the question of the water supplies of farm homesteads, creameries and cheese factories, and, to a more limited degree, those of rural schools, has received the attention of the Division of Chemistry. Through the various means talvcn we are aware that an interest ha."^ been awakened in the rural water supply, and much good accomplished, but we also feel convinced that there is a necessity to continue the campaign for better water. The evidence at hand supports us in this view, for of the waters sent in for examination a very large proportion, even in these later years of our propaganda, mu.'^t be adjudged as impure, chiefly through the presence of excretal drainage matter. We have reason to believe that farmers as a class are not yet fully alive to the importance of a pure water supply, for the health of themselves and their families, for the thrift of their stock and for the quality and wholesomeness of their daily produce.

The source of the supply on the larger number of farms is the shallow well, say from 5 to 30 feet deep, which merely collects ' ground water,' the soakage from the surrounding soil. Unless the location is beyond reproach from the sanitary stand- point, this shallow well is a menace — its waters may at any time become a source of danger. When, as is only too frequently the case, we find these wells sunk in the barnyard, or under the barn or stable, or not far from the privy (a most crude and unsanitary affair, as a rule), or near the back door, out of which the household slops may be thrown and near which the garbage heap with all sorts of refuse may be found, then contamination of the water is inevitable and unavoidable. It is quite true that most soils, and more particularly those which are porous and well aerated (gravels and sands), possess filtering and purifying properties,, but the soil surround-

16—9

130 EXPETiIME^TAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

iug the wells located as we Lave described, must in time become saturated with organic filth of a most objectionable character. Such soil is then no longer able to purify the water passing through it, but rather serves to contaminate it more seriously.

We strongly advocate the bored or drilled well, tapping a deep-seated source. It cannot be stated that such a well will necessarily yield a good drinking water, but nevertheless it is the source of supply to be generally recommended for the isolated household. If there are no fissures in the overlying strata and there is no oppor- tunity for water to flow downwards between the piping and the sides of the boring, a good water will in all probability be obtained.

To those, who for one reason or another, must rely on the shallow well, we would Bay that the area around the well, say for a radius of at least 50 yards, be kept free from mannre and all filth. It may preferably be kept in sod. Another precaution of considerable value towards the protection of the well water from organic filth, is toi line the well to a depth of say 10 to 12 feet and to a thickness of say 6 inches with concrete or puddled clay. This lining should project some G to 12 inches above the mopth of the well. This will prevent the direct inflow of wash and of water from the surface soil and will in all probability ensure a certain amount of filtration through clean layers of soil.

During the year 168 samples were submitted to analysis. The analytical data and a summarized report as to quality are given in the appended table. Sixty-two were pronounced as pure and wholesome, forty-four as suspicious and probably dangerous and twenty-five as very serioiisly contaminated. Thirty-four samples were too saline for potable use.

Farmers desiring an examination of their water supply are invited to send for a copy of the directions to be followed in the collection and shipment, of the sample. Saraplee are constantly being received at tb.e laboratories which, owing to insuffi- ciency in quantity, dirty containers or corks, or through other causes cannot be sub- mitted to analysis; trouble and expense to the farmer will, therefore, be saved if these instructions are first obtained and faithfully r arried out.

DiriSIOy OF CHEillSTIiY

131

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

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135

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

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5 GEORGE V. SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 A. 1915

Dominion of Canada

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Experimental Farms

REPORT

FROM THE

DIVISION OF FIELD HUSBANDRY

For the ^ear ending- March 31, 1914.

PREPARED BY

Assistant Dominion Field Husbandman, Central Farm, Ottawa. O. C. White, B.S.A.

Superintendent —

Experimental Station, Chariottetown, P.E.I. J. A. Clark, B.S.A.

Experimental Farm, Nappan, N.S. W. W. Baird, B.S.A.

Experimental Station, Kentville, N.S. W.Saxby Blair.

Experimental Station, Fredericton, N.B. W. W. Hubbard.

.Experimental Station, Ste. Anne de la Pocatiere, Que. - Joseph Begin.

Experimental Station, Cap Rouge, Que. Gus. A. Langelier.

Experimental Farm, Brandon, Man. W. C. McKillican, B.S.A.

Experimental Farm, Indian Head, Sask. T.J.Harrison, B.S.A.

Experimental Station, Rosthern, Sask. Wm. A. Munro, B.A..B.S.A.

Experimental Station, Scott, Sask. R. E. Everest, B.S.A.

Experimental Station, Lethbridge, Alta. W. H. Fairfield, M.S.

Experimental Station, Lacombe, Alta. G. H. Hutton, B.S.A.

Experimental Farm, Agassiz, B.C. P. H. Moore, B.S.A.

137

5 GEORGE V. SESSIONAL PAPER No. 18 A- 1915

REPORT

FROM THB

DIVISION OF FIELD HUSBANDRY.

CENTRAL EXPERIMENTAL FARM,

Ottawa, March 31, 1914.

J. H. Grisdale, Esq., B.AgT.,

Director of Experimental Farms, Ottawa.

Sir. — I have the honour to submit herewith reports of the work conducted by the Division of Field Husbandry at the Central Experimental Farm and the branch Experimental Farms and Stations during the year 1913.

As pointed out in the report for 1912 the work of this Division is of a very prac- tical nature. Briefly, it may be said to consist of soil and crop management and agri- cultural engineering. Its scope is very well indicated in the following review of the main features dealt with in these reports : —

Weather conditions.

Crop yields.

Rotation of crops.

Cost of production of field crops.

Weed eradication.

Soil cultivation.

Use of barnyard manure and commercial fertilizers.

Irrigation and underdrainage.

Clearing land, fencing, etc.

In explanation of the comparatively small number of field experiments at the Central Experimental Farm, attention may be drawn again to the present lack of sufficient land suitable for such purposas. The soil, other than that devoted to experi- ments herein reported upon, is so variable in composition that satisfactory field tests are practically impossible. The agricultuTe of the districts we serve is sufficient evidence of the need for conducting soil cultixation tests and more comprehensive rotation investiga- tions. Such lines of work require to be under investigation for a long series of years, and at the present price of land in the vicinity of Ottawa would no doubt involve consider- able expense, but if the Division is to render the best service possible more land of suitable quality must be made available.

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

O. C. WHITE,

Assistant Dominion Field Hitshandman.

139

5 GEORGE V. SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 A. 1915

CENTRAL EXPERIMENTAL FARM, OTTAWA.

REPORT OF THE ASSISTANT DOMINION FIELD HUSBANDMAN—

0. C. WHITE, B.S.A.

AYEATHEK CONDITIO:sS AND CHOP NOTES, 1913.

The season of 1913 will be recorded as one of the worst in the history of the Ottawa valley. Clovers, as a rule, came through the winter in a weakened condition, and were in many cases completely killed out during the alternate freezing and thaw- ing of the early part of April. Seeding was commenced on the average date for the previous ten years, namely, the twenty-third day of April, and was continued under favourable conditions until its completion. Mangels, potatoes and corn were practi- cally all sown by the end of May, though the weather became colder and rather more unfavourable towards the latter part of the month, and on farms where drainage was not good seeding of corn was delayed into June. The drought of this month ijiateri- ally reduced 'the yields of all field crops. Late-sown roots, especially turnips, germin- ated poorly, hay made very slow growth, and pastures became badly burned up towards the end of the month. July continued comparatively dry and very hot. Corn, roots and potatoes suffered greatly, oats made scarcely any growth, and hay, a great deal of which was left standing in the hope that rain would ultimately come and improve it, was literally burned up. Our average yield of two tons per acre cannot be taken as a criterion of yields throughout the district. ' Not half a crop ' was the general comment of farmers in the ▼icinity. Temperatures in August continued high, and while more rain fell than in July, comparatively dry weather obtained until near the end of the month. These rains helped the root and com crop considerably, but were too late to ensure any material growth of straw. Grain filled fairly well, however, and both yield and quality were much better than was promised early in the season. At the Farm here approximately 55 acres of oats were harvested, the average yield being 50 bushels per acre. September was exceptionally fine, but frosts on the 15th and 16th did much damage to corn, which yielded considerably below the average here, and very much below throughout the locality. On the Farm, cutting began on the 20th of the month and the corn was practically all ensiled by the 30th. October was a splendid month for the growth and harvesting of roots, which, in spite of their poor beginning, yielded almost up to the average returns for this i'arm. The weather con- tinued very open and mild until late November, final freezing up occurring on the 28th of the month.

The following records regarding field operations and the weather may be of interest : — ^

First date of sowing field grain, 1913 April 23.

First date of sowing field grain, average of eleven years.... April 23.

Earliest date of sowing field grain, 1903 to 1913 April 10 (1910).

Latest date of commencing seeding field grain, 1903 to 1913.. May 4 (1904).

First date of sowing mangels, 1913 April 26.

Date of sowing potatoes, 1913 May 15.

First date of sowing corn, 1913 May 23.

Date of commencing hay harvest, 1913 July 7.

Date of commencing- grain harvest, 1913 August 2.

Qiite of commencing corn cutting, 1913 September 20.

Date of harvesting mangels, 1913 October 27.

Date of freezing up, 1913 November 28.

Average date of freezing up, 1903-1913 November 23.

Earliest date of freezing uo, 1903-1913 Nov. 15 (1911).

Latest date of freezing up, 1903-1913 Dec. 1 (1908).

141

142

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915 Some Weather Observations taken at Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa, 1913.

Month.	Te	VIPER \TURE	F.	Precipitation.	Total Sunshine.
Mean.	Highest.	Lowest.	Rainfall.	Snowfall.	Total.	Heaviest in 24 hours
January	e 20-90 10-60 26-18 45-34 53-73 64-21 70-05 67-05 56-83 50-41 37-90 23-47	o 42-0 37-8 58-8 86-5 89-0 93-2 100-0 97-2 88-0 78-2 63-2 42-6	e -160 -18-0 -14-2 21-0 28-8 35-0 44-8 38-0 30-0 22-0 17-2 - 5-0	Inches. 2-17	Inches. 23-75 23-50 24-25 8.	Inches. 4-54 2-35 4-62 2-00 2-39 0-82 2-30 3-13 2-09 4-08 2-68 2-28	Inches. 0-92 0-70 0-60 0-78 0-76 0-25 0-98 1-70 0-91 1-02 0-92 0-76	Hours. 94-4
February	124-2
March	2-20 2-(» 2-39 0-82 2-30 3- 13 2-69 4-08 2-4S 0-58	107-7
April	219-8
May	244-8
June		309-0
.July		278-9
August		258-6
Septem,ber		222-5
October	S. 2-00 17-00	134-3
November December	106-7 77-6
Total for year				24-84	90-50	33-88 33-29 13-33 17-43
Average for eleven	years
Total for six grow ber, 1913	ing month	s, April t<	3 Septem-
Average of eleven April to Septemt	years for )er	six growin	g months,

FIELD CROP YIELDS.

The following table summarizes the yields of field crops at the Central Farm in 1913. As pointed out above, they are considerably below the average of past years.

Yields of Field Crops, Central Farm, 1913.

Crop.	Area.	Total j^ield.	Average yield per acre.
Oats *. . .	' Acres. 50-00 50 00 43 00 300 400 60- 00	Tons. Lb.	Bush. Lb. 2,500	Tons. Lb.	Bush. Lb. 50
	54 G80 516		i i73 12
Hooia fitiano'els^	48 25 1,994 120	1,600 866 34	16 6 998 2	533 20
Potatoes	216 38
Hay

Ottawa.

DITISIOy OF FIELD nUSBlXDRY 143

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

COST OF PRODUCTION OF FIELD CROPS.

Because of the comparatively low yields in 1913 the cost of production per unit was high. Figures are given herewith for corn, mangels, hay, and oats grown in large lots under ordinary field conditions.

COST OF PHODICTIOX OF JIANGEI-S.

Two acres of mangels were grown in a four-year rotation of mangel?:, grain, clover hay, timothy hay. The timothy hay field was ploughed shallow early August,

top worked and ribbed up late autumn in part preparation for the mangels.

Number of acres : 2.

Kent of land at $3 per acre j6 00

Use of machinery at 60 cents per acre 1 20

Quarter share of manure, at rate of 15 tons per acre, at $1 per ton. 7 50

Ploughing in autumn, 8 hours 3-horse team at 41 cents 3 28

Discing in autumn, 6 hours 4-horse team at 4S cents 2 88

Ribbing in autumn, 2 hours 2-horse team at 34 cents 68

Discing in spring, 3 hours 4-horse team at 48 cents 1 44

Discing. 4 hours 3-horse team at 41 cents 1 64

Harrowing, 1 hour 2-hor.se team at 34 cents 34

Rolling, 2 hours 2-horse team at 34 cents 68

Drilling, 4 hours 2-horse team at 34 cents 136

Seed, 20 pounds at 25 cents 5 00

Sowing, 12 hours manual labour at 17 cents 2 04

Hoeing, 60 hours manual labour at 17 cents 10 20

Cultivating, 7i hours 2-horse team at 34 cents 2 55

Cultivating, 4 hours single horse at 27 cents 1 08

Pulling, loading and unloading, 118 hours manual labour at 17 cents. 20 06

Hauling, 14 hours 2-horse team at 34 cents 4 76

Total cost for 2 acres $72 69

Cost per acre 36 35

Yield per acre bush. 566

tons. 17

Cost per bushel cents. 6.22

Cost per ton J2.14

COST OF PRODUCTION OF EXSILAGE CORN.

Eighteen lacres of ensilage corn were grown in a three-year rotation of corn, grain, clover hay. The land was manured at the rate of 18 tons per acre and spring ploughed for corn, turning under the manure and the growth of clover.

Number of acres: 18.

Rent of land at $3 per ficre $54 00 .

Use of machinery at 60 cents per acre 10 80

Third share of manure, at rate of IS tons per acre, at $1 per ton. 108 00

Ploughing, 71 hours 3-horse team at 4T cents 29 11

Discing, 25 hours 4-horse team at 48 cents 12 00

Discing, 7 hours 3-hor.':e team at 41 cents 2 87

« Seed, 9 bu.<:hels at $2 per bushel 18 Off

Seeding, 9?. hours 2-horse team at 34 cents 3 23

Rolling, 9J hours 2-horse team at 34 cents 3 23

Cultivating (three times), 54 hours 2-horse team at 34 cents.... IS 36

Cultivating, 36 hours single horse at 27 cents 9 72

Hoeing, 144 hours manual labour at 17 cents 24 48

Cutting, 30 hours 3-horse team at 41 cents 12 30

Hauling, 102 hours 2-horse team at 34 cents 34 68

Loading, unloadinp, tr.Tmping, etc., 298 ! o irs m-^nuil 1 ibrur at 17.:. 50 66

Man at engine, 30 hours manual labour at 17 cents 5 10

Total cost for 18 acres $396 54

Cost per acre 22 03

Yield per acre tons. 1 2

Cost per ton $1 84

Ott.\wa.

144

EXPERIMEXTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

COST OF PRODUCTION OF OATS.

Thirty-five acres of oats were grown in a three-year rotation of corn, oats, clover hay. The corn ground was shallow ploughed in the autumn. With the oat? there was seeded a heavy mixture of timothy ajid clovers.

Number of acres : 35.

Rent of land at $3 per acre $105 00

Use of machinery at 60 cents per acre 21 00

Third share of manure, at rate of 18 tons per acre, at $1 per ton. . 210 00

Ploughing in autumn, 56 hours 3-horse team at 41 cents r 22 96

Discing in autumn, 43 hours 4-horse team at 48 cents 20 64

Discing in sprjng, 56 hours 4-horse team at 48 cents 26 88

Harrowing, 12 hours 3-horse team at 41 cents 4 92

Seed, at $1 per acre 35 00

Seeding, 20 hours 3-horse team at 41 cents 8 20

Cutting, 25 hours 3-horse team at 41 cents 10 25

Twine, 105 pounds at 12 cents 12 60

Stooking, 61 hours manual labour at 17 cents 10 37

Loading, 52 hours manual labour at 17 cents 8 84

Hauling, 39 hours 2-horse team at 34 cents 13 26

Raking, 12 hours single horse at 27 cents 3 24

Threshing, 1,820 bushels at 2 J cents per bushel 45 50

Total cost for 35 acres $558 66

Cost per acre 1596

Yield of grain per acre bush. 52

Yiel^ of straw per acre tons. 1.16

Cost per bushel of grain (grain valued at 34 cents per bushel and

straw at $4 per ton) cents 24.31

Cost per ton of grain $ 14 30

Cost per ton of straw 2 86

Note. — The relative costs of grain and straw are estimated in the following manner : — Total revenue per acre from grain and straw is [52 bushels at 34

cents] -f (1.16 tons at $4) -$22.32. When revenue is $22.32 cost to produce is $15.96. When revenue (from 52 bushels grain) is $17.68, cost to produce 1 17.68 X 15.96 „^ „,

^"*^^ i^ 22.32 X 52 "=''■'' ''''''■

When revenue (from 1.16 tons straw) is $4.64, cost to produce

4.64 X 15.96 .„ „„

per ton is ^:$i.86. •

pel loa la 22.32 X 1-16 *

COST OF PRODUCTION OF H.^Y.

Thirty-three and one-half acres of hay were grown in a three-year rotation of corn, oats, clover hay. Owing to the winter killing of the clover and to the excessive drought during the growing se,ason the yield was low, and in consequence the cost of production per ton was comparatively high.

Number of acres: 33-5.

Rent of land at $3 per acre $100 50

Use of machinery at 60 cents per acre 20 10

Third share of manure, at rate of 18 tons per acre, at $1 per ton. . ."01 00 Seed: — 10 pounds red clover at 28 cents; 2 pounds alsike at 30 cents; 6 pounds alfalfa at 22 cents; 6 pounds timothy at 7i

cen ts 5 1 '^

Cutting, 26 hours 2-horse team at 34 cents 8 84

Raking, 25 hours single horse at 27 cents 6 75

Coiling, 60 hours manual labour at 17 cents 10 20

Loading and unloading, 117 hours manual labour at 17 cents.... 19 89

Hauling, 65 hours 2-horse team at 34 cents 22 10

Total cost for 33-5 acres $394 55

Cost per .acre H ''8

Yield per acre tons. 2

Cost per ton $5 89

Ottawa.

DITISIOK OF FIELD EV SB AN DRY

145

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

The following table sunnnarizes in a form convenient for reference, the cost of production of mangels, corn, oat« and hay as given in detail above: —

Cost of Production of Field Crops, Central Farm, 1913.

Crop.

Mangels

En.siiage corn.

Oats

Oat straw

Hay

Area.

Cost to proddcb.

Yield per acre.

Per acre. Per ton.

Acres.

200 18-00 35- 00

33-5

Tons.

17 12

116 2

Bush. 584

52

$ cts.

36 35 22 03 15 96

11 78

$ cts.

2 14

1 84

14 30

5 89

Per

bushel.

Cents. 6-22

21-3

EOTATION OF CROPS.

That certain crops do better when following after certain other crops, has long been known. Farm practice, however, seldom keeps pace with knowledge in such matters, and to this particular phase of crop management work especially, too little consideration is usually given.

For the past ten years experiments have been carried on at this Farm to deter- mine the relative value of different rotations suitable for live stock purposes. Before presenting the results of this work in detail we may briefly answer the following questions that naturally ari.se in a consideration of this subject: —

What is meant hy a systematic rotation of crops?

It is a certain regular succession of crops so arranged that, after each, the land is left in the best possible condition to receive the crop which follows.

Willi (toes the order in which crops fotloio each other make a great difference in the yields from year to year? 1. Because different plants have different manurial requirements. 1 2. Because plants vary in their power to abstract certain foods from the soil.

3. Because all plants do not feed to the same depth in the soil.

4. Because all plants are not alike in the residues they leave behind.

5. ^Because some plants tend to produce better tilth than others.

6. Because plants vary in their resistance power to bacterial and fungus disc;ises and to insect enemies.

What are the requirements of any rotation before it may he considered suiiahle?

1. It must supply the crops needed in the proper proportions.

2. It must be so constituted that weeds can be kept under control.

3. It must yield a reasonable net profit.

4. It must, under properly regulated treatment, maintain soil fertility.

Why should every farmer place his farm under some definite system of cropping, nr, in other words, adopt a rotation of cropsf • 1. Because it will increase crop yields and net profits. 2. Because the cost of fencing, on farms where live stock is kept, would be materially reduced, since it would be necessary to fence off only three, four or five fields instead of ten or twelve, as is often done.

Ott.wva. 16—10

145 EJPERIMEXTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

3. Because larger machinery could be used. Where fields are fewer they must be larger, and large fields lend themselves better than small ones to the use of large machinery which lowers cost of production.

4. Because all cultural operations of one kind would be in one field, thus lowering the cost by reducing the travelling necessary from one small field to another.

5. Because every field would receive, at regular intervals, its fair proportion of manure, ^o field would therefore be favoured to the disadvantage of the rest of the farm, and the whole farm would always be kept up to its highest producing pos- sibilities.

The line of farming engaged in must, however, determine to a great extent the kind and relative amounts of crops that shall be grown, and may, in some cases, pre- vent following to the letter the rotation that woidd provide the largest returns. In any case it may be said that a good rotation will include: (1) meadow or pasture. (2) roots, corn, or other hoed crop, and (3) some cereal crop. The results of our experiments go to show that for greatest profits these crops should follow each other in the order named.

The following rotations have been devised to meet different requirements. One or the other of fhem is likely to be found suitable for conditions that obtain on the average live stock farm in Eastern Ontario and Quebec.

ROTATION ■' A " (five YEARS" DURATION).

First year. — •Iloed crop. When corn is the hoed crop used, manure is applied in spring at rate of 15 tons per acre and shallow ploughed shortly before planting time, turning under clover and manure. After the hoed crop is harvested, land is shallow ploughed or cultivated.

Second year. — Grain. Seeded down with 8 pounds red clover, 2 pounds alsike and 10 ponnds timothy per acre.

Third year. — Clover hay. Two crops expected. Top dressed in fall with manure at rate of 15 tons per acre.

Fourth year. — Timothy hay. Field ploughed in August, top worked and ribbed up in October.

Fifth year. — Grain. Seeded down with 10 pounds red clover, which is allowed to grow to be turned under following spring when the hoed crop is corn.

This rotation has proven an excellent one here. When carefully followed, and wlien cultural operations were well performed, weeds have been kept under fair con- trol, and crop yields have been maintained. One-fifth of the land is in hood crop, two- fifths in grain, one-fifth in clover hay, and one-fifth in timothy hay or pasture. It supplies a relatively larger proportion of grain to roots and hay than the ordin- ary three or four-course rotation, and for that reason would be preferable where con- siderable grain is called for.

ROTATION "b" (five YEARS' DURATION),

First year. — Hoed crop. When com is the hoed crop used, manure is applied in (spring at rate of 15 tons per acre, and shallow ploughed shortly before planting time, turning under both clover and manure.

Second year. — Gi'ain. Seeded down with 10 pounds red clover, 2 pounds alsike and 5 pounds timothy per acre. New seeding top dressed in fall with 15 tons barnyard manure per acre.

Thixrd year. — Hay. Two crops expected. Ploughed late fall.

Fourth year. — Gr'ain. Seeded down with 10 pounds rod clover, 2 pounds alsike and 5 pounds timothy per acre.

Fifth year. — ^Clover hay. Two crops expected.

Ottawa.

Divr>^rn\ of field nrt^BAynRY 147

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Though the arrangement is different, this rotatiDn is very similar to " A '' in the relati\ e amounts of the different crops it supplies. In "" A '' l)oth clover and timothy hay are provided, whereas in "' B " clover hay only is grown. '' B "' has niaintained crop yields, and has given profits equal to '' A " in the tests so far conducted, but, as indicated, does not answer the purpose where a certain propor- tion of timothy hay is called for. It can, however, be very easily extended into a six or seven-year rotation to include timothy liay or pasture. As a seven-year rotation the crops would succeed each other in the following order: —

Hoed crop; grain, seeded down with clover and timothy; olovor hay; timothy liay or pasture; grain, seeded down with clover and timotliy; clover hay; timotiiy tiay or pasture.

ROTATION " C " (fOUU YEARS' DURATION.)

First year. — ^Hoed crops.

Second year. — Grain. Seeded down with 10 pounds red clover arid 12 pounds timothy per acre.

Third year. — Clover hay. Two crops expected.

Fourth year. — Timothy hay. Field ploughed in Augu.st, manured at rate of 24 tons per acre, worked at inteiwals and ridged up in late fall in preparation for hoed crops.

This rotation is most satisfactory from all standpoints, except that it supplies a rather smuUer proportion of grain than is often desired. Where live stock is the mainstay of the farm, this is, however, a very minor fault. The turning of a shallow furrow when ploughing sod in preparation for grain or corn has been found to be good practice here. In preparing for roots, deeper ploughing or tl-,e regular plough with subsoiler is to be advised.

ROTATION "d" (tHUEK YEARs' DIRATION.)

First yrar. — ^Hoed crop. For corn, manure is applied in spring at rate of IS tons per acre, and shallow ploughed shortly before corn planting time, turning \inder both clover and manure. For roots, land should be ploughed previous fall.

Second year. — Grain. Seeded down with 10 pounds red clover, 2 pounds alsike, G- pounds alfalfa and G pounds timothy per acre.

TJiird year. — Clover hay. Two crops expected.

This would be a most excellent rotation to put into practice where sufficient rough land is available to serve as pasturage. It is the rotation that would supply the greatest amount of forage of the best description for dairying or bet-f production. It is better for heavy than for light soils.

rotation "n" (TliUI.E VEARS' DURATION.) |

First year. — Corn. Manure applied in spring at rate of 18 tons per acre. Shallow ploughed shortly before corn planting time, turning under both clover and manure.

Second year. — Peas and oats mixed. Cut green for cattle. Seeded down with 10 pounds red clover, 2 pounds alsike, 6 pounds alfalfa and G pounds timothy per

acre.

Third year. — Clover hay. Cut green for cattle.

Ottawa- 16— lOi

148

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

This is a rotation specially designed to supply soiling crops. Two years' records only have been kept.

If a careful examination of the above rotations be made there will be noted a few desirable chara«... eristics common to all: —

1. Grain fields are always seeded down with clover, even though it be used only as a fertilizer, as in the case of the fifth year of rotation " A."

2. Grass and clover seedings are heavy. Increased crops of hay and rare failures of a catch have justified them.

3. Hoed crops form a large proportion of every rotation. An attempt to farm a small area without a hoed crop was not successful. Weeds could not readily be kept in check.

4. No field is left in hay for more than two successive years. Our rec^ords show that the second crop almost alwa'ys costs more per tori than the first, and that succeeding crops are very liable to be grown at a loss.

5. Barnyard manure is applied frequently, in comparatively small quanti- ties, rather than at long intervals, in large quantities.

In order that the net profits (profits after deducting cost of rent, all manual and horse labour, manure, seed, twine and use of machinery) as well as the yields of these rotations might be determined, careful records have been kept of all items chargeable against the rotations.

The following values have been fixed and are being used in this, and similar work, on all the Eastern Farms and Stations: —

Cost Values.

Manual labour

Horse labour, including teamster —

Single horse

2-hors6 team ■

3-horse team

4-horse team

Additional horses, each

Rent

Machinery (inclusive of threshing machinery)

Barnyard manure (spread)

Commercial fertilizers charged at cost.

Seed wheat, oats, barley, buckwheat and rye

Seed peas

Turnip, mangel, potato and corn seed charged at cost. Grass and clover seed charged at cost, total cost to be

distributed over the number of years in hay and

pasture. Twine charged at cost. Threshing charged according to actual labour expended,

the items charged under this head to include only

such operations as begin after the load of grain

arrives at the feed table, or after the grain- is

stacked or placed in the mow ready to be thrown

on the feed table. Loading, hauling, etc., to be

charged to manual and horse labour.

Return Values.

Wheat, oats, barley, rye and buckwheat

Peas

Hay (timothy, clover, alfalfa or mixed)

Straw (wheat, oat, barley, rye, buckwheat or peas)..

Corn ensilage

Sugar beets

Forage crops (green) •_

Turnips, carrots, mangels •

Potatoes

Pasture —

Horses per head

Cattle per head

Sheep per head

$0 17 per hour.

	27
	34
	41
	48
	7
3	00 60	per acre.
1	00	per ton.
1	GO	per acre.
2	! 00	H

JO 01 per pound.
li	"
7 00 per ton.
4 00
2 00
3 00
2 00
2 00
50 pei	:• bushel.
100 per month.
1 00	i«
25	(1
	Ottawa,

DITISIOy OF FIELD HI SB AN DRY

149

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

The items for which there are no tixed charges have been valued as follows: —

Twine ? 12 per pound.

Red clover 2S 00 per 100 pounds.

Alsike clover 30 00

Alfalfa 22 00

Timothy 1 50 per bushel.

Seed corn 7 50 "

Mangel seed 25 per pound.

The season of 1913 was so extremely dry that many of our crops w-ere grown at a loss. The returns are, therefore, very low as compared with the average returns for preceding years. A rearrangement of the rotations was made in 1912, hence averages have been drawn for the preceding eight years only.

Costs, Returns and Net Profits of Rotations " A," " B," " C," " D " and " R,"

1904-11.

Rotation.	Cost to oper- ate per acre.	Value of returns per acre.	Profit or loss per acre, 1913.	Profit, aver- age of 8 years, 1904-11.
A (Five vears' duration)	$ cts. 17 55 21 83 17 08 19 35 19 14	$ cts. 19 40 21 47 16 97 17 80 19 60	$ cts. 1 85 - 36 - 11 -1 55 36*	$ cts. 8 78
B (Five " )	9 03
C (Four " )	8 15
D (Three " )	10 08
R (Three " )

'Records kept for 1912-13 only.

Costs, Returns and Net Profits of Rotations " A," " B," " C " and " D," 1904-11.

Year.

C

GST PER Acre TO Operate.

^'

4LUE PER Acre OF Returns.

Net

Profit per Acre.

A.

B.

C.

D.

A.

B.

C.

D.

A.

B.

i C. i D.

1904

$ c. 14 37 16 30 15 54 14 63 14 16 13 50

$ c. 14 59 17 96 15 10 14 83 13 70 14 38

$ c. 19 89 22 88 19 3c. 20 13 15 84 16 65 13 67 14 24

$ c. 15 73 18 31 14 56 17 30 15 07 13 48 14 77 14 18

$ c. 24 33 26 86 23 67 24 97 19 07 19 18 23 54 24 85

$ c. 23 58 20 81 21 19 26 34 17 43 22 64 22 92 26 65

% c. 22 98 36 74 25 06 27 6o 20 21 25 04 23 30 26 25

$ c. 27 25 29 96 21 65 26 91 19 26 24 74 28 86 25 43

$ c. 9 96 10 56 8 13 10 34 4 91 5 68 9 98 10 65

$ c. 8 99 11 85 6 09 11 51 3 73 8 2C 9 44 12 3C

$ c. 3 09 13 86 5 71 7 50 4 37 8 99

i c. 11 52

1905

11 65

1906...^

■ 7 09

1907

9 61

1908

4 19

1909

11 2fi

1910

13 561 13 48 14 20| 14 29

9 69 ' 14 09

1911

12 01 11 2.'i

80 RR

Total

116 26jll8 .33

142 65 17 So

123 40

186 47

190 56

207 87

204 06

70 21

72 23

65 22

Average for 8 years

14 53 i 14 71

15 43

23 31

23 82

25 98

25 51

8 78

9 03

8 15 10 OS

Ottawa.

^^Q

EXPERIMENTA L FA RMS

5 GEORGE v.. A. 1915 The following tables contain details in

ROTATION

Crops.

<

Items of Expen'se

a s -d c a

n h « 2

Manual labour.

H

or.se labour (including teamster.)

^

Hours.

Rotation Ye:

2 3 O w

O O

P 'en

0 s 1

U OJ 0 OJ

0 OJ

2 0 **~* 3 0 0 in 03 0— ' 0

1st. . .

1912. Oats Corn \ . . Oats

1913. Corn

Af. 1 00 100 1-00 100 100

$ c. 9 56 9 56 9 56 9 56 9 56

% C. 1 77 1 91 2 40 2 40 1 91

No. 42 3 6 6 3

$ c. 7 14 0 51 1 02 1 02 0 51

No. I3 i 5

No. m li 2h

No. 5^ 5i

No.

$ c. 8 11

2nd...

Oats

3 52

3rd ..

Hay

0 99

4th...

Hay Hay Aggregate. .

Hav

0 98

5th...

Grain

5J

u

3 52

500

47 80

10 39

60

10 20

31

20§

16

5i

17 19

Average per

acr

sin 1913

ROTATION

Ist.. .

Hay

Corn

1-00 1-00 100 1-00 109

9 00

1 77

38 3 6 2i 5

6 46 0 51 1 02 0 42 0 85

i \

lOJ U 2 21

5^ 5J

2i

7 43 3 .^2

2nd...

Corn

Oats

9 OOi i 91 9 00! 4 37 9 OOi 2 no.

IJ

3rd...

O.ats Hay

Hay

0 99

4th...

Oats

5i

IJ

3 69 0 QS

5th...

Oats

Hav

9 00

4 37

.Aggregate

500

45 00

14 44

54i

9 26

3^

19

16

5§

16 61

Average per acr

ein 1913

1

ROTATION

1st...

Hay

Corn

100 100 100 100

9 00 9 00 9 00

1 77 1 97 2 45

41 3 5 4^

6 97 0 51 0 85 0 77

\

lU 2i 2i

5i 5}

2i

7 77 3 52 0 99

2nd...

Corn

Oats

3rd...

Grain Hay

Hay

4th...

Hay

9 00! 2 45

0 QK

Aggregate

400

36 00

8 64

53i

9 10

3

18

10!

4

13 26

-Average per acr

e in 1913

1

ROTATION

l.gt... Hay. 2nd... Corn. 3rd...!0ats.

Com. Oats. Hay.

Aggregate. . . Average per acre in 1913.

100 100 1-00

300

9 00 9 00 9 00

27 00

1 77 1 91 5 77

9 45

40

47i

6 80 0 38

0 85

L

8 03

U

Hi

151

Oj

5i

lOfi

2Ji

7 77 3 52 0 98

4 12 27

Ottawa.

DIVISIOX OF FIELD nUSBA\DRY

151

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 coiinectiiju with these rotations in 1910: — "A."

IN RAISING CnOP						Particulars or	Crop.
						Wei	ght.
								t4		c9	as
t«			„,					o		ti	fctf
a			4)							«	f>
	-tS	£ o	CO .— 1	-S				be C 3)	6 3	a 2	C3,
c*ri	o	O	O	O					c3	o	u O
35	3	m	0)	CO	a '3	C3	>i	S tv		3	4^ Id 2
o	o	O	O	O	i-i			o fee	O	ej
O	H	O	U	O	O	CO	K	P^	H	>	Pk
$ c.	$ c.	S c.	S c.	$ c.	Lb.	I.b.	Lb.	Lb.	$ c.	S c.	S c.
	26 58 16 66 13 97 13 96 16 61	26 58 16 66 13 97 13 96 16 61	' 039 0 41	1 80 " 6 02 6 00	" ' 1 ; 4?.' " 1,389			29,530	29 53 17 82 16 24 16 27 17 15	29 53 17 82 16 24 16 27 17 15	2 95
I 16	1,622 1,631		1 16
	4,640 4,650		2 27
	2 31
1 11	0 54
2 27	87 78	87 78	,	28 47	3,253	9,290	29,530	97 01	97 01	9 23
		17 55			'					19 40	1 85

"B."

'C."

	24 66 15 87 15 38 16 19 15 20	24 66 . . 15 871 15 38'.. 16 19 15 20,..	"6'46 6'4i	2.37 '■5'49 ' "9'74		20,760	20 76 13 94 19 60 20 65 10 92	20 76 13 94 19 60 20 65 10 92	-3 90
6 93	1,170	1,120		-1 93
	5,600		4 '>!
1 06	1,-326	.3,694	4 46
	3,120		-4 28
	j
1 99	87 30	87 30 . .			2,496	4,814	8,720	20, 760	85 87	85 87	-143
		21 831.. )								21 47	-0 36

	25 51 16 31 13 29 13 20	25 51 16 31 13 29 13 20	1 85 0 34 9 23				27,530	27 53 20 58 10 08 9 69	27 53 20 58 10 08 9 69	2 02
1 31	16 41	2,084		4 27
	2,880 2,770		—3 21
	9 60			—3 51
I 31	68 31	68 31	1	16 41	2,084	5,650	27.530	67 88	67 88	-0 43
		17 08							16 97	-0 11
		[

'D."

	25 34 16 11 16 60	25 34! . . 16 11; 16 60 . .	"6 34	2 11 ' l6'85				24,030	24 03 18 67 10 71	24 03 18 67 10 71	-1 31
1 30	1,628	1,197		2 56
	3,060		-6 89
1 30	58 05	58 05| . .			1,628	1,197	3,060	24,030	53 41	53 41	-4 64
		19 35 ..								17 80	-1 56

Ottawa.

152

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915 ROTATION

Area.

Items or Expense

Crops.

6 E B g Pi

Seed, twine and use of machinery.

Manual labour.

Horse labour (including teamster.)

>

Hours.

Rotation yea

1

8

Single , horse.

2-horse team.

3-horse team .

4

CO O O

1st.. .

1912. Hay

1913. Corn ...

Ac. 1-60 160 1-60

$ c. 14 40 14 40 14 40

$ c. 2 83 3 36 9 23

No. 50 20 6i

$ c. 8 50 3 40 1 10

No. 2 1

No. 151 10

No. 6|

No. 2

$ c. 11 15

2nd...

Corn

Mixed peas and oats

Mixed peas and oats

7 46

3rd...

Hay

4

1 63

Aggregate

4-80

43 20

15 42

76^

13 00

5i

291 1 14*

51

20 24

Average per acr

ein 1913

I- - - - - -

Ottawa.

DiriSIOX OF FIELD nn^nAXDRY

153

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 •'R."

IN UAISING ("HOP.			Particulars of	Crop.
					Weight.			1
tt			^	li
c			— ■					o		1^	u
										c	a>
■n		0^ 03	tn 3	c o				03 -H	3	Q. C C	a 03 o
*^	^	t<						"a	t.	u Q
o		O	O	o				. (U		o
O	■4^	03 o	o	O				03 U. o	o	3	c
		\mf'	u	. O	o	CO	w	tf	H	K^	CL,
S c.	$ c.	$ c.	$ c.	$ c.	Lb.	Lb.	Lb.	Lb.		S c.	$ C.
	36 88 28 02 26 36	23 05 17 8'J 16 47	1 1	1 93 1 90 7 33				38,300 30, 140	38 30 30 14 25 16	23 94 18 84 15 72	0 89
				0 95
			7,190	-0 75
		^
	91 86	57 41					7.190	68,440	93 60	58 50	1 09
		19 14	i							19 50	0 36
		1

Ottawa.

154 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915 SHALLOW PLOUGHING AND SUBSOILING versus DEEP PLOUGHmG.

This experiment has now been under way for ten years. Two four-year rotations, differing only in the above-mentioned me,thods of preparation for hoed crop, were laid down in 1904.

ROTATION "s" (shallow PLOUGHING AND SUB-SOILING).

First year. — Corn or roots. Field manured at rate of 24 tons per acre. Ploughed out of sod previous August, 4 inches deep, subsoiled to a depth of 8 or 9 inches and ridged up in late autumn. The land is ploughed shallow or cultivated in preparation for the grain which follows.

Second year. — Grain. Seeded down with 10 pounds red clover and 12 poimds timothy per acre.

Third yem: — Clover hay. Cut twice in the season, and the aftermath left on the field.

Fourth 1/^ar.— Timothy hay. Broken in August and prepared for com or roots, as indicated above.

ROTATION "v" (deep PLOUGHING).

This rutation differs from rotation " S " only in the treatment of the timothy hay held in preparation for corn or roots. It is manured and ploughed in August, 7 inches deep, top-worked, and ploughed again in late fall, 7 inches deep.

The average returns for the ten years show a very slight advantage in favov. of the deep ploughing. If there is taken into consideration the fact that whei„ subsoiling is practised a single plough must be used, whereas a two-furrow riding plough may be operated under the deep-ploughing method, the higher cost of opera- tion in the former method would reduce the actual net profits still more. This experiment will be continued, as the res\ilts have not as "yet shown any decided advantage in favour of either method.

ur e

Ottawa.

Dirisioy or field nusBAynRY

155

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Costs, Kktikns and Net Profits of Rotations " S " and '• P," Average of 10 Years.

Year.

1904

1905

1906

1907

1908

1909

1910

1911

1912

1913

Total

Avnrage for 1 0 j-c:irs

Cost to opeiute per acre.	\'alue of returns per acre.	Net profit per aire.
S.	P.	S.	P.	p.	P.
$ cts. 19 89 22 88 19 35 20 13 15 84 16 65 13 67 14 24 19 47 18 13	S cts. 19 89 22 89 19 39 20 29 10 03 17 05 14 42 14 53 19 02 17 52	$ cts. 22 98 36 74 25 06 27 63 20 21 25 64 23 36 26 25 27 14 17 71	$ cts. 22 98 36 89 24 93 27 41 20 34 25 SO 23 60 26 72 28 99 18 34	t cts. 3 09 13 86 ;■) 71 7 50 4 37 8 99 9 69 12 01 7 67 42	1 cts. 3 m 14 00 5 54 7 12 4 31 8 75 9 18 12 19 9 97 82
180 25	181 03	252 72	256 00	72 47	74 97
18 02	18 10	25 27	25 60	7 25	7 50

Ottawa.

156

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915 The following tables contain details of these rotations

ROTATION "S" (SHALLOW

	Description of Soil.			Area.	Items of
Rota- tion year.	- Surface Soil.	Subsoil.	Crops. •	Rent and man- ure.	Seed, twine and use of mach- inery ,	Manual labour.	Horse
	Hours	Cost.	Single horse
Ist 2nd 3rd 4th	Sandy loam... ti it it	Clay hard-pan u a ii	1912. i Hay Corn Oats Hay	1913. Corn Oats Hay Hay	Acres. 100 100 100 100	% c. 9-00 9-00 900 9-00	Jc. 1-77 1-91 2-45 2-45	No. 37 3 5 5	% c. 6-29 •51 •85 ■85	No. 1 \ h 1
A	Lggregate	4-00	36 00	8-58	50	8-50	3

Average per acre in 1913.

ROTATION "P"

Ist 2nd.:.... 3rd 4th	Sandy loam... It It n	Clay hard-pan tt tt tt	Hay Corn Oats Hay	Corn Oats Hay Hay	1-00 1^00 1-00 1-00	9-00 900 9-00 9-00	1-77 1^91 2^45 2-45	39 3 5 5	6-63 ■51 ■85 •85	h i
A	leerezate	4-00	36 00	8-58	52	8-84	3
A	Lverage per acr	3 in 1913					"""
								i

Ottawa.

DiriSIOX OF FIELD U USB AX DRY

157

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

in 1913. Values as given on page 96 have been used: — PLOUGHING AND SUBSOILING).

Expense in Raising Crop.

Particulars of Crop.

Labour (including teamster).

Cost of thresh 'ing.

Total cost.

Cost for one acre.

Cost for one bush- el.

Cost for one ton.

Weight.

Total value.

Value of crop per acre

Hourb

Cost of horse labour

Grain

Straw

Hay.

Fod- der corn.

Profit or

01

o Eg o a

loss per acre.

No.

No. 5i

No.

) c. 12-56 3-52 •98 •99

$ c "i-40

S c. 29-62 16-34 13-28 13-29

$ c. 29-62 16-34 13-28 13-29

cts. '■32

$ c 2-46 "6-99 6-96

Lb.

Lb.

Lb.

Lb. 24, 100

$ c. 24-10 20 08

$ c. 24 10

So.

1,750

1,290

2n-ns' a. 74

3,800 3.820

13-30 13. 3n' 00.

''i

13-37

13-37. -OS

35J

6i

5

18-05

1-40

72-53

72-53

1,750

1,290

7,620

24,100

70-85

70-85

-1-68

1

18-13

18- 13

17-71

17-71

-•42

(DEEP PLOUGHING).

1?	9^ 5i	3	9^82 3-52 ■98 •99	"i-34	27^22 16-28 13-28 13-29	27-22		1-98 "6-87 711				27, 450' 27-45 19-30	27-45 19-30 l.S-.'wl	-23
	16-281 -33 13-28	1,678	1,262		3-02
3,870	13. .W	•26
?7			13-29				3,740| 13-09 13-09	— •20
18J	14f	^	15-31	1-34	70 07	70 07			1,678	1,262	7,610	27,450 73-38	73..^	331
	1		17-5^	17-52						1 18-34	18-34	•82
	'

Ottawa.

158

EXPERIMEKTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v.. A. 1915

COMMERCIAL FERTILIZERS.

In 1913 there were completed five years of experiments designed to supply informa- tion concerning the relative fertilizing merits, in regular farm rotation, of: —

1. No manure or fertilizer of any kind, but pastured one year in four (records kept in 1913 only).

2. Barnyard manure.

3. Complete commercial fertilizer.

■i. Barnyard manure, together ^vith commercial fertilizer.

To carry out this work, four areas of land were selected, " N," in 1912, and " X," " Y" and 'Z' in 1909. Each area was divided into four equal-sized plots, and placed under the following rotation : —

First year. — Hoed crop.

Second year. — Oats. Seeded down with 8 pounds red clover, 2 pounds alsike and 12 poimds timothy per acre.

Third year. — Clover hay.

Fourth year. — Timothy hay on rotations " X," " Y " and " Z,'" and pasture on rotation " N." Land ploughed shallow in early autumn, top worked and ribbed up in late autumn.

Fertilizer Treatment Given Rotations " N," " X," " Y " and " Z."

Crop,

Rotation N.

Rotation X.

Rotation Y.

Rotation Z.

Mangels.

No fertilizer.

Oats No fertilizer.

Clover hay |No fertilizer.

Timothy hay. . . iPastured

Manure 15 tons.

No fertilizer. . . No fertilizer.. . No fertilizer. . .

No manure

Superphosphate, 300 lb.. . Muriate of potash, 75 lb. . Nitrate of soda, 100 1b... Nitrate of soda. 100 1b... Nitrate of soda, 100 lb... Nitrate of soda, 100 1b...

Manure, 7j tons Superphosphate

Muriate of potash, S/f

150 lb. _ lb. Nitrate of soda, 50 lb Nitrate of soda, 100 1b. Nitrate of soda, 100 lb. Nitrate of soda, 100 lb.

The five years' results for this experiment supply rather interesting data.

Rotation " X," which was fertilized with barnyard manure alone, cost the least to operate and produced the largest returns. The average profit per acre for the period was $7.88.

Rotation " Z,'' which received a mixture of barnyard manure and commercial ; fertilizers produced equally as well as rotation " X," but cost slightly more to operate with the result that the net profit was just $6.77 per acre.

Rotation '" Y.'' receiving commercial fertilizer alone was the lowest in producing power and cost as much to operate as " X." The profits therefrom have averaged only %'t.^-)^ per acre.

These results .show a distinct advantage of barnyard manure alone over com- mercial fertilizer alone for this soil, but point to the possibility of combining the two to good advantage when barnyard manure is scarce or high in price.

In calculating the returns from these rotations fixed values as given on page 9€ of this report were used. Fertilizers were valued as follows: —

Muriate of potash v $2 50 per 100 nounds.

Nitrate of soda 3 00

Superphosphate 0 90 "

Ottawa.

DITISTOy or FTET.D nrnBAxnRY

159

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Costs, Ri;ti;u.ns and Pkofits per Acre of Rotations " N," " X," " Y " and '' Z."

Rotation.

N — No manure or fertilizer of any kind

X — Barnyard manure.

Y— f "oniplclc commercial fertilizer

Z— Barnyard manure together with commercial fer- tilizer

*.\vcrage of one year only.

Cost

to

operate.

rts.

11 92 16 47

16 Go

17 81

Value of

seturns.

cts,

13 05 22 09

20 07

21 16

Net profit, 1913.

S cts.

1 13 5 62 3 42

3 35

Net profit

average of

5 years.

cts.

7 88

5 55

6 77

Costs, Returns and Profits per Acre of Rotations " X," " Y " and " Z," 1909-1913.

Year,	Cost to Operate per Acre.	Value of Returns per Acre.	Profii	per Acre. /
X.	Y.	Z.	X.	Y.	Z.	X.	Y.	Z.
1909	$ cts. 13 15 26 58 14 86 19 23 16 47	$ cts. 15 42 29 16 16 70 19 39 16 65	$ cts. 14 51 27 91 16 16 20 24 17 81	$ cts. 19 72 32 55 24 90 30 44 22 09	$ cts. 20 70 34 52 22 84 26 95 20 07	$ cts. 20 82 36 26 26 88 25 38 21 16	S cts. 6 57 5 97 10 04 11 21 5 62	$ cts. 5 28 5 36 6 14 7 56 3 42	$ cts. 6 31
1910	8 35
1911	10 72
1912	5 lA
1913	3 35
Total for 5 years	90 29	97 32	96 63	129 70	125 08	130 50	39 41	27 76	33 87
Average peracrefor 5 years	18 06	19 46	19 33	25 94	25 01	26 10	7 88	5 55	6 77

Ottawa.

160

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915 Yields of Hoed Crops on Ketations " X," " Y " aud " Z," 1909-1913.

Year.	Area.	Rotation X.	Rotation Y.	Rotation Z.
1909 1910	Acres. 1 2 1 1 1	Lb. 26,540 73.520 28,160 48,360 36,000	Lb. 28,290 78,276 22,730 49, 130 32,480	Lb. 26,445 81,^^0 29,970
1911
1912 1913	48,360 .34,418
Total yield 5 y Average per ac	ears	212,580	210,906	220,483
re for 5 years
17 tons 1,430 pounds.	17 tons 1,151 pounds.	18 tons 747 pounds.

Yields of Oats on Eotations " X," " Y " and " Z," 1909-1913.

Year.	Area.	Rotation X.	Rotation Y.	Rotation Z.
Grain.	Straw.	Grain.	Straw.	Grain.	Straw.
1909 1910* .	Acres. 1	Lb. 1,455	Lb. 2,725	Lb. • 1,615	Lb. 2,735	Lb. 1,576	Lb. 2,789
1911 1912 1913	1 1 1	1,474 2,492 1,650	2,436 3,238 1,680	1,709 1,421 1,457	2,530 1,909 1,363	1,893 1,035 1,565	2,777 1,945 1,735
Total yield 4 years. . .	7,071	10,079	6,202	8,537	6,069	9,246
Average years	s per acre for 4	52 bushels. 2.519 oounda.	45 bush. 20 lb.	2,134 pounds.	44 bush. 21 lb.	2,3111b.
	■

*Hoed crops grown in place of grain in 1910.

Ottawa.

DiriSIOX OF FIELD Hl'SiBAyDRY

161

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Yields of Hay on Rotations " X," " Y " and " Z," 1909-1913.

Year.	Area.	Rotation X.	Rotation Y.	Rotation Z
1009	.\cres. 2 2 2 2 2	Lb. 9,240 6,900 14,810 12,000 9,290	Lb. 9,405 7,230	Lb. 'l0,157
1910	7.860
1911	1,3,280	15.160
191''	11,010 11,120
1913	8,710 8,890
Total yield 5 y Average per ae	ears
52,2-10	50,2.35	53,187
re for 5 years. . . .
2 tons 1,254 pounds.	2 tons 1,023 pounds. 2 tons 1,318 pounds. 1

Ott.wva.

IC 11

162

EXPERIMEKTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v.. A. 1915 FERTILIZER

	DEscRiPnoN or Soil.	Crops.	Area.	Items or
	Surface soil.	Subsoil.	Last Year.	This Year.		Manual labour.	Horse
Year of rotsi-	Ren^ and man- uro.	Seed, twine and use of ■nacl)- inery.
tion.	Hours	Cost.	Single horse
lit 2nd 3rd 4th	Clay loam a it tt Aggregate	Clay hardpan	1912. Pasture Mangels Oats Hay	1913. Mangels Oats Hay Pasture	Acres. •33 •33 •33 •33	$ c. 1 00 1 00 1 00 1 00	$ c. 70 64 82 62	No. 22 1	$ c. 3 74 17 30	No. 4 i
	1-32	4 00	2 78 24f	4 21	u
Averaee Der acre	in 1913

FERTILIZER

1st	Black muck. . Clay loam . . . it tt Aggregate ....	Clay hardpan it <«	Hay Mangels Oats Hay	Mangela Oats Hay Hay	1 00	6 75	2 10 1 97 2 47 2 47	68 2f 5 4	11 56 46 85 68	1
2nd 3rd	100 100 100	6 75 6 75 6 75	i i
4th
	400	27 00	9 01	79f	13 55	6J
	A\	;^eraee ner acre	in 1913
	Averaee ner acre	for 5 years

									FERTILIZER
1st	Black muck. . Clay loam.. . it it Aggregate ....	Clay hardpan « it	Hay Mangels Oats Hay	Mangels Oats Hay Hay	1^00 100 100	7 14 7 14 7 14	2 10 1 97 2 47 2 47	69J 11 82 4i- 72 6f 1 10 5i 94	4
2nd 3rd
4th	lOOj 7 14
	A'
	4 00 28 56	9 01	85! 14 ^R	ni
						f "'
	ireraee ner acre	in 1913	1
	Averaee ner acre	for 5 years ....

FERTILIZER

1st 2nd 3rd 4th	Black muck. . Clay loam it Gravelly clay Aggregate	Clay hardpan it It tt	Hay Mangels Oats Hay	Mangels Oats Hay Hay	100 100 1-00 1-00 400	8 07 8 07 8 07 8 07	2 10 1 97 2 47 2 47	70 2! ^ 5i	11 90 46 1 10 94	4 1
	32 28	9 01	841	14 40	6J
	Average per ac	re in 1913			i
	Average per acre for 5 veara.

Ottawa.

DIYISIOy OF FIELD HV SB Ay DRY

163

SESSIONAL PAPER Ko. 16 ROTATION "X."

E.vpEN'sE IX Raising Cuops.

Particul.\R8 of Chop.

Labour ^including tearnstcr).

Cost of thresh ing.

Total cost.

Cost for one acre.

Cost for oi«e bush- el.

Cost for one ton.

Weight.

Total value.

Value of crop per acre.

Hours.

Cost of horse labour

Grain

Straw

Hay.

Man- gels.

Profit or loss per acre.

S « o Xi

a o

1 o

No. 5

No. U n.

No. u

$ c. .■? 1.=;

S c. '"28

$ c. 8 59 3 16 2 53 1 62

$ c. 25 77 9 48 7 59

cts. ""30

$c. 1 97 "632

Lb.

Lb.

Lb.

Lb. 8,700

$ c. 8 70 4 24 2 80 1 67

$ c. $ c. 1 26 10 33

1

il 1 07

3.60

320

12 72 3 24

1

*

41

800 fiftv

days.

8 40 81

4 86

One

cow

5 00 14

\

-

6J

3

11

4 63

28

15 90

47 70

360

320l 800 8.700! 17 41

52 22 4 52

11 92

13 05 1 13

1

ROTATION "X	1 1
141	4 5i	4 1	9 57 3 28 1 15 99	"i'32	29 98 29 98	""28	1 67 ".3 96 6 19				36,000	36 00 36 00 6 02
13 78 11 22 10 89	13 78 11 22 10 89	1,650	1,680		19 86 19 86 6 08
5,660! 3,630'	19 811 19 81 8 59
2J					12 70 12 70 1 81
21J	91	5	14 99	1 32	65 87	65 87			1,C50	1,680	9,290 36.000	88 37 88 37 22 50
						16 47								22 09 5 62
' '
						18 06								25 94 7 88

ROTATION	"Y	If
9^	4 51	4 1	7 87 3 28 1 15 99	"i'ie	28 93 14 27 11 86 11 54	28 93 14 27 11 86	""33	1 78 "468 6 34				32,480	32 48 17 30 17 75 12 74	32 48 17 30 17 75 12 74	3 55
IJ 3	1,457	1,363		3 03
5,070 3,640		5 89
2i			11 54			1 20
m	91	5	13 29	1 16	66 60	66 00			1,457	1,363	8,710 32.480	80 27	80 27 13 67
						16 65								20 07 3 42
						19 46								25 01	5 55
											1

ROTATION "Z."

l''i	4 5i	4 1	S 89 3 28 1 15 99	i'25	30 96 1.5 03 12 79 12 47	30 96 15 03 12 79 12 47	"33	1-80 "484 6 91				34.418	34 42 19 12 18 48 12 63	34 42	3 46
u	1,565	1,735		19 12' 4 09
3	5,280 3,610		18 48 5 69
^i					12 63 16
					1
19i	91	5	14 31	1 25	71 25	71 25			1.565	1,735 8,830	34,418 84 65	84 65J 13 40
						17 81								21 16	3 35
					19 33								26 10 6 77
		i

16— Hi

Ottawa.

164

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

EXPERIMENTAL STATION FOR PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND, CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.L

REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT, J. A. CLARK, B. S. A.

CHARACTEE OF SEASON.

The previous winter was severe, with snow on the ground for a very shoil period. The spring opened early in April with very warm weather. This wa^s followed I'y a co.ol, dull May and June. July and August were seasonable. Sep- tember was fine and the early harvest was well saved. October was extremely wet, with moist, warm weather throughout. Veiy little harvesting was done during the month, and it was not until the cold, dry winds of November that the late harvest Was saved. Seeding was begun on May 13. Hoar frost occurred four times in June, though 35-5° F. was the lowest temperature recorded. The last frost occurred on the 13th, when the lowest temperature at the Station was 37° F. On July 17 haymaking commenced, and on August 21 the first grain was cut.

SoisiE Weather Observations taken at Charlottetown Experimental Station, 1913.

Month.

January

Febniary..

March

April

May

June

July

August

September.

October

November. December.

Temperature F.

Highest.

Lowest.

Mean.

2417 13-46 30-80 40-06 4,5-07 56-06 64- 19 64-42 56-13 55-05 38-82 27-64

50

48 60

781

m

73

83-5

79-5

75

70

61

56

-3

-17-5 -4 17-5 28-5 33-5 44 43 39 33 18 7

Total for year

A venigo for five years

Total for six growing months, April to September..

Average of five years for six growing months,

April to September

Precipitation.

Rainfall.

Inches.

2-01 ■34 21 09 9 27 4-01 2-89 3-98 7-71 1-65 2- 11

35-17 33-15 18-14

17-79

Snowfall. Total

Inches.

15-7 21-8

14 7 1

4-4 16-5

81-1 101- 8-7

7-9

Inches.

3-58

2-52

4-61

3-86

3-

1-27

4-01

2-89

3-98

7-71

2-09

3-76

43-28 43-01 19-01

18 -.58

Heaviest

in 24 hours.

Inches.

-33 -55 -64 •78

1-1 •39

114 •79 ■91

185 •7 •76

Total Sunshine.

Hours.

117 131 148 195 255 222 251 182

66 101

62

1,817-2 1,883-1 1,255-6

1,292-3

DinSlU.y OF FILLD ULSBA.\DKY

165

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

CROP yip:lds and cost of production of field crops.

The following data are compiled from the rotation experiments which were conducted on fields of 1 acre each. The area of this Station being small, we do not have an opportunity- to grow crops on a large scale. The grain was grown for seed jiurposes. The land was not uniform in quality as explained el^sewhere in this report and as the data are for .one year only they i^hould be considered ns approxi- mate only.

Yields and Costs of Production of Field Crops, Charlottetown, 1913.

Crop.

Area.

Oats.... Barley . . Wheat.. Turnips. Mangels

Acres.

Yield per aero.

Tons Lb.

26 645 26 1,635

Bush. Lb.

61

38

19

875

893

33 33 3S 45 55

Cost to produce.

Per acre.

Per ton.

13 97

14 63 11 95

41 78

42 35

$ c.

1 59 1 58

Per bushel.

Cents.

15 18 39-

4.

4

4 9 75

Ch.^rlottktown.

165 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v.. A. 1915 ROTATION OF CEOPS.

Six rotations were started in 1912 on the land lying along the east side of the I.E.I, railway, from the DeBlois road south. The land at the outset was very uneven. Buildings, brickyards and a large quantity of brick clay were removed. Cellars and ponds were drained and filled. The feature of these rotations during 1913 was the splendid crops of clover on all the fields ,of hay, from the aftermath of which seed was taken in the case of " D2," the others being equally good when they were ploughed under. The crops on these rotations were harvested in good condition, and, with the exception of wheat which was injured by the joint-worm and rust, the yields were good.

The following is a description of these rotations, and tables with details regarding the crops grown thereon this year : —

ROTATION "a" (five YEARS' DURATION).

First year. — Hoed crop. Manured 25 tons per acre

Second year. — Oats. Seeded down.

Thwd year. — Clover hay.

Fourth year. — Timothy hay or pasture.

Fifth year. — Oats. ^

ROTATION " b" (five YEARS' DURATION).

First year. — Hoed crop. Manured 25 tons per acre.

Seoond year. — Grain. Seeded down.

Thiyi'd year. — Clover hay.

Fourth year. — Grain. Seeded down.

Fifth year. — Clover hay.

rotation "c" (four years' juration).

First yrar. — Hoed crop. Manured 20 tons per acre.

Sedond yeocr. — Grain. Seeded down.

Third year. — Clover hay.

Fourth year. — Timothy hay or pasture.

rotation " d" (three years' duration).

First yea,r. — Hoed crop. Manured 15 tons per acre.

Second year. — Grain. Seeded down.

Third year. — Clover hay.

Cuarlottetown.

DiriSIOX OF riLLD HISBAXDRY 167

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

ROTATION " F " (I'OUR YEARS* DURATION).

First 2/t'a/'.— Iloed crop. Manured 20 tons per acre.

Scooiid ye(j\r. — Grain. Seeded down.

Third year. — Clover hay.

Fourth year. — Grain. Seeded down.

»<>T.\TI0\ "g" (SEVExV years' DURATION).

First year. — Grain.

Second year. — Hoed crop. Manured 30 tons per acre.

Third year. — -Wheat or barley. Seeded down.

Fourth year. — Clover hay.

Fifth year.- — Timothy hay.

Sixth year. — Pasture.

Seventh year. — Pasture.

Fixed values as given on page 96 of this report are being used.

CnARLOTTETOWN.

168

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915 ROTATION "A"

	Crops.	<			-		Items	OF Expense
	2 3 a a a (a e	3 - a; ^	Manual labour.	H	orse labour (including teamster) .
u,	Hours.
c _o o	Hours Man- ual labour Cost of Man- ual labour	0) u	E c3 o	i O	S o	-+^ c o
2nd...	1912. Turnips and corn	1913. Oats	Acres	$ c. 8 15 8 15 8 15 8 15 8 15	% c. 1 90 3 36 3 36 1 90 3 30	1 No. ' S c. 3 51	No. 27-25	No. 9- 03 5-25	No.	No.	No.
3rd.	Oats	Hay	10-5 8-5 2-75 101-	1 78 1 44 47 17 17
4 th.	Hay . .	Hay	3-75 6-6
5th...	Hav	Barley	3-75
1st	Barley Aceregate	Mangels	7 9-75
	5	40 75	13 82	125-75	21 37	27.25	31-631 13-50
	Average per acr	e
		8 15	2 76	25- 15	4 27	5-45	6-32	2-70

ROTATION "B'

2nd..	Corn	Wheat .		5 86 5 86 5 86 5 86 5 86	1 84 5 01 1 81 5 01 1 65	2-75 4-50 2-75 5-50 123-5	47 76 47 94	6 4 5-1 3-25	2-25
3rd.	Oats Mixed grain — Barley " .	Hay
4th.	Oats	.75
5th...	Ha-y
1st.	Mixed grain —	Turnips	20 99 17 -.50 18- ''S	5-75
		1 ! 1
	Astrreeate	5	29 .qn	15 32 139	23 63 17-50 37-6 1 1	8-75
	Average per acr	e		5 86	3 06	27-8	4-73! 3-5 ' 7-5	1-75
				i

ROTATION "C"

2nd... 3rd.	Turnips Oats Mixed grain Mixed grain	Oats Hay Hay Corn and beans	■57 -57 -57 -57	4 96 4 96 4 96 4 96*	1 06 1 91 1 28 98	1-.33 2-75 2-05 24-	23 47 42 4 08	-25 •33 •33	1-08 1-5 1-25 333	1-25
4th...
1st.. .		1
		t
	Aggregate	2-28	19 84	5 23	30-13	5 20	5-91	7-16	1-25
	Average per acr	e		8 70	2 29	13 -2"	2 29	2-59	3- 14	-55

•Beans.

ROTATION "D"

2nd ,	. Mangels .Wheat .|Mixed grain	Wheat Hay Potatoes	1 1 1	7 05 7 05 7 05	1 84 5 01 13 10	3 7 105i-	51 1 19 17 89	15"	2-58 4-33 12-83	3	1
3vd
1st..	1-75
	Aggregate
	3	21 15	19 95	115i	19 59	15	19-74	4-75
		1
	Average per acr	e		7 05	6 65	38-42	6 53	5	6-58	1-58

Chaulottetoavn.

DiriSlOy OF VIKLD HL.^liAMtlxY

169

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 (five years' duration).

IN 'AIDING Crop.

Particulars of Crop.

3

C)

Weigh t .

t u CB

O

«

^

b£

1 ■

u

u

c

c

X

o

O/

'/I u O

g

CTj

■S

1

P.

t

C s

c. m to O

t^

•c "K

,_,

,_^

v4

««-■

o

—

o

^™

"o

-^ o

O

u c

L,

o

c

"o

o

_„

.a

c

if

^-*

«-ri

aj

*.>

.»_<

ce

.^

^

te

--^

>^

C3

a

ci3

m

to

S

o

si

O

o

O

o

o

C'

O

03

(-•

>■

U

H

•■^

•^

'^

S

w'

X

K

—

H

>

Ph

$ c.

S 0.

$ c.

$ c.

c.

$c.

. Ins.

Lb.

Lb.

Lb.

Ll).

$ c.

$ c. 8 c.

3 07

1 34 1 13 97

13 97

15

8

2,107

2,333

25 73

25 73

11 76

1 78

15 07 14 22

15 07 14 22

5, 335

18 67 11 92

18 67 11 92

3 60

1 27

3,405

-2 30

3 77

34 14 63

14 63

18

6

1,857

3,873

26 32

26 32 11 69

13 74

42 35

42 35

4.75

53,635

53 63

53 63i 11 28

■

....

23 63

68^100 24

1 ...

.

136 27

1

4 72

14' 1

20 05

1 1.. . 1

27 25

7 20

(five years' duration).

(four years' duration).

2 96	45 45	11 58 12 99 in fi!^	11 58 12 99 10 65 12 91 41 78	60			913	1,217			11 56	11 56	- 02
1 36			2, 390		8 36 8 36 -4 63
2 06	100			1,898	2,357	23 69 12 21 52 54	23 69 13 04
1 10	12 91 41 78			3,490	52,545	12 21 - 70
13 28	4-9					12 54 10 76
						1
20 76	90	SQ 01				I				108 36
4 15	isl	17 98						. . _		21 67i 3 69
								1

94	45	7 64 7 94 7 18 12 50	13 40 141 13 93			1,095	1.555			14 00	24 66	11 26
60			3,080 1,680	'2,' 835	10 78 18 91 5 88 10 32	4 98
52	12 59				-2 27
2 48	21 93			*100 .		4 08 7 16 -14 77
						1
4 54	45	35 26			' 1			34 80
	'		1 (
1 99	20		15 46'					15 26 - 20
	i	i

(three years' duration).

2 10	45 '1 15	11 95 11 95 14 72 14 72 48 31 48 31	39-4			1,178	2,072			15 92 15 92 3 97
1 47			4,515	1.3; 585	15 80 15 80 1 OS
9 12	21-			113 21 113 21 64 90
12 69	1 60	74 98								144 93
		1 ' ■ ■ '
4 ''3	53	24 99; ... ! 1	1					48 31	23 32
	1

CHARLOTTETOWN.

170

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915 ROTATION "F"

(A

13 O

O

2nd. 3rd. 4th. 1st..

Crops.

Items of Expense

1912.

Peas

Oats

Mixed grain

Wheat

1913.

Wheat.. Hay.... Barley.. Turnips.

Aggregate

Average per acre.

a <

Ac.

9

a

a

13

$ c.

•86

•86| •86: •86

3

a a).

<v

CO

$ c.

3-44

31 36

9 11

Manual labour.

O 03

w

9 07

2 64

No.

2-75 4-5 2-5 101-

110-75

O cS

$ c.

47

77

42

17 17

18 83

Horse labour (including teamster.)

Hours.

o

bfi

a

03

o

No.

19

5 47

19

No.

2-83 3-58 11-83 14-5

32^74

c3

o

No. 4-75

c3 V

<a

CO

O

4

No.

3-25 4-75

12-75

s .

c3

No.

ROTATION "G"

2nd..,

3rd...

4th..

5th..

6th..

7th..

1st..

Oats

Turnips

Wheat........

Mixed grain... Mixed grain. . . Mixed grain... Mixed grain. . ,

Corn. Oats, Hay. Hay. Hay. Hay. Oats.

Aggregate

Average pe"^ acre.

2-8

17 01

6 07

64 76 79 79 79 79 73

5 29

1 89

261 1 3 3 3 3 1-75

41

14

46 17 51 51 51 51 29

6 96

2 48

1-4

5

2-58 1-75 1-75 1-75 1-75 5-83

20- 41

7-29

2-(

3-08

110

ClIAULOTTETOWN.

DIVISlOX OF FIELD llL\SJiA\DRY

171

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 (four years' duration).

IX ■RAISING Crop.

Particulars of Crop.

I.

Wei

ght.

<v

V

r;

u

h

^

CJ

a

-2

c

"3

Si

h

u*

O

M

£

■^

a

^ 3

a

p.

U

o

3

o

o.

c

42

T-1

lTJ

§•

a; 3

s o

o

."o

O

t4 o

O

1 '-' o

o

O

rt

o

o

eu

to

0)

bO

a '3

2

>>

13 Si

"0

0) 3

C3 ..

o

O

o

O

o

OJ

).•

a

• ^

0

rt

£

>

o

H

O

O

O

W

O

M

a

a

H

>

r\

S c.

$ C.

$ c.

$c.

$ c.

$ c.

Ins.

Lb.

Lb.

Lb.

Lb.

$ c.

S c.

§ <•.

2 91

45

13 29 14 24

15 45 16 56

59 40

980

1,840

13 4S 4 45

15 67 6 17

22

1 22

1,270

-10 39

5 35

45

15 65

18 19

i,339

2,301

17 99

20 92

2 7.3

12 01

38 47

44 73

4-7

48,505

48 .50

56 39

11 66

21 49

90

81 65

84 42

6 25

26

23 73

24 78

1 06

1

(seven years' duration).

9 25

3 30

17

17

34

12

10 31

4 811 4 32, 4 32 4 32 4 32 6 45

25 77 12 02 10 80 10 80 10 80 10 80 16 12

9-4

34

38 85'

13 87

867

487

1,203

840

2,131 1,613 1,633 1,693

4,830

4 11

7 5 5 5 6

47 21

12 07

27 70 18 62 14 12 14 30 14 82 16 37

16 86

13 70 15 63

82 32 50 20 52

2 99

Chari-ottetown.

172 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

BARNYAKD MANURE— PLOUGHING DOWN versus TOP DRESSING FOR

BARLEY.

One plot in rotation " F," with an area of .SO of an acre, had iK-'t received man- ure, so far as .we could learn, for fifteen years. In the spring of 1913, 3 tons 1,800 pounds of barnyard manure were applied to the north half of the plot. The whole I)lot was then ploughed and worked similarly and seeded to Hanncben barley. After the grain came up, the south half received a top dressing of 3 tons 1,800 pounds of barnyard manure. During the summer the top-dressed portion of tlie field was at least one week behind the other, and at harvest it yielded 3 bushels 13 pounds less barley and 43 pounds less straw than the ploughed-under half. The difference in yield of barley per acre in favour of the manure being ploughed down was 7 bushels 29 pounds.

COUCH (TWITCH OR QUACK) GRASS.

A hay field that was badly infested with couch grass was ploughed August, 1912, and was rolled and cutaway-disc harrowed the following day. It was given a double cut with the disc harrow oxi August 14, 22, and 29, and on September 10, 12, and 27. It was worked deep and the couch cut hi short pieces and buried. In the spring of 1913 the field was as green as ever with couch. ' It was then decided to resort to our old method of destroying this troublesome weed. The teeth of the spring-tooth harrow were «:et deep and the field was gone over twice on May 12, the smoothing harrow being used afterwards to shake out the roots. On May 14 the field was raked and several tons of couch roots per acre were removed. It was then ploughed 6 inches deep, spring-tooth harrowed twice, rolled and seeded.. The smoothing harrow was used again to shake out the couch roots that the other harrow had brought to the surface, and though the harrow was lifted continually the couch gathered into bunches so that it had to be spread by hand. Wlien the couch on the surface was thoroughly dried out, the field was given a light top-dressing of manure. The couch which had been hauled off and completely killed was placed on top of the spreader loads and put back on the field. The field gave an average yield of 80 bushels of oats per aero, and appeared to be completely free of couch.

SOIL CULTURAL EXPERIMENTS.

Ten acres of the land next to the Abegweit Athletic Association grounds, and lying between the Prince Edward Island railway on the east and the Malpeque road on the west have been set aside for a comprehensive set of- experiments in soil cultiva- tion and renovation.

In Prince Edward Island some of the problems in respect to which the farmers are looking to the Experimental Stations for solution or for further information are : — •

1. The improvement of neglected lands. These lands fall into two classes, (a) Whole farms that have been robbed of their fertility by excessive cropping witli ofits and timothy until natural grasses and weeds have possession, (h) The back fields on the majority of homesteads, which need improved rotations, better cultivation and more fertilizing.

2. The conservation and increase of soil fertility.

3. The control and eradication of weeds.

4. The conservation of soil moisture. ^ .^omo of the lines of experiment that are to be put under way arc: — Neglected land treatment.

Depth of ploughing.

After-harvest treatment of sod land in preparation for grain.

Charlottetown.

DJ17.S70.Y OF FIELD EC'iBAyDRY 173

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

After-harvest treatuiciit of sod land in preparation for hoed crcp.

Depth of seeding.

Seed bed preparation.

Applying barnj'ard manure.

Kates of seeding nurse crop of barley

Rates of seeding nurse crop of oats.

Rates of seedling clover and timothy,

Underdraining.

DRAINAGE.

Thirty thousand feet of drain tile were purchased for the new areas and most of the area acquired from the Connolly Estate was tile drained. Forty acres of land in all were acquired by the Station in 1913 and two-thirds of it will be drained as soon as the tile can be laid. The land drained previouslj- gave excellent results in 1913,

. IMPROVEMEXTS.

All the land newly acquired was fenced with a strong woven fence, and the posts painted. Dikes and rows of trees were levelled and removed. The fields were surveyed and roads opened.

CllAnLOTTETOWK.

174

EXrERfMEMAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v.. A. 1915

EXPERIMENTAL FARM FOR NOVA SCOTIA,

NAPPAN, N.S.

REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT, W. W. BAIRD, B.S.A.

CHAEACTEE OF THE SEASOI^, 1913.

Dui'ing the winter 1912-13 the sno^vfall was scanty, and no severe frost was registered during the latter part of the season. No snow fell after March 15, but 2 inches of rainfall, on March 27, caused considerable damage by washing the fields. Seeding commenced on May 6, but was retarded and germination was checked by the cold weather which prevailed throughout the month. In fact, growth was slow until July, when vegetation made remarkable progress. Due to the frequent rain throughout the growing season, the ripening of the haiwest was slow. The early- sown grain was harvested in late August or early September but late-sown grain was not ripe until October, when the heavy rain damaged it to such an extent as to make it useless for seed and barely fit for feed.

Some Weather Observations taken at Nappan Experimental Fariu, 1913.

Month.	Temperatube F.	Phecipitation.	Total Sunshine.
Mean.	Highest.	Lowest.	Rainfall.	Snowfall.	Total.
January	o 23-96 1.3-31 32-52 40-03 47-75 54-56 62 -.33 61 00 54-59 55-28 38-09 27-50	o 52 51 62 71 67 74 82 80 78 72 65 55	o - 4 -15 - 1 14 26 31 41 33 31 28 10 0	Inches. 2-42 •45 2-04 301 2-38 1-97 4-98 3-76 2-70 7-83 1-63 2-65	Inches. 5-0 17-0 41-2 4-5	Inches. 2-92 2-15 6-16 3-46 2-38 1-97 4-98 3-76 2-70 7-85 2-03 4-25	Hours. 86-75
February	112-15
March	140 00
April	132-70
May	169-15
June		265-90
July		226-05
August		238-10
September		165-95
October		71-30
November	4-0 16-0	115-45
December	80-20
Total for year	35-82 32-17 18-80 17-63	87-7 62-94 4-5 3-3	44-59 38-47 19-25 18-16	1803-70
Average for five years	1925-50
•potal for six growing month	3, April to Senteinbei		1197-85
^verage of five years, for six	growing ni	onths, Api	"il to Sept.	1228-21

nirrsioy of field uui^BAXDRT

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

FIELD CROP YIELDS.

175

The yields of crops grown in field lota and under ro^ulnr field conditions averaged as follows in 1913 :

Field Crop Yields, Nappau, 1913,

Area.

Crop.

Yield per acre.

Acres.

1

10

5

40

24 1 Upland haj-

2 Wheat.

<1

9

2

3

Mangels

Turnips

( 'orn

Marshland hay.

Upland oats

Marshland oat.s.

Barley

Potatoes

Tons. Lb.

19 685

23 2.3

12 1,380

1 1,856

2 856

Bush. Lb.

644

767

45

29 30

.')9 24

20 —

33 44

376 —

YIELDS OF M.\NGELS.

Three varieties of mang'els, considered the most suitable for this district, were grown in one-third acre plots on a clay loam soil.

Yields OF Field Lots of Mangels, Nappan, 1913.

Area.

Name of variety.

Yield per acre.

Acres

i

1

JTamrnoth LongRod Yellowlntcrmediatej Yellow Globe

Tons. Lb.

18 120 20 140

19 1,795

Bush. Lb.

602 669 663 15

Nappan.

176 EXPERIMENTAL FABMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915 COST OF PKODUCTION OF FIELD CEOPS.

In calculating net profits from the rotations, some interesting figures have been dbtained regarding the cost of producing the various crops grown. In explanation of the rather high cost in some cases it may be explained that in 1913 some of the fields did not yield quite up to the average production for previous years. Com and turnips were the chief sutt'erers. The values used in computing these costs are given on page 96 ai this report.

Cost of Prodlction of Field Crops, Xappan, 1913.

Crop.	Yield per acre.	C	est to produce.
	Per acre.	Per ton.	Per bushel.
Tusriips	Tons. Lb. 23 23 19 685 12 1,380	Bush. 767 644	Lb. 03 45	$ cts. 45 57 49 51 39 33 49 36 17 25 14 42 13 83	$ cts. 1 98 2 56 3 10	cts. 5-94
Mangels	7-68
Ensilage corn
Potatoes '	376 59 29 33	00 24 30 44	13- 13
Oats		28-9
Wheat		48-9
Barlev		40-8

KOTATIOX OF CROPS.

There is perhaps no single practice in farm management of more importance than a systematic rotation of crops. It will help to maintain fertility, conserve soil moistu.re and control weeds and yet withal it is a feature of farm work to which, as a rule very little consideration is given.

So many different combinations of crops are possible, that a test of all that -ug- gested themselves to us was quite impracticable. The following three, chosen because of the good results they have given in other sections of the country are now in opera- tion.

ROT.\TIOX " B" (five YE.VRS' DLKaTION).

First year. — Eoots. Manured at rate of 25 tons per aci-e.

Second year. — Grain. Seeded down with 10 pounds red cover, 2 pounds alsike and 6 pounds timothy per acre.

Third year. — Clover hay. Ploughed in autumn.

Fourth year. — Grain. Seeded down with 10 pounds red clover, 2 pounds alsike and 6 pounds timothy per acre.

Fifth year. — Clover hay.

ROTATION "c'' (four YEARS' DURATION).

First year. — Roots. Manured at rate of 20 tons per acre.

Second year. — Grain. Seeded down^ with 10 pounds red clover, 2 pounds alsike and 13 pounds timothy per acre. Third year. — Clover hay. Fourth year. — Pasture.

Nappan.

r:^'^X}\

be

ho

c3 CD

w I

CO

^

5

16— 1915- p. 170.

DITISIOy OF riELD nrSBAyORT 177

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

ROTATION "d" (three YEARS' DURATIOK).

First year. — Roots. !>raniired at the rate of 15 tons per acre. Second year. — Grain. Seeded down with 10 pounds red clover, 2 pounds alsike and 6 pounds timothy per acre. Third year. — Clover hay.

CROP HISTORY OF ROTATION LOTS.

Rotation " B" lot i.— 1905, no crop; 190G and lOUT crop turned under; 1908 mixed grain, seeded down; 1909, hay; 1910, mixed grain, seeded down; 1911. roots, fertilii:ed with 25 tons harnyard manure per acre, and 300 pounds mixed fertilizer per acre additional to every other half-acre plot; 1912, grain, seeded down. The soil is a whitish clay loam in fair heart. Is located on a steep slope. Surface drainage is good and lot is underdraincd as well.

Rotation "B" lot 2. — 1904, roots; 1905, grain, seeded down; 1906, clover hay;

1907, grain, seeded down; 1908, clover hay; 1909, roots; 1910, grain, seeded down; 1911, clover hay ; 1912 roots. Lot has fair surface drainage and is partly underdrained. Soil is clay loam in fair heart.

Rotation "' B " Lot 3. — Since 1905 lot 3 has received treatment similar to lot 2. No undcrdrainage has been done. Soil is clay loam, naturally wet and is not noAv in as good tilth as lot 2.

Rotation " B" Lot 4. — 1908, pasture; 1909, no crop; 1910, one-half in pasture ouo- half in grain crop ploughed under, 400 pounds per acre of mixed fertilizer applied to every other half-acre plot; 1911 and 1912, green crop ploughed under; 1913, green crop of oats, peas and vetch turned under, 400 pounds per acre of mixed fertilizer applied to every other half-acre plot. The lot is in poor condition. Surface drainage is good, hut it is naturally wet land. Soil is whitish clay loam.

Rotation " B" Lot 5.— 1905 and 1906 pastured by sheep; 1907 and 1908, no crop;

1909, one-half in rape, one-half in buckwheat pastured very light; 1910, no crop; 1911, one-half of lot received 400 pounds mixed fertilizer per acre for green crop turned under, the remaining half was idle; 1912 the remaining half received 400 pounds mixed fertilizer per acre and green crop was ploughed under on entire lot; 1913, peas, oats, and vetch turned under. Soil varies from clay loam to sandy loam and is in poor heart. No underdrainage has been done and surface drainage is only fair.

Rotation " C" Lot i.— 1905, roots; 1906, grain, seeded down; 1907, clover hay;

1908, roots and corn; 1909, grain, seeded down; 1910, clover hay; 1911, pastured; 1912. roots; 1913, grain, seeded down. The soil is a clay loam underdrained and in good tilth, but infested with couch grass.

Rotation " C" Lot 5.— 1907, grain, seeded down; 1908, clover hay; 1909, root.s

1910, grain, seeded down; 1911, clover hay; 1912, pastured; 1913, roots. Soil is clay loam underdrained and in good tilth.

Rotation "C" Lot 5.— 1908, clover hay; 1909, grain; 1910, roots; 1911, grain, seeded down; 1912, clover hay; 1913, pasture. Soil is clay loam, underdrained and in good tilth.

Rotation " C" Lot ^.—1906, grain, seeded down; 1907, clover hay; 1908, roots;

1909, grain, seeded down; 1910, clover hay; 1911, routs; 1912, grain, seeded down; 1913, clover hay. Soil is whitish clay loam, underdraijied and in good tilth.

Nappan.

10—12

i73

EXrERIMEXTAL FAh'Mf?

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

Eciaiion "D" Lot 1, located vnmediately west of wood orchard. — 1907, clover hay; 1&03, grain, seeded down; 1909, clover hay; 1910, grain; 1911, roots; 1912, grain, seeded down ; 1918, clover ha.y. Soil is a sandy clay loam, underdrained and in fair tilth.

Rotation " D" Lot 2, located across railroad and next to marsh land. — 1906, roots and grain; 1907, grain; 1908 and 1909, hay; 1910, buckwheat; 1911, green crop turned under; 1912, roots; 1913, grain, seeded down. Soil is clay Icain, Avell surface drained. Is very badly infested with couch grass.

Rotation "D" Lot 5.— 1907, hay; 1908, roots; 1909, grain, seeded down; 1910, •clover hay; 1911, grain, seeded down; 1912, clover hay; 191.3, roots and corn. Soil is variable, part being a clay loam and part black muck. Is in fairly good tilth, but is infested with couch grass.

COMMERCIAL FERTILIZERS FOR TURISTIPS.

Seven different varieties of turnips were sown in lots of 1 acre each. One-half acre of each variety v/as fertilized with barnyard manure alone applied at the rate of 20 tons per acre. The other half acre of each variety received .barnyard manure at the rate of 20 tons per acre, and. in addition 400 pounds per acre of a commercial fertilizer mixed in the following proportion: Superphosphate, li pounds; bone meal, 1\ pounds; nitrate of soda, 1 pound; muriate of potash, 1 pound.

Yields of Turnips with Manure alone and with Commercial Fertilizer in Addition

to Manure.

							Gain or
							lo.ss
				Differ-			from ap-
		Yield	Yield	ence in	Value of	Cost of	plication
		per acre	per acre	yield	difference	fertilizer	of
Area.	Variety.	with	with	in favour	at 6c. per	at S38.80	tertilizer
		manure	manure	of	bushel.	per ton.	in addi-
		and	alone.	addition			tion to
		comm'l		of			repiular
		fertilizers.		comm'l fertilizer.			ciuantity of manure.
Acres.		Bush. Lb.	Bush. Lb.	Bu.sh. Lb.	* cts.	$ cts.	% cts.
h	Elephant	873 15 861 30 887 30 7G0 30 1021 45 342 30 820 30 889 30	733 10 797 45 863 00 725 30 8.54 30 307 15 739 45 831 00	140 05 63 45 24 30 35 00 167 15 35 15 80 45 58 30	8 41 3 83 1 47 2 10 10 04 2 12 4 85 3 51	7 76 7 76 7 76 7 76 7 76 7 76 7 76 7 76	65
Jumbo	-3 93
Rennie'c) Prize	-6 29
Canadian Gem	-5 06
Magnum Bonum	2 28
i	Sutton's Champion	-5 64
i	Jumbo	-2 91
4	Best of All	-4 25

Of the seven tests made, tw,o only gave profits to compensate for the cost of the fertilizer. As those results accord closely with those obtained in ijrevious years, it seems evident that turnips on our soil are not benefited to any extent by the use of the above commercial fertilizer in addition to the regular application of barnyard manure.

Nappan.

DITISIOy OF FIELD nVf^BANDRY

179

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

EXPERIMENTAL STATION FOR ANNAPOLIS AND CORN- WALLIS VALLEYS, KENTVILLE, N.S.

REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT W. SAXBY BLAIR. WEATHER CONDITIONS, 1013.

Tlio early part of xVpril was warm, the latter part cool. Land was fit for work oil April 2:5. l\ra,v was dull, with frequent light showers. Seeding and planting were done in good season. Jime was cool and unusually dry, and crops suffered from the drought. Ju'y continued cojI with frequent showers. August was dry and crops were again checked for want of rain. September weather was favourable. October was wet, with a total rainfall of 9.60 inches, this being about 20 per cent more than the average. The temperature was unusually high, the average being 56^5°, which is 9° flbove the average for the twelve years previous. This condition was particularly favourable to roots, and as no frosts occurred on the corn area until October, this crop made good growth until cut, September 24 to 27.

Wf>ather records have been taken since the month of April only, some of which iiro horowith reported.

SoJiE Weather Observations taken at Kentville Experimental Station, 1913.

Month.	Temperature	F.		PREaprr.\TioN.		Total Sunshine.
Mean.	Highest.	Lowest.	Rainfall.	Snow fall.	Total.	Heaviest in 24 hours.
April	o 419 46-2 .56 • 7 65-4 03 3 54-3 56-5 384 23^44	77 70 V8 87 86 84 74 65 55	o 19 27 33 44 36 35 31 21 6 ember. .	Inches. 429 3^17 1-23 3-72 1-70 2-55 OCO 1-97 3 02	Inches. "13-75	Inches. 4-29 317 1-23 3 72 170 2-55 9 GO 1-97 439	Inches. •70 •84 •54 •88 •55 -85 1-98 -63 1-44	Hours. 137-1
M ay	178-2
June	270-1
J-ulv	252-1
Aumist	238-4
Soptoinbor	156-6
Oct()})or	57-8
Novoinbcr	111-5
Deco!tibcr	74-65
	months Anril to Rent
Total for gix growing			16-66		1232-5

FIELD CROPS.

The field areas cultivated this season were principally those in orchards, the strips between the trees being devoted to various field crops. Some of the areas had been stumped the previous season and consequently were vei\v uneven and difficult to work. • ]\ruch time was necessarily spent during the spring months clearing these fields of stones and root.s, and as a result the seeding of the crops was slightly delayed.

IG— 12i

180 EXPERUIEXTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915 HAY.

Ten acres of dyked land were in hay. This produced about 18 tons of hay of fair qualitj^

CORN.

Ten acres of corn were planted. Part of it was seeded on M^y 26 on land fertilized with barnyard manure at the rate of 30 tons per acre. The manure was put into piles on the field during the winter and spread and ploughed mider on Hay 13 to 15. A crop of buckwheat to be ploughed under had been grown the summer before, immediately following the removal of the stumps.

Three varieties of corn were sown in rows 3^ feet apart. The following yields were obtained: —

Longfellow, 11 tons 150 pounds per acre.

Compton's Early, 10 " 1,440

Canada Yellow, 8 " . 1,440 "

Two acres of Xongfeliow, sown June 4, without stable manure, but fertilized with 400 pounds per acre of a complete fertilizer containing 4 per cent nitrogen, 8 per (Tent phosphoric acid, and 10 per cent potash, yielded only 4 tons 100 ppunds per acre.

TURNIPS.

.One and three-quarter acres of swede turnips were sown on May 19, the variety Lapland being used. The ground had been manured in the fall of 1912 with 20 tons of stable manure per acre. A crop ,of buckwheat had been ploughed in during the summer of 1912. This land was worked up and fertilized with 400 pounds per acre of a complete fertilizer. The turnips were sown in drills with a horse turnip seeder. The crop was harvested November 6 to 8, and yielded 628 bushels per acre. Tw.o acres of turnips were sown on land which had been stumped the previous summer and which had never before grown a crop. No stable manure was used, but a commercial fertilizer, containing 4 per cent nitrogen, 8 per cent phosphoric acid, and 10 per ,cent potash was applied at the rate of 800 pounds per acre. Thip was sown broadcast just before the ground was drilled for seeding. The variety Lapland was used. The yield was 5G5 bushels per acre.

OATS.

Ten acres of field oats, sown on newly-broken land, and fertilized with 200 pounds per acre of fertilizer containing 4 per cent nitrogen, 8 per cent phosphoric acid, and 10 per cent potash, yielded an average of 38.6 bushels per acre.

CLEAEING LAND.

Seventeen acres of new land were cleared of stumps and ploughed during the season. Ten acres of the more easily cleared area cost as follows: —

Dynamite, 780 pounds (78 pounds per acre) ?140 40

Fuse and caps ''^o nn "^

PuUing out stumps •■ ^^o nn

-. Dynamiting Itl H

Cleaning roots, piling and burning -1-5 ou

Clearing up roots (second time over) and burning 183 00

Moving stones ^^^ ^^

Harrowing •• J. H

Ploughing ^^Q QQ

Total cost for ten acres $2,187 50

Cost pel- acre 218 75

ElliNTVILLE.

DlVHilOy OF FIELD ULSBAyDRY 181

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

The remaining seven acres were much more difficult and cost $282.40 per acre. Thirteen acres -wero brushed ready for stumping during the summer, at a cost of $21.15 per acre.

FENCING.

Eleven thousand three hundred and twenty feet of wire fences were erected on the east, north and west boundaries of the Station. Part of this was built throui?h woods, which made the work veiy difficult. Owing fo the great number ,of roots, and to the presence of sandstone and slate rock near -the surface, holes for the post^s had to be blasted in many cases.' Cedar posts were used, and were set at a distance of 1 rod apart.

DYKING.

The dykes on the marsh area were badly out of repair, and in order to reclaim cer- tain areas lying outside the old dykes, it was decided to construct new ones around the entire mai"sh. Eighty-five rods of dyke, 3^ fc-et high and with a 7-foot base, cost $2.50 per rod. Sixty-eight rods of dyke 4 feet high and with an 8-foot base cost $3 per rod. Five sluices were necessaiy to afford proper drainage. These were con- structed of plank with a 5-inch by 7-inch opening, a metal sluice-gate being placed in each. The sluice-gatos Avere of briiss composition to prevent rusting from con- tact with salt water, and as a safe-guard against gnawing out by muskrats.

EOADS.

Work was commenced in the laying of a road through the ravine. The road leading to tlie ravine from the south end was graded and made passable. The sides of the ravine are very abrupt with sandstone near the surface which made it necessary to do considerable blasting. The field stones were u£.cd to form a foundation for the road where necessary.

Kemville.

182

EXPERIilENTAL FARMS

6 GEORGE v., A. 1915

EXPERIMENTAL STATION FOR NEW BRUNSWICK,

FREDERICTON, N. B.

EEPOET OF THE SUPERINTENDENT, W. W. HUBBAED.

WEATHER CONDITIONS, 1913.

The winter of 1013 was much milder, with a lighter snowfall than ia uisual. The spring was comparatively cold and wet. Frosts were frequent in May and as late as June 23 a heavy frost was observed on the low-lying portion of the Station. The land here is naturally damp, which defers iseeding. even in a dry season.. This condition, coupled with the unseasonable weather this year, further retarded field operations. Even sod ploughing for grain could not be accomi^lished until June 1. The rains continued until July 15, after which the summer was dry with saifficient precipitation to stimulate rapid crop growth. The first frost wais recorded on September 16; a second heavier one, on September 28, affected both corn and potatoes. During October there were 5.9 inches rainfall, which fell so continuously as to interfere seriously with harvesting operations. The grain and potato crops, as a rqsult, were greatly damaged in the southern part of the province. On October 21 the next frost was noticed, and on October 31 there were 4 degrees of frost. During the month there were only three days of sunshine. November 1 and 2 j-egistered 10 degrees and 17 degrees of frost respectively; the remainder of the month, however, was mild and bright, the rainfall amounting to only 1-2 inches.

Some Weather Observations taken at Experimental Station, Fredericton, 1913.

Month.	Tj	.MPERATURK	F.	Total Precipita- tion.	Total Sunshine.
	Mean.	Highest.	Lowest .
January	o 22 12 30 42 47 58 64 63 55 53 36 24	o 51 38 60 83 83 83 91 87 85 76 62 47	0 -11 -20 -9 15 27 34 47 36 29 26 4 -13	Inches. 41 2-9 6- 2-2 4- 1-9 51 2-4 1-3 5-9 1-2 1-2	Hours. 81
February	123
March	124
April	160
May	181
June	257
July	213
August	244
September	192
October	57
November	107
E'^ccmber	112
Totil for vear	38-2 16-9	1,851
Total for six grov/ins months, April to Re	ptember			1,247

virrsioy of field HUSBiyDRY 183

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

FIELD CEOPS.

As little autumn preparation could be made the area under spring crops was limited. Thirteen acres of sod were ploughed for corn and one and one-seventh acres were ploughed for jiotatoes. One and one-sixth acres of buckwheat stubble were culti- vated in preparation for garden vegetables.

0.\TS.

As the season was wet, all the oats sown were late. The first seeding was done on June 1. One and one-quarter acres of oats, grown on tile drained soil, gave a yield of 48 bushels of grain per acre. Seven acres of o»ts gro'vvn on rather wet land gave a yield of less than 22 bushels per acre. The advantages of underdrainage are clearly illustrated by both the increased yield and superior quality of the oats grown on the drained soil.

ENSILAGE CORX.

Twelve and one-half acres of tough couch sod were autumn ploughed and spring worked with disc harrow. Eighteen 35-bushel loads of horse manure were applied per acre and hiirrowed in. On June 5 and G four varieties of corn — Longfellow, Comp- ton's Early, Leaming, White Cap Yellow Dent — ^were planted wnth a 2-row corn planter, provided with a fertili/.er attachment, from which was distributed 468 pounds mixed fertilizer per acre. The fertilizer was made up as follows : 78 pounds nitrate of soda, 26 pounds sulphate of umraonia, 312 pounds acid phosphate, 52 pounds muriate of potash, and containing 3-6 per cent nitrogen, 10 per cent phosphoric acid, and 5 -.5 per cent potash.

The plants appeared above the ground on June 21 and were given thorough culti- vation throug-hout the growing season. The crop was harvested on September 25, giiang a yield of 115 tons for the 12} acres. The resulting silage was of excellent quality.

TURNIPS.

Five acres that had pro^duced a crop of oats the previous year, were prepared for turnips. The soil was sandj' loam with clay subsoil. There were many stumjxs, lai'go boulders and surface stones in all 500 loads of stone being removed. The stumps and larger boulders were blown up with dynamite.

Twenty loads of horse manure were applied and worked in with the disc, and in addition 400 pounds of basic slag and a mixed fertilizer made up of the following were ai^plied : 70 pounds nitrate of soda, 70 pounds sulphate of ammonia, 100 pounds acid phosphate, 100 pounds bone n>.eal, 120 pounds muriate of potash per acre.

The time required for clearing and preparing the land delayed th.e seeding until July 4 ajid 5. The seed was sown at the rate of 2 pounds per acre with a hand wheel seeder. The stand was rather thin, and, due to the dry weather, made slow growth. The crop was harvested on November 3, 4 and &.

FUEDERICTON.

184

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1S15

The following table records the varieties growB, their characteristics and yields: —

Yields of Turnips, Fredericton, 1913.

Variety.

Invicta

Lapland

Good Luck

Hale woods Bronze lop Hall's Westbury

Hartley's Bronze top..

Jumbo

Perfection

Bangholm

Hazards Improved

New Century

Description.

Purple top Green " Purple " Bronze " Purple "

Bronze " Purple "

Purple "

swede, smooth and even

pronged and uneven

smooth, fairly even

smooth and even

small, smooth, even, and very

shapely

fairly smooth and even

rather rough

large, even, fairly smooth

fairly smooth and even

smooth and even

large, fairly smooth, uneven.. .

Average yield per acre: 670 bushels or 20 tons 200 pounds.

Yield per acre.

Lb.

1,500

35

400

175

800

1,3.50

80

800

800 360

FENCINQ.

The fencing used is of number nine galvanized woven wire throughout, 48 inches high, nine strands, with uprights every 16^ inches. The wire is stapled to cedar posts placed one rod apart and from 3 to 4 feet in the ground. J3oth side lines and part of the road fences have been built, while posts have been set along some of the field fence lines, in readiness for the wire.

CLEARING LAND.

The first clearing operation was the burning of the brush and bushes left after the cut of the winter. In all, 150 acres were cleared and burned over. The larger stones were used in building a driveway over a ravine which crosses the land being cleared. Dynamite was used to break up the boulders into pieces that could be moved by a two-horse team. A powerful stumping machine was tried on green stumps, but this method of operation was found more expensive than the use of stumping powder and the removal of the shattered portions with a direct horse hitch. The stumps of the softer trees were readily removed by means of direct team hitch. About fifty acres were cleared in this way, and will be ready for crop in 1914.

Fredericton.

DIVISIOX or FIELD El><BAyDRY

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

185

EXPERIMENTAL STATION FOR EASTERN QUEBEC, STE. ANNE DE LA POCATIERE, QUEBEC.

REPORT OF THE SUPERINTEITDENT, JOSEPH BEGIN.

WEATIIEE CONDITIOXS, 1913.

The spring of 1913 opened favourably, and seeding was commenced in good time. Weather did not continue warm, however, through May and June, and all crops made slow growth. Corn, especially, suffered from the changeable temperature. July was e<>ol and windy, with more rainfall than in June. Clovers had been badly winter killed, owing to the presence of ice on many of the fields, and hay yielded poorly. The early sown grain was harvested in September in good condition, but the late sown was not ripe till October, and had to be gathered under very unfavourable weather conditions.

Some Weather Observations taken at Ste. Anne de la Pocatiere Experimental

Station, 1913.

Month.	Temperature	F.	PREaPITATION.	Total
Mean.	Highest.	Lowest.	Rainfall.	Snowfall.	Total.
January	o 15-65	0 35 12 61 82-2 87-8 82-2 83-2 81-2 81-8 75-4 63-2 32-2	o -25	Inches. 2-05	Inches. 20- ....24-	Indies. 4-05 2-4 4-47 •72 2-69 1-53 3-64 1-34 2-81 ^15 1-13	Hours. 73-3
Ff'briKiry	9.5 -4
Miirch	23-33 39-4 49-2 57-9 63-4 62-4 54-3 47-5 36-5 17-2	-4 8-6 22- 33-8 44- 39-2 33-2 24-2 3-8 -20-	1-47 •12 2-69 1-53 3-64 1-34 2-81 3-42 -77 •13	30- 6	107-5
April	200- ()
M'.iy	187-7
June		211-5
July		226-8
Auf^ust		246-8
Seotcmbor		199-8
Optohor		80-2
Nov'oinbfT .		89-9
Dtjccinbcr	10	6G-8
Xol nl for vpar	28-97 12-73	1,816-3
Total for six growing months	Aoril to SpntfimVier				1.303-2
			-

CKOP YIELDS.

There were no facilities this year ,for weighing the total crops as they came from the fields, but careful estimates were made in all cases, which we publish in order better to convey to our readers the degree of success attending our efforts te increase crop production by improved rotations and cultural methods.

186

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915 Crop Yields (Approximate), Ste. Anne de la Pocatiere, 1913.

Crop.

Area.

Turnips, Maguin Boniim variety

Corn, Longfellow variety

Oats and peas, cut for hay

Oats, for grain.

Acres.

1-33 8-00 1-33 20-3

Yield per acre.

Tons. Lb. 1175

iooo

23 4 2

Bush. Lb. 786 15

31

17

DOTATION OF CKOPS.

Believing that much benefit would result if our farmers would adopt rotations that would eliminate the long continued growth of any one crop on the same land, it was decided to inaugurate .a series of rotations, so that, by comparison the benefits of a well-arranged succession of crops could be shovm. As yet th ee rotations only liave been laid down, but more will be added as soon as land for tho purpose is available. The three already under way are: — ■

ROTATION "a" (five YE.^RS' DURATION).

First year. — Hoed crop of corn or roots. For corn, manure applied at rate of 25 t.ons per acre in spring and ploughed under. After crop is harvested land is shallow iilouglied or cultivated.

Second year. — Grain. Seeded down with 10 pounds red clover, 2 pounds alsike ttud V2 pounds timothy per acre.

Third year, — Clover hay. Cut twice if possible.

Fourth jjcar. — Timothy hay or pasture. Ploughed shallow in August, top x^'orkod and re-ploughed or jidged up in late autumn.

Fifth year. — Grain. Seeded down with 10 pounds red clover which is allowed to errow to be turned Under following spring, when the hoed crop is corn.

ROTATION " C" (four YEARS' DURATION).

First 2/ea?'.~Hoed crop of corn or roots.

Scjcond year. — Grain. Seeded d,own with 10 poujids red clover, 2 pounds alsike nnd .12 pounds timothy per acre.

Third year. — Clover hay. Cut twice if possible.

Fonr'ih year. — Timothy hay. Field ploughed shallow in August, top-worked and re-ploughed or ridged up in late autumn.

ROTATION ''d" .(three YEARS' DURATION).

F'irst y0ar. — ^Hoed crop of corn or roolts. For corn, land is manured, 15 tons per acre, and ploughed in spring; for roots it is manured and ploughed in fall.

Second year. — Grain. Seeded down with 10 pounds red clover, 2 pounds alsike G pounds alfalfa and 6 pounds timothy per aero.

Third year. — Clover hay. Cut twice if possible.

Ste. Anne.

DIVISION OF FIELD HUSBANDRY 187

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

DRAINAGE.

After the removal of the old fences, and the ploughing up of the old, unpro- ductive sod land, underdrainage was the first improvement work that claimed our attention; 9,410 feet of tile were laid during the season on land intended to be planted to orchard and a beginning was made in the draining of the land to be used for general crop production.

In order to demonstrate to just what extent underdrainage is profitable, two four-year rotations were laid down, one of which will be thoroughly undcrdraincd, while the other will be left undrained. Records of the cost per acre to operate, and the value of the products from each rotation will be kept, so that at some future time we shall be able to publish reliable data as to the length of time required for the drains to pay for the cost of their installation.

Ste. Annie.

183 EXPETdMEXTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

EXPERIMENTAL STATION FOR CENTRAL QUEBEC,

CAP ROUGE, QUEBEC.

REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT GUS. A. LANGELIER.

CHARACTER OF SEASON AND CROP NOTES, 1913.

For the fanner in the districts about Quebec, 1913 was a very good year. The spring was very early, grain seeding commencing at this Station on April 29. Haying began on July 9, but not until a couple of weeks later was the bulk of clover and timothy cut. IVTanchurian barley was the first field grain harvested, it being cut on August 6, and by the 30th of the same month practically all grain was in the stock. The first snowfall recorded was on November 26, when about 2 inches fell. Freezing up took place the following day.

As affecting the hat/ crop. — The mild winter of 1912-13 left bare many meadows and pastures, which were injured by frost. On the undrained, low areas, practically all the clover was killed and some of the grasses siiffered. The crop of hay, however, with the splendid growing weather of June and early July, was a fair one in the dis- trict and averaged over two tons per acre at this Station.

Aa affecting the gram crop. — The spring of 1913 was one of the earliest in many years, some grain being sown the latter part of April. The thermometer went down to 25.2° F on May 15, and to 27.2° F on May 17, and no doubt this early-sown grain, which was only a few inches high at the time, was affected by these frosts. All grain sown from the 7th to the 15th of May made a splendid growth, there being just enough precipitation and heat at this period to give what was nearly a record crop in the district. Farmers who delayed sowing until the end of May saw their grain at a standstill during the drought which lasted throughout August, and harvested crops yielding much lower than they would have obtained had they been more diligent. The crop of oats was a very heavy one at this Station, averaging over 78 bushels per acre.

As affecting the corn crop. — Though early sown cereal grains were not greatly affected by the drought, Indian corn suffered severely. It is a heat-loving plant, but requires plenty of moisture to grow well, and the farmers who did not conserve moisture by cultivating often had a poor crop. During the night of September 14, frost nipped the corn and terminated its growth. Our yield here was about 25 per cent below the average.

' As affecting roots. — The growth of roots was no doubt delayed by the drought of the latter part of sunmier, but the cool nights of September and October, coupled with a fair precipitation, gave them a renewal of vigour with the result that an average crop was harvested both here and throughout the district.

DIYISIOX OF riELl) fin<BA\DRY

189

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Some Wk.^ther Ou.>>Ein ations taken at Cap Kouge Expc-rimcutal Station, 101-3.

	Temperature	F.	PRECIPrrATION.	Total Sunshine.
.	Mean. Hiphest. 1	Lowest.	Rainfall.	Snowfall . i	1 Total.	1 Heaviest . in 24 hours.
January	O 31-32 4-80 21-91 39-35 48-95 57-30 65-19 61-58 50-60 48-96 33-42 21-23	43 0 410 520 83 0 85-0 840 88-0 83-0 820 730 Gl-0 37-0	o -22 - 2 -19-9 -14-9 15-2 25-2 36-2 45-2 40-2 28-2 24-2 13-2 -11	Inches. 0-24 017 2-80 2-14 J -27 2-53 5-36 1-97 401 4-11 1-75 0-40	Inches. 4-5 25-3 23-0 1-2	Inches. 6-96 2-70 5-10 2-26 3-27 2 -.53 5 -.36 1-97 4-01 4-11 2-01 3-35	Inches. 0-83 0-90 0-71 0-83 1-05 0-68 1-22 0-58 1-95 0-81 0-88 0-80	Hours. 47-8
February	78-2
March	67-5
April	199-8
May	207-4
June		233-7
July		215-4
August		230-7
.September October		209-3 76-3
November December	2-6 29-5	611 43-4
i ft Total for year	28-75 35-47	86-1 132-7	40-28 45-67 21-25 24-77	1	1670-6
Average for two years, 1912-1 Total for six grov.ini' months.	3			1603-0
May to 0 six growin	ctober		1172-8
Average of two May to Octob<	years for :r	g months,	1			1059-8

YIELDS OF FIELD CEOPS.

The following- statement of field crop areas and yields compares very favourably with that of 1912. The outstanding feature is the heavy crop of oats harvested, 10.89 acres averaging over 78 bushels per acre.

Field Crop Areas axd Yields, Cap Eouge, 1913.

Crop.

Variety.

Acreage.

Total yield.

JjOngfellow.

Corn ^

Swedes Good Luck.

Carrots jWhite Belgian

Oats jBanner

Hay Timothy and Clover.

9-92 .7-67

1-52 10-89 37 13

Yield per acre.

144,082 1b. 301.. 3.54 lb.

40,. 583 lb.

28,955 1b. 153,904 1b.

7 tons 524 lb.

6.54 bush. .50 1b.

444 bush. 59 11).

78 bu.sh. 7 lb.

2 tons 145 lb.

Cap Rouge.

19a EXPERIMEXTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915 COST OF PRODUCTION OF FIELD CROPS.

The exact cost of production was recorded for swede turnips, oats and hay. Details of this work are as foHows: —

COST OF TKODUCTION OF SWEDE TURNIPS.

The figures herewith given are for 1 acre of turnips grown in a three-year rotation of turiiii's, grain, clover hay. The soil was a dry sandy loam, not nnlike th.e soil of many farms in this district. Th.e subsoil was shale.

RenF of land at $.3 per acre $3 00

Share of manure, at rate of 12 tons per acre, at $1 per ton 4 00

Use of machinery at 60 cents per acre 0 60

Seed, 5 pounds at 23 cents per pound 115

Ploughing in autumn, 0 hours 2-horse team at 3 4 cents 3 06

Discing in spring-, 6 hours 3-horse team at 41 cents 2 46

Harrowing, 1 hour 2-horse team at 34 cents 0 34

Rolling twice, IJ hours 1-horse team at 27 cents 0 41

Ridging, 5 hours 2-horse team at 34 cents 1 70

Sowing, 2 houi's 1-horse team at 27 cents 0 54

Singling and hoeing, 37 hours manual labour at 17 cents 6 29

Cultivating, 5 hours 1-horse team, at 27 cents 1 35

Cultivating, 5 hours 2-horse team at 34 cents 1 70

Pulling, topping, loading, 30 hours manual labour at 17 cents 5 10

Hauling, 15 hours 1-horse team at 27 cents 4 05

Storing, 15 hours manual labour at 17 cents 255

Cost per acre $38 30

Yield of roots per acre, 19 tons 1,454 pounds or 657 bushels 34 pounds.

Cost to produce 1 ton. $1.94.

Cost to produce 1 bushel, 5-S2 cents.

COST OF PRODUCTION OF OATS.

One acre of Banner oats was grown on a light, sandy loam with shale subsoil. The land was in pasture from 1902 to 1907, in oats 1908, in hay 1909, in pasture 1910, in corn 1911, and in swedes 1912.

Rent of land at $3 per acre $3 00

Share of manure, at rate of 20 tons per acre, at $1 per ton 4 00

Use of machinery at 60 cents per acre 0 60

Seed, 2 J bushels 1 00

Twine, 2i pounds at 8.3 cents per pound 0 21

Ploughing in autumn, 9 hours 2-horse team at 34 cents 3 06

Discing in spring. 6 hours 3-horse team at 41 cents 2 46

Harrov/ing, 1 hour 2-horse team at 34 cents 0 34

Rolling, 1 hour 1-horse team at 27 cents 0 27

Sowing, 1 hour 2-horse team at 34 cents 034

Cutting with binder, 1 hour 2-horse team at 34 cents 034

Stocking, 6 hours manual labour at 17 cents 1 02

Loading and unloading, 11 hours manual labour at 17 cents 187

Hauling, 2 hours 2-horse team at 34 cents 0 68

Storing, 2 hours manual labour at 17 cents 0 34

Threshing, 6-3 cents per bushel of 34 pounds 3 82

Cost per acre $23 35

Yield of grain per acre, 2,060 pounds or 60 bushels 20 pounds.

Yield of straw per acre 2,360 pounds or 1 ton 360 pounds.

"Valuing the grain at 1 cent per pound, the cost to produce 1 ton of straw was $3.o<<.

Valuing the straw at $4 per ton, the cost to produce 1 bushel of grain was 31.4 cents.

Cap Rouge.

/)717.S/0V OF FIELD EUSBAXDRY 191

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

COST OF PRODUCTION OF HAY.

Tlie following figures are for 1 acre of clover grown in a four-year rotation of roots, grain, clover hay, timothy hay. The soil was a rather light, clay loam underlaid with shale at a depth varying from 12 to 18 inches.

Rent of land, at $3 per acre ?3 00

Share of manure, at rate of 16 tons per acre at $1 per ton 4 00

Use of machinery, at CO cents per acre 0 GO

Half of the charges on 12 pounds timothy at 8^ cents, 8 pounds red

clover at 27 cents, and 2 pounds alsike at 31 cents 1 90

Cutting, I hour with 2-horse team at 34 cents 0 17

Tedding, 1 hour with 2-horse team at 34 cents 0 34

Side delivery raking, J hour with 2-horse team at 34 cents 0 17

Raking, after loader, J hour with 1-horse team at 27 cents 0 It

Loading, 15 hours with 2-horso team, at 34 cents, and 3 hours manual

labour at 17 cents 1 02

Unloading, IJ hour with 2-hors6 team, at 34 cents, and 3 hours manual

labour at 17 cents 1 02

Cost per acre $12 3C

Yield of hay per acre, 3 tons 410 pounds. Cost to produce 1 ton $3.S6.

As the cost of production per unit depends very much on the yield, it should be noted that in this case the crop of clover was an exceptionally large one, the crop of oats more than the average, and the crop of swedes rather low. No doubt the tillage necessary to grow a crop of roots has a last- ing effect, and a portion of the horse and manual labour charged to the root crop should perhaps go to the debit of the grain and the hay which follow it. Another point to be taken into consideration, is the favourable effect of succulent feeds, such as swedes, on the digestive tract of farm animals, allowing them to make a better use of dry roughages such as hay. With all this in mind, the wise farmer will do well to continue growing roots or other succulent feeds even though the cost of production is high as compared with hay. In fact, it is certain that the latter could not be produced so cheaply were it not for the beneficial effects derived from the hoed crop which pre- ceded it.

ROTATION OF CROPS.

The rotations suitable for this district should, as a rule, include one hood crop, one or two cereal crops (not grown in succession) and from one to four crops of hay or pasture. The following four rotations are under test at this Station: —

ROTATION "d" (three YEARS' DURATION).

First year. — Corn or roots.

Second year. — Grain. Seed down with 8 pounds red clover, 2 pounds alsike, and 8 pounds timothy per acre.

Third year. — Clover hay. Two crops when weather conditions permit.

This rotation is suited to high-priced and easily-tilled land where large crops must be secured to meet heavy rents and overhead charges. It presupposes cithe.- a sufficient area of untillable land to be used for pasture, or yard feeding.

Shortly after the second crop of hay ia harvested the land is ploughed 4 inches deep, and as flat as possible to ensure a quick rotting of the turf. It is then rolled and the area is cultivated often during the autumn to kill weeds and conserve moisture. Late in the autumn a second ploughing is given, about -5 or 6 inches deep, a more upright furrow being turned this time, in order to leave a larger

Cap Rouge.

192 EXPERIMEXTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1D15

surface ou which the frost may work during the winter, llanure is applied the following spring, and the turnips sown in drills 30 inches apart, and the corn in rows 43 inches apart. After the turnips or corn is harvested the land is ploughed (,uid left as rough as possible, it having been found here that if only disced, it is liable to pack with the snow to such a degree that ploughing might again be required in the spring. The grain is sown as soon as possible after the ground can be worked.

ROTATIOX " C" (four YEARS' DURATION).

Fiist year.— Coi'ii or roots.

Second year. — Grain. Seed doAvn with S pounds red clover, 2 pounds alsike and 13. pounds timothy per acre.

Third year. — Clover hay. Two crops when weather conditions permit.

Fourth {/ear. — Timothy hay or pasture.

This is a very intensive rotation, especially where stock has to be pastured on the ?^rea under cultivation. As a part of the fourth year crop may be left to grow timothy for horses, and the remainder pastured off, it is a very good rotation for the general farmer. The aftermath of the third year crop may be pastured, oi cut as a soiling crop if it is desired to add to the stock carrying capacity of the land. In either case, it is good policy to allow the grass to make a certain growth hefoxe freezing sets in, as the protection afforded is likely to affect favourably th-^ meadow or pasture the following year.

The preparatory treatment for roots or corn is similar to that given in rotation " D." In case it is deemed advisable to leave the stock on the land until late, one ploughing only, with a fairly upright furrow, is made in the autumn, the groimd being rolled as early as possible in the spring, then cross-ploughed in preparation for swedes or corn.

ROTATION '' B " (fIVE YEARS' DURATIOX)v

Tliis rotation has been under test for one year only. The crops rotate in the following order: —

First year.- — Corn or roots.

Second year. — Grain. Seed down with 8 pounds red clover, 2 pounds alsike and 8 iiounds timothy .per acre.

Third year. — Clover hay. Two crops when weather conditions permit.

Fourth ye^ar. — Grain. Seed down with S pounds red clover, 2 pounds alsike and 8 pounds timothy per acre.

Fifth yc-ar. — Clover hay. Two crops when weather conditions permit.

This is a very good rotation for the dairyman who has to pay high prices for mill feeds and bedding, as it gives a large proportion of grain and straw. By using one entire lot of clover and the' aftermath of the other for soiling, quite a large number of stock can be carried.

In preparing for hoed crops, the clover sod is treated as in rotation " D."

ROTATION " TS." (SIX YEARS^ DURATION).

First year.- — Corn o\* roots.

Second year. — Grain. Seed down with 8 poujids red clover, 2 pounds alsike and 13 pounds timothy per acre.

Cap Eouge.

I'LATK VI.

■rK^i,: ^~.

Ditching Machine, Cap Rouge, Que.

\

Ditching Machine, Cap Rouge, Que.

16— 1915— p. 192.

DIVISIOX OF FIELD HUSDAXDRY 193

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 Third ij e a r.^L' lover hay. Fotiftih year. — Timothy hay. Fifth i/rau: — Pasture. Sixth year. — Pasture.

This i-otacioii would be found useful where manual labour is so scarce as to preclude the adoption of a shorter one, better calculated to produce maximum crops, control weeds and maintain soil fertility. It may well be recommended to farmers ■who follow no particular rotation and- who are desirous of changing gradually to a more productive system of farming.

The land for hoed crops would be prepared as in rotation " D." The following tables contain details in connection with the above four rota- tiojis. Values as given on page 9G have been used in calculating results: —

Cap Rouge. 16—13

194

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915 ROTATION "D" (Three Years' Duration)

	•			Items of Expense in Raising
						Manual	Horse labour (in-
						labour.	cluding teamster)
	S =
1- ci >^ a	Lot. •	Crops.	Area.	el P. a a	at m	o -O ci M 3 3 C W	o 3 c3 «-. "o O O	Hours.
6 O	1 V H <u o W	s H <u O W ^5
		1912.	1013.	Acres.	S c.	$'c.	No.	$ c.	No.	No.	No.
1st.... 2nd.... Srd...	North Gaudreau 1 2 3	Potatoes.... Oats Hay	Oats Hay Swedes	1 1 1	7 00 7 00 7 00	1 85 4 74 1 75	20! 3 40 3' 51 82, 13 94 1	2 •5 23-5	14 4 20	6 6
	Af'e'rpo'.lio		21 00	8 34	105	17 85	26	38	12
	Average per acre.		.... 3	7 00	2 73	35	5 95	8-66	12 06	4

ROTATION "C" (Four Years' Duration)

Isl.... 2nd..: Srd .	North Gaudreau 1 2 3 4	Hay Swedes Oats	Swedes Oats Hay Hay	1 1 1	7 00 7 00 7 00	1 7-> 1 85 2 50 2 50	78 18 6 2	13 26 3 06 1 02 34	20-5 1 •5 •5	32 14 5 2	5 6
4th....	Hay	1	7 00
	Ageregate	4 28 00	8 60	104	17 68	22-5	53	11
	Average per acre.			7 00	2 15	26	4 42	5-62	13-25	2-75

ROTATION "B" (Five Years' Duration)

1th.... 2th.... 3s( 5nd... 4rd....	South Gaudreau 1 2 3 4 5	Oats Oats O.at.s Swedes Oats	Oats Hay Swedes Oats Hay	1 1 7 00 1 77 1 7 00 4 74 I 7 00 1 75 1; 7 00 1 81 II 7 00 4 74 1	T 05 19 2	2 47 34 11 05 3 23 34	18-5 •5	14 2 32 14 2	6 5 ' 6
	Aggregate	5 35 00' 14 81 1 1	102-5	17 43	21-5	64	17
	Average per acre.			7 00 2 96	20-5	3 49	4-3	12-8	3-4

ROTATION "K" (Six Years' Duration)

5lh.... (ith....	BisTrudel 1 2 3 5 6 Aggregate	Hay Hay Hay Swedes Oats Hay	Hay Hay Swedes Oats Hay Hay		7 00 7 00 7 00 7 00 7 00 7 00	1 1 55' 4 1 55 4 1 75 65 1 87 23 1 55 6 1 55! 4	08 68	•5 • 5	0-5 6-5 34-5 14-5 9-5 6-5
1st 2nd. .. 3rd....	11 05 18 3 91 2 1 02 -5	5 6
4th....	OS	■5
	5	42 00	9 82' 106 1	18 02	22	78	11
	Average per acre.
	7 00	1 04 17 66	3 00	3-60	13	1-	S3

C.\p Rouge.

DITISIOy OF FIELD HUf^BAyORY

195

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 Iloed Crop — Grain— Hay.

' ' uop.	PARTICfLARS OF CrOP.
					Weight.		0)
					<u
t^										u	u
										t>
o										<<	<
	c									o	o
o X o	:■■> u	0	V. V 53 1— 1 ;^ O	en 3 « O					6 _3 r'	2 o	EO O o
3	O	3	4^		a	2	>>	o	"B	o 3	%
C3	o	o	o	O	(1				o	03	ti
>	O	H-	U	U	O	m	W	pi	H	>	Ph
$ c.	$ c.	$c.	$ c.	Cents.	Lb.	Lb.	Lb.	Lb.	$ c. *	S c.	S 0.
7 76	4 73	24 74	24 74	32-90	2,557	2,888			31 35	31 35	6 61
1 50		13 75	13 75				3.820		13 37	13 37	- 38
15 61		38 30	38 30	5-82				39.454	39 45	39 45	1 15
24 87	4 73	62 79	62 79		2,557	2,888	3,820	39,454	84 17	84 17	7 38
8 29	1 58	20 93	20 93		852	9G3	1,273	13,151	28 06	23 05	2 46
		1

Hoed Crop — Grain — Hay— Hay or Pasture.

18 47	3 59	40 48 22 99 12 36 10 62	40 48 22 99 12 36 10 62	6-20 40-40	1		38,586	38 59 25 56 22 44 5 95	38 59 25 58 22 44 5 95|	-1 89
7 49	1,935	3.105		2 57
1 84	6,410		10 OS
78				1,700	-4 67
28 58	3 59	86 45	86 45		1.935	3.105	8,110. 38 536	92 54	92 54	6 09
7 15	90	21 61	21 61		484	776	2,028 9,&47	23 14	23 14	1 52

Hoed Crop— Grain — Hay— Grain — Hay.

7 49	3 07 " 3 82	21 80 12 90 37 73 23 35 12 90	21 80 12 90 37 73 23 35 12 90	44-76	1.656	1,874			20 3l' 10 33 33 00 25 32 10 93	20 31 10 33 33 00 25 32 10 99	-1 94
82	2,950	■ 32,' 997	-2 57
17 93	6 86 38-64			-4 73
7 49 82	2,0G0	2.360	3^140	1 97 -1 91
34 55	6 89	108 68	108 68		3,716	4,234	6.030 32.997	99 95	99 95	-8 73
0 91	1 38	2174	21 74		743	847	1.213 6,599	19 99	19 99	-1 75

Hoed Crop — Grain — Hay — Hay — Hay or Pasture— Hay or Pasture.

2 35		U .58 11 58 38 'k 25 60 12 94 11 58;	11 5.S 11 53 38 44 25 60 12 <JI 11 5-^			4,195 3,775	36J59	14 68, 13 2I| .36 16 33 .50, 22 521 14 96'	14 68 13 21 36 16 33 50 22 52 14 96	3 10
2 35			1 63
18 64'	6-38 32-60			-2 28
7 87 4 fl."!	2.670 •	3,400		7 90
3 37		6.435 4.275;	9 58
2 35				3 38
36 93		111 72	111 72		2,670	3 40f	18,080^ 36.159	135 03 ■	135 03	23 31
6 16		18* 62 1	13 62		445	5C	3.113 6,027	22 51	22 51	3 89

Cai» Rougb.

n—\z\

196

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

' 5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

The work done with these rotations, to date, has not given the results which might have been expected, as the long rotation has given the greatest profit. The figures are, nevertheless, interesting. It must be understood that for the three and four year rotations, the season of 1911 was of a preparatory nature, and that 1912 was one of the worst years for spring work in the past quarter-century. It was therefore to be expected that the six-year rotation, with its four years in hay, would forge ahead. Then again, the piece of land where is located rotation " K " had been under a good four-year rotation for eight years, whereas the area where are the two others, was an old pasture in rather poor condition.

Costs, Eeturxs axd Losses of Eotations " D," " C," and " K," average of 3 years.

Rotation. •	Cost to operate per acre.	Value of returns per acre.	Loss per acre.
i4j-\T» f+y^ppp vpars' duration^	$ cts. 23 96 20 10 17 88	% cts. 18 19 14 60 16 42	$ cts. 5 77
"O" (four vears' duration) . .	5 50
"K" fsix vears' duration) .	1 46

The above figures, showing a loss throughout, do not at first sight appear encourag- ing. That all these rotations are rapidly improving and will soon show a handsome profit seems apparent, however, when the following table is examined: —

Increase in Value of Products of Rotations " D," " C," and " K," in 3 years.

Items.

Value of products per acre, 1913

" 1911

Increase in value of products from 1911 to 1913

Per cent increase in value of products from 1911 to 1913

Rotation, D.

% cts. 28 06 16 80

11 20 0 67

Rotation. C.

Rotation. K.

I cts. 23 14 12 67

10 47 0 83

$ cts. 22 51 15 58

6 93 0 44

EATES or SEEDING.

Experiments have been undertaken to find the best rates of seeding corn for silage, oats, timothy and clover, and the effect on the yield of hay of different rates of seeding oats. As these experiments have not been long under way, however, the results may not yet be taken as conclusive.

RATES OF SEEDING CORN FOR SILAGE.

As in 1911 and 1912, Longfellow corn was ."own at different spaces both in rows and in hills. The following table gives the yields in 1913, and the average yields for three

years : —

Cap Eouge.

DlVISlOy OF FIELD EL' SB Ay DRY

197

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Plantixg Corn in Hills versus Drills.

Method of planting.	Yield per acre 1913.	Yield per acre average of 3 years.
In rows 42 inches apart, plants 8 inches apart in row In rows 4S inches apart, plants 8 inches apart in row	10 tons 122 lb. 9 " 2Go " 5 " 107 " 4 " 574 "	9 tons 1,094 lb. 8 " 1,7.')4 "
In hills 30 inches apart, every direction	5 " l,3n8 "
In hills 42 inches apart, every direction	5 " 1,364 "

According to the above figures, which, it must be understood, are the result of only three years' work, it would appear that more weight can be had by sowing corn in rows than by having it in hills. Where land is dirty it would perhaps be advisable to sow in hills because of the greater ease of cultivation.

RATES OF SEEDING OATS.

To determine the best quantity of seed to use, oats are being sown at thirteen different rates varying from 1 to 4 bushels per acre. The test has been conducted one year only, and as no regular gradation in yield was shown, the results, as yet, suggest little of value. Tn our field operations, 2i bushels per acre is the amount used. The following table shows in detail the results of this experiment 1913 : —

Rates of Seeding Oats.

Rate of seeding per $crc, Bushels. 1

Yield per acre. Bushels 60-9

59G63-9

li

73

2

58

56-7

2^ 65-3

2f 58

3i

64-271-7

3§ 53-8

31 I 4 67-3, 68-8

RATES OF SEEDING CLOVER AND TIMOTHY.

To determine whether the liberal use of clover and timothy seed has any efiEect on the yield of hay, twenty-two plots were sown to oats in the spring of 1912, on eleven of which G pounds timothy, 4 pounds red clover and 1 pound alsike were used per acre, whilst on the other eleven, twice this quantity was seeded. The full seeding yielded at the rate of 3,147 pounds per acre, whilst the half seeding gave only 2,989 pounds. The difference in favour of the heavy seeding was 458 pounds per acre, an increase of 15 per cent.

EFFECT ON YIELD OF IIAY OF QUANTITY OF GRAIN SOWN AS A

NURSE CROP.

This experiment was carried out in duplicate, with one-sixtieth acre plots, using a nurse crop of oats varying in <]uantity from 1 to 3^ bushels per acre. One year's results do not supply sufficient data upon which to base a conclusion, but it may be pointed out that the group of consecutive seedings which gave the most oats produced the least hay afterwards, and vice versa. This is a very important question in a dis- trict where, after a crop of grain, the land is often in hay for five or six years, and then pastured for two or three more. The fcjlowing figures give details: —

Cap Rouge.

193

EXPERIMEyTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915 Effect on Yield of Hiiy of Quantity of Grain sown as a Nurse Crop.

Rato of seeding oats per acre, 1912, Bushels

Yield of oats per acre, 1912, Bushels

Yield of hay per acre, 1913, Pounds

1	u	11	n	2	21	2i	21	3	( 3i
60-9	59-6	63-9	73	58	56-7	65-3	58	64-2	71-7
2,550	2,550	3,360	3,900	3,960	3,720	3,620	3, 150	3,120	3,000

3i

53-8 2,460

When the above are divided into grroups of light, medium and heavy seedings the yields average as follows: —

Effect ox Yield of Hay of Quantity of Grain sown as a Kurse Crop.

Rate of seeding oats per acre, 1912, Bushels. . Average j-ield of oats per acre, 1912, Bushels Average yield of hay per acre, 1913, Pounds.

Itolf	2to2|	3to3|
64-3	59-5	03-2
3,090	3,615	2,860

YIELDS OF HAY WITH DIFFERENT IvINDS OF NURSE CROP.

In 1912, all trial plots of cereals were seeded down with clovers and grass at the rate of 12 pounds timothy, 8 pounds red clover and 2 pounds alsike per acre, to deter- mine with what kind of grain a good hay crop could best be secured. The following table shows the details of this experiment: —

Yields of Hay with Different Kinds of Nurse Crop.

Nurse crop.	Number of tests.	Yield of hav per acre 19 13
Barley .... . . . . .	13 14 12	4,740 lb.
Wheat	4,320 "
Oats	3,660 "

It will be seen that the crop of hay was 30 per ,cent larger with barley than with oats, and 18 per cent larger with wheat than with oats.

DRAINAGE.

During 1913, 1,020 six-inch, 1,420 five-inch, 1,G10 four-inch and 22,654 three- inch tiles were laid. A 15-horsepower gasoline traction ditcher was used for most of the excavating. Though the grade in many ca?es was very slight, and the ground uneven, the work of the ditcher was vei^v satisfactory.

A number of two-inch tile laid by ;i previous owner were examined and found to be clogged. Though they were, theoretically, large enough to carry away all the water, a very slight bulge or misplacement was suflicicnt to put them out of working order. Notliing smaller than three-inch tile is now beinij- laid here, or recommended for the general use of farmers.

CLEARING LAND.

About 20 acres of land were cleared and ploughed dui'ing the season of 1913. Tlio large stumps were dynamited. For the small ones, a double block and tackle was used, which is much superior to the chain attached from stump to whiffletree direct. Another time saver is what is called a double grub hook. With one good horse many roots which could not be takei hold of by a chain were easily handled by this method.

Cap Rouge.

DIVISION OF FIELD HUSBANDRY 199

SESSIONAL PAPER No- 16

EXPERIMENTAL FARM FOR MANITOBA, BRANDON, MAN, '

REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT, W. C. McKILLICAN, B.S.A.

WEATHER CONDITIONS AND CROP NOTES, 1913.

The season of 1913 opened up with a very rapid disappearance of snow. Winter weather had continued to the end of March, hut once warm weather began, spring came on apace. Work on the land commenced on the Experimental Farm on April 14, and the first seeding was made on April 16. On the higher part of the Farm, condi- tiojis for work were ideal, and seeding was finished early, but the lower lands were flooded by an overtiow of the Assiniboine river. The river rose about May 1 and covered about 200 acres of the Farm, some of which had been seeded. The water remained on this land for about ten days at the highest level, and then gradually withdrew. It was nearly a month before any of the flooded fields were in condition to work, and some ponds remained for the greater part of the summer. With the exception of hay, crops already sown on this flooded land were badly injured, or destroyed entirely. Crops sown after the flood were very late and gave poor results. Seeding of grain was finished on May 8, on the unfloodetl land, and on June 11 on the flooded land. Planting com waa commenced on May 18 and finished on June 7. The weather during the early part of the summer was very dry, the total rainfall up to the end of July being only 5-33 inches. As a result, crops of all kinds suffered considerably and yields were not as large as would be expected in a normal season. Alfalfa haying began on June 20, and a good crop was harvested despite injuries from the flood in the lower places. The second cutting was commenced on July 31, and was only a fair crop, being reduced somewhat by the drought. The first grain to be cut waa barley, on July 28. Cutting wheat commenced on August 13. The last cutting was oats for green feed on the flooded land, on Septemeber 13. Threshing began on the experimental plots on August 25, and was completed on September 29. Gutting com commenced on September 12, and silo filling was completed on September 23. Fall ploughing was commen'^ed on Sep- tember 15 and was completed just before the ground froze up on October 27.

200

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v.. A. 1915 Some Weather Observations taken at Brandon Experimental Farm, 1913.

Month.	Temperature	F.		Precipitation.		Total
Mean. Highest. 1	Lowest. 1	■ Rainfall.	Snowfall.	Total. i 1	Heaviest in 24 hours.	sunshine.
J\nuary	0 -8-5 -3-8 7-7 43-7 48 -.5 60-4 61-9 64-4 54 .34-4 27-9 15-7	36-9 320 46-4 82-7 88 90 95-3 94 87-3 81-3 59-7 4M	o -37-6 -38-6 -29-7 18-1 18 32 41 41 23 -3 -3 -19-8	Inches.	Inches. 11 6 5 1	Inches. i 110 0-60 0-.50 0-.35 1-04 2-34 1-70 3-56 0-68 0-73 0.34 010	Inches. 0-20 0-30 0-30 0-19 0-44 0-97 0-54 1-48 017 0-60 0-20 0-10	Hours. 73-6
Febraary Ivio rch		112-4
	148-2
April	0-25 104 2-34 1-70 3-56 0-68 0-73 004	226-4
May	199-8 .
Jyne		218-8
July		228-8 .
August September.. •		2.35-6
	199-1
	137-5
November Derember .	3 1	93 1 112-2
T'otnl for veni'	10-34 13-18	27 49-78	13-04 18-15 9-67 12-79		19SS-5
Average for 10 yea	rs . .			2021 -1
r mnntli.s; Aiir. to Sent	., 1913		1308-5
Average of 10 years for 6 growing mont'	IS April to				1378-3

Brandon.

DJ] IslOX OF I'IFJ.n III sr>AM)RY

201

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

FIELD CROP YIELDS.

Because of the flood and tlie drought the .viclds of grain on both the high and. low hind were scarcely up to the average. Tlie statement of yieldi^ which follows docs not include test plots nor special iiclds of grain grown for seed production.

Fnci.n Chop Ark.\s and Yiki.ds, Brandon, 1913.

Crop. 1	Preceding crop.	Aerea.ge.	Total yield. ;	Yield	per acre.
Wheat, Red Fife " Red Fife | Red Fife	Summer-fallow (Rotation D.)... Summer-fallow (Rotation E.). . . Wheat (Rotation D.)	31 3J •n 01 "i 5 3i- 31 6 4 5 10 2h 6 2 2 10 41 81 6 U 2? 31 3 41 Sh 6 5 21 2 2 15 8^^ 6 8 6 4J 51 5i 5 5	80 bush. 51 " 84 •' 79 " 225 "301b. 180 " 57 ■' 91 " 145 " 148 " 1.39 " 335 •• 151 •' HiO " 584 " 116 •' 603 •' 146 " 150 " 35 tons. 15 " 470 bush. 247 " 54 " 99 " 230 " 52 " 65 " 64 tons. 70 " 38 " 34 " 19 •' 280 lb. 20 tons. l,16.jlb. 50 tons. 13 " 15 " 12 " 12 " 1 7 " 7 " S " 10 " 5 •' 1,000 1b.	22 bush. 23 " 94 " 22 " 26 " 21 " 12 " 40 " 29 " 42 " .39 •■' .55 " .37 " 32 " 5S " 46 " 100 " 73 " 75 " 3 tons. 3 ■' 55 bush. 41 " JO " 36 " 65 " 17 " 14 " 7 tons 11 " 7 " 13 " 9 " 10 •' 3 " 1 •' 2 " 1 '• 2 •• 1 " 1 " 1 •' 1 ;:	51 lb. 9 '•
Red Fife	Wheat (Rotation E.)	34 "
" Red Fife*	Clover (Rotation F.)	32 "
Rod Fife	Wheat (Rotation F.).	11 "
Red Fife	Pasture (Rotation H.)	40 "
" Marquis	Summer-fallow	26 "
" Marquis	Summer-fallow .•	00 "
Oats, FianiA-	Wheat (Rotation D.)	19 "
" Bannor . .	Wheat (Rotation E )	24 "
" l?anner*	Wheat (Rotation G.)	.50 "
" Banner	Pasture (Rotation Q.)	26 "
" Banner	Peas (Rotation Q.)
" Banner	Oats	14 "
" Banner* " Banner. . .	SuiniiUT-fallow Summer-fallow	14 " 17 "
" Abundance " Daubeney	Summer-fallow Summer-fallow
Green oats for feed* ....	Wheat	1,000 1b.
a it *	Flax (Rotation H.)	667 "
Barlev, O.A.C. Xo. 21...	Corn (Rotation F.)	l^lb.
•* O.A.C. Xo. 21*	Wheat (Rotation G.)	8 "
" O.A.C. No. 21...	Wheat (Rotation H.)
" O.A.C. Xo. 21... " Manohuiian Peas, Arthur	Oats Flax Oats (Rotation Q.)	48 " 20 "
Flax, Coinmon. . . .	Pasture ( Rotation I.)	27 "
Corn,Xortlnvestern Dent	Wheat (Rotation F.)	1,0.59 1b.
a n	Pasture (Rotation G.)	1,3.33 "
t( tt	Barley	1,200 •'
ti ii	Summer-fallow	1,200 "
Turnips, Hall's West- l;ury	Oats, (Rotation Q.)
Mangels, YellowGlobe	Barley	640 "
Hav. Alfalfa	Alfalfa	581 " 667 "
Hay, Clover H:>y, Clover	Barley ( Rotat ion F. ) . „ Barley (Rotation G.)	1,0.58 " 1,000 "
Hay, Clover	Oats	1,000 "
Hav, r>rixcd	Hay (Rotation G.)
Hav, Mixed	Oats 1 Rotation H.)	1,111 "
Hav, Mixed. . . .	Wheat (Rotation I.)	1,111 "
Hay, Mixed Hav, Mix(>d	Hav	900 "
Oats	1,034 "
liav. Mixed	Oats (Rotation Q.)
Hav, (Bronie)	Hay ( Rotation (^ )	200 "

•• Fields marked thus were seriously injured by flood.

Brandon.

202

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915 COST OF PEODUCTION OF FIELD CROPS.

The records kept in connection with the crop rotation experiments supply data on the cost of production of various crops. On account of the majority of the rota- tion fields having- been inundated by the flood, there are not many fields from which reliable data can be given this year.

The values used are those that have been fixed for the rotation work on all the western Experimental Farms and Stations. In some instances tliey are not exactly in accord with this year's prices, but on the whole the data given are probably as nearly applicable to conditions here as can be obtained.

Cost of production of^ wheat on summer- fallow.

Number of acres: 3*.

Prececling crops: (Rotation D) wheat, oats, fallow.

Rent of land at $2 per acre for 2 years $14 00

Ploughing previous June, 13 hours, 4-horse team at 48 cents 6 24

Pa king after ploughing, !■; hours, 4-horse team at 48 cents 0 84

Harrowing after ploughing 21 hours, 2-horse team at 34 cents 0 85

Cultivating in July, 5J hours, 4-horse team at 48 cents 2 C4

Cultivating in September, 4J hours, 4-horse team at 48 cents 2 04

Seeding, 2>\ hours, 2-horse team at 34 cents .- . . 1 19

Hanowing, 2| hours, 2-horse team at 34 cents 0 76

Binding, 3i hours, 3-hors3 team at 41 cents 1 43

Stocking, 41 hours manual labour at 19 cents 0 86

Threshing, SO bushels of wheat at 7 cents 5 60

Seed, 5^ bushels of wheat at $1 per bushel 5 25

Twine, 10 J pounds at 13 J cents 1 40

Use of machinery, 2 years at 60 cents per acre each year 4 20

Total cost of 3 J acres wheat (including cost of summer-fallow) $47 30

Cost per acre $13 51

Yi; Id of wheat per acre bushels. 22.85

Cost to produce 1 bushel wheat (value of straw neglected).. ..cents. 59.1

Cost of production of tvheat following wheat.

Number of acres: 3i.

Preceding crops: (Rotation D.) oats, fallow, wheat.

Rent of land at $2 per acre $7 00

Quarter share of manure, 6 tons per acre at $1 per ton 5 25

Ploughing in October, 11 hours, 5-horse team at 55 cents 6 05

Discing in April, 3i hours, 2-horse team at 34 cents 1 19

Seeding, 3 hours 2-horse team at 34 cents 1 02

Harrowing, 4^ hours 2-horse team at 34 cents 1 58

Binding, 3i hours 3-horse team at 41 cents 1 43

Stocking, 4 hours manual labour at 19 cents 0 76

Threshing, 84 bushels wheat at 7 cents 5 88

Seed, 5J bushe-ls wheat at $1 per bushel 5 25

Twine, 11| pounds of twine at 13^ cents 1 58

Use of machinery, 3?. acres at 60 cents 2 10

Total cost of 31 acres wheat $39 04

Cost per acre $11 15

Yield of wheat per acre bushels. 24

Cost to produce 1 bushel wheat (value of straw neglected) .. ..cents 43-9

Erandon.

D/r;.-'/O.Y or field nUSDAXDIfT 203

6'ESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Cost of prodiirfion of ivheat sown on clover sod.

Number of acres: 8 i.

I'rcceding cro; s : (Rotation P.) Whoat. corn, barley, clover.

Rent of land at $2 per acre $17 00

Ploughing in August, ."?."> hours, .4-horse team at IS cents IG SO

Discing, 31 hours. 2-horse team at 34 cents 10 54

Seeding, 7.'; hours, 2-horse team at 34 cents 2 55

Karrowing. 12.i hours, 2-horse team at 34 cents 4 25

Biiuling, 9;J hours, 3-horse team at 41 cents 3 90

Stoo!<ing. 10 hours, manual labour at 19 cents 1 90

Threshing, 225J bushels wheat at 7 cents l.'j 75

Seed, 12J bushels wheat at $1 per bushel 12 75

Twine, 40J pounds at 13i cents 5 42

Use of machinery, 8-i acres at 60 cents per acre 5 10

Total cost of 8i acres of wheat $!).'> 90

Cost per acre $11 58

Yield of wheat per acre bush. 26.5

Cost to produce 1 bushel wheat (value of stniw nefrl'f'M cen'LS 12.5

Cost of production of oals, following Uvo ( rays of it'fieat.

Number of acres : 3i.

Preceding crops: (Rotation D.) Shallow, wheat, wheat.

Rent of land at $2 per acre ?7 00

Quarter share of manure, 6 tons per acre at $1 per ton 5 25

Ploughing, 10 hours, 4-horse team at 48 cents 4 SO

Seeding, 3 hours, 2-horse team at 34 cents 1 02

Harrowing, 4 hours, 2-horse team at 34 cents 1 36

B n inp, 3^ hours, 3-hcr3e team at 41 cents 1 43

Stocking, 5 hours manual labour at 19 cents 95

Threshing, 14S bushels oats at 4 cents per bushel 5 92

Seed, 7 bushels oats at 50 cents per bushel ■'! 50

Twine, IOI3 pounds at 13i cents 1 40

Use of machinery, 3i acres at 60 cents per acre 2 10

Total cost of 31 acres oats $.34 73

Cost per acre $ 9 92

Yield of oats per acre bush. 42.3

Cost to produce 1 bushel of oats (value of straw neglected) cents. 23.4

Cost of pi'oduciion of etX'silage corn.

Number of acres: 8i.

Preceding crops : Wheat, wheat, wheat.

Rent of land at $2 per acre ?17 00

One-fifth share of manure, 8 tons per acre at $1 per ton 13 40

I'loughing, 27i hours, 5-horse team at 55 cents 15 12

Discing and harrowing, 34 hours_ 2-horse team at 34 cents 11 56

Rolling, Z\ hours, 2-horse team at 34 cents 119

Seed ng. 12 hours, 2-horsc team at 34 cents 4 08

Cultivating, 74 1 hours, 2-horse team at 34 cents 25 33

Cult'vating. 25 hours, 1-horse at 27 cents 6 75

Hoeing, 86 hours, manual labour at 19 cents 16 34

Binding, 22 hours, 3-horse team at 41 cents 9 02

Knsiling, 04 tons of corn at 75 cents per ton 4S 00

Seed 7 04

Twine 4 40

Us:! of machinery, 8 J acres at 60 cents per acre 5 10

Total cost of 8^ acres corn $184 33

Co.it per acre ?21 69 '

Yield of ensilage per acre tons. 7.53

Cost per ton placed in silo ?2 88

Br.vndon.

204 EXrEIilMEyTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v.. A. 1915 DOTATION OF CROPS.

Tlie year hm been aliviost lost so far iis experimental work in the rotation o(£ crops is concerned. The flood was the cause which so invalidated our results. The land on which several of ilie rotations are located, was inundated, other areas a^ain, were partially flooded, and some escaped entirely. This means that the condi- tions under which the crops in the various rotations were grown, were not com- parable. It is thus impossible to be sure whether any differences observed are due to the character of the rotation or to the effect of the flood.

ROTATION "d" (FOLR YEARS' DURATION)'

Flr^t year. — \Yheat.

Second year. — Wheat. Manured preceding fall at rate of 3 tons per acre.

Third year. — Oats.

Fourth year. — Summer-fallow.

Four fields of 3J acres each are used for this rotation. The soil varies from a sandy to a clayey loam. It was started in 1910, and has been in full operation since 1911.

Rotation '*D '' may be considered a typical grain farming rotation, except that .manure is applied to the land once every four years. An adjoining rotation, " E," has exactly the same order of crops as " D," but differs in that it receives no manure. The manuro applied to '" D " is charged at the rate of $1 per ton (spread over the rotation). In 1911 and 1912, the increase in crop more than paid for the cost of the manure. This year the immanurcd rotation showed the greater profit.

Rotation "D" was not alfected by the flood, but did, however, suffer from tlie diy weather. Field " D 1 " in particular, being rather light sandy soil, did not give the yield that can usually be expected from summer-fallowed land.

ROTATION "e" (four YEARS' DURATION).

Fird year. — Wheat. Seeond year. — Wheat. Third year. — Oats. Foil rill year. — Sunnncr-falloAV.

Rotatinn '■ E " receives no manure at any time, this being the only difference between it and " D ". It is probably used by more of the successful grain farmers of -Manitoba than any other rotation.

It consists of four fields of 3J acres each, lying contiguous to tlie corresponding fields of " D ". The soil varies from a sandy loam to a clay loam. The rotation was started in 1910 and has been in full operation each year since that time.

One striking result ali'cadj' observed in rotations "D" and '"' E " is the great diffi- culty in keeping wild oats in check. The three successive grain crops give this weed a splendid o])portunity to multiply, and the summer-fallow is not i\n entirely effective inoans of eradicating it. This result bears out the observation of many farmers in Manitoba, who find that in growing grain exclusively, it is impossible to keep the wild oats in check, no matter how tlioroughly the work of summer-fallowing is done.

Brandon.

DlVISIOy OF FIELD HLSBAXDRY 205

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Maiij- seed^ of wild oats r ^laiu doniiant during the summer-fallow, but grow with the following crop . f wheat. In the mixed farming rotations, in operation nearby, no such diiiiculty is experienced.

ROTATIOX " F " (five YEARS' DURATION).

First year. — ^Vhcat.

Second I'rar. — Wheat.

Third year. — Corn or roots. Manured preceding fall.

Fourth year. — Oate or barley. Seeded with grass and clover.

Fifth year. — Clover hay.

Five fields of 8^ acres each, are used for this rotation.

The S(i;l is a black loam, mostly het^T, but wuth a lii;hter ridge running across each held. It was laid dcjwn in 1910 and 1911 and has been in full operation since that time. " F 2 " and " F 3 " were partially flooded, and as they were seeded with wheat before the flood, the wheat was thinner and later than it otherwise would have been.

Rotation '*' F •' is a mixed farming rotation, suited to conditions where it is desil-ed to grow both a considerable quantity of wheat, and a large amount of fodder for stock. It pre-supposes a sufHcient area of permanent pasture outside the rotation. It eliminates the summer-fallow.

This rotation is proving a decided success on the Experimental Farm. In a country wh . e summer- fallowing is generally considered essential, it demonstrates the possibility of producing a profitable crop every year. The substitutes for the summer-fallow are: First, corn or roots; and secondly, clover hay. While thrso crops do not show in themselves any very great profits, they moJre than pay for the operations they involve and for the overhead charges counted against them, and they leave the land in such'^a eondition that the following crops of grain are more j)rofitable than any grown in the straight grain-growing rotations. The wheat, grown on clover sod which is ploughed in July and well cultivated thereafter, is usually equal in every way to the best summer-fallow crop on the farm. More- over, the crop of clover hay, which replaces the summer-fallow, has paid its own way and. added to the bumus of the land in addition. Similarly corn may be sub- stituti^'d for the 'summer-fallow to advantage, for, while the corn shows a very s;mall profit in itself, the grain (usually barley) that follows is the most cheaply grown on the farm.

Brandon.

203 - EXPERniEyTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A, 1915 ROTATION "a" (six YEARS* DLRATIOX).

First year. — Wheat.

Second year. — Wheat.

Third year. — Oats and barley. Seeded with grass and clover.

Fourth yew. — Clover hay.

Fifth yeOKT. — Pasture.

Sixth year. — Corn or roots. Manured preceding fall.

Six fields of 6 acres each are allotted to rotation " G." The land is a heavy clay loam. This rotation vras the first started on the Experimental Farm and has been in operation four years.

It is a mixed farming rotation, providing for wheat, coarse grains, hay, pasture and fodder corn.

Unfortunately the land for rotation " G " was entirely covered by the flood. V\^heat had been sown in " G 1" and '" G 2 " and a beautiful stand was growing when the fiood came. This crop was destroyed, and oats were sown. In '' G 2- " a fair .crop was Obtained, but in " G 1 " the oats proved such a failure that they were ploughed up. The hay crop was increased by the flood, and that helped to counter- balance the loss on grain crops. The I'esults, however, cannot be considered norma!, and this year's figures will not be used in computing averages.

ROTATION "h" (six YE.-VRS' DL"R.\tiON).

First yec-r. — Wheat.

Second ye^ar. — Wheat.

Third year. — Summer-fall ow.

Fourth year. — Oats. Seeded with grass and clover.

Fifth year. — Hay.

SLvUi ye-ar. — Pasture. Manured.

Six fields of 4h acres each comprise the land on which rotation "H" is" located. It is 'a heavy clay loam. The rotation in its present form was started last, year, but in' a somewhat similar form was in operation for a year previous.

This rotation is suitable for a farm where grain growing is still the principal crop, but where hay a»d pasture are desired for stock. It includes one summer- fallow, and has no hoed crop. It is therefore suited to the farmer who considers a hoed crop impracticable under present labour conditions.

The land, on which rotation " li " is located, is badly infested with couch grass, and has" been in that condition for many years. On that account the results obtained are not comparable with those obtained on the other rotations, and, as they are not fair to the rotation, they are not published. Rotation '' H " was also entirely inxmdated during the flood, and the crops on it were altered from that cause.

Braxdox.

IHVlsfOX or FU:I.D Hl'S^IiAyDRY 207

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

UriTATION " l" (six VKAUs" Dl UATIOn).

First year. — Flax.

Second year. — Oats.

Third year. — Summer-fallow.

Fourtli year. — Wheat. Seeded with f>;ras.^ and clover.

Fiftli year.— Way.

SLith year. — Pasture. Manured.

Six fields of 4] acres provide the land required for this rotation. Thc=e fi"ld* lie contiguous to the corresponding fields of rotation "II" and are of the .'amo character. Rotation "I" is suited to conditions such as described for " H." Tie chief difference between the two rotations is that flax in "I" is substituted foi wheat in " II."

The land under "I" is in the same condition in regard to couch grass as tl ai under "II" and for that reason is not reported in detail. This land was also cou> pletely flooded tliis year. An efl:"ort is being made to get the, -couch grnss u-'de- control on this land, in order that a fair comparison may be made between these two rotations and the others.

KOT.VTIOiX " il" (kIGIIT VEAKs" DURATIOX).

First year. — Roots and peas.

Second year. — Wheat or oats. Seeded with grass and clover.

Third year. — Hay.

Fourth year. — Hay.

Fiftit year. — Pasture.

Si.vth y4ar. — Pasture.

Seventh year. — Pastvu'e.

Eighth year. — Green feed and rape. Manured in fall.

This rotation is located in eight lields of 5 acres each on a poor gravelly hill top at the rear of the Experimental Farm. The land is used as a sheep ranch, and the rotation is arranged specially for that purpose. It was in partial operation in 1911 and 1912, and this year w*as in full operation except that the seeding jf the hay and pasture land is much older than the order of the crops would indicate, and. in consequence is less produf tivo. The ,quality of the land makes the results on this rotation quite incomparable to those obtained on the other rotations situated on good land. They nnist therefore he considered as a unit by them.=elves. a> indicating what can ,be ddne on this poor land by this system. In the fields where a loss is shown, it will be noticed that the chief item of cost is the charge for rent. The uniform charge of $2 per acre made against all the rotations, is made here; it is, of course more than this land is worth, and makes the profits unduly small.

Branix)N.

203 EXPEIUMEXTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915 ROTATION '"'w'^ (tEX YEARS' DURATION').

First ye<o.r. — "Wheat.

Second year. — Wheat.

Third year. — Corn or roots.

Foiorth year. — Oats.

fifth year. — Barley.

Si.rth yexir. — Alfalfa. Seeded without nnrse crop.

Seventh year. — Alfalfa.

Eighth year. — Alfalfa.

Kin th year. — Alfalfa.

Tenth year. — Alfalfa.

The fields varying in size from 1-J acres to 2(f acres are to be used for this rota- tion. The soil is a heavy clay loam. The rotation is not yet in full oi)eration. All but two of the ten crops were in their place this year, and next year (1914) it is hoped to have it in full running order.

This is essentially an alfalfa rotation, and consequently has to be long. Alfalfa is expensive to start and profitable to retain, and therefore must be allowed quite a number of consecutive j'ears. This rotation is specially suited to a dairy- man or pure bi-ed stock farmer, who wishes to grow a large amount of good feed for his stock.

The following fi:sed values are being used in this, and similar woidi here, and at the other prairie branch Farms and Stations.

Clcst Values.

jlent PPi" acre. $2 00

Barnyard manure spread (charged equally over all years of the

rotation) per ton. 1 00

Seed wheat per acre 1 50

Seed oats " 100

Seed barley , •. " 1 00

All other seeds to be charged at actual cost. Cost of grass seed to be

charged equally on the years producing grass Twine charged at actual cost.

Machinery per acre. 60

Manual labour per hour. 19

Horse labour (including teamster) —

Single horse " 27

Two-horse team " 34

Three-horse team " 41

Four-horse team " 48

Additional horses " 7

Work done by traction engine ig to be converted into the amount of

horse labour required to do the work and charged accordingly. Threshing (covering work from stock to granary) —

Wheat per bush. 7

Oats " 4

Barley " 5

Flax " 12

Peas " 7

Erandon.

<

m

c

s o

T3

S

O

Si T3

-a o

u>

3

^f^^

16— 1915-p. 208.

Di\is:ioy or FlKl.n in SH.WUKY 2C9

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Eeiiirn Values.

Wheat (from the machine) - pc-r lb.

Barley " "

Oats " "

Peas " "

Flax " "

Timothy hay per ton.

Red clover hay "

Alfalfa hay

Brome grass hay "

Western rye grass hay ' "

Mixed hay "

Green hay "

Oat straw

Barley straw "

Wheat straw "

Pea straw "

Flax straw "

Dry corn stalks ^

Corn ensilage ••

Mangels and turnips "

Sugar beets "

Pa-sture, each horse per month.

cow

** " sheep "

	VAc.
	ic.
	Ic.
	lie.
	3c.
$10	00
10	00
12	00
10	00
10	00
10	00
10	00
2	00
2	00
1	00
2	00
2	00
.5	00
3	00
3	00
4	00
1	00
1	00
	25

Bkandon.

210

EXrERJMEXTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915 ROTATION

			Area.	Items of Expense
	Crops.	2 C a a o3		Manual labour.	Horse labour (including teamster.)
tz	Hours.
>^ c _o 53 O	Hours Man- ual Labour. Cost of Manual La- bour.	eft u o c c2	S o -♦-» <D ra ;-< o t	s a ■*^ o 1 CO	a 03 o o	a o o 1
1st	1912. Fallow	1913. Wheat	Ac. 3-5	S c. $ c. 7 00 8 75	No. 41 4 5	$ c. 0 86 0 76 0 95	No.	No. 51 11 7	No. 31 3^ 3i	No. 41 10 271	No.
2nrl	Wheat .	Wheat	3-5 12 25 8 93 3-5 12 25 7 00 3-5 12 25 2 10 1	11
3id.	Wheat. .	Oats
4th.	Oats	P allow	201'....:'
	Afferrporatf*	14	43 75 26 78	131	2 57		44^	101	411	11
Ax'pracp npr api	e		3 13 1 91		0 18
					1

ROTATION

1st. . Fallow	Wheat	3 5 3-5 3-5 3-5	. 00	8 58 4*	0 86 0 76 0 95		5^ 11 7 20;	3h	H
2nd Wheat	Wheat .	7 00 8 75: 4 7 00 7 18' 5	11
3rd... Wheat	Oats	31	10
4th Oats	Fnllnwf	7 00	2 10	27|l
	I
Aggregate	14 28 00	26 CI 13i	2 57|	44t	101	411	11
Average per acr	e		2 00	1 90	0 19

ROTATION

1st. . .	Hav	Wheat	8-5 8-5 8-5 8-5 8-5	17 00	23 27	10	1 90	■ 25 6	51 23 1 124 20| m	91 9 22 13	35 5
2nd..	Wheat	Wheat	17 00 23 27 30 40 16 54 30 40 26 85 30 40i 46 19	10 1 90 86 16 34 15 2 85 30 5 70	27
3rd	Wheat Corn	Corn	271
4 th .	Barley
.^ifh	Barley	Hav
	Accre^ate
	42-5	125 20	136 12	151 28 69	31	240 J	53^	40	541
	Average per acr
		2 94	3 20	0 68

ROTATION

1st...

2nd..

3rd..

4th..

5th..

6th..

Corn

Wheat.. Wheat.. Barley.. Hay . . . . Pasture.

Wheat

Oats

Barley

Hay

Pasture (hay). Corn

Aggregate

Average per acre.

6 6 6 6 6 6

36

20 00	18 60
20 00	23 85
20 00	12 75
12 00	14 55
12 00	10 50
20 00	13 20

104 00

2 88

93 45

2 60*

17 16 30

28 226

3 23 3 04 5 70 5 32 42 94

317 00 23

1 67

10

10

671

321

221

42

47

63

7* 71

13

194J1 28

35^

20

18

m

116

Brandon.

DIVISION OF FIELD nUSBAyDRT

211

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 "D." (Four years' duration.)

IN RAISING Crop.	Particulars or Crop.
c								WVij^ht.			<o	c
a
o SI						6					05	&
' ^				%								o.	c
o O				tc 3	c o	3					i>	o	V. o
O 3 >	"3 o ! ^	o	2. t« o O	tn O o	— t .2 m O U		o	is t	C3	d 2 o -a 8	O	o "o o _3 "rt	l-< o £
% c.	$c.	$ c.	$ c.	$ c.	$ c.		Lb.	Lb.	Lb.	Lb.	S c.	$ C.	S C.
5 42	5 60 5 88	27 63 39 04	7 89 11 15	0 59 0 46			4,800 5,040 5,032	8,000			68 00 71 70	19 43 20 49	11 64
11 22			9,000			9 34
8 61	5 92	34 73 34 60	9 92 9 89	0 2Ji			8,000			58 32	16 69	6 74
20 25						-9 89
45 50	17 40	136 00									198 02
~ 3 25	1 25		.9 72									14 15	4 43
									1

'E." (Four years' duration.)

5 42	5 67 5 53 5 56 v . . . .	27 53 33 26 29 30 29 35	7 87 9 50 8 37 8 39	0 58 0 42 0 21			4,860 4,740 4,626	7,000 8,000 9,0U0			68 30 67 20 55 26	19 55 19 20 15 77	11 68
11 2""					9 70
8 61					7 40
20 25					-8 39
45 50	16 76	119 44									190 76
3 25	1 19		8 53									13 62	5 09

(Five years' duration.)

"G." (Six years' duration.)

38 04'	1 15 75 95 96 12 60 SI 30 48 00 184 33 23 50 98 30 89 86 1	11 29 0 42 9 56 0 45J			13,530| 31,000 10,800 31,000	■		195 50 23 05 11 ;:i!
26 53					159 50	18 77 9 ^?
73 05	21 68 11 56 10 57					128,000	192 00 22 58i 0 V^ 257 60 30 31 18 i"
14 70	0 21			22 560 32.000
7 57					26,000		130 00 15 2J	A '3 4 (J
1
159 89 j	99 85 549 75'									934 60
		1
3 76:	2 35		12 93			-						22 00	9 07
1			1

3.) 09	1	78 59	13 10 14 03 11 25 7 7fi				1				-13 10 11 0}
23 72 13 40 84 20	0 25 0 27			12.070 11.850	30.000 18,000			150 70	25 ii
19 36 12 35 07 50					136 56; 22 76 11 51
14 2S : 46 53			3,000		162 00 27 00 19 24
15 98 1 43 80 7 .30						2,400	132 00 22 00 14 70
4'j 85	52 50 178 49l 29 41 1							1 0,000 210 00 35 00 5 59
								;
163 18	78 25 4«9 11									791 26
4 53	2 17		13 86									2198	8 12

10— 14J

Brandon.

212

EXPEIU .17 EX TAL EARM S

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915 ROTATION

0)

o P4

1st.

2nd.

3rd.

4th.

5th.

6th.

7th.

8th.

Crops.

Items of Expense

c3

Pi

o

a

"S- ^

1912.

191o.

Aggregate .

Oats and rape.. Roots and peas

Roots and peas Oats

Oalsand alfalfa Hay

Hay Hai'

Hay Pasture

Pasture Pasture

Pasture Pastuie

Pasture Oat.-^ and rape..

Average per acre.

Ac.

5 5 5 5 5 5 5

» c!

20 00 20 00 20 00 10 00 10 00 10 00 10 00 10 GO

Manual labour.

Horse labour (including teamster.)

Hours

O SI ■ 3

03

o = o

M

I

o

rG

No. I $

15 00

10 10

6 98

3 00

40

110 00

75

10 62

45 70

1 14

174

6

13

1

33 06

1 14 .

2 47 . 0 19 .

No. 17

0 95

199, 37 SI

23

0 94

c

No.

46

29^

19^

111 5i 4| 4*

46

S3	03
a	O
	+j
cu	o
OJ	m
1^	t4
O	O
rC

o

No.

167

11

No. No.

17

29

Brandon.

blMslOX OF FIELD HILDAS DRY

213

S'ESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 "Q," (Eight years' duration.)

* s

i-A HAisiNG Crop.

Particul.^rs of Crop.

I

Weight.

c 6

:d

M

1

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C3

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IH

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=

c.

m

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«:

d

c

2

O

JZ

-*->

to

T— 1

'^

— '

«— <

c

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O

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M-l

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^

^

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;h

j5

..

t-

0

o

t>

o

o

0

-t^

,

o

'r*

c

CJ

-tJ

—t

r^^

c

^

c

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Valu

in O o

o

(O O O

V! o

O

s

rt H J

ft

1

O H

- 1

y3 2

S c.

$ c.

$ c.

$ c.

$ <■

S c.

Lb.

Lb.

Lb.

Lb.

S c.

$ c.

% c.

24 55

3 64

96 25

19 25

3,120

5.000

38,280

109 22

21 84 2 59

13 93

6 40

51 57

10 31

5,440

16,000

70 40

14 08 3 77

6 63

36 08

7 21

10, 000

54 00

10 80 3 59

3 99

17 18

3 40

I

1,000

10 25

2 O.-j -1 39

1 78

:::::: 604

11 7.8 11 53 11 53 55 03

2 36 2 31 2 31 11 02

j

2! 00 21 00 10 50 65 84

4 ''O 1 84

1 53

; 1

4 20 1 89

1 53

' 1

2 10 -0 91

27 47

5,134

7,000

13 17

2 15

81 41

16 08

291 00

]

362 21

1

2 04

0 40

7 27

9 06

1 79

1

.

Brandon.

214

EXPERIMEXTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

SOIL CULTURAL EXPERIMENTS.

Soil cultural experiments inaugurated in 1911 for the purpose of investigating some of our more important problems in soil cultivation have been carefully carried out. The results do not yet supply much decisiv:- information and little comment is therefore made in connection with the various experiments recorded.

DEPTH OF PLOUGHING WHEAT STUBBLK TO BE SOWN TO OATS.

The land was ploughed and packed in October, 1912. In the spring it was har- rowed and the seed sown ISlay 7, at the rate of Si bushels per acre. The oats came up on all plots May 23, headed out July 9, ripened August 14, were cut August 14, and threshed September 2.

Depth of Ploughing Wheat Stubble to be sown to Oats.

Plot No.

Depth of ploughing wheat stubble, fall of 1912.

Yield of oats per acre, 1913.

Gfa

Straw.

Ploughed 3 inches deep Ploughed 4 inches deep Ploughed 5 inches deep

Lb.

3,200 3,240 3,390

Lb.

3,340 3,320 3,330

There is a slight advantage in favour of ploughing 5 inches deep, but the differ- ence is hardly great enough to be regarded as conclusive.

depth of ploughing summer-fallow to be sown to wheat.

The summer-fallow was ploughed in June, 1912, packed immediately, cultivated twice afterwards during the season, and harrowed after each packing or cultivating. In the spring it was cultivated and harrowed again, and the wheat was sown April 25, at the rate of 1| bushels per acre. All plots came up May 14, headed out July 6, ripened August 12, were cut August 13 and threshed August 28.

Depth of Ploughing Summer-{:.''ow to be sown to Wheat.

Plot No.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Depth of ploughing s;i;:imer-fallow, 1912.

Yield of wheat per acre, 1913.

Grain.

Ploughing 3 inches deep

Ploughing 4 inches deep

Ploughing 5 inches deep

Ploughing 6 inches deep

Ploughing 7 inches deep

Ploughing 8 inches deep

Ploughing 5 inches deep and subsoiling 4 inches Ploughing 6 inches deep and subsoiling 4 inches Ploughing 7 inches deep and subsoiling 4 inches Ploughing 8 inches deep and subsoiling 4 inches

Lb.

3,720 3,610 3,. 390 3,. 530 3,360 3,7.50 2,8,50 3,120 3,220 2,920

Straw.

Lb.

5,000 4,880 4,410 4,590 4,280 6,850 3,270 4,600 4,020 4.240

Brandon.

nn7.s70Y OF FIELD Hi'Sli.WDRY

215

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

The results obtained woukl indicate tliat subsoilingr was injurious ratlier than liolpful, since the four suhsoilod plots were lower in yield than any of tlie others. It is impossible to feather umch information from the results on the other plots, as plough- ing eight inches deep gave the hest returns while three inches deep was a close .second, with the other plots showing no regular gradation in yield.

DEPTH OF PLOUGHING SOD TO BE SOWN TO WIIE.VT.

After the hay was cut, 1012, the land was ploughed August 3, double disced the mnne day and again October 7. It was harrowed twice in the spring, and the wheat was sown April 17, at the rate of 1§ bushels per acre. All plots came up May 3, headed out .Tune 24. ripened August 5, were cut August 5, and threshed August 28.

The experiment has not yet been in operation long enough to note the results of the stubble ploughing following the sod.

Depth of Ploughing Sod to be sown to Wheat followed by Oats.

Plot No.

Depth of ploughing sod, 1912.

Yield of wheat

per acre

on sod.

Yield of oats

per acre on

wheat

stubble.

11 12 13 14

Ploughing three inches deep sod and stubble

Ploughing four inches deep sod and stubbie *.

Ploughing five inches deep sod and stubble

Ploughing three inches deep on sod and six inches deep fall or spring after wheac

Lb.

2,300 2,660 2,820

2,690

Lb.

3,400 3,130 3,610

3,600

The deep ploughing has the advantage in point of yield and, moreover, the grass was sulidued better by the deep than by the shallow ploughing.

SUMMER-FALLOW TREATMENT.

With the exception of plots 11 and 13, which were ploughed May 17 and July 17 respectively, the land received the first ploughing of the fallow June 12 and 13, 1912. The plots that were ploughed twice received their second ploughing September 4, 1912. All except plot 17 were packed immediately after the first ploughing. Plots 1 to 9 were cultivated once in July and once in August, and harrowed aftdr each cultivation. Plot 10 was well harrowed and sown to rape on June 17, which was pastured by pigs, beginning August 13. Plot 11 was cultivated three times during the summer, plot 12 twice, and plot 13 only once. Plots 14 to 17 were cultivated twice (July and August). All plots were harrowed after each cultivation. After harrowing in the spring, all plots were sown to wheat April 16. All came up April 29. Plots 1 to 9 headed out June 30 and plots 10 to 17 June 26. They were cut August 4 and threshed August 6.

Brandon.

N

213

EXrERIMEXTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915 Treatment of Su mm er-f allow to be sown to "Wheat.

Plot No.

7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

15

16 17

Treatment of Summer-fallow, 1912,

Date of Ripening.

Plough 4 inches, June, pack if necessary and practicable, culti- vate as necessary.

Plough 6 inches, June, pack if necessary and practicable, culti- vate as necessary

Plough 8 inches, June, pack if necessarj- and practicable, culti- vate as necessary

Plough 4 inches, June, cultivate

Plough 4 inches, September, harrow

Plough 6 inches. June, cultivate.

Plough 6 inclies September, harrow

Plough 8 inches, June, cultivate.

Plough 8 inclies, September, harrow

Plough 6 inches, June, cultivate...

Plough 4 inches, September, harrow

Plough 4 inches, June, cultivate...

Plough 6 inches, September, harrow

Plough 4 inches, June, early as possible, cultivate

Plough 6 inches, September, leave untouched

Plough 5 inches, June, seed to rape or other green forage crop and pasture off

Plough 6 inches, May 15, harrow and pack if necessary, culti- vate as necessary

Plough 6 inches, June 15, harrow and pack if necessary, culti vate as necessary

Plough 6 inches, July 15, harrow and pack if necessary, culti vate as necessary

Fall cultivate, before summer-fallowing.

Plough 6 inches, June, harrow and pack if necessary, cultivate as necessary

Fall plough 4 inches before summer-fallowing.

Plough 6 inches, June, harrow and pack if necessary, cultivate as necessarj'

Plough 6 inches, June, pack, cultivate as necessary

Plough 6 inches, June, no packing, otherwise same as other plots

Aug. 4 .

6.

6.

4..

4.. 4..

Yield of wheat per acre.

Grain.

Lb.

2,420 2,740 2,670 2,8.50 2,730 2,730 2,870 2,780 2,010 2,770 2,950 2,750 2,920

2,840

2,750 3,120

2,720

Straw.

Lb.

4, 020 3,460 3,8.50 3,790 3,990 3,990 3,770 3,820 3,670 3,270 3,810 3,850 4,320

4,240

4,. 3.30 4,000

3,720

The plots that were ploughed twice were uniformly two days later than those that were ploughed only once. Plots 16 and 17 considered by themselves seem to show a decided advantage for soil packing. When, however, it is remembered that all idiots except plot 17 were pa,cbed, and that plot 12 received identical treatment with plot 16, this result is not so clear. A note on the condition of the crop shows that plot 13, ploughed in July, was much weedier than the others.

STLBBLE TREATMENT.

The plots on which this experiment was conditcted grew wheat in 1912. The experimental treatment of the stubble land, as describes! below, was performed in the fall of 1912 and spring of 1913. Plots 1 to 10 were sown to w^'.eat April 17, at the rate of Ig bushels per acre. Plots 2 and 3 came up ^fay 2, plo', 5 Hay 3, and the others May 4. Plots 1, 2, 3, 5 and 10 headed out June 27, plote 4, 6, 7, and 9 June 28 and plot 8 June 29. All ripened August 5, were cut August j, and threshed August 29.

Plots 11 t« 13 were sown tt> oats May 7. All came up May 23, headed out July 9, ripened August 14, were cut August 14 and threshed September 2.

Brandon.

DIVISIOX OF FIELD //[ .S/MV/JAT

217

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

TRE.'iT.MENT OF WiiEAT Stlbble to he sowni to Wlieat.

riot Xo.

Treatnicni givon wiiciU ^tuljljlc preceding wheat.

Yield of Wheat per acre, 1913.

Grain.

Straw.

1 jPlough, autumn

2 Disc }iarrow, autumn

3 'Burn stuhble — tlien disc, autumn

4 Jiurn stulible — then plough, autumn

5 iHurn stublile in .spring — seed at once

C Plougli in .-spring — .seed at once

7 Di.sc at cutting time — spring plough

8 Disc at cutting time — autumn plough

9 Plough, autumn — subsurface pack at once 10 Plough, spring— seed — subsurface pack. . .

b.

,670 ,070 , 000

, 0:50

,.S40 ,070 ,0.50 ,700 , 6'JO ,680

Lb.

2,170

1,600

1,840

2,010

1,700

1 , 0.'iO

1,510

1,8.50

1,990

1,960

Treatment of Wheat Stubble to be sown to Oats.

Plot Xo.	• Treatment given wheat stubble preceding oats.	Yield of oats	per acre, 1913.
Grain. j Straw.
11	Plough, autumn, — ."Subsurface pack at once	Lb. 2,340 2,280 2,550	Lb. 1.860
12	Plough, spring — seed, subsurface pack	1, ;o
13	Cultivate, autumn — spring plough, seed.	2,410

Plots 2, 3 and 5. whicli were not piuughed, were conspicuously weedy, as com- pared to the ploughed idiots. The difference in yield between the discing and plough- ing is hardly as great as would be expected. Plot 5, which received no cultivation is the lowest in yield of any, as might be expected. The three plots on wKich the stubble was burned are the three lowest in yield. Xo very distinct difference can be observed between spring and fall ploughing, but what advantage there is, is in favour of fall ploughing. In the case of oats, the plot that was cultivated (disced) in the fall and ploughed in the spring, gave best results.

SEEDIXG TO GRASS AND CLOVER.

The group of plots which reached the result-producing stage in this experiment in 1913, were seeded as per the directions given below, in the year 1912. Plots 1 to 8 received the required preparatory treatinsent in previous years. Plots 9, 10 and 11, rciiuirin,g two previous grain crops, did not have more than one, as the experiment was laid out only in 1911, and the land was in summer-fallow in 1910. The first crop was cut June 27 and the second August 22.

Brando ^^.

218

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

Seeding to Grass and Clover.

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

Plot No.

1

2 3

4 5 6 7 8

9 10 11

Method of seeding.

Seeding rye grass 10 lb. and red clover 10 lb. with nurse

crop on summer-fallow

Seeding rye grass 10 lb. and red clover 10 lb. alone after

■ summer-fallow

Seeding rye grass 10 lb. and red clover 10 lb. with nui-se

crop on first year after hoed crop

Seeding rye grass 10 lb. and red clover 10 lb. alone after

hoed crop

Seeding rye grass 10 lb. and red clover 10 lb. with nurse

crop on first year wheat stubble

Seeding rye grass 10 lb. and red clover 10 Id. alone after

first year wheat

Seeding rye grass and red clover, with oats to cut green,

on first year wheat stubble

Seeding rye grass 10 lb. and red clover 10 lb. alone on

first year wheat stubble, manured 8 tons per acre,

ploughed preceding fall

Seeding rye grass 10 lb. and red clover 10 lb. with nurse

crop on second year wheat stubble

Seeding rye grass 10 lb. and red clover 10 lb. alone after

second year grain (oats)

Seeding rye grass 10 lb. and red clover 10 lb. with nurse

crop on second year after hoed crop

Yield of hay per acre.

First cutting.

Lb.

Second cutting.

Lb.

G,760	1,960	8,720
8.720	2,600	11,320
6,360	3.320	9,680
7.160	3.040	11.200
4,040	2,960	7,000
5.280	2.360	7.640
4,280	2,560	6,840
4,720	2.440	7.160
4.680	2,080	6.760
3,80(1	1.920	5,720
4.640	2,160	6,800

Total.

Lb.

The yield on plot 10 was reduced by causes other than the experimental treat- ment. The seeding on land that was in summer- fallow or hoed crop the previous year was decidedly the best. Seeding alone gives a better yield than with a nurse crop, but not enough better on this land to pay for the lost crop of grain. Possibly on uninocu- lated or light land the advantage of seeding alone would be greater.

BREAKING SOD FROM CULTIVATED GRASSES AND CLOVERS.

The following methods are being tried in this experiment : —

1. Plough 5 inches July 20 to 30, pack and disc at once, disc in fall.

2. Plough 5 inches October, pack, disc harrow.

3. Plough 3 inches early July, backset September, cultivate as necessaiy.

4. Stiff-tooth rip July, plough 5 inches September, cultivate.

5. Spring plough 5 inches deep, seed same spring to wheat.

6. Duplicate No. 5, sow flax. '7. Repeat Xo. 5, sow peas.

8. Plough May 15, work as summer-fallow.

No results are available in this experiment as yet. The land was seeded in 1911 and produced hay in 1912. Tlie first set of plots have received the experimental treatment this year 1913, and should g'ive r-esults in 1914.

APPLICATION OF BARNYARD MANURE.

Application of harnyard manure, for corv (uni roots.

Turnips were used in this experiment. Plots 1 to '< giew wheat the two previous years. Plots 8 and 9 were summer-fallowed the previous year. The manure was applied to each plot as per directions given below. The turnips were sown May 15 and pulled on October 1.

Brandon.

DIVlSfOX OF riF.TJ> JIUSKAyDRT

219

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Ai'iM.icATiON of Banivanl -^^auu^e for Roota.

Plot No.

Application of Manure.

1 No manure, plough sccond-yoar stubblo in autumn

2 Apply in autumn after ploughing second-year stubble, work in at once

3 'Apply in .sprintc on autumn ploughed second-year stubble, work in at once

4 ' Ajjply in autumn on second year stubblo, plough under in autumn

5 ' Apply in spring on second-year .^i ubblo, plough under in spring

6 [Apply in winter on second-year stul)blc, i)lough under in spring

7 j Apply in winter green manure (cut straw) on second-year stubble, plough under

in spring

8 'Apply in winter green manure (cut straw) on summer-fallow, disc in

9 Summer-fallow, no manure

Yield

of

turnips

per acre,

19i:j.

Lb.

21,200 .30.000 2S,S00 30, 400 22,800 24,800

28,000 32,400 30,800

Plots 1 to 7 gave ail average crop of 27 bushels of wheat per acre in 1912. Allowing for this, plots 8 and 9 have not given sufttcielit extra crop to pay for the wheat whiph wa.'; lost by the suninier-fallowiiig.

The fall application of manure either before or after fall ploughing seems to have the advantage over winter or spring application.

AppUoation of Barnyard Manure for M'lieaJ;.

In this experiment there is followed a rotation of summer-fallow, wheat, wheat. In tlic case of plots 2 and 4 the manure is applied to affect the wheat crop after sunnner-fallow, whereas in the remaining plots it is applied to affect the second wheat crop of the rotation. To make a fair comparison of the different methods of application it is therefore necessary to average the yields for the two crop-producing years of the rotation.

Applicatiox of Barnyard Manure for Wheat.

Plot No.

1. 2

3

4

5.

G

7.

8 9

Application of Manure.

\pply in winter green manure (cut straw) on first-year

I stubble, disc in

Apply in winter green manure (cut straw) on summer-

{ fallow, disc in

Top dress, with spreader, grain sown on first-year

stubble

Top dress, with spreader, grain sown on summer-fallow

No manure, plough first-j'ear .stubble in autumn

Ai)ply on surface first-year stubble, plough under in

autumn

Apply on surface first-year stubble, plough under '.i

spring _

No manure, di.sc first-year stubble in autuir.r.

No manure, barn first-year stubble

Yield of wheat per acre on summer- fallow.

Lb.

2,920

*3,140

3,220

•.'{,3.50

3,060

3.130

3,030 3,190 3,120

^ield of wheat

per acre on wheat

stubble.

Lb.

*1,810

2,310

*2, C20 2,300 2, .520

*2,680

*3.400 2,. 300 2, .340

Average yield

of wheat

per acre

for

entire

rotation.

Lb.

2,365

2.725

2,920 2, S.'iS 2,790

2,905

3,215 2,745 2,7.30

* Indicates plots on which manure v as applied thi.s year.

BltVNDON.

220

EXPERIMEXTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915 Applicatio7i of Barnyard 2Ianure for Barley.

In this experiment a three-year rotation has been adopted as follows : —

First year. — Summer-fallow.

Second ydar. — Wheat, or barley where indicated.

Third year. — Barley, or oats where indicated. Where barley follows summer- fallow oats follow barley.

Owing to the different cropping system? fol-lowed a comparison of all the methods of application is somewhat difficult. Plots 2 and 4, in which barley is sown on summer-fallow and followed by oats, must be considered apart from the remaining plots where the barley is sov^n on wheat stubble which follows summer- fallow. Barley and oats are valued at one cent and wheat at one and one-third cents per pound and the average value per acre of the two crops taken, so that the comparative results of the different methods of application may be clearly shown.

Application of Barnyard Manure for Barley.

Plot No.	Application of Manure.	Yield per acre of wheat on summer- fallow.	Yield per acre of barley on wheat stubble.	Value per acre of crops for entire rotation.
1	Apply in winter green manure (cut straw) on first year stubble, disc in Top dress, with spreader, barley sown on first year stubble	Lb. 3,020 2,980 2,970 3,180 3,020 3,040 3,200	Lb. 2,420 2,790 2,910 3,160 3,000 2, 550 2,830	% cts.
3	32 23
	33 81
5	No manure, plough first-year stubble in autumn Apply on first-year stubble, plough under in autumn. . . Apply on first-year stubble, plough under in spring No manure, disc first-j'car stubble in autumn	34 35
6	37 00
7	35 43
8	33 01
9	No manure, burn first-year stubble	35 48
	V

Applicatiox of Bai-nyard Manure for Barley.

Plot No.	t Application of Manure.	Yield per acre of barley on summcr- "fallow.	Yield per acre of oats on barley stubble.	Average value per acre of crops for entire rotation.
2	• Apply in winter green manure (cut straw) on summer- fallow, sow barley on summer-fallow Top dress, with spreader, barley sown on summer- fallow	Lb. 3,330 3,180	Lb. 3,. 330 3,950	$ cts.
4	33 30
	35 65

Application of Barnyard Manuia for Oats.

In this experiment a three-year rotation ha° been adopted as -follows: —

First year. — Summer-fallow.

Second year. — Wheat, or oats where indicated.

Third year. — Oats or barley where indicated.

Braxdon.

Diyi:iJOX OF FIELD UlUBAyDRY

221

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

As in the previous experiment the different cropping systems followed make it necessary to consider plots 2 and 4 apart from the remaining plots, and to average the value of both crops of the rotation in order to make a fair comparison of the different methods of applying manure. Oats and barley are valued at one cent and wheat at one and one-third cents per pound.

Application of Baniyard Manure for Oats.

Plot No.	Application of Manure.	Yield per acre of wheat on summer- fallow.	Yield per acre of oats on wheal stubble.	Average value of crops per acre for entire rotation.
1	Apply in winter green manure (cut straw) on first-year stubble, disc in	Lb. 2,870 3,200 3,080 3,190 3,160 3,390 3,070	Lb. 3,770 4,110 4,200 4,830 4,240 4, 1,50 4,360	$ cts.
	37 98
3 5 6 7	Top dress, with spreader, oats sown on first-year stubble No manure, plough first-year .stubble in autumn Apply on fii-tft-ycar stubble, plough under in autumn. . . Apply on first-year stubble, plough under in spring	41 88 41 .53 45 41 42 26
8 9	Xo manure, disc first-year stubble in autumn No manure, burn first-year stubble	44 40 42 26

Applicatiox of Barnyard Manure for Oats.

				Average
		Yield per	Yield per	value per
		acre	acre	acre of
Plot No.	Application of manure.	of oats on	of barley	crops for
		Bummer-	on oat	entire
		fallow.	stubble.	rotation.
		Lb.	Lb.	$ c.
2	Applv in winter green manure (cut straw) on sum-
	mer-fallow, sow oats on summer-fallow	4,300	2,870	35 So
4	Top dress with spreader, oats sown on summer-
	fallow .	4,360	3,310	38 35

GREEN WANIRING.

A group of plot.- in this experiment was given the prescribed treatment in 1912 and grew wheat this year, 1913. The wheat was sown April 19, at the rate of 1| bushels per acre. It came up on all plots May 5. Plot 5 headed out June 29, and the others one day later. All ripened August 9, were cut A":gust 9 and threshed August 30.

33RANDON.

222

EXrERIMEXTAL Fi UMS

5 GEORGE v.. A. 1915 Green Manuring for Wheat, followed by Oats.

Plot No.

Treatment of land year previous to wheat.

Yield of wheat per acre, 1913.

Grain.

Straw.

Summer-fallow

Peas, two bushels Golden Vine (or other similar variety) ploughec.

under early in July

Peas, two bushels Golden Vine, ploughed under when in blossom.. .

Tares, one bushel per acre, ploughed under late in July

Summer-fallow. Barnyard manure, 12 tons per acre, applied on

summer-fallow in September

Summer-fallow

Lb.

3,100

3,100 3,070 3,060

3.620 3,060

Lb.

3,100

4,180 3,070 3,900

4,300 4,060

No difference is apparent between a green manuring crop and a bare summer- fallow. Barnyard manure shows a decided advantage over both.

SEED-BED PREPARATION.

The purpose of this experiment is to find out the degree to which work in prepar- ing a seed-bed for grain — wheat and oats — may be carried with profit. The wheat was grown on summer-fallowed land, which was uniformly treated, so that the difference in preparation lay entirely in the work done in the spring before seeding. Plot 1 received no spring work; plot 2 received three strokes of the harrow; plot 3 was packed with the surface packer, cultivated with a stiff tooth cultivator, and harrowed four times. The wheat was sown April 19. All plots matured on the same date, though plot 3 was one day earlier in heading out.

Preparation of Seed Bed for Wheat.

Plot No.

Treatment given seed bed.

Yield of wheat per acre, 1913.

Grain.

Straw.

Yield of wheat per acre average of 2 years.

Grain.

Straw.

Good preparation

Poor preparation

Extraordinary preparation

Lb.

3,090 3,210 3,280

Lb.

3,950 4,190 4,080

Lb.

2,265 2,42.5 2,420

Lb.

3,8.>5 4,675 4,860

This experiment was also conducted \\-ith oats so\\,i on wheat stubble. The three plots were equally well ploughed and packed in the fall of 1912. Plot 1 was harrowed once in the spring and sown; plot 2 was harrowed seven times and packed in the spring, the gronnd was hard and rather lumpy, rendering this amount of work neces- 'sary to give "good" cultivation; plot 3 was harrowed nine times and packed three times. The oats were sown May 7. jSTo difference in growth could be noted at any time.

Brandon.

D/17.S70.V OF FIELD TirsllWDRY

223

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

PHtrvKATiox of Seed Bed for Oats.

Plot No.

Treatment given seed-bed.

Poor preparation

Good preparation

Extraordinary preparation

Yield of oats per acre 1913.

Grain.

Lb.

2,970 2,960 3,190

Straw.

Lb.

2,3.50 2.440 2,410

Yield of oats per acre average of 2 yeais.

Grain.

Lb.

3.005

■',.:>,{)0

3,415

Straw.

Lb.

3,G55 3,600 3,385

SOIL PACKING FOR WHEAT .SOWN OS SUMMKR-FALLOW.

The plots for this experiment were summer-fallowed in 1913. Plots 15 to 20 were packed after the ploughing. All plots received sufficient summer cultivation to keen them clean. In the spring, the experimental treatment described below, was applied. The wheat was sown April 17, at the rate of li bushels per acre. Plots, 2, 8, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 2.3, 24 and 25 came up May 1 ; the remaining plots came up the next day. ' No difference in earlincss could be observed at heading out or ripening time. All were •cut August 5 and threshed August 28.

Soil Packing in Preparation for Wheat following Summer-fallow.

Plot No.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18 19

20

Cultural treatment given.

c

■5 a

I'

Harrow, seed

" " .surface pack

" •" harrow

" " .subsurface pack

" " " harrow

" " combination pack

" " " harrow

Surface pack, seed, surface pack

Subsurf.ice pack, .seed, subsurface pack .-.

Combination pack, seed, combination pack | js

Surface p ick, harrow, seed. . .' I tu

Subsurface pack, harrow, seed -S

Combination pack, harrow, seed ' .1 o.

Harrow, seed : ■ 'i^'

Plough for summer-fallow, surface pack, cultivate; next spring, smooth-

iny; harrow, seed ._

Plough for summer-fallow, subsurface pack, oultivatc; next spring,

smoothing liarrow, seed ■ • ■

Plough for summer-fallow, combination pack, cultivate; next spring,

smoothing liarrow, seed

Plough for summer-fallow, surface pack, cultivate; next spring, smooth- ing harrow, seed, surface pack

Plougli for summer-fallow, subsurface pack, cultivate; next spring,

smoothing harrow, .seed, subsurface pack

Plough for summer-fallow, combination pack, cultivate; next spring,

smoothing harrow, seed, combination pack

21	Harrow	seed
22	u	ti
23	11	tl
24	tl	"
25	n	l(

liarrow wlien 6 inches high

surface pack wlien 6 inches high, roll when 6 inches high

.Spring

work

wlien

Yield of wheat per acre, 1913.

Grain.

Lb.

2,920 3, 090 2,660 3,030 2,910 3,030 3,110 3,060 3,080 2,940 3,200 3,000 3,220 3,120

3,080

3,120-

3,080

3,320

3,370

3,. 560 3, 180 3,000 2,9.50 2,840 2,890

Straw.

Lb.

4,040 4,190 4,. 540 4,170 3,930 3,850 4,370 4,140 4,200 4,220 4,280 4,. 500 4,420 4,320

4,480

4,500

4,740

5.240

4,7.50

4,720 4,940 4.880 4,000 4,320 3,990

Brandon.

224

EXPEEIMEXTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

Tlie land for this experiment was very firm this spring, and obviously was not in great need of packing. It was therefore to be expected that the packing would not have a decidedly beneficial effect. From the figures obtained we would not make any observations as to which kind of packer will give best results, nor as to what time of packing is best, but might point out that the three plots packed after ploughing in the summer, and again after seeding in the spring gave the highest yields.

Soil Packing for \Yheat Sown oii Spring Ploughed Stubble Land.

The plots for this experiment grew wheat in 1912. They were ploughed April 16 and treated as described below. The wheat was sown April IT at the rate of Ig bushels per acre. Considerable variations was observed in the time required for germination, heading out, and ripening, as will be noted in the following table: —

Soil Packing for "Wheat sown on Spring Ploughed Stubble Land.

Plot No.

Cultural treatment given.

Date of

coming

up.

7	ff
8
9
10
11

Harrow, subsurface pack, harrow, seed

" surface pack, harrow, seed

" combination pack, harrow, seed. . " subsurface pack, harrow, seed,

subsurface pack

" surface pack, harrow, seed, sur- face pack

" combination pack, harrow, seed,

combination pack

seed, harrow

" surface pack

" subsurface pack

" combination pack

Mav 2 " 1

Date of ripening.

Aup

Yield of wheat per acre, 1913.

Grain.

Lb.

2,380 2,300 2,120

2,440

2,330

2,220 2, 120 2,300 2,200 2,250 2,140

Straw.

Lb.

2,860 2,040 2,680

2,560

2,590

2,660 2,560 2,740 2,340 2,670 2,420

We are unable to draw any conclusion from these results except that the two xmpacked plots were a little later and more uneven in germinating.

SOIL packing for wheat on fall ploughed stubble land.

The plots for this experiment grew wheat in 1912. They were ploughed October 10, 1912. Those on which fall packing is given were packed October 15. The spring packing was done April 16 and 18. Wheat was sown April 19, at the rate of If bushels per acre. The date of coming up and ripening is given in tabular form below. All headed out June 28, except plot 22, which vras two days later.

Brandon.

< .J

c3

a

s

a.

o a

P-i

a

X

3

"3 o

J3

O

a o

16— I 915 -p. L>24.

DiriSIOy OF FIELD nrSBAXDRY

225

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Soil Packikg for Wheat- sown on Fall Ploughed Stubble Land.

Plot Xo .

Cultural troatmcnt given.

Date

of

coming up.

12 1 Xo packer, liarrow, seed

13 Suh.^urface park in fall, .seed in .spring

14 Sulisurface paek in .spring, then seed. .....

15 !^ut)surface pack in .spring, after .seeding. . .

16. . . 'Surfapc pack in fall, seetl in .spring

17 Surf.-ice pack in spring, then .seed

18 Surface pack in spring after seeding

19 ("oiiiljination pack in fall, .seed in spring.. .

20 Conihiiiation pack in spring, then seed

21 C"onibination p.Tck in spring after seeding.

22 Xo packer, harrow, seed

23 Surface pack in fall, seed, .surface pack

24 .'>ubsurfaccpackin fall, seed, sub.surfacepack

25 Combination pack in fall, seed, combina- tion pack

Date

of

ripening.

May 3

" 4

" 4

" 4

" 3

o

" 3

" 3

" 3

" 3

" 4

" 2

" 3

" 9

Yield of wheat per At^-RE

Aug.	8
"	8
ti	8
«	8
11	8
it	8
n	8
u	8
«	8
((	8
it	8
«
«	7
«	7

Grain.

Lb.

2,200 2.310 2,. 330 2,480 2.. 3.30 2,3.50 2.280 2,.')50 2,680 2,700 2,430 2,570 2,640

2,540

Straw.

Lb.

2,400 2, 29'J 2,790 2.680 2,7.50 2,610 2,680 2,7.30 2,760 2.780 2,770 . 2,670 2,760

2,860

DEPTH OF SEEDING.

This experiment was tried with wheat on summer-fallow. The wheat was sown April 28, at the rate of Ig bushels per acre. It came up on all plot^ May 5, headed out June 24 and ripened August 9.

DivPTHS of Seeding- Wheat.

Plot Xo.

1.

2. 3. 4.

Depths sown.

Sowing 1 inch deep. . . Sowing 2 inches deep. Sowing 3 inches deep. Sowing 4 inches deen.

Yield of wheat per .■iCRE, 1913.

Grain.

Lb.

2,5.30 3.030 3,120 2,960

Straw.

Lb.

3,710 4,130 4.000 1.000

This experiment Ava.s also tried with oats on wheat stubble. The land was ploughed in October, 1912. The oats were sown May 7, 1913 at the rate of 21 bushels per acre. Thoy came up May 23, headed out July 9 and ripened August 14..

Depth.s of Seeding Oats.

Plot Xo.

Cultural Method.

Sowing 1 inch deep. . . Sowing 2 inches deep. Sowing 3 inches deep. Sowing 4 inches deep.

Yield of o.\t.s per AcnE, 1913.

i Grain.

Lb.

3,470 3,600 3,160 2,910

Straw.

Lb.

3,170 3,280 3,040 2,690

IG— 15

BR.^NDOX.

223

EXI'ERIM EyiAL FARMS!

5 GEORGE v.. A. 1915

EXPERIMENTAL FARM FOR SOUTHERN SASKATCHE- WAN, INDIAN HEAD, SASK.

REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT, T. J. HARRISON, B.S.A.,

WEATHER CONDITIONS AND CROr NOTES, 1913.

As climatic conditions affect materially tlie results of experimental work in Field Husbandry', it has been deemed advisable to give a brief outline of local weather condi- tions for the season of 1913. The sprint: opened up comparatively early and the soil v/as in a tillable condition by April 14. ]\[ay was fairly dry, which facilitated the early sowing of the crop, all the grain being sown by May 15. In June and July, 8-5 inches of rain fell-, giving the crops plenty of moisture at the growing period. This resulted in a rank growth of straw on the summer-fallowed land. August, with the exception of one bad storm which lodged the grain, was dry and bright, ripening the grain early so that, it was nearly all harvested Itefore the firet of Sei>tember. September was dry and warn}, and the threshing was well advanced liefore the cold weather came in October.

In the following table there are recorded the temperatures, precipitation and sun- shine for the year 1913 : —

Some Weather Odservatioxs taken at Experimental Farm, Indian Head, 1913.

Month.	Temf	KRATURE I	T	Precipitatio	N.	Total Sunshine.
Mean.	Highest.	Lowest.	Rainfall.	Snowfall.	Total.
Januarv	• - 6-51 1-50 10-58 42-63 48-39 01-30 GM6 61-Gl 53-33 33-22 27-06 17-10	40 40 45 80 90 88 84 84 88 73 53 43	•» -45 -35 -31 12 23 33 38 41 26 5 - 3 -12	Inches.	Inches. 8 13 11-75	Inches. •8 1-3 1 ■ 175 • ^ '■* 1-90 4-73 4- 13 2-35 -55 G-47 ■75	Hour.-j. .57-9
February		63 - 1
Marfh r . .		121-
April	•13 1-20 4-73 4-13 2-35 •55 4-87	1 60 - 5
Mav	7	174-6
June	224-9
July		2.S5-3
August		245 - 5
Scpteniljer		200 ■ 9
October	16 7-50 •50	107 2
November	99-2
December		123-2
Total for year	17-96	63-75	24-335	1.869-3

Z)7T7.'?/0X OF FIELD HUSBAXDRT

2?.7

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

SCOPE OF FIELD HUSBANDRY WORK.

The growing of field crops is no doubt the most important work on the majority of farms in soutliern Saskatchewan, and in view of tliis a large portion of our exi)erimen- tal work is devoted to soil and crop management problems. One hundred and fifty acres are used in tlie testing of crop rotations under field conditions. Twenty acres are occupied by an extensive set of soil cultural experiments. While some of these experiments have not been in operation long enough to give decisive results, othc*i's again have already given valuable infoi-mation. A considerable portion of the Farm is devoted to producing feeds for live stock. In the areas used far this purpose the cost of production of crops is calculated, and varieties that have been giving best results in small plots are tested out in field lots.

YIELDS OF FIELD CROPS. Total Quantities of Field Crops, Indian Head, 1913.

Crop.

Wheat, Registered Marquis

" ^larquis

" Red Fife

" Prelude

" Pioneer

" Numbered sorts

Oats, Banner

" Ligowo Swedish

" Abundance

Barley, Manehurian

" O. A. C. No. 21....

" Canadian Thorpe. . .

Flax, Preniost

Peas, Arthur

Hay

Corn

Roots

Potatoes

Quantity produced.

1,3-18 bushels	,35	pounds.
548		40	ii
904		10	li
273		35	it
44
154
2,205
312
396
1,671		34	u
132		19	u
247		34	u
79		46	«
350		40	ii
74 tons
90	(i
117	" 1,	167	it
342 bushel;	>.

16— 1.5 J

Indian Head.

228

EXPERIMEXTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

YIELDS OF SPRIXG WHEAT.

Field tests, of the named varieties -of wheat, were made on both summer-fallow and stubble-land. The Kegistered Marquis is the product of a plot sown with Special Registered Marquis supplied by the Dominion Cerealist in 1912. The Marquis is the progeny of seed supplied to the Farm in 1907.

Spring Wheat — Average and Total Yields, Indian Head, 1913.

Variety.	Cultivation.	Acres.	Yield per acre.	Total J'ield.
Prelude Prelude , . . .	Fallow ii	1000 •75 1100 500 300 5-00 10-00 5-50 5-50 6-00 6-00 6-25 6-25	Bush. Lb. 25 21 26 40 44 45 47 20 52 43 40 46 32 49 44 46 42 8 38 57 43 40 37 8 28	Bush. Lb. 253 35 20
Reg. Marquis	H	492 15
ii	236 40
u	ii	158 10
	Stubble	203 50
ii	ii	328 10
Reef. Marouirs .	Fallow	329 40
it	li	231 50
Red Fife	Stubble	237 5
a	Fallow	260
it	i<	232 5
«	Stubble	175
Total		80-25		3,058 20

Average yield per acre, 38 bushels 8 pounds.

YIELD OF WINTER WHEAT.

A small field of winter wheat was sown September 10, 1912, but was aim nst entirely winter killed. A small portion that was sheltered came through in gaoJ condition, and was harvested on August 13, 1913, yielding 32 bushels pep acre. From the results of tests for a number of years it would seem that winter wheat is not suitable to southern Saskatchevv^an.

YIELDS OF WINTER RYE.

A field of If acres was sov.-n to winter rye on September 12, 1912. This came through in good condition and produced a heavy crop of straw. It was harvested July 31, 1913. The yield was 37 bushels 40 pounds. A 10-a^cre field in Prelude wa? disced in the fall and sown to winter rye. It was sown on September 5 and can e through the winter in good condition. The reason for sowing this fall rye on the Prelude stubble was the presence of wild oats in the previous crop, and it v>'as thought that by seeding with winter rye the grain would be harvested before the wild oats were ripe. The effectiveness of this treatment will be noted and reports on next season.

YIELDS OF OATS.

Three varieties of oats were grown in field lots. These were sown between May

4 and May 7 and were ripe between August 15 and 25.

Indian Head.

DiriSIOy OF FIELD HUiiBAyDRY 229

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Oats — Average and Total Yields, Indian Head, 1913.

Variety.	Cultivation.	Acres.	Yield per acre.	Total Yield.
Banner	Summer-fallow Stubble	5 5h 5i 6 5 8	Bush. Lb. 81 13 50 12 39 9 46 62 13 49 19	Bushels. 497
Banner ,	277
Banner	Stubljlc	210
Banner	Slubblc	276
Li^o wo Swedish	Summer-fallow Summer-fallow	312
Abundance	396
Total	35		1,884

Average yield per acre, 53 bushels 29 pounds.

YIELDS OF BARLEY.

Two varieties of six-row barley and one of two-row barley were sown in field lots on April 30 and May 1. The crop was harvested on August 12 and 13. Mau- ehurian. which is a very promising variety, would have given a considerably larger yield had it not shelled so badly with the winds. This could possibly be remedied to some extent by cutting the barley before it becomes quite ripe.

Barley — ^Average and Total Yields, Indian Head, 1913.

Tariety.	Cultivation.	Acres.	Yield per acre.	Total yield.
Wpnelnn'inn	Summer-fallow.	12 6 6^ 61 2i 5	Bush. Lb. 61 35 55 32 55 4 43 8 52 46 49 26	Bush. Lb. 699 03
	Root land	334
Manchuiian -.	Summer-fallow Sunimer-f allow	358 01
Manchurian	380 30
0. A. C. Xo. 21	Summer-fallow Summer-fallow	132 19
Canadian Thorpe	247 34
Total	38^		2,051 39
		'

Average yield per acre, 53 bushels 14 pounds.

Indian Head.

233

EXPERIMEXTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

YIELD OF FLAX,

The Premost variety only is grown in our field lots. It has proven superior to the other sorts under test.

Yield of Flax, Indian Head, 1913.

Varietj\	Cultivation.	Date sown.	Date up.	Days to mature.	Length of straw.	Yield of straw. per acie.	Yield of grain per acre.	Weight per mea.su red bushel.
Premost	Summer- fallow	August 8. . . .	Septembers September 6	118 113	Inches. 29 29	Tons. 1-344 1-344	Bushels. 24 24	Lb. 54
Premost	Summer- fallow	August 16.. .	541

YIELD OF FIELD PEAS.

Early maturity is the most important point in conne,ction with the growlnj-- of peas in this district. For this reason only the Arthur variety is grown. Peas sow;i on sod that is broken and backset the year previous mature earlier than when fowu after summer-fallow.

Yield of Field Peas, Indian Head, 1913.

							Yield	Yield	Wciglit
	Size	Date	Date	Days	Length	Length	of	of	per
Variety.	of pea.	sown.	ripe.	to	of	of	straw	gratn	mea-
				mature.	straw.	pod.	per acre.	per acre.	sured bu.shcl.
					Inches.	Inches.	Lb.	Bush LI)	Lb.
Arthur
(backsetting)	Large	April 23...	Aug. 27...	126	59	2	2,260	37 40	04
Arthur
(summer-fallow. .	Large	April 24...	Sept. 10...	139	78	2	1,912	31 31	6-1

COST OF PRODUCTION OF FIELD CROPS.

At the present time there is considerable controversy as to the cost erf produc- ing our farm crops. Three years ago when the rotation work was inaugurated on this Fai'm, the keeping of data on the cost of production of the different crnjis was begun. For this, as well as for our rotation work, fixed values are used, schedule of which is given on page 156.

Ikdian IIi:An.

DIVH^ION OF FIELD HU SB AS DRY

231

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

The fullowiuf;' tabic summarizes the cost of prodiictiou of the more important tiehi crops gTowii this year:—

Cu.sT 01- rnoDUCTiOK of Field Crops, Indian I lead, 1013.

Crop.	Acreage.	Soil _ Preparation.	Cost per acre.	Cost per bushel.	Cost per ton.	Value per acre.	Profit per ac e.
Wheat	221 m 5i 16 6 10} 6 5^	Summer-fallow.... Stubble land (burnt)	$ c. 11 87 11 59 12 18 11 59 12 52 6 70 14 07 28 42	Cents. 29 14 32-5 28-8 22- 1 22-5	$ c.	$ c, 35 45 30 19 33 72 21 58 29 47 13 05 33 30 64 20	% c. *23 38
Wheat
	IS GO
Wheat	Corn land		21 54
Oats	Stubble land (spring ploughed) Root land Seeded with nurse eroD
	9 99
Bailey		16 95
Hay	5 19 1-2G 1 38
	n 35
Corn	Summer-fallow.. . . Summer-fallow		*10 23
Roots		*35 78

*This d(tes not include the cost of summer-fallowing.

ROTATION OF CROPS.

Southern Saskatchewan is devoted primarily to grain-growing, and wheat has been the only crop grown extensively since the country was first settled. It will no doubt remain the important crop for some years to come because of our locati( n and climatic conditions. But that there must be a change in the system of cropijing is admitted by all up-to-date farmers, for the growing of wheat alone and summer- fallowing every third year, is too favourable to the introduction of weeds, the ex- haustion of the soil fibre and the depletion of fertility. If the quantity and quality of wheat are to be maintained, loss from these causes must be guarded against. Suitable rotations of crops will do much to minimize these losses. With this in mind, a number of different rotations have been put in operation to test their adaptability to this district. The costs, returns and profits of these rotations are being recorded, and analyses will be made from time to time to gather information as to their effect on soil fertility.

ROTATIOX " C" (three YEAR.s' DURATION).

Fir»l year. — Summer-fallow. .

Sceon d yea i: — Wheat . 77) irrf (/par.— Wheat.

Thi.s rotation consists of tlirce fields containing 6:i acres each. In 1913 the entire rotation gave a iirofit of $9. til per acre, and the average profit im- two yeai'S is $0 72 per acre.

This rotation is followed by the majority of farmers in the southern portion of the province. The rainfall being more or less sparse the summer-fallow is necessary to store moisture for the two succeeding crops. The objection tti the long-continued use of this rotation is that it tends to exhaust the soil fibre, facilitates the introduc- tion of weeds, and must ultimately deplete fertility.

Indian Head.

232 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE, v., A. 1915 ROTATION "j" (six YKARS' DL RATION)-

First year. — Summer-fallow. Second year. — Wheat. Third year. — AVheat.

Fourth year. — Oats. Seeded dowii with 8 pounds western rye grass, 4 pounds alfalfa and 4 pounds red clover per acre. Fifth year. — Hay. iSixth year. — Pasture.

This was started in 1911 and consists of six fields containing 5 acres each. The profit per acre in 1913 was $12.08. It would seem a rotation well suited to the needs of the farmer at present.

The grass will return fibre to the soil, and as the keeping of live stock is called for, there will be manure to help conserve fertility. The two years hay and pasture fol- lowed by summer-fallow will, to a great extent, keep the weeds under control. Seem- ingly, the greatest objection will be the difficulty, in a dry season, of procuring a good stand of grass with a nurse-crop on second year stubble.

ROTATION "p" (eight YEARS' DURATIOX).

First yea r. — Summer-fallow.

Second year. — Wheat.

Third year. — Wheat.

Fourth year. — Summer-fallow.

Fifih year. — Roots or legumes. ]\ranured 15 tons per acre.

Sixth year. — Barley. Seeded down with rye grass, red clover and alfalfa.

Seventh year.— Why-

Eighth year. — Pasture.

This was started in 1911 and consists of eight fields containing 6 acres each. In 1913 the profit per acre was $8.19. A rotation of this nature is adapted to a stock- raising district and will not be followed to any extent, locally, for some years. But as the weeds become more prevalent this, or a similar, rotation will have to be adopted, because there are six years out of the eight under crop and cultivation suitable for the eradication of weeds. The chief objection of applying it to the average farm at pre- •sent is the small amount of grain and the large amount of hoed crop.

Indian Head.

Dirjsiox OF rir.T.T) jio^bamhiy 233

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

ROTATION " \\" (XIXE YEAHs' Dl RATION).

Fir»t year. — Sunimer-l'allow.

Second year. — Iloed crops or legumes. Manured 15 tons per acre.

Third year. — Wheat.

Fourth year. — Oats.

Fifth year. — Suniinoi'-fallow.

SLxth year. — Wlioat.

Seventh year. — Oats. Seeded down with rye grass, red clover and alfalfa.

Eiglith year. — Hay.

Ninth year. — Pasture.

This rotation was started in 1910 and consists of nine fields of 5^ acres each. In 1913 a profit of $9.45 per acre was received. As this is very similar to rotation '* P "' niuch the same criticism will apply.

In order to determine the profits from these rotations fixed values are used from year to year, as given on page 156 of this report.

Indian Head.

234

EXPEIilMENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE V.^ A. 1915 ROTATION

Tabulated details are as follows: —

•

^

Items of Expense

Horse labour (including

m

Manual

teamster).

«

T3 >»

labour.

a

Crops.

.sf,

Hours.

o 03

a

a

a

a

fe o3

►;

rt

a

c3

c3

£3

y,

-^S

ja

2

.S

ci

O

4)

<D

n

-M

'O— '

V

M

m

m

ai

5

<s

c

S O

3

1^

bC

o

O

s

O

o

(-)

O)

CO

O

o

fl

.d

r-*

ja

^

Pi

<

rt

w

O

OQ

c^

ci

4.

.A

1912.

1913.

Ac.

$ C.

$ 0.

No.

$ c.

No.

No.

No.

No.

No.

8rd.

Wheat Wheat

Wheat

6i 6i

12 50 12 50 12 50

20 54 3 75 20 54

9

1 71

4

35 36 281

Ist

Summer-fallow Wheat

2nd

Summer-fallow Affereiratp

m

3 14

9

181

37 50

44 83

251

4 85

13

99J

Average per acr

e, 1913

2 00

2 39

1-3

0 25

•7

5-3

ROTATION

2nd,.. Summer-fallow Wheat

3rd... 4th... 5th... 6th... 1st...

Wheat. Wheat. Wheat. Wheat. Wheat.

Wheat

Oats

Hay

Pasture

Summer-fallow

Aggregate

Average per acre, 1613.

30

10 00 10 00 10 00 10 00 10 00 10 00

60 00

2 00

16 19 16 19 15 19 10 55 7 55 3 00

68 67

2 29,

17 12 16 16^

61^

3 23

2 28

3 04 3 14

11 69

.0 39

14 4

6

13^

23 29 341

44^

1301

ROTATION

4th... 5th... 6th... 7th... 8th,.. 9th... 1st... 2nd... 3rd...

Wheat

Oats

Summer-fallow

Wheat

Oats

Hay

Pasture

Sumrher-fallow Corn

Oats

Summer-fallow

Wheat

Oats

Hay

Pasture

Summer-fallow

Roots

Wheat

Aggregate .

Average per acre, 1913.

5i

51

5h

5h

51

51

5_

5i

5

49-5

20 16	16 70
20 16	3 30
20 16	18 09
20 16	16 70
20 16	11 60
20 16	8 31
20 16	3 30
20 16	5 81
20 16	18 09

13i 15

2 57 2 85

10

181 44 101 90

3 67

2 06

449 17

520i

85 32 3 23

98 96

1 99

24

26

fti

9

^

15

104 3i

29^

m

2U

143

19

137i

ROTATION

3rd... 4th... 5th... 6th... 7th... 8th... 1st... 2nd...

Wheat

Wheat

Summer-fallow

Roots

Barley

Hay

Pasture

Summer-fallow

Wheat

Summer-fallow

Corn

Barley

Hay

Pasture

Summer-fallow Wheat

Aggregate

Average pyer acre, 1913.

23 25 23 25 23 25 23 25 23 25 23 25 23 25 23 25

48

186 00

3 87

19 73

3 60

12 23

21 23

12 66

9 06

3 00

19 73

14

78i

331

9

101 84

2 12

18

153

2 66'

14 92 6 37 1 71

3 42

2U

4i

29 08 25i

0 m

12

62i 7^ 15

10

107

36^ 701 17 271

60J 26

2381

Indian Hkad.

Dins ION OF FIELD H USB AX DRY

235

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 "C" (three years' duration).

IN RAISING Crop.

Particulars ok

Crop.

M

Wei

Kilt.

6

6

3

o

(4

s

o

^

.

a

C4

es

01

c

"v

ja

0)

1-

o

o

o oj

■a m 3

s

3 m

CJ

?

Q. to O

-C

r'

1-H

f-H

1-H

.M

a

o

«*.,

-f^

o

^

(h

U

o

2

Zi

«*..

(h

o

«.-,

o

o

o

o

->^

Cl

>■

O

«*.!

^

a

k

_

4-'

s

«

CO

•4^

-S!

.2?

'3

a

>i

CJ

C5

3

«3

e3

O

o

O

O

o

(-

■4^

o

O

a

Ln

>

O

H

O

O

U

n

O

cc

w

K

H

>

Pk

$ c.

1 c-

$ c.

$ c.

( c.

S c.

Ins.

Lb.

Lb.

Lb.

Lb.

S c.

S c.

S c.

15 71

12 25 62 71 ' 31 01 14 58, 75 61

10 03 4 96 10 49

35-8

6

10,500

11.176

145 50

23 29

13 26

14 76

— 4 96

14 85

32-5

6

13,925

16,384

193 86

31 01

20 52

45 32

26 83 159 33

339 45

2 41

1 43

8 49

18 10

9 61

"J" (six years' duration).

14 19	16 54 14 27 16 28	60 15 55 99 60 59 28 28 17 55 31 25	12 03 11 20 12 12 5 66 3 51 6 25	25-4		6 6 6	14,200 12,2.30 13,838	17,328 15,328 16,178			197 99	39 59	27 ^iC^
13 25	27-4 14-8			170 '("3 34 15' 22 9.5
16 08			154 55' 30 911 18 79
4 59			i3,iio		60 55 13 11 7 4.">
						27 50 5 50 1 r!9
18 25										-6 25
66 36	47 09	253 81									616 32
2 21	1 57		8 46									20 54 12 OS

"R" (nine years' duration)
9 07! 10 91 12 10	59 41 38 41	10 80 6 98 11 87 11 87 7 14 5 17 6 09 28 42 12 18	21-4		6	9,418	10,540			104 72	19 04	8 24
		-6 98
10 95 16 08	28 4 30		6 6	13,780 7,344	i7,600			if)2 53 81 40 73 22 30 27	35 00 14 80 13 31	23 13
10 24 15 12 <^^ ^1	7,964	.:		2 93
5 64	39 30 28 47 33 51 156 31 66 99	13,880		6 17
						5 50, 6 .33
10 05				_					-6 09 35 78
45 0''							235,167	3.53 14	64 20
9 28 16 23	28-8		6	13,910	17,820			185 47	33 72	21 54
112 35' 58 34 552 99									1,020 75
2 27 1 18	11 17									20 62	9 45

"P" (eight years' duration).
19 05 16 6O1 81 29 13 55 28 91 55 76 9 29 34 03 84 43 14 07 IX 03 16 70 SI J» 1^' ^	34 3		6	14,225	18,450			198 90	33 15	19 60
		-9 29
					.. .. 1.33'>.0ft0	i99 80	33 30 29 47 12 72 5 50	19 23
■■24-4		ft	16,032	ie.soo			176 82 76 30 33 00	15 89
6 25	43 87 7 31 32 31 5 .38 'i^ 7fi .R r.fi	15,260		5 41
					0 12
24 91					..:.:		-8 06
14 06 18 20' 78 661 13 ii ! 1 1	30 2		6	15,600	19,628		217 81	36 30	23 19
141 14: .<;i ."".n	509 56							902 63
	"					.
2 94	1 07	j 10 61									18 80	8 19

Indian Head.

236

EXPERIMEXTAL .FARMS

5, GEORGE v., A. 1915

The following brief summary records the chief items in the rotations tabled in detail above.

Cost of Oper.'^tiOiXS, Value of Products, and Profits of Potation " C " '' J," " P " and " E."'

Rotation.	Area.	Total cost to operate.	Total value of products.	Profit per acre.
"C" (3 vears' duration)	Acres. 181 30 48 491	$ cts. 1.59 33 253 81 .503 56 552 99	$ cts. 339 45 61C 32 902 03 1,020 75	$ cts. 9 61
*'J" (6 years' duration) "P" i8 vears' duration)	12 OS 8 19
"I>" (9 vears' duration^	9 45

SOIL CULTURAL EXPERIMENTS.

DEPTH OF PLOUGHING SUMMER-FALLOW TO BE SOWN TO WHEAT.

The land in this experiment was ploughed in June for summer-fallow at depths varying from 3 to 8 inches and from 5 to 8 inches with a 4-inch subsoiling.

No conclusions can be reached from the results of only two years' work along this line, but it might be pointed out that this year the plot ploughed 6 inches deep shows a slight advantage in yield over any of the others.

Depth of Ploughing Summer-fallow to be Sown to Wheat.

1 2 3

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Ploughing 3 inches deep

Ploughing 4 inches deep

Ploughing 5 inches deep

Ploughing 6 inches deep

Ploughing 7 inches deep

Ploughing 8 inches deep

Ploughing 5 inches deep and subsoiling 4 inches. Ploughing 6 inches deep and subsoiling 4 inches. Ploughing 7 inches deep and subsoiling 4 inches. Ploughing S inches deep and sub.soiling 4 inches.

Yield of wheat per acre, 1913.

Bush. Lb.

00 40 00 00 40 00 00 00 00 00

KEPTH of ploughing wheat stubble TO BE SOWN TO OATS.

The wheat stubble of 1912. in the above experiment, was ploughed as in tl:e table below for oats. The deep ploughing and subsoiling in preparation for the wheat crop preceding oats, seems to have had a favourable effect on the latter crop as will be noted in the table of results given herewith.

Indian Head.

Diri.^IOy OF FIELD IlLiiBAMJrLy

237

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Depth of Ploughing Wheat Stubble to be sown to Oats.

Plot No.	Depth of ploughing fallow for wheat	summer- 1911.	Depth of ploughing wheat stubble fall of i912.	Days to mature.	Yie oat acre.	Id of s per 1913.
1	Ploughed 3 inches 4 "	Ploughed o inches deep	113 113 115 115 115 115 115 115 115 115	Bush. 64 58 58 64 68 75 76 78 67 95	Lb. 24
0	4 "	20
3	5 "	5 "	26
4	" 6 "	5 "	24
5	7 "	" 5 "	OS
6	" 8 "	" 5 "	10
7	Ploughed 5 inches, 4 inches	subsoiled	5 "	24
8	Ploughed 0 inches, 4 inches	subsoiled	" 5 "	2S
9	Ploughed 7 inches, 4 inches	subsoiled	" 5 "	0
10	Ploughed 8 inches, 4 inches	subsoiled	" 5 "	10

While, it is possible that the above tests have not been running long enough t j give decisive data, this season's work would seem to indicate that while deep plough- ing did not always give noticeable increases the first season, it did increase the yield the second season. The ploughing of summer-fallow should be at least 6 inches deep and fall ploughing for oats 5 inches.

DEPTH OF PLOUGHING SOD.

This experiment is being conducted in a four-year rotation of: —

First y&ar: — Wheat.

Second year. — Oats. Seeded down.

Third year. — Hay.

Fourth year. — Hay.

The sod was ploughed 3, 4 and 5 inches deep in preparation for wheat, aiid the wheat stubble, 3, 4, 5 and 6 inches deep in preparation for oats.

Depth of Ploughing Sod to be sown to Wheat followed by Oats.

Plot No.	Depth of ploughing ^^od, 1912.	Davs I'o mature.	Yield of wheat per acre on sod.	Depth of ploughing wheat stubble for oats.	Days to mature.	YieUl of oats per acre on wlieat stubble.
1 2 3 4	Ploughing 3 inches deep. . . Ploughing 4 inches deep. . . Ploughing 5 inches deep. . . Ploughing 3 inches deep. . .	105 105 105 105	Lb. 1,240 1,560 1,280 1,240	Ploughing 3 inches deep. Ploughing 4 inches deep. Ploughing 5 inches deep. Ploughing 0 inches deep.	115 115 115 115	Lb. 1,640 1,800 1,800 1.800

Indian Head.

233

EXPERIMEyTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v.. A. 1915

S r M M ER- FALLOW TREATMENT.

The rotation used by the majority of fanners in southern Saskatchewaii is: — First year. — Summer-fallow. Second year. — Wheat. Third year. — Wheat or oats.

This means that one-third of the farm is in summer-fallow each season, con- sequently information as to the bc.-t methods of sunuiier-fallowing is of, vital im- portance. An experiment including- tiftccn different kinds of treatment was started in 1911. As climatic conditions will affect the yield materially, the average results for a number of years are necessary before deductions may be made. The table below outlines the different methods of cultivation and shows the yields of wheat as a result thereof. The yields of oats following the wheat are also given. It will be noted that the plot ploughed four inches deep in June, cultivated and ploughed i inches deep again in September gave best returns. The only other method th.it yielded nearly so high was the land that was fall disced before summcr-fallowiiog. ploughed 6 inches deep in June, harroAved and packed as necessary. It must be remarked, however, that with the latter method weeds are under better control and the crop of oats following the wheat has surpassed all the others, so that, all things considered, it may be regarded as the most generally satisfactory treatment.

Treatment of Summer-fallow to be sown to Wheat followed by Oats.

Plot No.

Treatment of summer-fallow, 1912.

Da,\-s to mat lire.

10 11 12 13

14

15

16 17

Plough 4 inches June, pack if necessary and practicable,

cultivate as necessary Plough 6 inches June, pack if necessary and practicable,

cultivate as necessary Plough 8 inches June, pack if ncces.sary and practicable,

cultivate as necessary

Plough 4 inches June, cultivate.

Plough 4 inches September, harrow

Plough 6 inches June, cultivate.

Plough 6 inches September, harrow

Plough 8 inches June, cultivate.

Plough 8 inches September, harrow

Plough 6 inches June, cultivate

Plough 4 inches September, harrow

Plough 4 inches June, cultivate.

Plough 6 inches September, harrow

Plough 4 inches June, early as possible, cultivate

Plough 6 inches September, leave untouched

Plough 5 inches June, seed to rape or other green forage

crop and pasture off Plough 6 inches May 15, harrow and pack if necessarj',

cultivate as necessary

Plough 6 inches June 15, harrow and pack if necessary

cultivate as necessary

Plough 6 inches July 15, harrow and pack if necessary,

cultivate as necessary

Fall cultivate before summer-fallowing.

Plough 6 inches June, harrow and pack if necessary

cultivate as nece.s.sary

Fall plough 4 inches, before summer-fallowing. Plough 6 inches June, harrow and pack if neces.sary

cultivate as necessary

Plough 6 inches June, pack, cultivate as necessary. . , . .

Plough 6 inches June, no packing, other plots

otherwise same as

124

127 127 127 127 127 127 127 127 127 127 127 127

127

127 127

127

Yield of wheat per

acre on suminer-

fallow.

Rush. Lb 23 20

34

36

40

29

36

38

36

38

26

37

35

35

38

38 36

40

40

00

20

00

40

20

00

40

20

20

20

40

00 40

00

Yield of oats per acre follow- ing wheat.

Bush. Lb.

72 32

76

71

76

68

67

76

54

67

69

72

62

81

76 76

82

16 26 16 08 02 16 04 02 14 32 12 06

12

16 16

12

Indian Head.

D/TV>70Y OF FIF.I.n HrSH WDRY

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

STUBBLK TFJIiATMENT.

239

An experiment including ten different methods of .'^tubblc treatment has been running for two years. The indications are that the method calculated to conserve the moisture will give the highest yield. Fall ploughing and subsurface packing at once proved the most sati>;fnotory method in the tost just completed.

Trkat.ment of Wheat Stubble to be sown to Wheat.

Plot No.

Treatment given wheat stubble preceding wheat.

Daj'.s to

mature.

Yield of whoat per acre, 1913.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Plougb autumn 128

Disc liarrow autumn 1 128

Burn stubVjlc, then disc autumn | 128

Burn stul)l)le, then plough autumn I 127

Burn stubbie in .spring, .seed at once ! 128

Plough in spring, seed at once , : j 128

Disc at cutting time, .spring plough ....'. | 128

Disc at cutting time, autumn plough ' 128

Plough autumn, sul)surface pack at once j 128

Plough spring, .seed, subsurface pack I 128

Bu.sh. Lb.

13 14 18 24 24 27 23 20 30 26

20 40 00 00 00 20 20 00 00 40

Tkeatiient of Wheat Stubble to be sown to Oats.

Plot No.

11

12 13

Treatment given wheat stubble preceding oats

Plough autumn, suljsurfacc p.'ick at once

Plough spring, seed, .subsurface pack

Cultivate autumn, spring plough, seed. .

Days		»
to	Yield of	oats
mature.	per acre.	1913.
	Bush.	Lb.
115	60	00
115	77	32
115	S3	18

Indian Head.

240

EJiPERHlEXrAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

SEEDING TO GRASS AND CLOVER.

As interest grows in mixed farming the different methods of seeding down to grasses and clovers become a more important consideration.

In 1911 an experiment was begun to determine the best preceding crops and soil preparation for seeding to western rye grass and red clover. The results of only one test are as yet available. They are as follows : —

Seeding to Grass and Clover.

Plot Xo.

Method of seeaing.

Yield of first year hay.

10

11

I Seeding rj-e gra.ss 10 lb. and red clover 10 lb. with nurse crop on summer- fallow

Seeding rye grass 10 lb. and red clover 10 lb. alone after summer-fallow

Seeding rye grass 10 lb. and red clover 10 lb. with nurse crop on fir,st year

i after hoed crop

Seeding rye grass 101b. and red clover 10 lb. alone after hoed crop

Seeding rye grass 10 lb. and red clover 10 lb. with nurse crop on first year

wheat stubble

Seeding rye grass 10 lb. and red clover 10 lb. alone after first year wheat . . I Seeding rye grass and red clover with oats to cut green, on first year wheat

i stubble

i Seeding rye grass 10 lb. and red clover 10 lb. alone on first year wheat

stubble, manured S tons per acre, ploughed preceding fall

Seeding rye grass 10 lb. and red clover 10 lb. with nurse crop on second year

wheat stubble

Seeding rye grass 10 lb. and red clover 10 lb. alone after second year grain

oats

Seeding rye grass 10 lb. and red clover 10 lb. with nurse crop on second yeai after hoed crop

Tons.

Lb.

4 4	1,440 1,660
5 4	600 840
3 3	1 , 400 1, 760
3	100
4	400
4	280
4	520
3	80

APPLICATION OF BARNYARD MANURE.

Southern Saskatchewan is a comparatively newly-settled country, and the prob- lem of conserving soil fertility has not as yet forced itself upon us. In the older dis- tricts, however, where wheat growing has been followed year after year, yields are com- mencing to show a falling off and the need of methods for conserving fertilitj^ and restoring fibre is indicated. Probably the cheapest way of returning plant food and vegetable matter to the soil is by the use of barnyard manure. In order to learn sometliing as regards how and when manure may be most advantageouslj' applied the following experiments have been incepted.

Application of haniyard manure for corn and roots.

Corn was used in the test of 191.3. In plots 1 to 7 wheat is grown two years in succession following corn; in plots 8 and 9 the rotation is corn, wheat, summer-fallow. The following table indicates the yield and value of the crops from the entire rotation. Corn it valued at $3 per ton and wheat at 80 cents per bushel: —

Indian Head.

DITISIO?f OF FIELD Hl'SBAXDRY

241

?ESSiOrs'AL PAPER No. 16

Application of Barnyard Manure for Corn.

Plot No.

1 2 3 4

5 6 7

8

9

Application of manure.

Yield of corn per

acre,

1913.

No manure, plough second-year stubble in in autumn

Apply in autumn after ploughing second- year stubble, work in at once

Apply in spring, on autumn ploughed second- year stubble, work in at once

Apply in autumn on sccond-jear stubbie, plough under in autumn

Apply in spring en second-j-ear stubble, plough under in spring

Apply in winter on scccnd-year stubble, plough under in spring

Apply in winter green manure (cut straw) on second-year stubble, plough under in spring

Apply in winter green manure (cut straw) on summer-fallow, disc in

Yield of wheat per

acre

following

corn, 1912.

Tons. Lb. iHush. Lb.

13 1070 11 1920 Summer-fallow, no manure i 15 1200

11 1040

12 9G0 11 800

10 1890

11 80

12 900

25 23 20 IS 24 20

22 30 42

00 20 00 40 40 40

00 40 40

Yield of wheat per

acre

following

wheat, 1912

Value of crops per

acre for

entire

rotation.

Bush. Lb.

14 12 18 IG 14 10

40 00 00 00 00 40

10 00

Summer- fallow

22 21 21 20 21 24

10

90 53 19 35 03

23 07 20 14 26 98

Applicatio7i of harnyard manure for wheat.

In this experiment there is followed a rotation of summer-fallow, wheat, wheat. In the case of plots 2 and 4 the manure is applied to affect the wheat crop after sum- mer-fallow, whereas in the remaining plots it is applied to aifeot the second wheat' crop of the rotation. To make a fair comparison of the different methods of application it ia therefore necessary to average the yields for the two crop producing years of the rotation.

Applicatiox of Barnyard Manure for Wheat.

Plot No.

3 4 5 6

7 8 9

Application of manure.

Yield of

wheat

per acre

on wheat

stubble.

Yield of wheat per acre on summer- fallow.

Bush. Lb. Bush. Lb.

Apply in winter green manure (cut straw) on first-year stubble, disc in

Apply in winter green manure (cut straw) on summer- fallow, disc in

Top dress, with spreader, grain sown on first^year stubble

Top dress, with spreader, grain sown on summer-fallow

No manure, plough first-year stubble in autumn

Apply on first-year stubble, plough under in autumn..

Apply on first-year stubble, plough under in spring

No manure, disc first-year stubble in autumn

No manure, burn first-year stubble

Average yield of wheat per acre for entire rotation.

Bush. Lb.

IG 40

17 20

16 16 26 19 20 34

20 00 40 40 00 20 00 00

34

42 39 40 38 38 38 38 38

00

00 20 00 00 40 00 00 40

29 29 28 27 32 28 29 36

20

40 40 20 20 20 40 00 20

Ikdiax Head.

IC— 16

242

EXl'KliniKSTAL I A UMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915 Appliccdion of hamyard manure for l>arley.

Ill this experiment a three-year rotation has been adopted: — ' Fii'st year. — Summer-fallow.

Second year. — "Wheat, or barley where indicated.

Third year. — Barley, or oats where indicated. Wlicre barley follows summer-fal- low oats follow barley.

Owing to the different cropping systems followed a comparison of all the methods (f application is somewhat difficult. Plots 2 and 4, in which barley is sown on sum- mer-fallow and followed by oats, must be considered apart from the remaining plots where barley is sown on wheat stubble which follows summer-fallow. Barley and oats are valued at 1 cent and wliofit at 1^ cents per pound and the average value per acre of tlie two crops taken so tliat the comparison of the different methods of application may be more clearly set forth.

Appi.icatiox of Barnyard Manure for Barley.

riot No.	Application of manure.	Yield of wheat per acre on summer- fallow.	Yield of barley per acre on wheat stubble.	Value per acre of crops for entire rotation.
1	Apply in winter green manure (cut straw^) on first-year stubble disc in .	Lb. 2040 2240 23G0 3000 2520 2320 2320	Lb. 1280 1760 2000 2000 1840 1720 1800	$ c. 20 00
3	Top dress, with spreader, barloy sown on first-year stuhHIo..	23 73
5 6 7 8	No manure, plough first-year stubble in autumn Apply on first-year stubble, plough under in autumn Apply on first-year stuVjble, plough under in spring	25 73 30 00 26 00 24 06
9	]Vn mnnnre liiirn first-vonr stubble.	24 46

Application of Barnyard Manure for Barley.

Plot No.	Application of manure.	Yieldof barley per acre on summer fallow	Yield of oats per acre on barley stubble	Value of crops per acre for entire rotation
2	Apply in winter green manure (cut straw) on summer-fallow, sow barley on summer-fallow Top dress, with spreader, barley sown on summer fallow	Lb. 1,560 2,000	Lb. 2,440 1,920	? c.
4	20 00
	19 60

Application of hamyard manure for oats.

In this experiment a three-year rotation is being followed :-

First year. — Summer-fallow.

Second year. — Wheat, or oats where indicated.

Third year. — Oats, or barloy where indicated.

Indian Head.

DITIFHOy OF FIELD nUf^BAXDRT

243

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

As in the previous o.vpcrimont the different cropping systems followed make it uc(.-o.<sar.v to eonsidor plots 2 and 4 apart from the remaining plots and to avcrn£rc the value of both crop.s of the rotation in order to make a clear comparison of the different nieth.ods of applying manure. Oats and barley are valued at one cent and wheat at 1?: cents i)er pound.

Application of Earnyard Manure for Oats^

Pk.t Xu.

1.

3.

5. 6.

Applioalioii of manure.

Yield of

wheat per a ere

on suiiiiner

fallo-v.

Apply in winter piven manure (cut s(raw) on first

year .'^tubblo, di.sc in

"op dre.ss, with .spreader, oats sown on first-year

stubble

.\'j manure, plough fir.-it-year .stubble in autumn

Ai)ply on first-jcar .stubble, plough under in

autumn

Apply on fir.st-year .«tubble, plough under in

- .sprinc;

Xo manure, disc first-jx-ar stubble in autumn. . Xo manure, burn first-year stubble

Yield of oats

per acre

on

Average vahe of crops p -r acre for

on acre lor

wheat stubble entire rotation

Lb.

2,010

2,5G0 2,320

2,440

2,520 2.640 2,160

Lb.

2,560

2,520 2,. 560

2,600

2.800 3,360 3.200

S c.

26 40

29 06 29 46

29 26

30 SO 34 40 30 40

Appucation of Barnyard Manure for Oats.

riot Xo.	Application of manure.	Yield of oats per acre on summer fallow	Yield of barley per acre on oat stubble.	Average value of crops for entire rotation
2	Apply in winter green manure (cut straw) on	Lb.	Lb. 1,160 1,760	$ c.
4	.summer-fallow, sow oats on summer-fallow. . 2,040 Top dress, with spreafler. oats .sown on summer-	16 00
	fallow ■	2.440 1	21 00

GREEN MANURING.

Where barnyard manure is not available and the soil has become depleted of its fertility it is often desirahle to plough under some green crop. If this crop is a legume so miifh the better, as nitrogen will then he added.

In the experiment tabulated below peas and tares are used as green crops and their value is being compared to a bare summer-fallow, and summer-fallow with manure. Oats are valued at one cent and wheat at 1^ cents per pound.

Indian Hkao.

in— 16J

244

EXPERHJEXTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

Greex Manurixg for W'^heat followed by Oats.

Plot No.	Treatment of land year previous to wheat.	Yield of wheat per acre.	Yield of oats Value of crops per acre on per acre for wheat stubble entire rotation
1 . . .	Summer-fallow	Lb. 2,240 2,. 320 2,120 2,120 2,400 1,800	Lb. 2,120 2,0S0 2,200 2,2-iO 2,3G0 2,380	$ e. 25 53
2	Peas, Dloughed under early in July	25 86
3	Peas, ploughed under when in bloom	25 13
4 . . .	Tares, ploughed under late July	25 33
5	Summer-fallow, batnyard manure 12 tons per acre applied on summer-fallow Summer-fallow
6	27 80 23 90

SEED-BED PREP.\HATIOX.

There is a great tendency, more especially in the newly-settled districts of Sas- katchewan, to endeavour to seed a large acreage, often at the expense of the soil preparation. In order to learn to what extent careful preparation of the seed-bed for grain is actually profitable an experiment has been inaugurated in which the seed-bed for wheat and oats is prepared to tiiree diiferent degrees of perfection.

With the exception of one case, which is rather difiicult to explain, the '' good " and '' extraordinary " treatments have greatly increased shields over the " poor " treatment.

Prepar.atiox of Seed Bed for Wheat.

Plot No.

Preparation given.

1 2 3

"Poor" (harrowed only once)

"Good" (harrowed twice)

"Extraordinary" (harrowed three times and packed)

Yield of wheat per acre, 1913.

Bush.	Lb.
12	00
20	40
34	00

Preparation of Seed Bed for Oats.

Plot No.

1 2 3

Preparation given.

'Poor" (harrowed twice)

'Good" (harrowed three times)

'Extraordinary" (harrowed four times and packed)

Yield of oats per acre, 1913.

Bush.

80

71 75

Lb.

18 26 10

SOIL PACKERS.

The soil packer being a comparatively new type of implement, the effect of its use is not widely known. In order to determine whether or not results justify its purchase, and if so, which type to buy and Avhen to apply it, an experiment involving seventy-five plots was begun in 1911.

I.NUiAN Head.

D/r/,S70.Y OF FIELD II USB AX DRY

245

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

la the table of results presented below it will be noted that after ploughing for summer-fallow the application of the sub-surface packer greatly increased yields. Of the three different methods of packing after seeding in the spring the surface packer this year gave best results.

Harrowing the grain after it was up about six inches produced a higher yield than rolling or packing it at that period of growth.

Soil Pa^vLng for Wheat following Summer-fallow.

Cultural treatment given.

Days

to mature.

1 Harrow, seed.

2

3

4

5

6

7

•JTO

surface pack

" harrow '.

subsurface pack

" harrow

combination pack

, ; " harrow

8 Surface pack, seed, surface pack f H.

9 Sub-^L.rface pack, seed, subsurface pack o

10 C'oJiibir.ation pack, seed, combination pack ^

11 Surface pack, harrow, seed g

12 Subsurface pack, harrow, seed I o-

13 Combination pack, harrow, seed

14 Harrow, seed

15 Plough for summer-fallow, surface pack, cultivate; next spring, smoothing harrow,

seed

16 Plough for summer-fallow, subsurface pack, cultivate; next spring, smoothing

harrow, seed

17 Plough for summer-fallow, combination pack, cultivate; next spring, smoothing

harrow, seed

18 Plough ft.r summer-fallow, surface pack, cultivate; next spring, smoothing harrow,

seed, surface pack ,

19 Plough for summer-fallow, subsurface pack, cultivate; next spring, smoothing j harrow, seed, subsurface pack

20;Plough for summer-fallow, combination pack, cultivate; next spring, smoothing harrow, seed, combination pack

21 Harrow, seed ] q_^,- _

22 " " harrow when 6 inches high 1 ^XlJi?

23| " " surface pack when 6 inches high }■ „?„

II 1 — a :_ ,.1 , i,;_u 1 wnen

24 25

roll when G inches high.

seeding

Yield of wheat per acre, 1913.

129 129 129 129 129 129 129 129 129 129 129 129 129 129

129

129

129

129

129

129 129 129 129 129 129

Bush. Lb.

41 45 40 40 41 42 47 45 49 45 54 52 52 48

49

51

46

42

54

45 47 46 43 40 42

20 20 40 00 20 00 20 20 20 20 00 40 00 40

20

20

40

40

00

20 20 40 20 00 40

Soil Packing for Wheat sown on Spring Ploughed Stubble Land.

o

Cultural treatment given.

1 Harrow, subsurface pack, harrow, seed

2 Harrow, surface pack, harrow, seed

3 Harrow, combination pack, harrow, seed

4 Harrow, subsurface pack, harrow, seed, subsurface pack

o rfarrow, surface pack, harrow, seed, .surface pack

6 Harrow, combination pack, harrow, seed, combination pack

7 Harrow, seed , harrow

.s Harrow, seed, surface pack

G Harrow, seed, subsurface pack

10 rfarrow, seed , combination pack

11 Harrow, seed

Days

to

mature.

133 133 133 133 1.33 133 1.33

i;?3

133 133 133

Yield of wheat per acre, 1913.

Bush. Lb.

29 41 43 34 42 34 29 30 34 32 27

20 20 20 00 40 40 20 00 00 40 20

Indian Head.

246

r:xf']:L'n.iT:xTA l fa am/,?

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915 Soil Packing for Whoat sown on Fall Plouglied vStubble Laud.

o 'A

o

12 13 U 15 10 17 IS 19 20 21 22 23 24

Cultural treat incut given.

No packer, harrow, seed ' . .

Subsurface pack in fall, seed in spring

Su'.'surface pack in spring, then seed

Suijsurface pack in sprin;?, after seeding

.Surfii.ce pack in fall, seed in spring

Surface pack in spring, then seed

Surface pack in spring, after seeding

Combination pack in fall, seed in spring

Combination pack in spring, then seed

Combination pack in spring, after seeding

No packer, harrov,', seed

Surface pack in fall, seed, surface pack

Subsurface pack in fall, seed, subsurface pack

C'ombination pack in fall, seed, combination pack.

Daj'^s to mature.

133 133 133 133 133 133 133 133 133 133 133 133 133

Yield of wheat per acre, 1913.

Bush. Lb.

24 17

18 20 24 23 19 28 29 32 26 27 26 22

40 20 40 40 40 20 20 00 40 00 00 20 00 40

DEPTH OF .SEKDIXG.

Oats and wheat were sown at depths varying from 1 to 4 inches. Tn each cac there were remarkable differences in the yields. It would seem that the best results are obtained when wheat is sown from two to three inches deep and oats from three to four inches deep.

Depth-s of Seeding Wheat.

PlOt

No.

Depths sown.

Days to mature.

Yield of wheat per acre, 1913.

Sowing 1 inch deep 132

Sowing 2 inches deep 132

Sowing 3 inches deep 132

Sowing 4 inches deep 132

Bush. 43 44 44 37

Lb. 20 40 20 40

Indian Head.

nn i><iox OF FIELD nrsit.woRY 2^17

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

DKnas of Seeding Oats.

riot No.		Dcpth.s .sown.	Diiys to mature.	Yield 01 oats per acre, 1913.
1	Sowing 1 inch deep	li:? iin 11 :;	Hush. Lb. 6.5 30 . 72 32 77 22 78 28
2 3 4	Sowing 2 iufhos drop Sowinj;; 3 inches deep Sovvin^r 4 inches deep

SPLIT LOG DEAG.

The value of the plank drag lia.s been well demonstrated at tlii.s Farm. Tlu- roads are drag harrowed as soon as they start to dry after a rain. Thi.s levels them down and keeps them from rutting. As soon as they are dry enough to work nicely the road drag is put on which has the effect of rounding theni up. In the dy weather the road drng is put r.n once a week. By following this system the grader is not used to any extent.

Inoun Head.

243 EXPERIMEXTAL FARIIS

6 GEORGE v., A. 1915

EXPERIMENTAL STATION FOR CENTRAL SASKATCHE- WAN, ROSTHERN, SASK.

REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT, WM. A. MUNRO, B.A., B.S.A.

WEATHER COKDITIOXS, 1913.

The precipitation was lower in 1913 than in 1911 or 1912, but was more evenly distributed throughout the season. This produced a much more uniform growth in the grain crops than occurred in 1912. Coupled with this was the fact that in 1D13 there were no severe frosts until Soptembdr 20, which allowed the grain to mature fully. The grain of 1913 was therefore of a superior grade.

There was the least snowfall in 1913-14 of any season since the establishment of the Station, in 1909.

A severe hailstorm damagiug an area 2 miles wide and more than 30 miles long, passed within half a mile of the north boundary (of the Station on July 2i3. The crops within the range of this storm were a total loss. On September 5 lightning- struck and burned a shock oi oats at a distance of 400 feet from the Super- intendent's residence.

Seeding began on April IT, haying on July 21 and the harvesting of grain on August 13. The ground was frozen preventing further cultivation on October 27.

Following is the weather record for the year: —

DIVISION OF FIELD EUSBANDRT 249

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Month.	Temper.\ture F.	Precipitation.	Heaviest in 24 hours.	Total Sunshine.
Highest.	Lowest.	Mean.	Rainfall.	Snowfall.	Total.
Januaij' Fohru^rv	0 38-6 35-0 41-1 72-2 78-7 85-7 84-1 82-1 84-1 69-0 52-9 330	o -49-5 -34-0 -33-8 14-8 22-1 35-0 39-7 39-7 29-7 0-7 - 3-9 -21-8	o —13-3 — 0-6 4-25 40-45 4G-3 59 2 59-4 60 0 50-6 32-1 22-45 12-59	Inches.	Inches. 5-5 5-0 3-5 0-3	Inches. 0-55 0-50 0-35 0-26 1-26 1-87 3-80 3-59 2-89 •29 •34	Inches. •20 •25 •20 •13 •15 •48 1-26 1^47 1-48 •18 -25	Hours. 73-9
	103-8
March		160 -3
April May	•23 1-20 1-87 3 -SO 3-59 2-8D	203-0 227-9
June . .		234-7
July Au'"ust		289-2
	248-7
September October		231-5
2-9 2-5	126-4
November	-09	109-9 lO-n-5
Total for vear .				13-73	19-7	15 70		2,118-8
Average for three year Total for six months, /	s	17-48 13-67 14-06		2,139-2
^nril tn Sei	)tember. . .			1,435-0
	September

EOSTIIERN.

250 EXPERHlEyTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915 CROP YIELDS.

The varieties of grains used in onr general farm work are Marquis wheat, O.A.C. Kg. 21 barley and Banner oats.

YIELDS OF WHEAT.

The average yield per acre of Marquis wheat on 8 acres of fallow was 26 buriheL-; 40 pounds in 1912, and 38 bushels 59 pounds in 1913. The average per acre on 0 acres of fall-ploughed stubble was 15 bushels 24 pounds in 1912, and 22 bushels 27 pounds in 1913. The yield per acre on 2 acres of corn ground was 33 bushels in 1912. and 52 bushels 11 pounds in 1913. It is rather significant that the average yield after com (preceded by summer-fallow) is higher than the average yield for~tlie same years directly after summer-fallow.

YIELDS OF BARLEY.

Manchurian barley yielded at the rate of 96 bushels 32' pounds per acre in 1911, and 55 bushels 40 pounds per acre in 1912. It is similar in appearance and yield to O.A.C. No. 21. Two acres of O.A.C. No. 21 on root ground yielded 45 bushels 27 pounds per acre in 1912, and 53 bushels 41 poiuids per acre in 1913.

YIELDS OF OATS.

Six acres of Banndr oats on fall-ploughed wheat stubble yielded_an average of 09 bushels 26 pounds per acre in 1912, and 4 acres yielded an average of 74 busheli 19 pounds per acre in 1913.

ROTATION OF CROPS.

Four rotations have been in operation for three years, and a careful record kept of the total cost to operate and the resulting crop. The area of each lot in each rota- tion is exactly 2 acres, which makes the conditions as nearly like ordinary field condi- tions as is possible on a small Experimental Farm.

ROTATION " I."

First year. — Summer-fallow.

Second year. — Wheat.

Third //«tf*'.^Wheat or coarse grain.

^ ROTATION " .J :'

First year. — Summer-fallow.

Second year. — Wheat.

Third year. — Wheat or coarse grain.

Fourth year. — Oats. Seeded down with rye gra,s3, red clo\er ai'.d alfalfa.

Fifth year. — TIay.

Sixth year. — Pasture.

ROSTIIERX.

DITTSTOX OF FIFLD UUF^nAyDRT 251

SESSIOTAL PAPER No. 16

ROl ATION " p.**

First year. — Sumpier-fallow.

Second year. — Wlicat.

Third year. — Wbcat.

Fourth year. — Summer-fallow.

Fifth year. — Iloed crops or legumes.

Sixth year. — Barley. Seeded down with rye grass, red clover and alfalfa.

Sevendh year. — -Hay.

Eighth year. — Pasture.

RftTATfOX " Vi."

First year. — Summer-fallow.

Second year. — Hoed crop or legumes. Aiauurcd 15 tons per acre.

Third year. — Wheat.

Fourth year. — Oats.

Fifth year. — Sirmmer-f allow.

Sixth year. — Tilieat.

Seventh year. — Oats. Seeded down with rj'e grass, red clover and alfalfa.

Eighth year. — ^Ilay.

Ninth year. — Pasture.

The valuations that have been fixed for computing the results of the.5e rotation esperimcnts vrill be found on page 150.

Details of operations in 1913, are given in the following tables: —

ItoSTIIERiT.

252

EXFERIMEXTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915 ROTATION "C"

c3 U <

Items of Expense

Crops.

£ 3 1 • c o

3 s ° 02

Manual labour.

Horse labour (including teamster).

is

Hours.

o

C o 1 o

3 O

en O O

o O c

s V2 Sh o /-] I

g CO 1-1 o I CO

s O 3

is 3— '

1st. . .

1912 Wheat Summer-fallow WhMt

1913. Summer-fallow Wheat Wheat

Ac. 2 2 2

$ c. 4 00 4 00 4 00

S c. 1 20

No.

$ c.

No.

No.

No. 15

No.

$ c. 6 15

2nd... 3rd...

6 10 6 95

4 4-

76 76

1* U

8J 3i

3 99 1 95

Aeeresate

6

12 00

14 25

8

1 52

3

27

12 09

Average ner aer

e

2 00

2 37

25

2 01

ROTATION "J"

3rd...	Wheat	Wheat	2 2 2 2 2 ■ 2	4 00	fi (Hi	4 1	76 19		41 3 3	8i 3		3 99
4th... 5th...	Wheat Oats	Oats Hay	4 00 10 43 4 00 1 20 4 00 1 '>X)	2 76 1 02
6th...	Hay	Hay				6 18 2f		3 48
1st. . .	Hay	Summer-fallow	4 00 4 00	1 20 7 05				7 38
2nd...	Summer-fallow	Wheat	4	76		n	1 64
	Aggregate	12	24 00	28 03	9	1 67		m	38i		20 27
	Average per a	ere		2 00	2 33		14					1 69

ROTATION P"

3rd...	Wheat	Wheat	2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2	7 75 7 75 7 75 7 75 7 75 7 75 7 75 7 75	6 95 1 20 6 80 11 53 7 04 1 20 1 20 6 30	4	76		11 2 3 n	Si 17		3 89
4th...	Wheat Summer-fallow Roots Barley Hay Hay Summer-fallow	Summer-fallow Roots	7 65
5th...	2241 5 2	42 66 95 38	8	3 18
6th...	Barley	11 61 0 18 71		5 02
7th...	Hay	2 66
8th...	Hay		3	3 48
1st. . .	Summer-fallow Wheat				7 38
2nd...	3§	06		u	3 68
			^
	Aggregate	16	62 00	41 72	239	45 41					36 94
	Average per a	ere		3 88	2 60		2 84					2 31
					1

ROTATION "R"

3rd. . .	Corn •. . .	Wheat Oats Summer-fallow Wheat	2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2	7 33 7 33 7 33 7 33 7 33 7 33	7 15 6 80 1 20 7 05 10 93 1 90	4 4	76 76		n 21 1 21 3 3	111 7J 14 3 4		5 2''|
4th... 5th..	Wheat Oats	3 92| 6 08
6th...	Summer-fallow Wheat	4	76		2 08
7th...	Oats	2 49
8th...	Oats..' Hay	Hay				1 02
9th...	Hay	7 .331 1 '^0				6 18 41		3 48
1st.. .	Hay	Summer-fallow Corn	7 33 7 33	1 20 4 40				7 38
2nd...	Summer-fallow	81	15 .39	5	5	4 89
	Aggregate	18	65 97	41 13	93	.17 67	5	21	681	36 57
	Average per a	ere		3 66	2 28		98				2 03

E,OSTHERN.

DIVISION OF FIELD nUSBAXDRY

253

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 (Three jears duration).

IN RAISING CnOP.

Particulars of

Crop.

Weight.

V

o

u

•

eS

^

■o

_6 2

u o

1m

.^

e>

£

n

c

■r.

3

a.

w

i:

a

Xi

,

CD

c

•*->

o

^—t

1—*

o

g-

3

CJ

ki

o

o

o

o

*s

.

o

?»

O

._,

M

a

^

,^_.

o

~t^

O

5 o

o

o

to "53

2

c3 >i j £ H !« c

..-1

3

p

u

H

CJ

O

w

o

5 K K 1

>■

l-H

•S c.

$ c. 11 35 20 78

? c. 5 67 10 39

$

c.

Inch.

Lb.

Lb.

1 Lb. Lb.

S c.

S c.

$ c. — 5 67

5 93

'>4

5,080

9,531

72 40

36 24

25 85

2 84

16 50

8 25

40

2,430

5,126

1

34 96

17 48

9 23

1

8 77

48 63

7,510

14,657

107 45

1 46

8 10

1

17 91

9 81

1 1

(Six years' duration).

3 53	19 23 17 38 6 22 8 68 12 58 18 65	9 61 8 69 3 11 4 34 6 29 9 33	38		3,030	7,067		43 93 51 71 22 85 23 35	21 96 25 85 11 42 11 67	12 35
	10,343 4,570| 4,670	17 16
					8 31
					7 33
					—6 29
5 20	25		4,468	8,844	1	63 99	31 99	2*^ 66
8 73	82 74						1	205 83
							. .
72		6 M							17 15	10 26

(Eight years' duration).

3 06	22 41 16 60 60 39 30 63 17 83 12 43 16 33 23 38	11 20 8 30 30 19 15 31 8 91 6 21 8 16 11 69	51	6	2,622	6,586		38 25	1 19 12 1	7 92
		—8 ;^o
						71,405	107 10 5S 46	53 55! 29 23! 1	23 36
5 38	27		5,170	6,766		13 92
	I	-8 91
					5,584	27 92	13 96' 1	7 7.5
	_				-8 16
4 99	32 fi	4,280	7,656		60 89	30 441	18 75
			1
13 43	200 00								292 62	... 1
84		12 50								18 29	5 79

(Nine years' dura	tion).
7 30	. 27 76i 25 .56 14 61 22 92 27 11 9 55 12 01 15 91 32 01	13 88 12 78 7 301 11 46 13 55 4 77 6 00 7 95 16 00	25 26		6,262 5,734	9,661 6,410			t 88 32 44 16' 30 28
6 75		~	63 75 31 87 19 09
			1 -7 30
6 70	28 30		4,882 5,408	7,916 5,822			69 04; 34 52 23 07
6 36			59 90 29 951 16 40
	4,134 5,900		20 67 10 32 5 .56
					29 50 14 75 8 75
					1 —7 95
						79,240	118 86! 59 43 43 43
26 11	187 45								450 04! i
						1
1 45		10 41							25 00, 14 59

IvOSTHKRN.

254

EXPE RI}[ ]■: A TA L FA RM S

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

Cost of Operations, Value of Products aud Profits of Eotations " C," " J," " P,"

and "K."

Rotation.

'C" 3 years' duration 'J" 6 years' diiratiin. 'P" 8 years' duration 'R" 9 years' duration

Area.

Acn>;

G 12 16 18

Total

cost

to

opcrato

Total

value

of

products.

48 63i

S2 74!

200 00

187 45

107	45
205	8?,
292	62
450 04

Total profit..

I e.

58 82 12.3 09

92 62 262 59

Profit pku Acrk.

1912.

$ c.

3 89

5 66

7 05

11 26

19I.3.

9 81 10 23

5 79 14 59

The results from two years' work on these rotations tend to show : —

1. That land worked under a rotation including grains and hay gives a greater profit per acre than where wheat alone is grown, and this is emphasized in a. season of early frosts.

2. Thnt a hoed crop in the rotation increases the cost of operation per acre, but very nmc'i more increases the profit per acre as well as the yield of the succeeding grain crops.

3. That the diversity of crops affords more suitable food for live stock. When these crops are marketed through the medium of live stock, greater profit per acre- would accrue than is here shown.

CULTURAL INVESTIGATION WORK.

A series of soil cultural experiments has been carried on for two years. Marked results as yet have not been obtained. Some treatments that were apparently superior in 1912 have proven inferior in 1913. When, however, these results are related to the precipitation for the corresponding seasons the discrepancies are at least partly explained. The total prcciintation for the year ending March, 1913, was IS-GO inches, ard for the year ending March, 1914, was 15-50 inches. There were 3 inches more rainfall in 1912 than in 1913, and yet the crops sufi:'ered more from drought in 1912 than in 1913 because of the difference in the distribution throughout the season. In 1912 there was no rain in June until the end of the month, and then there were over 7 inches before the end of July. In 1913 the showers were more frequent.

Following are the results of the various experiments under way: —

PRAIRIE BREAKING.

In this experiment five plots are broken each year according to the directions given below. Test No. 1 was commenced in 1911 and No. 2 in 1912. Test No. 1 will be concluded in 1915 and No. 2 in 1916.

The sequence of the crops is as follows : —

Fh'st year. — Broken and treated as indicated below.

Second year. — Wheat.

Third year. — Wheat.

Fotirth year. — Summer-fallow.

Fifth year. — Wheat.

ROSTITERN.

DIVIF?TOX OF VIF.r.n Jfr^nAXDltY

255

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

TEST NO. 1, BROIvK.V 1!)11.

Tlio stubble of tlic wheat crop which followed the breakiiiA' of 1011. was plouf^hod ill liic fall of 1912. harrowed April 23, 1913, disced and sown to Marquis wheat April 24. packed April 2."'>. "Whent <anic up May 20, headed out July 14, ripened and wns cut on August 30.

Test No. 1, r.roUen 19 U.

I'lot

No.

'I'roaf ineiit when broakin^ 1011.

Violfl of wheat, pfT acre 1912.

Yiolil of who it por

Pldiigli 3 inc'lios (o 4 i'lc-lies early sprinjr, p;i.<k, .louhlc di.^:', liarrow,

dt^ulil'- .li.sc, sow to pc IS and o.it.s

Plou;!;li .'i itifhrs tj 4 inclios earlj' spring, pack, doubli» dh-r. harrow, i doulili' disc, sow to flax

3 jPlouj^h 3 inci'cs to 4 inches early spring, pack, double di-f, harrow, I S€)W to flax

4 jBreak early June, 4 inches to 5 inclics, keep cult i\ateil fi-o!r. day I broken ._

5 jBrcak early .Tunc, 2 inches to 3 inches, roll, backset early Septeml)cr, i keep cultivated from day broken

Lb. 2,040 2,000 1.030 2,440 2,160

Lb. 1,OSO 2,080 2,280 1,880 2,9(J0

DKl'TH OF IM.OrCiiINX; \VIli:.\T .STrBBIJ': TO UK SOWN TO OAT.S,

The wheat stul>ble was idoughed in tlie spring of 1913 for the oat crop of 1913. Dki'TII of Ploi-'giiinc; Wheat Stubble to be sown to Oats.

YieM o: Oat^ po-.- acre l:}i3.

DKPTH OF piouoiiiNa .sl':mmi:i:-f.\m.o\v to bk sown to whkat. The sumnier-fallow for the crop of 1913 was ploughed on June 8, 1912. Depth of Plolching Summer-fallow to be sown to Wheat.

riot X(

Depth of ploughinfi; siiiiimer-fallow.

1	PI	ought	d3	inches	deep
•>			4
3			.1
4			G
			7
G			8
			5		** (
S			ti
9			/
10			8

sub.sdiled 4 inches.

" 4 " " 4 "

Yield of wheat p"r acre 11)13.

Lb.

2.0S0 2,100 2,2}0 2,360 2, 2S0 2,400 2.600 2,500 2,840 2,600

Rosthkrn.

253 EXPERIUEXTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915 DEPTH OF PLOUGHING SOD.

Western rye grass sod was plouglied July 19, 1912, for a crop of wheat in 1913. Depth of Ploughing Sod to be sown to Wheat.

Plot No.

Depth of plonghing sed.

1 2 3

Ploughed 3 inches deep

" 4 " "

o

Yield of v.-heat per acre 1913.

Lb.

2,440 2,640 2,480

SUiLMER-FALLOW TREAT>!EXT.

Seventeen plots were summer-fallowed as given below and sown to wheat follow^ by oats.

Treatment of Summer-fallow to be sown to Wheat followed by Oats.

10 11 12 13

14

15

16 17

Plough 4 inches June, pack if necessary and practicaole, cultivate as necessary . . Plough 6 inches June, pack if necessary and practicable, cultivate as necessary . . i Plough 8 inches June, pack if necessary and practicable, cultivate as necessary . .

Plough 4 inches June, cultivate. Plough 4 inches September, harrow

Plough 6 inches June, cultivate. Plough 6 inches September, harrow

Plough 8 inches June, cultivate. Plough 8 inches September, harrow

Plough 6 inches June, cultivate. Plough 4 inches September, harrow

Plough 4 inches June, cultivate. Plough 6 inches September, harrow

Plough 4 inches June, early as possible, cultivate. Plough 6 inches. September,

leave untouched

Plough .5 indies June, seed to rape or other green forage crop and pasture off. . Plough 6 inches May 15, harrow and pack if necessary, cultivate as neces.'^ary. . . Plough 6 inches June 15, harrow and pack if necessary, cultivate as necessary... Plough 6 inches July 15, harrow and pack if necessary, cultivate as necessary . . Fall cultivate before summer-fallowing. Plough 6 inches June, harrow and pack

if necessary, cultivate as necessary

Fall plough 4 inches before .summer-fallowing. Plough 6 inches June, harrow

and pack if necessary, cultivate as necessary

Plough G inclies June, pack, cultivate as necessary

Plough G inches June, no packing, otherwise same as other plots

Lb.

2,000 2,. 320 2,240 2,000 1,920 1,920 1,920 1,680

1,560 1,280 2,240 2,400 2,440

2,600

2,680 2,440 2,680

ROSTHERN.

DiriSIOy OF FIELD nV SB Ay DRY

257

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

GREEN MANUEIKG.

This experiment shows mure than any other at the Station the beneficial effect of barnyard manure. Throughout the season plot 5, on wliich barnyard nuniure was ajiplicd for wheat, stood from two to four inches higher than tlie (.>thcr plots, and a similar advantage was noted on the succeeding oat crop.

Grekn Manlking for Wheat followed bv Oats.

1

2 3 4 5

0

Summer-fallow

Peas, ploughed under early in .Julj*

Peas, ploughed under when in bloom

Tares, ploughed under late July ,

Suminer-fallow, barnyard manure 12 tons per acre applied on summer-fallow

in September ■

Suminer-fallow

2,720 2,680 2,440 2,520

3,680 2,280

DEPTHS OF SEEDING.

Oats and wheat were eown at depths varying from one to four inches.

Depths of Seeding WTieat.

Plot No.	Depth i^own.	Yield of wheat per acre 1913.
1	Sowing 1 inch deep	Lb. 2 T>0
2	" 2 inches deep	2,760
3	" 3 "	2,560
4	" 4 <<	2 120

Depths of Seeding Oat?.

Plot No.	. & Depth sown.	Yield of oats per acre 1913.
1	Sowing 1 inch deep	Lb. 3 800
2	" 2 inches deep	3 600
3	3 "	4 320
4	" 4 "	4," 360

Rosthern.

16—17

253

EXPERUIE^'TAL FAEMS

6 GEORGE v.. A. 1915

EXPERIMENTAL STATION FOR NORTHWESTERN SASKATC'HEVfAN, SCOTT, SASK.

REPORT OF THE SUPSEINTENBENT, R. E. EVEREST, B.S.A.

WEATHEE AXD CROP CONDITIONS, 1913.

The season of 1913 was favourable to growth and a fair crop of good quality was harvested. Seeding commenced April 8, haying July 23, the harvesting of grain August 7. On October 27 the ploughing was stopped by frost.

SoMK Weather Observations taken at Scott Experimental Station, 1913.

Month.	Temperature	F.		Precipitation.		Total sunshine.
Mean.	Highest.	Lowest.	Rainfall.	Snowfall.	Total.	Heaviest. in 24 hours.
January February March	o —8-86 3-33 11-08 43-23 45-Gl 56-72 59-85 59 89 51-24 32-99 23-90 15-57	• 38 -S 38-8 46-0 790 84-9 901 87-4 86-1 86-0 720 54-8 40-5	o -43-8 -35-4 -35-6 14- 1 18-2 28-7 35-2 .34-3 50-1 -5-4 -8-8 -12-8	Inches.	Inches.	Inches. 0-59 0-42 0-23 0-15 0-95 i-:s 2-98 2-62 1-24 0-40 0-25 008	Inches.	Hours. 83-0
			104-4
			157-4
At3ril	0 15 0-95 1-28 2-98 2-62 1-24 0-4G		0-09 0-50 0-40 0-85 0-68 1-21 0-20 0-25 005	''.'?8 • 1
Muv		247-3 290.1
June
Julv		28" -3
August		238-8 '034.5
September October
	137-0
	2-5 •75	108-8 101-1
T^eeem her
Total for year...			9C8	3-25	11-25		0153.7

YIELDS OF FIELD CEOPS. Field Croi- Areas and Yields, Scott, 1913.

Crop.

Viheat, Marquis

( !at.s, LiKOwo

Ciits, Banner

Barley, Manchurian

Peps, Arthur

Western Rye Grass Hay

Peas and oats (cured for hay).

Acres

15-80 6-80 0-80 1-50 3-83

Yield per acre.

25 bush. 54 " 98 " 20 " 23 "

"1 ton 937 lb. 1 ton 181 lb.

DiriSlOX OF FIELD HL'SDiyDRY

259

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

COST OF PRODUCTION OF FIELD CROPS.

Ill recording the results of the rotation experiments figures on the cost of production of the various crops have been obtained. They are summarized in th<; following table.

Cost ok Prodi ction of Field Crops, Seott, 1913.

Crop.	Area.	Yield per acre.	Cost to produce.
Per acre.	Por bu.sh(!l.

Wheat. Oats. . . Burlcy. Peas. . .

cts.

7 78

8 .3f)

7 44

8 94

Cents.

33-40 1.5-99 36 .'59 40 19

ROTATION OF CROPS.

ROTATIOX "a" (gRAIX COXTlNUOUSIiV) .

On this area, which compri.ses 1 acre, wheat is the grain crop used. The land is given good cultivation. No return of manure or fertilizer is made to this area. By carrying on this work over h series of years information as to the power of our soil to grow wheat continuously will be obtained.

ROTATION "c" (TIIREK VKAK.s' UUII-VTIOn).

Fhst year. — Summer-fallow. Second year. — Wheat. T]iird yew. — Wheat.

Rotation *' C " is a straight grain-growing rotation commonly used where it is desired to make wheat the main crop. When the cultunal operations are timely, and thoroughly performed, this rotation is fairly satisfactory for a time at least. l'>y its use the land may be kept clean and in a good state of tilth. Further, the growing of two crops with the use of three yoars' rainfall ensure-^ to the growing crop a suH!cient amount of mojisturc to produce a fair yield of wheat. There is the danger in this rotation that in time the soil will become deficient in fibre and humus, that crop yields will show a falling off, and that the single crop may meet with :ome disaster from inclement weather before maturity. The net profit per acre from rotation " C " in 1913 was $4.78.

Scott.

16— in

260 EXPERlMEyTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

ROTATION " J " (six years' DURATION).

First year. — Summer-fallow.

Second year. — Wheat.

Third year. — Wheat.

Fourth year. — Oats. Seeded down with 10 pounds western lye grass, 3 pounds red clover and 3 pounds alfalfa per acre.

Fifth year. — Hay.

Sixth year. — Pasture.

Rotation " J " is a mixed-farming rotation. It provides pastu!re for summer feeding and hay and grain for winter feeding of stock. With one-third of the land in wheat considerable revenue is obtained from marketing this product. From -a laboiir standpoint also;, rotation " J '' is well suited to ou3- conditions. None of the crops grown requires any extra labour in its handling. The spread of the work over the caring for stock, seeding, summer-fallowing, haying and harvesting is a consideration worthy of note. The addition of fibre and humus to the soil from the meadow and pasture years of the rotation tends towards the upkeep of fertility and the conservation of moisture. Just whether or not this together with only one summer-fallow in six years will be sufficient means to maintain a moisture content equal to the needs of the plant, can be determined only by many years of experiment. The net profit from this rotation in 1913 was $5.95.

ROTATION " P '" (.EIGHT YEARS' DURATION).

First year. — Summer-fallow.

Second year. — Wheat.

Third year. — Wheat.

Fo u rth year. — Summer-fallow.

Fifth year: — Roots or legume. Manured 15 tons per acre.

Sixth year. — Barley. Seeded down with 10 pounds western rye grass, 3 pounds red clover and 3 pounds alfalfa per acre.

Seventh year. — Hay.

Eighth year. — Pasture.

. Rotation "■ P '"' is a mixed-farming rotation suited to conditions where it is dciiSrcd to sell some grain and to grow fodder and coarse grain for live stock. IMoisture is amply provided for by including two summer-fallows and a possible ho.;d crop in the course of eight years. To the hoed crop or legume are applied 15 tons of manure per acre. This, in addition to the hay and pasture years should do much towards the upkeep of fertility and the maintenance of crop yields. Tliis rotation gives a place for the marketing of grain in that one-quarter of the area is in wheat. A strong point is the provision made for growing valuable concentrated foods which could be used in the rearing and fitting of live stock or in dairying. The net profit per acre of rotation " P " in 1913 was $4.40.

Scott.

DIVISIOX OF FIELD niSBAXDRY 261

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

ROT.\Tio.\ "n" (nine years' DrR.XTIOx).

First year. — Summer-fallow.

Second year. — Hoed crop or legume. Manured 15 tons per acre.

TliirJ year. — Wheat.

Fourth year. — Oats.

Fifth year. — Summer-fallow.

Sixth year. — Wheat.

Seventh year. — Oats. Seeded dowji with 10 pounds western rye grass, 3 pounds red clover and 3 pounds alfalfa per acre.

Eicjhth year. — Hay.

Ninth year. — Pasture.

Rotation "R" permits of mixed farming. Four-ninths of the land is devoted to the i^rodudtion of oats, hay and pasture. One-uiuth would be in roots gr legumes. To wheat is allotted only a small area, two-ninths of the whole being given to its. production. This rotation will be valuable in cases where the rearing and fitting of horses for market and the keeping of other live stock are the aim, but for the present it is not likely to prove very popular, as whea't receives so little prominence.

The net profit per acre of rotation " R " in 1913 was $5.53.

In the following tables details regarding these rotations are given. The values used will be found on page 156.

Rotation Experiment. — Comparative Costs, Returns and Net Profits per Acre.

Rotation.

Total costi Value of to operate 1913.

i $ cts.

"A"one years' duration I 8 99 I

"C" three years' duration j 7 32

"J"' six years' duration j 7 .54

"P" eight years' duration | 7 59

"R" nine vears' duration ' 6 85

returns	Net profit
1913.	1913.
$ cts.	$ ets.
17 78	8 79
12 10	4 78
13 49	5 95
11 99	4 40
13 48	6 63

Scott.

262

EXPERIMENTAL FAUMS

3rd.

1st. . 2nd.

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915 ROTATION "A"

Items of Expen.se

-o

Hor.se labour (including

o

Manual

teamster.)

3

labour.

u

Crops.

s

ne and inery.

Hours.

«8

r/i

S i S

S

s

,

■?-fi

•'

o

rt 03

53

03

a

^ o

Oj tu

CJ

«

o .

-£ S

'"*

f -^ c-^

o*"

<D ■•-

o

03

CD

3 O

tn O

O

O

C

m 0

«

<f<

P4

m

K

O

■Oi

CI

ro

^

uJ>

1912.

1913.

Ac.

$ c.

% V.

No. '

S c.

No.

No.

No.

No.

No.

1st...

Wheat....

....

Wheat

1

2 00

2 40

' n

24

1/2

4S

ROTATION "C

Wheat iWhoat

Wheat 'Bummer-fallow

Summer-fallow Wheat

Aggregate

Average per acre .

\\\ 3 00 II 3 00 IJ 3 00

9 00

2 00

3 GO

90

3 60

\\

8 10

1 80

2:1

2S|. '25;!

53

12i

6}

51 lOf

171

ROTATION "J'

3rd. 4th., 6th.

6th. 1st.. 2nd.

Wheat....... ..1 Wheat

Wheat Oats, seeded.. .

Oats Peas and oats ,

I seeded

Hay Pasture

Hay Summer-fallow

Summer-fallow. Wheat

Aggregate

Average per acre.

2i 2A 2i 2*

13

4 40 4 40 4 40 4 40

5 28 3 50 1 32 5 28

26 00 24 36

2 00 1 87

lOi 20

21 38

51 57

1 99 3 80

52

7 o9

57

3il. 4iV| .

12^ If

2iV

ni.

7§ 61

12|

2^

35

ROTATION "R

3rd. 4i;h.

oth. 6(,h. ?th.

8 th.

9 h. lit.. 2nd.

Peas Wheat

Wheat Oats

Oats Summer-fallow

Summer-fallow Wheat

Wheat Oats, seeded.. .

Seeded alone.. . Hay

Hay Pasture

Hay 'Summer-fallow

Summer-fallow, Peas

Aggregate

Average per acre.

2-	4 67	5 60
2-	4 67	4 43
2-^	4 67	1 40
2-	4 67	5 60
2i	4 67	4 43
2i	4 67	5 11
2t	4 67	3 18
0^	4 67	1 40
23	4 67	4 90

21

2i 01

lU

57 57

44

47

2 15

12 2 28

42 03 m 05

2 00 1 72

34ii 6 48

31

2*

4

3

4,^ 15,4

0l5

3S-V

7

3

72 ■ 3

i3i

A

51i

ROTATION "P'

3rd..., Wheat

4t'i...' Wheat

Sth. . . I Summer-fallow

6i.h... Peas

7th. . Barley, seeded

8th... Oats

1st... Hay

2n(I... Summer-fallow

Aggregate....

Wheat

Summer- fallow

I'eas

Barley seeded .

Hay

Peas and oats . Summer-fallow Wheat,

Average per acre I 2 09

\\\

H

U

\\ H II

.L

60j 90!

15j 85 28 6O! 90' 30i

10 ■2\ 10 11

28

1 90 43

1 90

2 09

11-875 23 75

21 58 36 J-

1 82

38

6 9,s

59

2f .

2,V'.

7Jj. Hi .

1 I.

2,T .

h\

5i

IH 3tV

.! 33T'.-r!

^0 i

Scott.

DIVISION OF L'lELD HL SB AX DRY

263

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 (Wheat continuously).

IN RAISING Crop.

Particulars of Crop.

a

Weight.

2 1

i

o

ci

CJ

c5

bJD

^^

~^

(1

;-i

c

_o

u

u

o

2

J3 3

c: o

3

q5

2

Q. m O

o

T-<

O

o

"rt

ki

o

t*-.

o

o

o

0

-^

.

o -♦-' CO O

o

ca O

to 0

c

3)

is

>>

o o

3

1 •

qa 2

>

O

H

O

U

O

w

O

m

hH

H

r^

Ah

$ c.

S'c.

$ c.

$ c.

Ctj.

$ c.

Inches.

Lb.

Lb.

Lb.

Lb.

S 0.

$ c.

$ C.

2 86

1 49

8 98

8 98

42

65

1,280

1,420

17 78

17 78

8 79

(Three Years'	Duration).
3 71 2 37 5 40 1 62j 2 22	12 96 8 64 9 30 6 20 10 69 7 12	38	6}	2,030'	2,165		28 15 18 76	10 12
				— 6 20
34 1	04	i,900	2,070			26 23 i7 52	in in
	i 1
10 73 4 59	32 95 . .	1		3,930	4.235		54 43
	i	1
2 33 1 02	1 7 o-	I		1	12 09	4 77

(Six Years' Duration).

(Nine Years' Duration).

4 62 4 43 fi 97	3 14	17 07	8 53: 8 36 8 47. 7 22 . 5 63 . 7 13	38 101		6.i 71 6	2,695 4,100	3,035 2,855			37 45	18 72	10 19
4 82 3 71	18 40 18 64 15 89 12 39			43 85 20 87 28 90	19 93 9 49 13 14	11 57
		4,175	1 02
4 19				5,7S0..	5 92
fi 67							-5 63
1 7K	30		65	3,180	3.865			4,433	20 i.5	13 0"^
	.i ti^
9S fifi	11 67	98 03								175 40
		.
2 21	90		7 55 1	1				13 50	5 vo

4 17 4 07 4 72 4 65 0 94 9 ^0 5 fvt;	13 OS 19 04 13 01 16 81 19 81 17 09 7 85 13 05 1.Q in	8 18 8 16 5 58 7 20 8 49 7 32 3 36 5 59 7 76	33 16		6^ 7i	3,488 3,950	4,642 3,060			48 83 20 93 1 15! 7.^
		42 53	18 24 in n^
			-5 58 11 01
33 15		6^ 71	3,066 4,370	4,384 7,840			43 07 51 54 43 72 3 00	18 44
5 10 5 16	5 14	" 8,745	Pasture days. 90	22 09; 13 60 18 74 11 42
					1 29 -2 07
'■'6'98 2 10	4 15								—5 59
30			3,5.56	2,924			50 33	21 57	13 81
37 6°	21 59	143 84									283 05
1 79	1 03	,	6 85						1		13 48	6 63

(Ei ;ht Years'	Duration).
3 45 4 91	2 33 "2 02 1 52 "i'79	12 66 8 81 11 59 11 16 10 73 15 06 9 68 10 44	8 44 5 87 7 72! 7 44 7 15 10 04 6 46 7 60	'«i 1	6^	2,000	2.305			27 82	18 54	10 10
		-5 87
1 ;)2	40			1.730 1.464	2.125 4.115			25 19 18 75 15 05	16 79 12 50 10 44	9 07
,3 36 2 55	37		7k	'};roon- 3,130 feed.	5 03 3 29
6 37			6				3,895	19 48 12 98	2 94
5 78							-6 40
2 22	26		6} 2.534	.3,411	1	35 50 2.5 82	18 22
	1
30 16	7 66	90 13									142 39
							1
2 54	65	1	750i '	i		! .1	11 99	4 40

Scott.

234

EXPERIMEXTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

DATES OF SEEDING.

Experiments weTe conducted -n-ith wheat, oats and barley in dates of seeding with the object of determining the time of seeding best suited to these crops. The follow- ing results were given this year : —

Dates of Seeding Spring Wheat.

Variety.	Date of sowing.	Date of ripening.	( Number 1 Average of , length days ; of straw to including mature. head. !	Strength of straw on a scale of 10 points.	Average length of head.	Yield of grain per acre.	Yield of grain per acre.
Marquis	April 11 18 25 May 2 9	August 22 27 28 Sept. 1 2	123 131 125 192 116	Inches. 33§ 34 33 34 331	10 10 10 10 10	Inches. -4 21 2h 21 21	Lb. 1,220 1,700 1,760 2,100 2,000	Bush. Lb. 20 20 28 20
"	29 20
t<	35 00
• <	33 20

It will be noted that the fourth date of seeding May 2 gave the highest yield. This is partly accounted for by the fact that a slight drought followed the earlier seedings.

Dates of Seeding Oats.

Variety.

Date

of

sowing.

Banner.

April

May

11

18

25

2

9

Date
of
ripening.
August	19
n	21
it	25
u	27
n	28

Number

of

days

to

mature.

120 125 122 117 111

Average

length

of straw

including

head.

Strength of straw

on a

scale of

10 points.

Inches.

44 45

43 44 444

10 10 10 10 10

Average length of head.

Inches.

7i 7i

7i

Yield of grain per acre.

Lb.

2,400 2,840 2,640 3,440 2,820

Yield of grain per acre.

Bush. Lb.

70 83

77 101

82

20 18 22

32

Dates of Seeding Barley.

Variety.	Date of sowing.	Date of ripening.	Number of days to mature.	Average length of straw including head.	Strength of straw on a scale of , 10 points.	Average length of head.	Yield of grain per acre.	Yield of grain per acre.
Manchurian a it tt tt	April 11 18 25 May 2 9	August 12 15 16 It 21	123 119 113 109 104	Inches. 42 41 40 43 42	10 10 10 10 10	Indies. 31- 3 31 4 4	Lb. 1,880 1,320 1,560 1,680 1,720	Bush. Lb. 39 S 27 24 32 24 35 00 35 40

ScOTT,

DiriSlOy OF FIELD UL'SBAyDRY

2€5

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

It will be noticed that the first seeding, April 11, and the last seeding, May 9, gave the highest and next highest yiel^ respectively. This is a condition difficult to account for. Throughout the season it appeared that the plot sown lirst had a decided advantage over the plots sown on the four later dates, but when threshed out the plot sown last yielded surprisingly high.

RATES OF SEEDIXG. Rates of Seeding Marquis Wheat on Summer-fallow.

	Quan-			Number	Average	Strength
	tities	Date	Date of	of	length	of straw	Average	Yield	Yield
Variety.	of seed	of	ripen-	days	of straw	on a	length	of grain	of grain
	per	sowing.	ing.	to	including	scale of	of head.	per acre.	per acre.
	acre.			mature.	head.	10 points.
					Inches.		Inches.	Lb.	Bush. Lb.
Marquis	1 bush.	April 11	Aug. 25	136	33^	10	22	1.440	24 00
i<	U "	ti i i	" 25	136	33	10	2J	1,440	24 00
it	If "	it -1-1	" 20	131	34	10	3	2,080	34 40
u	Oi "	It 1 i	" 19	1 130	35	10	2f	2,100	35 00
«	93 «	" 11	" 19	1 130	34i	10	2i	1,920 1	32 00

Two and one-quarter bushels per acre was the amount of seed giving the largest yield. After the quantity of seed sown is deducted it will be seen that 1| bushels per acre gave the largest net return.

Rates of Seeding Banner Oats on Summer-fallow.

	Quan-			Number	Average	Strength
	tities	Date	Date of	of	length	of straw	Average	Yield	Yield
Variety.	of seed	of	ripen-	davs	of straw	on a	length	of grain	of grain
	per	sowing.	ing.	to	including	scale of	of head.	per acre.	per acre.
	acre.			mature.	head.	10 points.
					Inches.		Inches.	Lb.	Bush. Lb.
Banner	1 bush .	April 29	Aug. 28	121	49	10	7i	3,200	94 4
a	U •'	" 29	" 25	118	421	10	7	3,780	111 8
n	•) "	" 29	" 22	115	42	10	7	3,200	94 4
tf	2- "	" 29! " 22	115	43	10	71	2,400	70 20
(1	3 '•	" 291 " 22 " 29 " 21	115 114	43 40	10 10	k	2,760 2,780	81 6
tl	81 20

It will be noted that 1^ bubhels per acre is the rate giving the highest yield. In 1912 seeding at the rate of one bushel per acre had a decided advantage over the lavo heavier seedings used. The results of these two years' work would indicate the advis- ability of using smaller quantities of seed oats per acre on well prepared land than is at present done. Further Avork will be carried out in this connection.

Scott.

265

EXPERIMENTAL FABMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915 Rates of Seeding Mancliuriau Barley on Summer-fallow.

	Quan-			Number	Average	Strength
	tities	Date	Date of	of	length	of straw	Average	Yield	Yield
Variety.	of sffd	of	ripen-	days	of straw	on a	length	of grain	of grain
	per acre.	sowing.	insi.	to mature.	including head.	scale of 10 points.	of head.	per acre.	per acre.
					Inches.		Inches.	Lb.	Bush. Lb.
Mancliurian ■ •	1 Bush.	April 29	Aug. 18	HI	m	10	4	1,040	34 8
«	u -	" 29 " 19	112	42	10	4	1 , 500	31 12
<'-■■. :\e	2 "	" 2y " 19	112	421	10	U	1 , 240	25 40
«	2i "	'■ 29i " 19	112	43i	10	4i	1,440	30 00
«	3 "	" 29 " 19	112	421	10	41	1,520	31 32

One bushel of barley seed per acre gave the largest yield. This result was obtained in 1912. From these two years' work favouring the 1 bushel seeding we are inclined to think that somewhat lighter seedings than are usually given with this cereal would be good practice for this section of country.

SOIL CULTTTPtAL EXPErJ^dENTS.

Four experiments in methods of cultivation of field crops are now under way, namely : —

Prairie breaking. Seeding to grass and clover. Soil packers. Depth of seeding.

The prairie breaking and soil packing experiment.= are not being reported upon as no decisive data have yet been obtained.

SF.EDIXG TO OR.VSS AKD CLOVER.

In 1911 an experiment was begun to determine the best preceding crops and soil preparation for seecKng to western rye grass and red clover. The yields of hay this year were as follows : —

Seeding to Grass and Clover.

Plot No.	Treatment 1911.	Treatment 1912.	Crop 1913.	Yield per acre.	Yield per acre.
1	S'jmmer-f allow	Seeded with whea*t	Hay Hav HaV Hav HaV Hay Hav HaV Hav HmV Hay	Lb. 4,400 5,200 4,800 4,680 3,240 3,160 1,720 2,080 2,820 2,400 3.860	Tons. Lb. 2 400
2	Pjinmer- fallow	Seeded alone	2 1,200
3 4	1 locd crop Hoed crop Wheat	Seeded with wheat	2 800
Seeded alone	2 680
5	Seeded witli wheat Seeded alone	1 1,240
6	Wheat	1 1,160
7	Wheat	Seeded with oats Seeded alone	0 1,720
8	Wheat	1 80
q	Wheat	Seeded with wheat	1 820
10	Oats	Seeded alone Seeded with wheat	1 400
11	Wheat	1 1,860

Scott.

Diri^iox or riELD nrsBA\DRY

2G7

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Jt will !)(< noted that the four liigliest yields were obtained from seeding with and witliout a mirso crop after summer-fallow or hoed crop. It would appear evident from the result.-' of the uue year'.s work that a good catch of seeds is much more likely to be obtaimd wlu-u the preparatory treatment is summer-fallow or hoed crop than when oats or wheat are grown.

DKl'TllS OF SKKDING.

DiiPTHs of Seeding Wlu-at.

6	Depths sown.	Dat« of Sowing.	Date of Coming up.	Date of Heriding.	Date of Ripening.	Days to Mature.	Yield of wheat per acre.
O	Grain.	Straw.
1 2 3 4	Sowing 1 iiioh deep Sowing 2 inithe.s deep Sowing 3 in('hes deep. Sowing 4 inches deep	Apvil 18. " 18.. " 18.. " 18..	May 9 . . " 10 . " 10.. " 12..	.July 5.. " 4.. " 3.. " 5..	Au;;. 21 . '^ 21 " 19.. '■ 21..	12.5 125 123 125	Lb. 1,8110 i,yno 1,980 1,780	Lb. 3,940 3,84fi 2,820 3.820

Depths of Seeding Oats.

n	Depth.s Sown.	Date of Sowing.	Date of Conning up.	Date of Heading.	Date of Ripening .	Days to Mature.	Yield of wheat per acre.
•z o	Grain.	Straw.
1 o ,•{ i	Sowing 1 inch deep Sewing 2 inches deep Sowing 3 inches deep Sowing 4 inches deep	April 28.. " 28.. " 28.. " 28..	May 17.. " 17.. " 19.. " 20. .	July 4. . " 4.. " 5..	Aug. 21.. " 21.. " 19.. " 19.	115 115 113 113	Lb. 1.040 l,f)S0 1..W0 1.440	Lb. 2,560 3,120 2,420 3,3GO

SCOI'T.

268 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

EXPERIMENTAL STATION FOR SOUTHERN ALBERTA,

LETHBRIDGE, ALTA.

REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT, W. H. FAIRFIELD, M.S.

SEASO^^AL CONDITIONS.

The season of 1913 opened at about the usual time for the district. Winter grain however, suffered, many areas in the winter wheat fields being badly injured owing to the high, dry Avinds that prevailed. Spring seeding commenced early in April; germination was rapid and a good stand was obtained in all cases. The rainfall during the spring was scant, especially during late May and early June. Crops of all kinds suffered acutely, particularly early soA\ai grain. The rainfall for the growing season was as follows : — -

April 052 inches.

May 1-70 "

June 4-70 "

July 1-29 "

August 1 to 15 , 1-22 "

Total 9-43 "

Although the precipitation for June was reasonably satisfactory, generous rains were not received till the 16th; from then to the end of the month moisture was abundant; 4-3 inches out of 4-7 inches for the month fell during this period. The late rain, kowever, stinuilated a second growth which caused uneven ripening and thus materially reduced the yield and quality of both wheat and barley. The effect on oats was not so serious, th^e second growth being so strong and vigorous that it reached maturity before any great loss was sustained from the shelling of the first growth.

The rainfall over the southern part of the province was quite uneven, some localities being more favoured than others. One of the districts where the grain crops were comparatively good was along the Aldersyde branch of the Canadian Pacific railway from Monarch and Carmangay.

DIVISIOX OF FIELD HL'hiBAyDRY

169

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 So.MH Weathkh Observatiuns taken at Lethbridge Experimental Station, 1913.

January

February. . ,

March

April

May

June

July

August

September.

Oetdber

November. D<-cember. ,

Montli.

Total for year .

Temperature F.

Mean.

43-8

48-45 60 96 01-89

54- SO- SO- 35-

21 9 2 1

29-57

Highest.

47-0

57-8 59-9 81-2 83 -.3 86-6 89-2 92-8 89-3 78-2 58-0 60-0

Lowest.

-30-0

-22-0

-23-0

17-0

19-2

39-9

38-0

35-8

26-2

12-3

9-0

- 7 0

Total

Preeipita-

tion."

Inehe.s.

-80 •30 •42 •52 -70 ■70 -29 •93 •65 •50 •36 ■00

14- 17

Total Sun.shine.

Hours.

919 1021 157 3 223 4 2448 281-8 345 0 321 2 276-5 1.52 7 1218 156 0

2,4745

As there nre two distinct farms being ojjerated at this Station, one irrigated and one non-irrigated, the report is divided to avoid any possible confusion.

Lethbridge.

270 EXPERnif:XTAL FAR US

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

PART I.— THE NON-IEEIGATED OR " DRY FARM." CROP ROTATIONS (NON-IRRIGATED). This is tho third season for the following rotations: —

ROTATION "a"

Wheat (continuously.

«(vr,STjox "b" (two years' duration).

First year. — Wheat.

Second year: — Suniiner-f allow.

ROTATION "c" (three YEARS* DURATION).

First year. — Summer-fallow.

Second year. — Wheat.

Third year.- — Wheat, or coarsfe grain.

ROTATION " III " (six Y'EARS' DURATION).

First year. — Summer-fallow.

Second year. — W^heat.

Third year. — Coarse grain. Manured in fall.

Fourth ye^ar. — Summer-fallow.

Fifth year. — Peas and oats for hay.

Sixth year. — Barley or oats.

ROTATION "s" (NLNIC YEARS' DURATION)

First i/ea?\^Summer-f allow.

Second year. — Hoed crop.

Third year. — Whe.at.

Fourth year. — Summer-f allow.

Fifth year. — Wheat.

Sixth year. — Coarse grain.

Seventh ye-ur. — Summer-fallow, Manured.

Eighth year. — Peas and oats for hay. Seeded in fall to rye.

Ninth year. — Rye pasture.

Lethbrtixie.

niVrSilOX or field HUfHiANDRY 271

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

KUTATION "t" (TKN VlCAlw' OCUATldN).

First year. — Summer-fallow. Second i/ear. — Wheat. Third year. — Oats or barley. Fonrlli year. — Seeded to alfalfa in rnwi?. Fifth ye-ar. — Alfalfa hay ov seed. Siu-th year. — Alfalfa hay or seed. Seventh year. — Alfalfa hay, seed or pasture. , Eigiith year. — Summer-fallow. KintJt year. — Hoed crop. Tenth year. — Wheat. Manured on .stubble.

So that the results from year to year may be easily compared, cost and return values have been fixed, schedule of which will be found on page 156. The following tables contain details in connection with these rotations : —

LliTllBRinGE.

272

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v.. A. 1915 ROTATION "A"

Items of Expense

'

*o

Horse laVjour (including

^

Manual

teamster).

•

labour.

Crops.

e 3

Hours.

S

E

S

6

"O

"C c

o

cS

03

es

c3

c

1=

^:a

-a

01

-^

. c

0)

m

tn

m

03

C3

«

B

_, OS

S

-•.:

"m

O

O

O

o

q

2

"■^

o

o

c

^

^

x.

tf

<

tf

■r^

W

O

-CO

C^

ci

■*

1

1912.

1913.

Ac.

$ c.

% c.

No.

$ c.

No.

No.

No.

No.

$ c.

Wheat

Wheat

1-57

3 14

3 71

U

24

li

54

!

1

!

1 1

1

Average per a

ere

2 00

2 36

15

'

ROTATION "B"

1st iWheat . Summer-fallow	1-57 1-57	3 14 3 14	94 3 70	3J	10 63				83
2nd... ISummer-fallow Wheat			IJ
Aeffreeate	3-14	6 28	4 64		73				1
					1
Average per acre		2 go! 1 48		23

ROTATION "C"

3rd...	Wheat Oats Summer-fallow	Oats	1-57 1-57 1-57 ■	3 14 3 14 3 14	2 87 94 3 70	3i i 11	62 05			1	3 4
1st.. .	Fallow
2nd...	Wheat	33			1
	Aeerecate	4-71	9 42	7 51		1 00
	Average per a	ere		2 00	1 59		21

ROTATION "M"

3rd...

Wheat

Oats

1-25 1-25 / -59 \ -66 1-25 1-25 1-25

5 00 5 00 2 36 2 64 5 00 5 00 5 00

2 96 75 1 26 1 57 2 48 75 2 99

11 f 3tl lie li

33 16 16 71 30 19 28

u

\

5f 61 \l 11

4th. . .

Oats.. Summer-fallow Peas and Oats . Oats

Summer-fallow Peas and Oats. Oats

5th... 6th...

ifg

1st. . .

Summer-fallow

2nd...

Summer-fallow

Wheat

us

Aggregalo

7-5

30 00

12 76

2 13

Average per a

ere

4 OO! 1 70

29

Letiibridge.

DlM.^Wy OF IILLD IJL;<DAyDI{Y

273

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 (Wheat contJimously. )

IN RAISING Crop.

Particulars of-C'rop.

u

Weigl

It.

vj

0/

b

Si

6

OS

C3

<a

tc

^«

^

u

;h

orse !

c

o c3

2

stubb

t

c c. s

j=

4^ O

li

o

§• u

r.

Cj

>-<

o

«•«

o

O

O

o

•*j

,

c

>

o

"5

o O

3

o

to O

«»4 tn O

c '3

1

^

•a O

0

c

o

>

Q

H

O

o

U

w

O

cc

w

w

H

>

^

S c.

$ c.

$ c.

$ 0.

$ c.

$ C.

Inch

Lb.

Lb. ' Lb. 1

Lb.

$ c.

% c.

% c.

3 20

1 87

12 16

7 74

46

5

1,600

2,690

22 67

14 44

6 70

2 03

1 19

7 74

!

1 1

^^^^-^

14 44

6 70

1

1

i

(Two Years' Duration).

3 92 .		8 10	5 16 6 84				1	— 5 16
80	2 47 10 74	30! 1 5 2.120	2,415			29 48; 18 77	11 93
	1
4 72	2 47; 18 84	12 00						29 48
1 50'	78	6 00	6 00		1					9 38	3 38
1		1

(Three Years' Duration).

3 25! 3 92	3 22 13 10 8 05 2 33^ 10 27;	8 34 5 12 6 48	16		4-5	2,737	2,915	30 26 19 27 10 93 ' —5 12
77I	31	4-5	2,000	2,375	28 35 18 06 11 58
7 94	5 55 31 42]						1 i 58 61
1 68'	1 18 1	6 65		i			1 . ', 12 44 5 79
t

(Six Years' Duration).

1 1 3 371 94 12 60 3 24' 9 15 32, 1 80 -5 90 1 44' 6 36 3 26 3 41' 14 45 2 78' i 8 72 92 2 28' 11 47	10 08 54 7 32		4-5	800	730	2,180		19 63	15 70	5 62 — 7 32
10 00] 18 9 64		3^ 3 4-5	1,515 "2,900	1,650 2,990	' '4,460		16 80 22 30	28 47 33 79 25 52	18 47 ''4 15
11 56 18 6 98			31 99	13 96
		— 6 98
9 18; 35		4-5	1.950	3,040			27 52	19 m	10 84
15 33' 8 43 68 oa	1 1							118 24
	1
2 04' 1 12	9 15'							15 76	R R^
	1								)

16—18

Lethbridge.

274

EXPEUniENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

f

ROTATION "S'

			C3 <	Items of Expensk
	Crops.	Rent and manure.	Seed, twine and use of machinery.	Manual labour.	Horse labour (including teamster.)
l^	Hours.
o Pi	05 3 0	m 0 0	0 m	g <A %^ 0 =5,	03 0 .a	4-horse team. 5 horse team.
1st...	1912. 1913. Rye pasture. . . Snmmer-ffinow	Ac. 1-25 1-25 1-25 1-25 1-25 1-25 1-25 1-25 1-25	$ c. 5 83 5 83 5 83 5 83 5 83 5 83 5 83 5 83 5 83	$ c. 75	No.	$ c.	No.	No.	No.	No. I ea.. lui: '.'. u .. m .. 51 ..	Vo.
2nd..	Summer-fallow	Corn	2 92	431	8 22 35 13 28 25 19 1 88 25	74s
3rd...	Corn	Wheat	3 10 l| 75 %% 3 00, \\ 2 45 1.23 75 1		h\
4th..	Wheat Summer-fallow Wheat Oats Summer-fallow Peas and oats .	Summer-fallow Wheat
6th.
6th...	Oats
7th.	Summer-fallow Peas and oats . Rj'e pasture . . .
8th... 9th...	2 87 1 50		1^	5M 61	I
	AffErresate	11-25	52 47	18 09		11 58
Avernjp ner a	ere		4 66	1 61		1 03

ROTATION "T"

6th...

7th..,

8th..

9th..

30th.

1st...

2nd..

3rd..

4th..

5th..,

Alfalfa

Alfalfa

Alfalfa

Summer-fallow

Roots

Wheat

Summer-fallow

Wheat

Oats

Summer-fallow

Alfalfa

Alfalfa

Summer-fallow

Roots

Wheat

Summer-fallow

Wheat

Oats

Sunnner-fallow Alfalfa

A.ggregate

Average per acre.

Lethbridge.

rnvfsiox OF field tusbakdry

275

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 (Nine Years' Duration).

IN RAISIXCJ C

ROP.

Partk:ul.\rs of C'rop.

.

Weight.

o

aJ

S

u,

u

O

bb

•

o

c

o

u

m

(/I o

2 o

Xi 3

a o

TJ

6

P. o.

a m to O

X ■^

-4J O

T— (

I-H

T— (

"o

o

"rt

u O

o

"*j

u

o

o

o

-kJ

,

o

r'

0}

_^

j3

a

^

_,

o

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s

C3

en

>->

-♦-'

M

SS

rt

>>

s

C3

_3

«3

cS

O

O

O

O

O

(.■

v2

O

ci

>

o

H

u

O

O

w

a

Oj

W

W

H

>

d,

% c.

$ c.

$ c.

S c.

$ c.

$ c.

Inch.

Lb.

Lb.

Lb.

Lb.

S c.

$ C.

S r.

3 08

294 2 50 2 54

9 06 21 31 12 67 IJ 07 12 53 14 25 11 85 13 38 12 43

7 73 17 05 10 13 9 66 10 0> 11 40 9 48 10 70 9 94

-7 73

4 34

3 4-5

28.397

42 60 35 65

34 OS 28 50

17 03

45

30

2.500

4,630

18 .39

5 36

-9 66

92

35 22

4-5 4-5

2.i40 2,160

3,255 2,685

30 16 22 94

24 13 18 35

14 11

3 15

6 95

5 OS

-9 48

2 80

3 3

9:2i5 470

■ ■■■l25> Pa.st.uro

46 08 4 38

36 80 3 50

20 10

4 85

-6 44

day.s

30 03

7 98

120 15

181 81

2 67

89

10 68

16 16

5 48

1

(Ten Yens' Duration).

4 12 1 62	1 83 1 58 1 75 '3'89 3 65 182	15 31 9 95 11 52 37 36 12 44 9 57 14 00 15 58 11 86 17 44	9 75 6 33 7 33 23 80 7 92 6 10 8 91 9 92 7 55 11 11	8 35 6 28		3 3	110 95		2,090		67 54 47 50	43 03 30 25	33 28 23 92
5 56					—7 33
6 66	. 05 50						43, isO	64 73 21 29	41 23 13 50	17 43
1 35		4-5	1,500	2,580		5 58
3 44					-6 10
76 3 69	25i 17		4^5 4-5	3,. 330 3,100	4.990 3,425			46 90 34-43	29 87 21 29	20 96 11 37
5 27	i;:::::			— 7 55
81	960	3	109				54 50	34 71	23 60
33 28	14 52	155 03									336 87
	1 45		9 87									21 39	11 52

16— 18i

Letiibridge.

276

EXPERIMEXTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

In the following table the chief items in connection with the above rotations are recorded: —

EoTATiox E.XPERIMEXT — Cost of Operations, Value of Products and Profits.

Rotation.

Total cost per

acre.

Total

value

per

acre.

"A" wheat continuously.. "B" two years' duration. . "C" three years' duration "M" six years' duration. . . "S" nine years' duration. . "T" ten years' duration. . .

£ c.

7 74 6 00 6 65 9 15 10 68 9 87

$ c.

14 44 9 38

12 44

15 76

16 16 21 39

Net profit

per acre, 1913.

$ c.

6 70 3 38

5 79

6 61 5 48

11 52

DATES OF SEEDING. Dates of Seeding Marquis Wheat (non-irrigated) on Summer-fallow.

Size of plot.

Acres. 1/60

Date sown.

Date ripe.

April 3 lAugust 2.

April 11. April 21. May 2. May 12.

May 22.

August 4 . August 6 . August 8. August 16. August 23.

June 2 September 2.

Yield per acre
Bush.	Lb.
30	30
29	30
33	00
39	30
39	00
42	30
31	30

Average yield per acre for 2 j^ears.

Bush.	Lb
27	45
26	45
28	00
31	30
30	00
*31	30
*28	30

*1912 crop frosted.

Dates of Seeding Banner Oats (non-irrigated) on Summer-fallow,

Size of plot.	Date sown.	Date ripe.	Yield per acre.	Average yield per acre for 2 years.
Acres. 1/60	April 3	August 4	Bush. Lb. 83 28 87 12 79 14 82 32 69 24	Bush. Lb. 76 11
	April 15	August 3	77 7
	May 2	August 3	78 18
	Mav 16 . . .-.	August 13	88 8
	June 2	September 2	78 3
	*Junel6

♦Crop frosted somewhat.

Lethbridge.

DirisloX t)F FIELD inSBAMJRY

277

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

D.xTEs uF iSkeuinu Alcusury Barley (noii-irrigatc<J) uii .Summer- fallow.

Size of plot.	Date sown.	Date ripe.	Yield per acre.	Average yield per acre for 2 years.
Acres. 1/60	April 3	July 30	Bush. Lb. 35 00 31 12 38 6 38 36 43 6 40 00	Bush. Lb. 30 23
	April 15	July 30	29 18
	May 2	July 31 :..	35 15
	May 16	August 4	32 23
	June 2	36 12
	June 16	September 2	40 00
	*Juiy2

*Crop frosted.

Dates of Seeding Flax (non-irrigated) on Summer-fallow.

Size"7Jf plot.	Date sown.	Date ripe.	Yield per acre.	Average yield per acre for 2 years.
Acres. 1/60	April 3	August 7	Bush. Lb. 15 30 19 46 21 54 20 50 17 48	Bush. Lb. 19 31
April 15	August 7	23 44
	May 2	August 12	23 47
	May 16	August 16	*23 17
"	June 2	August 29	*21 31
„	June 16	Crop destroyed by frost	both ypars.
	July 2	Crop destroyed by frost both years.

*l<M2c D frosted.

RATES OF SEEDING PER ACRE.

As experiments with different amounts of seed per acre have been carried on for five years with wheat, oats and barley they were discontinued this year. The average results >vould indicate about the following amounts as the most profitable quantities to use: —

Spring wheat 60 to T.5 pounds of seed per acre.

Oats GO to 75

Lethbiudge.

278

EJPERniEXTAL FAFMS

5 GEORGE v.. A. 1915 Eates of Skfdtng Red Fife Wheat (non-irrigated) on Summer-fallow.

Size of plot.	Rate of seeding per acre.	Dat e sown.	Date ripe.	Day.s to mature.	Yield per	acre.	Average yield per acre foi 5 years.
Acres. 1/20	Lb. 15 30 45 60 75 SO 105 120	April 7	\u"'u.-^t 15	1.30 122 126 120 121 121 121 120	Bush. 14 20 21 22 25 24 24 20	Lb. 00 40 20 20 10 40 00 50	Bush. Lb. 12 24
" 7	7 " 11 " ,5	17 8
	" 7	21 16
	" 7 « 7	21 48
	6 6 « 6 5	22 58
	" 7	22 44
	" 7	23 46
	" 7	22 34

R.\TES OF Seeding Banner Oats (non-irrigated) on Summer-fallow.

Size of plot.	- Rate of .seeding per acre.	Date sown.	Date ripe.	Days to mature.	Yield per acre, 1913.	Average yield per acre for 5 years.
Acres. 1/20	Lb. 15 30 45 60 75 90 105 120	April 9	August 6	119 119 118 118 118 117 117 117	Bush. Lb. 67 22 73 18 74 24 78 8 80 20 64 24 72 32 72 12	Bush. Lb. 47 22
'■ 9	6	54 16
t(	" 9	" 5	57 2
u	" 9	" 5	59 1
IC	« 9	" 5	59 25
u	" 9	" 4	52 27
«	" 9	« 4	54 32
cc	" 9	" 4	50 18

Eates of Seeding Mensury Barley (non-irrigated) on Summer-fallow.

Size of plot.

Rate of seeding per acre.

Acres. 1/20

Lb.

15 30 45 60 75 90 105 120

Date sown.

Date ripe.

April 17

" 17

" 17

" 17

" 17

" 17

" 17

" 17

Dav3

to mature.

July 31

'• 31

" 31

" 31

" 31

" 30

" 30

" 29

10^ 105 105 105 105 104 104 103

Yield per acre.

Bush

28 37 38 36 37 37 34 34

Lb

36 24 36 12 4 24 28 28

Average yield per acre for 4 years.

Bu.sh. Lb.

14 19

20 22 24 27 27 25

31 18 45 27 8 19 42 40

Letiibridge.

DIVISIOX OF FIELD Hi iillAX DRY 279

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

SOIL CULTURAL EXPEIUMENTS.

The dry-laud soil cultivatiou investigations incepted in 1911 were continued but as yet few of the experiments have shown any marked results. Some interesting points, however, have been brought out. which may be briefly mentioned.

I'UMHIK 15KK\k'l\(i.

In this experiment, the results have brought out nothing that has not before ])een fairly well demonstrated. They strongly support oHr contention that sowing crops immediately after bi-eaking is unprofitable, and point out that the most advisable and practical method of procoluve on new land is to break the sod in the spring and allow it to reinaiu till the following season before cropping.

UKPTK OF PLOUGH 1\(!.

The plots ploughed 3 and 4 inches deep appeared to suffer from drouth before those ploughed 0 and 7 inches deep. Ploughing beyond the latter depth, however, seemed of no advantage.

TIME OF PLOUGHING.

One of the most striking results observed, because it happened almost without exception, was the fact that land ploughed in the fall gave poorer returns than that which was ploughed in the spring. Similar results have been obtained in previous years, but the ditference has never been so marked as was the case this year. No doubt the dry winter with its scanty rainfall was, in a great measure, responsible for these results.

PART II.— THE IRRIGATED FARM.

The yields on the irrigated part of the Station were satisfactoi-y on the whole, average crops being harvested.

ROTATIONS ON THE IRRIGATED LAND.

There are at the present time two rotations under test on the irrigated part of the Farm, " L^ " and " V,'' the latter being simply a field left in alfalfa continuously.

ROTATION " V."

First year. — Seeding alfalfa. Second ye^n-.— Alfalfa hay. Third year.— Alfalfa hay. Fourth year. — Alfalfa hay. Fiftti year. — Alfalfa hay. Sixth year. — Alfalfa hay. Seventh year. — Iloed crop. Eifjh th year. — Wheat. Ninth year. — Oats. Tenth year. — Barley.

ROT.\TIOX " v."

Alfalfa continuously.

In computing,- the tables set forth herewith values as given on page 1.".(! have bivn

used.

LirniHKUHiK.

283

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v.. A. 1915 ROTATION

"

Area.

Items

OF Expense

Crops.

i c 6 C a

Seed , i wine and use of machinery.

Manual labour.

H

orse labour (including teamster).

u

Hours.

0) o o

Ui 3 O

J

o M c

s o

B a <o to u O CO

6 o

s QQ O

3rd

1912. \lfalfa

1913. Alfalfa Alfalfa Alfalfa Barlev . . . .

Ac.

$ c. 4 20 4 20 4 20 4 20 4 20 4 20 4 20 4 20 • 4 20 4 20

$ c. 1 19 1 19 1 19 1 90 2 05 2 67 15 40 1 19 1 19 1 19

No. 161 10^8 5i 10;^ 162S8 2on 2m 21H

$ c. 3 57 3 09 2 06 98 1 06 2 06 30 94 3 93 4 06 4 06

No. 21 n 1 2

No. 7!

No.

No. 1 6B 5H

No.

2nd... 1st...

Alfalfa seeding. Oats

Ill ' '. '. '. *. '

10th

Oat.s Wheat

9th

Oats

6/ff' 3|I

8th

Potatoes Alfalfa Alfalfa Alfalfa . .

Wheat

7th... 6th... 5th

Potatoes Alfalfa Alfalfa

6^ 31 3 3

17 7^ Hi

16^8 1 3

<th

Alfalfa

Alfalfa

Atrerrforate

10

42 00

29 16

55 81

1

!

Average per acr

e

4 20

2 92

5 58

1

1

ROTATION

Alfalfa . Alfalfa	106	3 18	eiJ 26J8	4 97	m	7§		i
Aecreeate - .		-	1					r '
							i
A veraffe oer acre		3 00	60 4 69				1
				1		1

Lethbridge.

iu\i^ni\ or rn.LD ui sn.wniiY

281

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 "C" (ten years' duration).

IN RAISING Crop.

Particulars of C

'rop.

Weight.

a

e>-

(m

<L

OS

u

^

Xi

c

"c

^

U-

J=

f;

c

^

a

cu

^

c

3

c

a

n

Im

t«i

es

X

X

c3

g

O

O

V. C

u

"o

a 2

3 "5

o

b

«•-■

*? '^

0

o

0

._;

,

>

O

o

c (0

1

•Si

V,

-s

"m

c 'c5

1

>.

"3

3

O

O

o

O

O

o

>-•

n

o

o

'..*

g

O

C

H

^

^^

^^

M

w

cc

ffi

M

H

>

$ c.

$ c.

S c.

% c.

Cts.

$c.

Ins.

Lb.

Lb.

Lb.

Lb.

$ c.

% C.

% c.

3 36

12 32 10 88 1 11 IS 1 55 11 51 2 98; 13 64 3 7lS 14 69

12 32 10 88 11 18 11 51 13 64 14 69 67 22

3 3

9.165 5.815 . 1,006

54 99 34 89 6 00 16 13 27 86 32 88 / 3 89^ 1296 17/

54 99 34 89 6 00 16 13 27 86 32 88 300 06

4'' 07

2 40

24 01

3 73

-5 18

2 88

37 19 28 11

3

1,475 2,530 3,160

1.385 2,560

4 62

3 35

14 ''2

2 05

5,270

18 19

16 68

67 22

2,593

35,537

233 74

3 50

12 82 13 20

12 82 13 20

3 3

9, .385 11,075 11,075

56 31 66 45

56 31 66 45

' 43 49

3 76

:::::;i::::::

53 25

3 76

13 20

13 20

3

66 45

j 66 45

53 25

45 47

8 24 180 66

1 1

662 02

i 1

1

4 55

82

18 06

1 '__

66 20

j 48 14

...

■■

1

"V" (alfalfa continuously).

3 25	12 04 11 36	(	3[	1 ' 8,375	I 50 25 47 41	34 90
	1
	1
	1			. . . 1 . . .
3 06	1 11 38			1	i	' 47 41	36 05
				1	! 1	1

Lktubridoe.

282 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915 MEASUREMENT OF IRRIGATION WATER.

All the water used for irrigation was measured over a weir, and a record made by a Eriez self-registering instrument. An effort has always be^n made to ascertain the amounts of water used on each individual crop but, because of the large number of small fields, this has not always been feasible. The quantity of water used for the season was sufficient to cover the land to a depth of 1-525 feet. The depth of water on the land on the Station devoted to mixed crops for the season of 1913 may therefore be said to be 1-525 acre-feet. It should be stated in this connection that a continuous flow of a fixed amount was not used. Water was obtained from the main canal at such times, and in such quantities, as we desired.

The following table, giving details regarding dates and quantities of water used on an alfalfa field of 15f acres, may be of interest : —

Area of field.	Dates of Irrigation.	Amount of water used, i.e., depth of water applied.
15-75 acres	Mav 22-29 Julv 15-17 Sept. 25-27	-664 feet.
	-754 " •495 "

Total depth of water applied 1 - 913 feet.

Average yield per acre of alfalfa 4 tons 230 pounds.

The rainfall during the growing season was: —

April 0.52 inches.

May 1.70 "

June 4.70 "

July 1.29 "

August 1.93 "

Total 10.14 "

The alfalfa was cut twice, and the yield of hay was 4 tons 230 pounds per acre. The irrigation in September was applied for the benefit of the 1914 crop. If the rain- fall in the spring of 1914 proves to be normal, probably no irrigation will be required before the first cutting is made.

Lethbridoe.

ofvii^ifON or riELh uisiiasdry

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

EXPERIMENTAL STATION FOR CENTRAL ALBERTA,

LACOMBE, ALTA.

REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT, G. H. HUTTON, B.S.A.

WEArilKR CONDri'IONS, 1910.

The sci'diri^u' season opened on April 10. The weatlier dnrin.i;- April and for th.e first ten days of May was botli eool and dry, kecfpina: growth in check. Afterwards, however, conditions were so favourable that by .Tnnc 13 all crops on well preT>'ared land were as far advanced as has been the case in any season since the establishment of the Station. Favourable weather continned until harvesting and threshing were con- cluded. Fair yields of grain of better than average quality were the rule.

SoMK Wkathkr Ob.ski{VATK)NS taken at Lacorabe Experimental Station, 19in.

January

Fc-hruary. .

March

April

Mny

Junr

July

Auiiust

Sci)tf>ii-iber. Octohcr... Novciiil.'or. D(roiiil)('r,

Month.

TEMPEKATfRK F

Mean.

Total for year

Total for 6 growing month.s, April to Scpti-nihor

Hit;host. Lowest.

4.i ."i.i .52

77

81-8 84-8 84 0 8i).0 8i-5 r)9-8 57-8

-60

-28

-23

17

18

36

31

35

24

9

-0

-13

Total Precipi- tation.

Inches.

0-93

11.5

0-81

015

0-48

2-98

3-43

2-435

0-59

0-68

0 05

007

13-755

10-065

Total Sunshine

Hours.

03-3 103-2 1641 260-8 277-1 271-9 336-3 311 240 141 146 136

2452-8

1697-6

YTKLDS OK KIKLl) CHOPS.

Though the yield of grain iu ticld lots this year has not been high, the quality has been good.

284 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915 Areas and Yiki.ds of Field Crops, Lacombe, 1913.

Variety.	Area.	Total	yield.	Yield per acre.
Banner oats	Acres. 5-859 33 0 IMOl 60 260	Bush. 410 1,776 517 150 902	Lb. 16 31 30 00 00	Bush. Lb. 70 2
Abundance oats	53 29
Marquis wheat	44 57
< ). A. C. Xo. 21 barley	25 00
IMensury barley	37 00

ROTATION OF CROPS.

While it is rather too eai'ly to draw definite conclusions as to tlie particular rota- tion best adiipted to local conditions, it has been shovni that a rotation whieli includes .'in application of barnj'ard manure and at least two years in hay or pasture, will insure 'leavier yields of grain during the years in which it is sown to these crops, than is "'ossible where no rotation is followed other than continuous grain growing. A rota- ion such as "Iv" or "L" described below, is well adapted to conditions as obtain n this district. The sod, by returning fibre to the soil, helps to prevent blowing, increases its water holding capacity and improves its physical condition. The moder- ate application of barn.yard manure has a similar effect, and it is noticeable that crops on land so treated make greater headway, especially in the e<irly stages, than those on equally rich soil where no manure has been used. Extremely heaA-y appli- cations of manure, more particularly if it is coarse, may prove injurious the first year after its application, especially if the season happens to be dry. If comparatively fine maiuire is applied on sod in the fall after the first crop of hay is cut. beneficial results will certainly folloAV.

The following rotations are now under test, " X " reported upon last year having been dropi>ed to make room for some new poulti'y buildings.

ROTATION '' C."

First year. — Summer-fallow.

Second year. — Wheat.

Third year. — Wheat, or coarse grain.

ROTATlUX ■' K.

First year. — Hoed crop — peas — mixed grain.

Second year. — Wheat.

Third year. — Oats or barley. Seeded down per acre as follows: one-third, alsike clover 6 pounds and rj'c grass 10 pounds; one-third, alsike clover 6 pounds, alfalfa 6 pounds and timothy 3 pounds; one-third, alsike clover 2 pounds, red clover 6 pounds, timothy 2 pounds and rye grass 2 pounds.

Fourth year. — Hi-y. Manured in autumn, 12 tons per acre.

Fifth year. — Pasture.

Sixth year. — Pasture. Ploughed July after haying, in preparation for roots.

Lacombe.

Dn l.<l(i\ or FIF.LIt HL,-<BA.\DIiy 285

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

UOTATION ■■ L."

First year. — Hay.

•"Second year. — Pasture. Manured in autumn, 12 tons per acre.

Third yiar. — Pa-tiirc. Break July, for fall wheat.

Foiirfh year. — (train. Winter wheat, or, in case of failure, spring wheat.

Fifth year. — Oats.

Sixth year. — Barley. Seeded down with 4 pounds timothy, 4 ix>unds alsike and 4 pounds red clover per acre.

ROTATION' " o."

Fin<t year. — Hoed crops, or peas and oats mixed, cut early, and land disec-d and (cultivated in fall.

Second year. — Wheat.

Third year. — Oats.

Fourth year. — Summer-fallow.

Fifth year. — Barley. Seeded down with 3 pounds timothy, 2 pounds alsike and 0 ])Ound'S alfalfa per at-re.

Sixth year. — Hay. Manured in fall 6 tons per acre.

SerenV yi'ar. — Pasture. Portion intended for roots the following year to be pluughed early July.

The following tables contain details in connection with the above rutatiuiis for 1913. In computing the results fixed values as given on page 156 of this report have been used.

Lacombe,

285

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915 ROTATION

-

Items of Expense

"o

Horse labour (including

Manual

teamster).

0)

n 3

labour.

{^

Cropa.

i

-3 9

Houra.

o

-a c 03

0) c

0) OJ

s 03

s

1

■^-j

u

?"

4)

m --^

m -»^

m-*^

'rt

03

c3

C

^-

3

+^

bt

^ O O

hi o

o

O

u

o

S s

O

o

c

J3

.a

tf

'^,

Pi

m

W

O

K!

oS

I CO

1

.t^

1912.

1913.

Ac.

$ c.

$ c.

No.

.1 c.

No.

No. i No.

No.

No.

1st...

Barley

Wheat

1 1 1

2 00 2 00 2 00

2 60 0 60 2 72

2?

0 52

n »

2nd...

Barley Summer-fallow

Summer-fallow Wheat

I2h

3rd...

4

0 76

4

3 4

i

Aggregate

3

6 00

5 92

1 28

1

Average per acr

e

2 00

1 97

0 43

1

1

ROTATION

4th..	. Barley seeded down .Hay	Hay	3-909 3-909 3-909 3-909 O-909	15 64 15 64 15 64 15 64 15 64	7 23 5 87 5 87 30 72 10 46 7 32	192	3 75
fith	Pasture Pasture Hoed erop Wheat		16f
6 th	.Pasture .Pasture .'. . . Hoed crop . Wheat
1st.. ?iid	230^ 8i 61	43 79 1 57	7\	72 8	3^	22 41
3rd	Barley seeded down		1	•'I
		3-909 23-45	15 64	1 19	8i	141
	Aggregate	93 84	67 46		50 30
	Average per acr	e		4 00	2 88		2 14
						1 1

ROTATION

3'd..

Pasture Pasture Wheat

Pasture Wheat Oats Barley seeded down Hay

1-74 1-74 1-74 1-74 1-74 1-74

6 96 6 96 6 96 696 6 96 6 96

2 39 4 65 3 40 3 53 3 OS 2 39

22 3i li 11 31 n

0 52 0 62 0 24 0 28 0 62 0 24

41 22^ 31

4fh... 5vh...

ii

■"■21 8f 71

0th...

Oats

1st...

Barley seeded down Hav

41 51 3

2nd...

Pasture

Aggregate

10-44

41 76

19 44

2 52

Average per acr

e

4 00

1 86

0 24

ROTATION

4th... 5th...

6th..

7th.. 1st.. 2nd.. 3rd..

Oats Green feed | 3-210

.Summer-fallow! Barley seeded!

Barley

down. Hay.... Pasture.

seeded

down.

Hay

Pasture

Iloed crop.

Hoed crop I Wheat.

Wheat lOats 4-119

2-727

3-2o2' 4-119 4-119 4-119

Aggregate ,

Average per acre.

9 18

7 79

9 33

11 78

11 78

11 78

11 78

25-675 73 42

2 86

17 89
6 24
6 91
8 51
20 01
11 46
7 96
78 98
3 08

15

16

1 84!

2 85

3 041

27.'ji 10

i!

51 92

2 14 1 90!

63 69!.

2 48

4

7I1 9|i

3 31

87f 8 5

4i 6

Lacombi;.

DTTI^IOX fir FIELD TW^Ii.iNDRT

287

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 "C" (three years' duration).

IN RAISING Crop.

Particolars of (Juop.

S

Weight.

9 o

£

^

.

•

el

03

oj

M

r— <

Ut

c

to O

o Km

o ,—4

o

d o

03

o □. a o O

o

•4^

o

O

O

O

■*J

o

o

O

o

—

^

c

ts

4->

a

(«

-4-*

CO

W

bO

03

2

>.

s

C3

3

qa

03

o

O

O

C

o

o

>H

a

o

o

ci

g

>

U

H

O

O

O

w

o

en

W

a

H

>

(^

S c.

S c. S 0.

$ c.

Ct.s.

S <•.

Ins.

Lt>.

Lb.

Lb.

i.b.

.Sc.

$ C.

$ c.

0 71

1 45 7 28 ■ 6 85 3 03 10 42

7 28 6 85 10 42

35

1,240

3,965'

18 51

18 51

11 23 — 6 85

4 25

1

1 91

24

2,600

5,675

.37 50

37 50

27 08

6 87

4 48| 24 55

56 01

2 29

1 49

8 18

18 67

10 49

"K" (six years' duration).

	32 31 8 27 24 51 5 50 21 51 5 50 127 83 32 70						13,244		66 22 16 94! 8 67
'"5 69						2 63 0 67i-4 83
								2 86 0 73 -4 77
37 68						14,762	32, 130	341 56 128 42 61 18	87 38' ^ C'H
4 88' io 4i 42 95! 10 99	28-8 37-1			8,920 5.280	is, 975	32 85 15 65	21 80
! 11 19 5 50; 40 84 10 45			8,380			5 20
59 44 15 91^286 95									602 87
2 53 0 68 -	12 23									25 70 13 47

'L" (six years' duration).

1 53		11 40	6 .55					4,210		21 68 31 37 39 24 25 74 32 25	12 46	a 01
♦8 73	2 49i 23 45' 13 48 3 87; 20 45 11 75 2 35' IS 33 10 .53	65-9 20-6 390			2,i;)5! 5.805	IS 03 4 5S
5 98			3,287 2,256	6, 373		' * •	22 55 10 SO
5 20			3,181			14 79 18 53	4 26
1 95		12 61 10 61	7 25 6 10			0,450		11 VR
1 02						1,060 1 6 17	3 551-'' .^"^
24 42	8 71	96 85									156 45
*> .34	0 83		9 27								14 98	5 71
			i i

"0" (.seven years' duration	).
fi 50	35 .50 24 57 22 51 20 29 127 56	11 06 9 01 6 90 4 93 30 97						9,028!	45 14 54 64 53 93 4 28 140 91 174 73 123 49	14 06 3 00
3 79 3 90	31-5			3,744	17,1%	10, 785		20 04 11 03
3 23'			16 54 9 64
							1 04 -3 S7
43 85							57,4.32	34 21 3 24
5 60 14 35	45 33: 11 00 44 29 10 78	22- 1 14-0			12,300 10,670	2i,454 16, 790		42 42 31 42
10 10 12 55				29 98 19 20
73 16 30 SO	320 05									597 12
2 85 1 20	. .. 12 47								23 26 10 79
r

L.xcoMBt;.

283 EXPEKIMEyiAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A, 1915 FANNED VEESUS NOT FANNED WHEAT FOE SEED.

An interesting experinient has been conducted with fanned and not fanned ]\farquis wheat for seedinj? pui'poses. The results indicate the importance of a care- ful grading of all seed grain.

Wheat fanned twice yielded 38 bush. 00 lb. per acre.

Wheat f aimed once yielded 2<» " .50

Wheat not fanned yielded 24 " 00 •'

«

SOIL ■ CULTTJEAL EXPEEIMENTS.

A series of soil cultivation experiments is being conducted and, as far as it has been possible to judge, the yields have not been influenced other than by the treatment given. Among the experiments conducted, the following are tliose con- sidered conclusive enough to be reported upon : —

DEPTH OF PLOUGHING.

A. Ploughing on wheat stubble to be sovni to oats. n

B. Ploughing for summer-fallow.

C. Ploughing on sod.

The deep working of the land in the summer-fallow year did not appear to give •any special result's on the first succeeding crop (wheat) but influenced favourably the second crop (oats).

In the breaking out of sod, ploughing at a depth of five inches gave better ivsults than at 3 or 4 iuches. This practice also proved superior, this year, to brooking sod 3 inches and ploughing the wheat stubble 6 inches for the following oat crop.

SUMMER-FALLOAV TREATMENT.

In the experiment with methods of summer-fallowing, the following points have been indicated : —

1. That it is of advantage to plough summer-fallow but once.

2. That deep ploughing gives better results than shallow ploughing.

3. That working or ploughing the stubble land in the fall previous to the summer-fallow does not always result in increased yields.

STUBBLE TREATMENT.

The fall or spring ploughing of stubble land proved better practice than the burn- ing of the stubble in spring, and then s-eeding.

SEEDING TO GRASS AND CLOVER.

When the seeding of grass is made with a nurse crop, the yield of hiij- is increased, but the increase is not sufficient to compensate for the loss of crop sus- tained when seeding alone.

Lacombe.

DiriSlOX OF FIELD UU SB Ay DRY 289

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

CLEAKING AND BrxEAKIXG.

Al»(iut 15 acres of the iiicire lieavily timbcrud portion of the newly purchased fanu liave bi-en cleared, and broken by means of a steam plough. The engine drew two 24-inch brush brealters and cut a clean and well-turned furrow, considering that many of the roots ojicounterptl measured twelve inches or more across. Another 6-acre area lia^ lieen brushed, cleared and broken by horse-power.

FEXCIXG.

About r»3 miles of woven wire fence were erected during the season, the style for the nidst i>art being a nine-wire .^^-inch fence, ten stays to the rod, number nine gauge wire thruughout. A few other styles were also erected so that con:iparisons may be made.

LACOiMBE.

IC— 19

290 EXI'EIUMESTXL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

EXPERIMENTAL FARM FOR BRITISH COLUMBIA,

AGASSIZ, B.C.

KEPOET OF THE SUPERINTENDENT, P. H. MOORE, B.S.A.

FIELD CEOPS.

In tlie spring of 1911 practically the entire Farm was put down to a four-year rotation, namely : — ■

First year. — ILoed crop of corn, roots or potatoes. ~

Second year. — Grain. Seeded down.

Third year. — Clover liay.

F 0X1 r ill year. — Pasture.

With the increase of barnyard manure, the results from each new section planted to hoed crops have shown an improvement.

The hoed crops this season were grown on a piece of land from which, since 1010, orchards have been removed from time to time. x\ part of the area is badly iiifested with couch grass, and another portion suffers somewhat from shading, due to its location between the mountains on the north and a section o£ Douglas fir 'trees on the south. ISTotwithstanding this, the yields have been fair. In aHl, there were harvested 284 tons 1,770 pounds of silage corn, 136 tons 110 pounds of mangels, 9 tons 1,980 pounds of carrots, G tons 100 pounds of sugar beets, 16 tons l,r)00 pounds of potatoes, and 10 tons 800 pounds of turnips, making a total hoed crop yield of 464 tons 260 pounds.

Two varieties each of corn and mangels were grown as field crops, namely: Longfellow and Compton's Early corn and Giant Half Sugar White and Perfection Mammoth Long Red mangels. Regarding the corn, the sorts grown give the best results of any of the varieties grown to date. With regard to the mangels, we are i!'>t in fj position to make this statement with such assiurance as yet, because several of the varieties now being tested give promise of greater yields per acre.

The mangels were planted at the rate of 9 pounds per acre in drills, 30 inches apart. These drills were set up with a double mould board plough, rolled and the seed sowii with a hand drill. This rate of planting gave, at the time of the two-le;if stage, a perfect stand. Where fertilizer tests were not carried on, there were sown in the drills, at drilling time, 600 pounds per acre of a mixture of chemical fertil- izers, consisting of 350 pounds superphosphate, 150 pounds muriate of potash and 100 pounds nitrate of soda. For the last two years the mangels, when treated this \vay, have grown faster than the average weeds. When once np and growing nicely tlu\v were hoed by hand with a small wheel hoe. They were thus easily and cheaply kept above tlie weeds, and the horse cultivator did the rest until thinning time. They were thinned about 14 inches apart and hoed but once thereafter.

Because the field was badly overrun with couch grass, a great deal of prepara- tion was required for the corn land. Many harrowings were given with the drag typo of harrow, for too much cutting only defeated our aims. Barnyard manure was ploughed in at the rate of 16 tons per acre. The corn wns planted by

DIV[S10\ OF FIL'IJ) UlSn.W fiRY

291

StSSIONAL PAPER No. 16

iiiachiiK' ill clieck.-i '■> ft-ot apart each way, for tliis distance lias proven tlie iiu>t a.Ivantaf^eoiis for this di.^trict in getting good silage results. The land was harrowed with a drag harrow twice hefore the corn came up, to keep down the corn spurrey. After the last cultivation with u two-horse two-rowed cultivator (except the finishing oif. for which we used the single walking scuffler), it was hand hoed once. In harvesting, the corn was l)ouiid and haulrd on low-wheeled wagons. The total cost in the silo was $2.73 per ton.

BARNYAKD :MANURE.

COMMKRCIAL FKRTII.IZKU ALOXK VeVSUS COM Mi;i{CI.\L FKUTILIZKR TOfJETIIER WITH

BARNYARD MANURE FOR MANGELS.

«

In order to ascertain the value of harnyard manure for mangels, an experiment was begun using a mixture of commercial fertilizer only on one plot, and the same mixture, together with IG tons per acre of barnyard manure on a second plct While the second plot yielded over ?> tons per acre more mangels than the first, the manure could not be considered as having entirely paid for itself from the first crop after application. The yields of succeeding crops must, of course, be considered before the full value of the manure will be known.

CoMMKHciAL Fki:tit,izf.r alone versus Commercial Fertilizer together with Barnyard

j\ranure.

	Plot.	Fertilizers.	Yield of mangels per acre.	Cost of fertilizers.	Value of
	« Barnyard manure.	Commercial fertilizers.	crop per acre less cost of fer- tilizers.
	1 V	16 ton.s.fre.sli, applied in ."pring	Superphospliatc, .3.50 lb.; muriate of pot- ash. l.'SOlb.: nitrate of .'^oda, 100 1b Superphosphate, 350 lb.; muriate of pot- ash. 1.50 lb.; nitrate of soda, 100 1b	Tons. T.b. 26 1820 23 1.5o0	.? fts- 24 42 S 42	$ cts.
		.56 30 62 90

SPRING API'I.IC.VTION versn>i WINTER APPLICATION OF FRESH MANURE. '

In this \ery wet winter climate it is thought there may be undue loss through the leaching of barnyard manure a{)plied in the fall or winter. An experiment to learn the probable extent of this loss has been conducted during the past season. The restilts, as tabulated l>elow, favour spring application.

Further tests, verifying these results, must be made, before accepting them as conclusive.

Agassiz.

IG— i;»A

292 EXPERLUEXTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915 Spring Application versus Winter Application of Fresh Manure.

	Fertilizers.			Value of
^ Plot.		Yield of mangels per acre.	Cost of fertilizers.	crop per acre less cost of fertilizers.
Barnyard manure.	Commercial fertilizers.
			Tons. Lb.	$ cts.	$ cts.
1	16 t«ns, fresh, ap- plied in winter. . . .	Superphosphate, 350 lb.; muriate of pot- ash, 1.501b.; nitrate of soda, 1001b	25 1000	24 42	52 07
2. »	16 tons, freish, ap- plied in spring	Superphosphate, 350 lb.; muriate of pot- a.sh, 1.50 lb.; nitrate of soda, 100 1b	* ! 26 1820	24 42	56 30

WINTER APPLICATION OF MANURE (FRESH) verSUS SPRING APPLICATION (STACK).

In this experiment, 16 tons per acre of manure were weighed and hauled on the plot in the winter and left in the stack, to be spread in the spring. The other plot received fresh manure direct from the yard in the spring. Spring application again produced a somewhat heavier yield of mangels, but results will be accepted as final only after further verification.

Application of Fresh Manure in Winter versus Application from Stack in Spring.

Plot.

Fertilizers.

Barnyard manure.

Coxiimercial fertilizers.

Yield of mangels per acre

16 tons, fresh, ap- plied in winter. . . .

16 tons, from stack, applied in spring. .

Superphosphate, 350 lb.; muriate of pot- ash, 1501b.; nitrate of soda, 100 1b

Tons. Lb.

Superphosphate, 350| lb.; muriate of pot- ash, 150 lb.; nitrate] of soda, 100 1b...

25 1000

25 1780

Cost of fertilizers.

$ cts.

24 42

24 42

Yield of

crop per acre

less cost of

fertilizers.

$ cts.

52 07

53 24

Agassiz.

5 GEORGE V. SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 A. 1915

Dominion of Canada

DEPAKTMEXT OE AGRICULTURE

Dominion Experimental Farms

REPORT

FROM THE

DIVISION OF ANIMAL HUSBANDRY

ON

BEEF CATTLE,

DAIRY CATTLE AND DAIRYING.

HORSES, SHEEP AND SWINE

FOR THE FISUAL YEAR ENDING MARCH 31, 1914

PREPARED BY

The Dominion Animal Husbandman, Ottawa, Ont. - - - - E. S. Archibald, B. A., B.S.A.

Superintendent —

Experimental Station, Charlottetown, P.E.I. - - - - J. A. Clark, B.SA.

Experimental Farm, Nappan, N.S. W. W. Baird, B.S.A.

Experimental Station, Kentville, N.S. W.S.Blair.

Experimental Station, Fredericton, N.B. W. W. Hubbard.

Experimental Station, Cap Rouge, P. Q. Gus. A. Langelier

Experimental Station, Ste. Anne de la Pocatiere, P.Q. - J. Begin.

Experimental Farm, Brandon, Man. W. C. McKillicaii, B.S.A.

Experimental Farm, Indian Head, Sask T.J.Harrison, B.S.A.

Experimental Station, Scott, Sask. - R. E. Everest, B.S.A.

Experimental Station, Rosthern. Sask. Wm. A. Munro, B.A., B.S.A.

Experimental Station, Lacombe, Alta. G. H. Hutton, B.S.A.

Experimental Station, Lethbridge, Alta. W. H. Fairfield, M.S.

Experimental Farm, Agassiz, B.C. P. H. Moore, B.S.A.

2i'3

5 GEORGE V.

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 A. 1915

REPORT

FROM THE

DIVISION OF ANIMAL HUSBANDRY.

Ott.\w.\, March 31, 1914.

J. IT. GrnsDALa E.sq., B.Agr.,

Director Dominion Experimental Farms, Ottawa.

5>iK, — I liavo tlie honour to submit herewith reports upon the beef cattle, dairy cattle and dairying operations, horses, sheep, and swine on the Central Experi- mental Farm and branch Farms and Stations for the past year.

On October 11, 1914, this Division suffered severely at the Central Experimental Farm in the loss of the main dairy barn, calf, bull and steer barns by fire. Tbis necessitated the discontmuing of many lines of work at this Farm, not only witb Dairy and Beef cattle, but also with other cla^^ses of stock, as all remaining build- ings wore crowded to their limit. With the completion of the new buildings, no\» under construction, all such postponed work will be continued.

For help in preparing and compiling a large proportion of the data contained in the text of the Central Farm report, I am indebted to Mr. G. B. Roth well. The conducting of work and reporting results of sucli work on the branch Farms and Stations have been in the hands of the Sui'terin ten dents of those Farm^ and Stations.

In work with swine, both breeding and feeding, on the Central Experimental Farm, Mr. D. D. Gray, farm foreman, deserves special credit for the very efficient manner in which he conducted tlie various operations and retained careful and accurate records of same.

The work of keeping breeding and sales records for the Central Experimental Farm, and also the registration work for all Dominion Experimental Farms, has been most efficientlj' performed by IMr. G. B. Rothwell.

To Mr. Jos. Meilleur, dairyman at the Central Farm, I am indebted for excellent work and careful records in bis department.

To Mr. Robt. Cunningham, lierd.-man, T am indebted for constant and efficient care of stock and for interest and assistance in new work, as well as the satisfactory performance of the routine work in connection with all classes of cattle.

Ti) my secretary, iSlr. O. .lohnsoii, 1 am indebted for efficiency and diligence in office work, which includes heavy correspondence and the keeping records tabulated and filed.

Attention is drawn to the fact that all feeding experimental work is conducted in co-operation with the Division of Chemistry. Readers are referred to the repcrt of the l)ominif)n Chemist, Mr. F. T. Shutt. in which are contained the analyses of all foodstuffs being fed experimentally.

295

235 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

During tlie year I have attended many meetings, and judged at various exhibi- tions, in addition to my regular duties on the Central Experimental Farm. I have also visited each of the branch Farms and Stations in the Eastern Provinces where live stock work is being conducted or is anticipated, but owing to the losses by fire at Ottawa, was compelled to postpone visiting the western Farms.

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

E. S. ARCHIBALD,

Dominion Animal Husbandman.

DIM^IOX OF AMMAL Hl.'iBAyDRY 297

SESSIONAL PAPtR No. 16

BEEF CATTLE.

CENTRAL EXPEROIEXTAL FARM, OTTAWA, ONT.

REPORT OF THE DOMINION ANIMAL HUSBANDMAN E. S. ARCHIBALD, B.A., B.S.A.

As reported previously, no breeding herds of beef cattle have been maintained on the Central Experimental Farm since the removal, in 1911, of the Shorthorn herd from Ottawa to the brancji Farm at Brandon, Man., this owing to lack of pasture, furage crops, and buildin-is necessary for such work.

BEEF EXFERIMEXTAL FEEDING.

Previous experiments have clearly demonstrated the fact that stall feeding of stockers and thin butcher cattle during summer months as a rule leaves little if any l)roflt. Hence during tlie past year no work was undertaken in the summer months. In the early part of September a good bunch (thirty head) of 2-year-old stockers was purchased preparatory to winter feeding experiments. These were dehorned and tuberculin tested at once, and maintained on a preparatory feeding period durifig the last tv?o Aveeks of. that month. On October 1 three experiments were started, compar- ing three yrain rations with and without molasses and molasses meals. These experi- ments promised interesting and valuable data, but unfortunately had to be discon- tinued owing to the destruction of the steer barn by fire.

However, at that time the Superintendent of the Experimental Farm at Xappan, N.S.. was commencing steer purchases for experimental feeding, and it was considered advisable to ship this lot of steers from Ottawa and incorporate some of the features of the started experiment in the work at that Farm. See report of the Superintendent, Ex]»erimental Farm. Nappan. N.S.

It is hoped that such work may be re-established on this Farm during the coming year, in temporary quarters, and that in the near future ample accommodation may be provided for this most important line of work.

FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR BEEF CATTLE.

Below arc submitted inventories and returns for beef cattle on the Central Experi- mental Farm during the year April 1, 1913, to March 31, 1914.

RETURNS.

By sale of ten finished steers $ 909 38

By sale of fattened cows 178 45

By sale ot twenty-foui- steers to E.xporimental Farm,

Nappan 1,909 25

By man-'.re, 240 tons at $1 240 00

Gross returns $3,2:;.T 08

E.XPENDITIRES.

To feed consumed by steers and fattening cows. ... $ 26.") 10 To twenty-eight steers purchased September 12, 1913,

at |7 a cwt 2,199 75

To value of steers and fattening cows April 1, 1913 4."j4 30

. To labour with beef animals 205 00

Gross expenditure .?.124 15

Net balance from beef cattle 112 93

298 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

5 GEORSE v., A. 1915

EXPERIMENTAL STATION, CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I.

REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT, J. A. CLARK, B.S.A.

BEEF CATTLE.

The work with beef cattle at this Station was limited to steer feeding.

Feeders of a good beef type were very scarce and Bather thin in flesh in the autumn of 1913. The cattle were mostly grades of various breeds and were purchased and marketed at the ruling market prices. They were dehorned and allowed to run on rape with shelter and hay at night, during part of November, at a cost per steer per month of $1.73. The meal mixture cost $25 per ton and was made up as follows: —

Oats (grounrl) Lb. 43

Barley (ground ) " 43

Peas " 14

The bran cost $25 per ton and was mixed as fed, some pens requiring more than others.

Roots were valued at $2 per ton.

Hay (mixed clover and timothy) was valued at $7 per ton.

The test started on December 1, 1913, with sixteen head.

The following is a detailed statement of the different lots fed: —

LOT I.

The steers in the first pen were in good condition. They were Holstein and Shorthorn grades which, at the date of sale, would be about 2 years and 9 months old- Number of steers in lot 4

First weight, gross Lb. 3,810

First weight, average " 952J

Finislied weight, gros.i " 4,400

Finished weiglit. average " 1,100

Total gain in eighty days " 590 ,

Average gain per steer " 147J

Daily gain per steer " 1-84-

Daily gain per lot : . . . " 7.37

Gross cost of feed ^ .$ 73 19

Cost of one pound gain Cts. 12.4

Value of beef at the beginning, 3,810 pounds at 4-73 cents

Total cost to produce beef " 253 31

Selling price at 6S cents per pound " 286 00

Profit " 33 29

Profit per steer " 8 32

Average valuation of -Steer at start ~ " 45 03

Average value price at finish " 71 50

Average increase in value " 26 47

Average cost of feed per steer " 18 29

Amount of meal eaten by lot (crushed grain, l,4:i0, lnun. l,S4r>).IJ). 3,295

Amount of roots eaten V>y lot " 19,805

Amount of hay eaten " 3,486

Diiisiox or .IXfiriL BLSBIXDRT 299

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

LOT II.

These were two steers of good beef type and one pure-bred Shorthorn heifer. Tht\v were in good thriftv eondition and were about 3 months younger on the average th;iu h)t •^.

Number of cattle in lot 3

I'^irst weight, gross Ijb. 2,625

First weight, average " 875

I'MiiisIied weight, gross " 3,285

I'Mii'shetl weight average " 1,095

Total gain in 106 tiays " 660

Average gain per animal " 220

Tiaily gain per animal " 2.07S

Daily gain per lot " 6.22i

Gross cost of feed % 67 52

Cost of 1 pound gain Cts. 10-21

Value of beef at beginning, 2,625 pounds at 483 cents .. .. $ 126 99

Total cost to produce beef " 194 51

Selling price at 7?. cents per pound " 246 37

Profit " 51 86

I'roflt per animal " 17 29

Average valuation of animal at start " 42 33

Average value price at finish " 82 12

Average increase in value " 39 79

Average cost of feed per animal " 22 51

Amount of meal eaten by lot (crushed grain, 1,37 4 ; b:an, 1.704). Lb. 3.081

Amount of roots eaten by lot "' 18,320

Amount of hay eaten by lot " 3, 053

LOT III.

These were two Hereford grades about 3 years old at date of sale, and one Short- horn graile just 2 years old when sold. The Hereford grades were very thin at the !)Cginning and at the close were shown in the Easter market by the bntc.her.

Number of steers in lot 3

First weight, gross Lb. 2,4 25

First weight, average " SOS

Finished weight, gross " 3,145

Finished weight, average " 1,048

Total gain in 128 days " 720

Average gain per steer " 240

iJaily gain per steer " 1-S75

Daily gain per lot " r,.625

( Jross cost of feed $ 88 93

Cost of one pound gain Cts. 12-35

Value of beef at beginning. 2.425 pounds at 5-26 cents $ 127 65

Total cost to produce beef " 2ir> 60

Selling price at 71 cents per pound " 23.'. 87

Profit ' *'_ 19 27

Profit per steer " 6 42

Average valuation of steer at start " 42 53

Average value price at finish " 7!^ 62

Average increase in value " 3.') 07

Average cost of feed per steer " 29 65

Anmrnt of meal eat' n by lot (crushed grain, 2.272; bran, 2.183). ^b. 4,ir.5

Ahiount of roots eaten by lot " 21,758

Amount of hay eaten by lot " 3,288

Cn.VRLOTTKTOWy.

300 EXPERIMENTAL EARMS

.5 GEORGE v., A. 1915 LOT IV.

Tliese were two Hereford grades and one Ayrshire grade all about 3 years old at date of sale. The lot were all thin when started. They were fed all the meal mixture they would stand from start to finish.

Beef Production. — Lot IV.

Number of steers in lot 3

First weight, gross .- Lb. 2,335

First weight, average " 778

Finished weight, gross ■' 3,230

Finished weight, average " 1,077

Total gain in 134 days " 895

Average gain per steer " 298

Daily gain per steer " 2.226

Daily gain per lot " 6-678

Gross cost of feed j 9S 64

Cost of one pound gain Cts. 11-021

Value of beef at beginning, 2,335 pounds at 5-6 cents $ 130 78

Total cost to produce beef '• 229 42

Selling price at 7J cents per pound " 242 25

Profit " 12 83

Profit per steer " 4 28

Average valuation of steer at start " 43 59

Average value price at finish " 80 75

Average increase in value " 37 16

Average cost of feed per steer " 32 88

Amount of meal eaten by lot (crushed grain, 2,519 ; bran, 2,492) . .lb. 5,011

Amount of roots eaten by lot " 23,680

Amount of hay eaten by lot , " 3,520

LOT V.

These were two dairy type steers and one pure-bred Shorthorn steer. They wero young and thrifty, averaging about 2 years old when sold. ,

Number of steers in lot 3

First weight, gross Lb. 2,175

First weight, average " 725

Finished weight, gross " 2,900

Finished weight, average " 967

Total gain in 151 days " 725

Average gain per steer " 242

Daily gain per steer *' 1-6

Daily gain per lot " 4-8

Gross cost of feed $ 89 SO

Cost of one pound gain Cts. 12-35

Value of beef at beginning, 2,175 pounds at 4.775 cents $ 103 84

Total cost to produce beef " 193 67

.Selling price, 2,900 pounds at 7J cents " 210 25

Profit " 16 58

Profit per steer " 5 52

Average valuation of steer at start " 34 62 '

Average value price at finish " 70 08

Average increase in value " 3546

Average cost of feed per steer " 29 93

Amount of meal eaten by lot ( oats, etc., 2,169; bran, 1,971) . . .Lb. 4,130

Amount of roots eaten by lot " 24,591

Amount of hay eaten by lot " 3,883

Deductions: — Only deductions of a general nature may be drawn from these

feeding tests where the types of animals and the number of days of test vary so greatly. However, the following points are of interest: —

(1) Steers fed quickly give a good margin of profit.

(2) The type of steer that is sold as feeders throughout the province, although conforming more to the dairy than the beef type, may be profitably finished in from three to five months, according to age.

(3) Many steers slaughtered in November and December would pay good profit- able returns if fed a few months longer.

Ch.^rlottetown.

DIVI&IOS OF AMllAL HLi:BA^DRy 301

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

EXPERBIEXTAL FARM, XAPPAX, X.S. EEPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT. W. W. BAIRD. B.S.A.

EXPERIMENT WINTER OF 1913-14.

Twenty-foil r steers were pureliaseil from the Central Farm, Ottawa, in October, ]913, costing 7 cents f.o.b. Freight charges on the twenty-four staers were $62.88, making the total cost of steers when landed here $7.23 per hundred, live weight.

All were well-bred grade Shorthorns, and twelve were in such a condition as would class them as good butchers. The remaining twelve were slightly thinner and could be ranked as good stockers. Four more good grade steers were purchased locally at 4| cents per pound and were in suihciently good flesli to be classed as goftd butcher cattle.

The twenty-eight steers then were divided into two main lots, namely, sixteen gocnl butchers and twelve good stockers; the^e in turn were divided into sublots for feeding as follows: —

Lot 1, six steers, good butchers. Lot 2, six steers, good stockers. Lot 3, six steers, good butchers. Lot 4, six steers, good stockers. Lot 5, four steers, good butchers.

These were fed as follows : —

Lot 2 were fed 50 per cent more roots and meal than lot 4. Lot 3 were fed 50 per cent more roots and meal than lot 1. Half of lot 1 were fed 2 pounds molasses per day per steer during period. Other half of lot 1 were fed none.

Half of lot 2 were fed 2 pounds molasses per day per steer during period. Other half of lot 2 were fed none.

Half of lot 3 were fed 2 pounds of molasses per steer per day during period. Other half of lot 3 were fed none.

Half of lot 4 were fed 2 pounds molasses per steer per day during period. Other half of lot 4 were fed none.

Lot 5 were fed same roughage a~ lot 1 but replaced 2 pomids of meal with molasses.

All steers bad a jireparatory feeding jieri-ul from November 3 to 17 to allow them to become_acciistomed to tbeir feed and surroundings.

302

EXPERIilEXTAL ia/.M/.s

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915 Stekr Feeding Experiimknt at Nappan, from ISTovember IT. 1013, to March ?>(), lOl-t. Comparison of T.ots 1 and 3, Good Butchers, Heavy fed vs. Light fed.

Total live weight of steers, Nov. 17, 1913 lb.

Total live weight of steers, March .31, 1914 lb.

Inrrease to March 31, 1914 lb.

([.ot D—

Original weight of 6 steers, 7155 pounds, at 7-23 cents $

Weight at finish of 6 steers, 8,945 pounds at 9 cents > $

(Lot 3)-^

Original weight of 6 steers, 6,885 pounds at 7-23 cents $

Weight at finish of 6 steers, 8,765 pounds at 9 cents $

(i ross profi t S

Amount of hay consumed lb .

Amount of meal consumed lb .

Amount of roots consumed lb .

Amount of inolasses con.sunied gal.

Cost of feed for lot for 133 days $

Net profit ?

Daily rate of gain per steer lb.

Cost of 1 pound gain cts.

Cost of feed per day per steer cts.

Profit per steer $

Lot 1. I 6 steers. 'Light Fed"

7,155 8,945 1.790

517-30 805-05

287-75 11,970

3,528

30,060

55

135.40

152. 35

2,243 7.. 56

16.96

25-39

Lot 3.

6 steers.

'Heavy Fed'

6,885 8.765 1,880

497-78 788-85 291-07 11,970

5,292

45,999

55

173.66

117.41

2,355 9.24

21.76

19-57

Steer Feedixg Experiment at Nappan from November 17, 1913, to Marcli 30, 1914.

Comparison of Lots 2 and 4, Good Stock ers, Heavy fed vs.

Liglit

fed.

Total live weight of steers, Nov. 17. 1913 lb.

Total live weight of steers, March 31, 1914 tb.

Increase to March 31, 1914 lb.

Lot 2—

Original weight of 6 steers, 6,655 pounds at 7-23 cents S

Weight at finish of 6 steers, 8,490 pounds at 9 cents S

Lot 4—

Original ^\ eight of 5 steers, 5,790 pounds at 7-23 cents .S

Vt'eight at finish of 5 steers, 7,205 pounds at 9 cents -S

Gross Profit $

Amount of hay consumed lb.

Amount of meal consumed lb.

Amount of roots consumed lb.

Amount of molasses con.sumed gal.

Cost of feed for lot for 133 days $

Net profit S

Daily rate of gain per steer lb .

Cost of 1 pound gain cts.

Cost of feed per day per steer cts.

Profit per steer $

Lot 2.

6 steers "Heavv Fed"

6, 6.55 8,490 1,8.35

481-15 764 10

282-95 11.970

5,292

45,990

55

173-66

109 -29

2-299 9-46

21-76

18-21

Lot 4.

5 steers 'Light Fed"

5.790

7,205 1,415

418-61

648-45

229-84

9-975

2,940

25,5.50

55

114-67

115-17

2-127

8-10

17-24

23-03

Nap-pax.

TUVISI<>\ or AMMAL IILsllAMJin'

303

S'ESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Stekr FKEniNC. ExPEHtMEXT at Naitpau from November IT. 1013, to March 30. lOli. Lot T), (Jood Butchers, fed the same as Lot 1, cxcoi)t l' punnds of meal whicli was replaced by molasses.

Total weight of 4 steers, Nov. 21, 191?. - lb.

Total weight of 4 .steers, March 31, 1914 lb.

Increase to March 31, 1914 lb.

Original weight of stcrers, 4,53.3 pound« at 4-75 cents $

Weight at finish of 4 steers, 5,7C0 pounds at 9 cents $

Ciross profit $

Amount of hay consumed lb.

Amount of meal consumed Uj.

Amount of roots consumed lb.

Amount of molasses consumed gal.

( 'ost of feed for lot for 126 days S

Net profit '. $

Daily rate of gain per steer lb .

Cost of 1 pound gain cts.

Profit per steer $

Lot 5.

4 steers

" Good

Butchers"

4,535

5,7G0

1,225 215-41 51X-40 302-99

7,560 19,320

1,596 71

84-50 218-49

2-430 6-89 54-62

Lot 5, calcu- lated onsamo basis as Lot 1.

4.535 5,760 1,225

327-88 518-10 190-52

7,500 19,320

1,596 71

84-50 106-02

2-430 6-89

26-50

Stkku Fkkdino E.vi'EHiMKNT at Nappan from November 17, 1913, to March 30, 1914. Comparison of sub-lots of Lot 1, Good Butchers, Light fed, Molasses vs. No Molasses.

Total live weight of 3 steers Nov. 17. 1913 lb.

Total live weight of 3 steers March 30, 1914 lb.

Increase to March 30, 1914 lb.

Molasses —

Original weight of three steers 3,510 pounds at 7-23 cents $

V>'eight at finish of 3 steers, 4,440 pounds at 9 cents S

No Molas-ic? —

Original %\eight of 3 steers, 3,645 pounds at 7-23 cents ?

Weight at finish of 3 steers, 4,505 pounds at 9 cents S

Gross profit S

Amount of hay consumed lb.

Atiutunt of meal con.sumcd.. lb.

Amount of roots con.sumcd.. lb.

Amount of molasses con.sumcd gal.

( "ost of feed for lot for 133 days $

Net profit S

I )iiily rate of gain per steer lb .

Cost of 1 pound gain cts.

Cost of feed per day per steer cts.

Profit, per steer ?

* Lot 1.	i Lot 1.
3 steers.	3 steers.
Molas.scs.	No Molasses.
3,510	3,645
4,440	4,505
930	860
253-77
399-60
	263-53
	405-45
145-83	141-92
5,985	5,985
1,764	1 , 764
15,330	15,330
55
73-20	62-20
72-63	79-72
2 -.330	2=155
7-87	7-23
18- 34	15-59
24-21	26-57

Nappan.

304

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

Steer Feeding Experijient at Kappau from November 17- 1913, to March 30, 1914. Comparison of sub-lots of Lot 2, Good Stockers, Heavy Fed. Molasses vs. Xo Molasses.

Total live weight of 3 steers Nov. 17, 1913 lb.

Total live weight of 3 steers March 30, 1914 lb .

Increase to March 30, 1914 lb.

Molasses —

Original weight of three steers 3,525 pounds at 7-23 cents $

Weight at finish of 3 steers, 4,500 pounds at 9 cents $

No Molasses —

Original weight of 3 steers 3,130 pounds at 7-23 cents $

Weight at finish of 3 steers, 3,990 pounds at 9 cents S

Gross profit S

Amount of hay consumed lb .

Amount of meal consumed lb .

Amount of roots consumed lb .

Amount of molasses consumed gal.

Cost of feed for lot for 133 days S

Net profit S

Daily rate of gain per steer lb.

Cost of 1 pound gain cts.

Cost of feed per day per steer cts .

Profit per steer. $

i Lot 1. 3 steers. Molasses.

3,525

4,500

975

254-85 405-60

150-15 5,985 2,646

22,995 55 92-32 57-83 2-443 9-46 23-13 19-27

I Lot 1.

3 steers.

No Molasses.

3,130

3,990

860

226-29 359-10 132-81 5,985 2,646 22,995

81-32 51-49 2-155 9-45 20-38 17 16

Steer Feeding Experiment at Nappau from November 17, 1913, to March 30, 1914. Comparison of sub-lots of Lot 3, Good Butchers, Heavy Fed. Molasses vs. Xo

Molasses.

Half Lot 3.

3 steers. '"Molasses."

Total live weight of 3 steers November 17. 1913 lb..

Total live weight of 3 steers March 30, 1914 lb..

Increase to March 30. 1914 lb..

Molasses- Original weight of 3 steers, 3,275 pounds, at 7-23 cents $. .

Weight at finish of 3 steers, 4,155 pounds, at 9 cents $. .

No Molasses —

Original weight of 3 steers, 3,610 pounds, at 7-23 cents $. .

Weight at finish of 3 steers, 4,610 pounds, at 9 cents .?. .

Gross profit $ • -

Amount of hay consumed lb. .

Amount of meal consumed lb. ,

Amount of roots consumed lb.

Amount of molasses consumed gal,

Cost of feed for lot for 133 days S. .

Net profit $ . .

Daily rate of gain per steer lb..

Cost of 1 pound gain cts

Cost of feed per day per steer cts

Profit per steer $. .

3,275

4,155

880

236.78 373.95

137.17 5,985 2,646

22,995

55

92

44

2 10 23 14

32

85

205

49

13

95

Half Lot 3.

3 steers.

"No

Molasses."

3,610 4,610 1,000

261.00 414.90 153 90 5,985 2,646 22,995

81 72 2 8 20 24

32 58 506 13 38 19

Nappan.

Plate IX

Steers fed at Nappan, X.S., 1913-14.

Steers fed at Kentville, N.S., 1913-14.

16— 1915— p. 304.

nivrsiox or aximal nrsBAynRY

305

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Steer Feeding Experlment at Nappan from November 17, 1913, to March 30, 1914. Comparison oi sub-lots of Lot 4, Good Stockers, Light Fed. Molasses vs. No Molasses.

Total live weight of steers November 17, 1913 lb.

Total live weight of steers March 30, 1914 lb.

Incrcise to March 30, 1914 lb.

Molasses —

Original weight of 3 steers, 3,815 pounds, at 7-23 cents $. .

Weight at finish of 3 steers, 4,650 pounds, at 9 cents S. .

No Molasses —

Original weight of 2 steers, 1,975 pounds, at 7-23 cents S. .

Weight at finish of 2 steers, 2,555 pounds, at 9 cents 8. .

Gross profit : $. .

Amount of hay consumed lb.

Amount of meal consumed lb.

Amount of roots consumed lb.

Amount of molasses consumed g; 1

Cost of feed for lot for 133 days S. .

Net profit $. .

Dady rate of gain per steer lb.

Cost of 1 pound gain cts

Cost of feed per day per steer cts

Profit per steer $. .

Half Lot 4.	Half Lot 4.
3 steers.	2 steers.
	"No
"Molasses."	Molasses."
3,815	1 . 975
4,6.50	2.555
835	.580
275 82
418 50
	142.79
	229.95
i42.68	87. .16
5.985	3,950
2,646	1,176
22.995	10,220
55
92-32	41-46
50-36	45-70
2-092	2-180
11-05	7-14
23-13	15-58
16-78	22-85

Method of Work.

WEIGHIXG.

The steers were weighed , three consecutive mornings, starting November 15, 1913, then weighed into experiment on November 17, and weighed at one-week inter- vals (Monday mornings) until the end of the feeding period. The steers were weighed at a reasonable time after mornina's meal and before they were watered. Lidividual weights were kept.

FEEDING.

1. Feeding period was from November 17, 1913, to March 30, 1914.

2. From November 3 to 17 was the preparatory period, in which they were given roots, hay, and meal, gradually working them up to .a normal feed at the beginning of the experiment.

3. See table for period of feeding.

4. All haf^ fed was be-t quality, and the amount fed to each lot was weiglied weekly.

5. Roots consisted mostly of turni])s, anj were weighed daily on barn scales.

6. Meal ration consisted of the following mixture: —

^Mixed crushed grain: bran, 200 pounds; oats, 200 pounds; barley, 200 pounds;

cotton seed, 100 pounds.

Molasses as per diagram. "

The prices of feed were: Meal ration, $1.30 per cwt. ; roots, $2 per ton; hay, $8 per ton ; and molasses, 20 cents per gallon.

See table as to amounts for respective periods of four weeks each, except tbe last period which was to have extended to April 6, but owing to the fact that a most satisfactory sale was made for the Easter market, and part of the steers Avere shipped on the 2nd of April, it was found necessary to close the experiment on March 30. Consequently, tliere are only three weeks in the last period.

16 — 20 Nappan.

306

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

			vj		1	1	1	1	1
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1— H	CO t>	1 M 00 to
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1	00	X	^		5 C	) c	1 c	O
	f^	c	1— 1	-^	1 «:	3 t£	J
< a		fn						i 1
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«		0 i,	O n	l>	1 o-	1 C>	) o-	1 IM
a.	^		1-^
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t!	^
[-4	o	•— ^		C£	3 C	2 O	1 c:	— H
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o

ISTappan.

DIVISIOX OP ANIMAL HUSBAyDRY 307

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Objkct of tiik Experimknt.

1. To show the results in feeding 50 per cent more roots anrl meal to heavy weight steers.

2. To show the results in feeding 50 per cent more roots and meal to medium weight steers.

3. To show the difference in profit in feeding the medium and heavy weight steers.

4. To show the value of molasses in finisliiug heef.

5. To show that molasses can or cannot profitahly replace part of menl ration.

DEmiCTIOXS.

While these results do not coincide with those of the 1912-13 test, which was car- ried on ;Tlong similar lines, it goes to show that it is quite impossible to draw a definite conclusion from one or even two years' results, due to such inflvieuces as the difference in individ-iality of the anim-'ls, and tlie selling price. These steers, though not all in the p:^me flesh, sold for the same price, whereas had they been divided according to class, the selling price of the different grades might have been somewhat different, which, natural^-, would have made some difference in profit from the different grades. How- ever, there are some interesting points to be noted : —

1. While the daily rate of gain is greater in heavy-fed than in light-fed lots, yet the average cost per pound gain of the forrner is considerably higher, and the greatest profit was realized from the light-fed lots. One might expect this in the good butcher, bnt not in the good stocker.

2. Meal can be profitably replaced by molasses when used in only a limited amount.

3. When, feeding the same amount of meal the addition of molasses at the price paid for it decreases the profit.

4. The molnsses appears to have a more beneficial effect when fed to good stockers than to good butchers, when getting the same amount of meal.

5. In table three, lot 5 is figured at the actual buying and selling prices (See column ]). In column 2 the calculations are made on the same basis as lot 1. Even then, molasses shows a profit over the full-meal ration.

n. If. then, good feed molasses could be purchased for about $22 to $25 per ton in.stcad of $33 it would add greatly to the value of a feeding ration.

7. Note in lot 4, steer No. 1 in row 1 had a set-back with a sore jaw and did not make very good gain. In lot 2, steer No. 5 was a very nervous animal, hence did not make as good daily gains as he otherwise would. In lot 4, steer No. 4 took ill with urinary trouble, and died. These unavoidable facts will account for some slight difference in the tables.

Nappan. 16— 20J

308

EXPERLMEXTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

EXPERIMENTAL STATION, KENTVILLE, N.S.

EEPORT OF THE SUPEEINTENDEKT, W. S. BLAIR.

:beef cattle.

Eighteen steers were purchased about the middle of November for feeding tests, n They weighed 18,905 pounds and cost 5| cents per pound, live weight. Sixteen were separated into uniform lots of four each. Of these, eight were dehorned and placed loose, four each in two box stalls 12 by 12 feet in size. Eight were tied in stanchions. The different lots were fed exactly alike. The steers were all grade Shorthorns except the No. 5 lot which were grade Holsteins. The test covered a period of twenty weeks, commencing November 15 and ending March 29. The gain from these and the extra pair which were tied in stanchions is as follows : —

	Weight at start.	Weight at finish.	Total gain. .
No. 1 Loose	lb. 4,240 3,895 4,560 4,105 2,105	lb. 5,275 3,080 6,280 4,765 2,510	lb. 1 , 035
n cy «.	1 185
" 3 Tied	720
" 4 "	660
" 5 " .,	405
	18,905	22,910	4,005

The steers were fed 60 pounds roots, 12 pounds hay, and 50- pounds meal mixture per day on the average. The meal during the first two weeks was 1 pound per day and was increased 1 pound every two week-s until the end of the twenty weeks, when they were getting 10 pounds each per day. The roots fed during the first period were 80 pounds per day which was lessened to 40 pounds at the close of the period, as the mea] mixture was increased.

The meal mixture was made up of and cost as follows : —

400 pounds bran at $1.0.5 per cwt $4 20

100 " cottonseed meal at $1.95 per cwt 1 95

100 " linseed meal at $2 per cwt 2 00

200 " cornmeal at $1.85 per cwt 3 70

. 100 " crushed oats at $1.65 1 65

900 " cost $13 50

Or 11 cents per pound, $30 per ton.

The roots were valued at $2 per ton. —

Hay used cost $10 per ton.

The cost of feed per steer for period of 20 weeks was as follows : —

Roots, 8,400 pounds at $2 per ton $ 8 40

Hay, 1,6S0 pounds at $10 per ton S 4 0

Meal, 770 pounds at IJ cents per pound 11 53

Total $28 35

Cost per day for steer, '20^ cents.

DIVISION OF ANIMAL HUSBANDRY

309

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Lot 1 — Loose.

Number of steers in lot

First weight, gross, November 15, 1913 lb.

Fiist weight, average "

FinishG.l weight, gross March 30, 1914 "

Fiixh bed weight average "

Nuniljer of days in test days

Total gain in 140 days lb.

Average gain per steer "

Daily gain per steer "

Daily gain per lot "

Gross cost of feed for period $

Cost of 1 pound gain per lot cts.

* Cost, original, November 15, 1913, at $5.75 per cwt $

Total cost March 30, 1914 "

Selling price, March 30, 1914, at $7.25 per cwt "

Profit per lot "

Profit per steer "

Average valuation per steer to start, November 15, 1913 "

Average sale price per steer at finish, March 30, 1914 "

Average increase in value "

Average cost of feed per steer "

Amount of meal eaten lb.

Amount of roots eaten "

Amount of hay eaten "

Lot 2 — Loose.

Number of steers in lot

First weight gross, November 15, 1913 lb.

First weight, average "

Finished weight, gross, March 30, 1914 "

Finished weight, average "

Number of days in test days

Total gain in 140 days lb.

Average gain per steer "

Daily gain per steer "

Daily gain per lot "

G .OSS cost of feed for period $

Cost of 1 pound gain per lot cts.

Cost, original, November 15, 1913, at $5.75 per cwt $

Total cost March 30, 1914 "

Selling orice, March 30, 1914 at $7.25 per cwt "

Profit Der lot "

Profit per steer

Average valuation per steer to start November 15, 1913........"

Average sale price per steer at finish, March 30, 1914 "

Average increase in value "

Average cost of feed per steer "

Amount of meal eaten lb- Amount of roots eaten

Amount of hay eaten

Lot .1 — Tied.

Number of steers in lot

First weight, gross, November 15, 1913 lb.

First wei.ght, average

Finished weight, gross, March 30, 1914 '*

Finished weight, average

Number of days in test . . : days

Total gain in 140 days lb.

Average gain per steer

Daily gain per steer

Daily gain per lot

Gross cost of feed for period $

Cost of 1 pound gain per lot cts.

Cost, original, November 15, 1913, at $5.75 per cwt $

Total cost, March 30, 1914 "

Selling price, March 30, 1914, at $7.25 per cwt ''^

Profit per lot

Profit per steer

Avenge v lu'tion per steer to start, November 15, 1913 "

Average sale pri:e per steer at finish, ^larch 30, 1914

Average increase in value

Average cost of feed per steer

Amount of meal eaten ^^■

Amount of roots eaten

Amount of hay eaten

113

243

357

3S2

25

6

4

4,240

1,060

5,275

1,318

140

1,035

258

1.84

7.37

40

10.95 80 20 43 23 30

60 95 95 60

34

28

113

223 337 368

65 35

770 8,400 1,080

4

3.895

974

5,080

1,270

140

1,185

296

2.11

8.44

40

9.57 96 36 30

30 94 79,

I 55

9

92 07 36 OS 28 35 770 8,400 1,680

4

4,560

1,140

5.280

1.320

140

720

ISO

1.28

512

40

15.75

20

60

80

20

SO

55

70

15

35

770

8,400

1,680

113

262 375

,y O w 7 1

65 95 30

28

Kentville.

310 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

; 5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

Lot !,. — Tied.

Number of steers in lot ■ 4

First weig-ht, gross, November 15, 1913 lb. 4,105

Fii'St weight, avevaf^e " l!o26

Fini-hccl weight, r.ros?. Maich 30, 1914 " 4,765

Finished weigh , average '■ 1191

Nuinb^: oi aays in test aays 140

Total gain in 140 clays lb. 660

Average gain per steer •* X65

Daily gain per steer •■ l.lg

Daily gain per lot " 4.72

Gross cost of feed for period ^ 113 40

Cost of 1 pound gain per lot cts. 17.18

Cost, original, November 15, 1913, at .$5.75 per cwt % 230 03

Total cost March 30, 1914 " 349 43

Selling price. March 30, 1914, at $7.25 per cwt " 345 46

Loss per lot " 3 97

Loss per steer " DO

Average val ration per steer to start, November 15, 1013 " 59 Ou

Average sale price jier steer at finish, March 30, 1914 " 86 36

Average increase in value , " 27 36

Average cost of feed per steer '• 28 35

Araov n; of roots enten " 8,400

Aiiou.t of meal eaien .lb. 770

Amount of hay eaten " 1,680

«

Lot '). — mcd.

Number of steers in lot 2

First weight, gross, November 15, 1913. ... lb. 2,105

First weight, average ' •' 1^052

Finished weight, gross, March 30, 1914 " 2,510

Fin shed weight, average •• l,Z'ot>

Number of days in test days 140?

Total gain in 140 days lb. 40.".

Average gain per steer " 202

Daily gain per steer '• 1.44

Daily gain per lot " 2-88

Gross cost of feed for period $ 56 70

Cost of 1 pound gain per lot •. .cts. .14

Cost, original, November 15, 1913, at $5.75 per cwt $ 121 03

Total cost, March 30, 1911 " 177 73

Selling price March 30, 1914, at $7.23 per cwt " ISI 97

Profit per lot " 4 24

Profit per steer " 2 12

A eiage valuition per steer to start, November 15, 1913 " 60 bi

Average sale price per steer at finish, March 30, 1914 " 90 98

Average increase in value " 30 47

Average cost of feed per steer , " 28 35

Amount of meal eaten lb. 770

Amount of roots eaten " 8,400

Amount of hay eaten " 1,680

It will be seen that the eight .steers in lots 1 and 2, given freedom in the box stalls, made a gain of $5G.17 as compared with the eight in stanchions, lots 3 and 4 tied, which made a gain of $3.23, It may be pointed out that lots 3, 4. and 5 were not given exercise except that afforded by the swinging stanchion, and received their water in drinking bowls alongside the stall. When the steers were selected into lots an effort was made to place in lots 3 and 4 steers equally as good as those in lots 1 and 2.

The steers were sold to Linton and McLeod, Halifax, N.S., at $7.25 per hundred, fasted 12 hours.

Kentville.

DIVISION OF AMilAL Ul SB AN DRY 311

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

EXPERIMENTAL STATION, FREDERICTON, N.B.

REPORT OF THE SUPERINIENDENT, W. W. HUESARD.

BEEF CATTLE.

On account of tlio unfinished condition of the barns, the feeding of cfittle could not begun until the sth of January. At that time it was vc.y diiiicuit to 'act cattle, and the price was considerably higher than later in the teason. Thirty-iour head, mostly three and four-year-old steers, and many of them very poor type, were bought and Stabled on the date mentioned. On the 14th of March, five more cattle were put in. They all cost 5^ cents a pound. The 'thirty-nine head weighed, unshrunken, 30,364 pounds.

On March 31 these cattle weighed 37,123 pounds, which, at 6^ cents per pound, would be worth $2,413.

As these Vattle were very rough and had to be cleaned up and conditioned, no grain was fed except bran, heavier feeding being reserved for the. latter part of the fattening period.

Until the 1st of April these cattle consumed: —

Hay, 28 tons at $8 $ 224 00

Turnips, 2,000 bushels at S cents 160 CO

Bran. 4.500 pounds at $18 per ton 40 50

$ 424 50

The account would stand as follows: —

Cost of feed '$ 424 50

Cost of cattle 2,000 00

Value at 6^ cents per pound, stable weight. $2,413 00 Loss on first feeding period 11 50

$2,424 50 $2,424 50

i12

EXPERniENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

EXPERIMENTAL FARM, BRANDON, MAN.

REPOET OF THE SUPEEINTENDENT, W. C. McKILLICAN, B.S.A.

STEEE FEEDING EXPERIMENTS.

During the winter of 1912-Td, twenty steers were fed for experimental purposes. They were all fed out-of-doors and the season was quite unfavourable for the out-door feeding. There was a large amount of stormy weatiier, with strong winds and snow. This is much harder to bear than severe cold. The gains made were small, and the profits not as large as should have been obtained considering the margin between buying and selling prices.

The exper/ment conducted was a comparison of alfalfa against part of the meal ration. The alfalfa steers were hardly as good a lot as the others, and were iu a more exposed location, so that the results are not a fair indication of the com- parative feeding value of alfalfa.

Both lots were given all the straw they would eat. Both lots were started on 2 pounds of grain per day; this was gradually increased from week to week. From January 1, lot 1 received 3 pounds less grain each per day than lot 2, and in its place received 3 pounds of alfalfa. The grain ration at the end of the test was 15 pounds per steer daily for lot 2. After April 15, lot 2 received some alfalfa in addition to straw, and both lot? received a small allowance of roots daily.

The details of the experiment and the results obtained are stated in Tabular form herewith: —

Steer Feeding Experiment, 1912-13.

Lot. 2.

No. of steers in lot

First weight gross, November 18, 1912.

First weight average

Finished weight gross, June 6, 1913

Finished weight average

Total gain in 200 days

Average gainper steer

Average daily gain per steer .

First cost of steers at $5.80 per cwt —

Total cost of feed

Total cost.

.lb.

Receipts froih sale at $7.75 per cwt., 5 per cent shrinkage.

Profit

Average cost per steer

Average cost of feed per steer

Average selling price per steer

Average profit per steer

Average cost of 1 pound gain

Returns realized per 100 pounds of oats and barley

Amount of feed used

Oat and barley chop, ?15 per ton

Ground corn. ?20 per ton

Alfalfa, $10 per ton

Roots, S.3 per ton

Straw, $2 per ton

. cts.

lb.

8,750 1,094 9.855 1,232 1,105 138

•69

507 50

199 27

706 77

725 63

18 86

63 44

24 91

90 70

2 35

18

95

13,656 718

7,488

2,821

48,000

12

13,735

1,145

15,655

1,305

1,880

157

•78

796 63

300 32

1,096 95

1,152 58

55 63

66 39

25 03

96 05

4 63

16

99

23.202 1.092 7,452 4,074

72,000

Plate X.

King Edward by Butterfly K'ng. Dual purpose Shorthorn at the head of the Experimental Farm Herd at Indian Head, Sask.

^'

'V^

w

^'

Steers fed outside in a corral at Indian Head, Sask.

Ifi— 1915— p. 312.

DIVISIOX OF AMMAL HC^BAXDEY 313

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

GOKN SILAUK rs. I>KY CORN FODDKR.

For the season of 1913-14 a very interesting experiment is under way in which corn silage is being tested against dry corn fodder cured in stocks, as a feed for fattening steers. A carload of rather good steers was purchased at 6 cents per pound in Winnipeg in Xoveniber, 1013. Freight, commisbion, and shrinkage in weight brought their cost up to $6.^0 per cwt., when landed in Brandon. They were divided into two lots, and great care was taken to have them divided as equally as possible. Both lots are being fed in large box stalls of the stable. They were dehorned when put in; one steer in lot 2 bled badly, but recovered afterwards. Both lots received the same quantity of meal and the same quantity of straw and, later in the test, the same quantity of alfalfa. The corn silage and fodder were analysed to find the per- centage of moisture in each, and were fed in such ([uantities as to give each lot the same amount of dry matter. The corn fodder was cut up and mixed with straw the same as is done with ensilage, so that both should be fed under identical conditions.

The experiment is not finished at the end of the fiscal year, and consequently it is impossible to report the results, but the weights of each steer during each month of the test up to the present are available and as they are rather interesting and instruc- tive, are given herewith : —

Lot I. — Fed Dry Corn Fodder.

No. of Steer.	Weight at start.	Weight after 1 month.	Weight after 2 months.	Weight after 3 months.	" Weight after 4 months.	Weight after 5 months.
1	Lb. 1,015 935 1,025 1,010 1,105 1,030 1,015 940 1,110 1,050	Lb. 1,060 1,000 1,055 1,120 1,180 1,065 1,015 1,005 1,150 1,105	Lb. 1,095 1,0.30 1,0S0 1,1.30 1,270 1^085 1,090 1,050 1,200 1,110	Lb. 1,125 1,085 1,160 1,165 1,290 1,145 1,130 1,090 1,250 1,145	Lb. 1,155 1,180 1,180 1,215 1,.355 1,220 1,165 1,120 1,290 1,215	Lb. 1,190
2	1,195
3	1,260
4	1,260
5	1,425
6	1,250
7	1,220
8	1,185
9	1,330
10	1,245
Total	10,265 1,0261	10,755 1,0751 49	11,140 1,114 38^	11,585 1,158^ 441	12,095 1,209^ 51	12,560
	1,256
	46^

Total gain for 5 months, 2,295 pounds.

Average gain per steer for 5 months, 229j pounds.

Average gain per steer per day, 1-5 pounds.

Brandon.

314

EXPERIMENTAL FAR3I8

Lot 2.— Fed Com Silat-e.

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

No. of Steer.

1

2

•J

4

5

(>

7

8

*9

10

Total

Average per steer

Average gain in month

Weight

at start.

Lb.

010 000

225 965 055 975 000 025 920 0G5

10, 240 1 , 024

Weight

after 1 nionth.

Lb.

1,080 1,080 1,280 1,015 1,175 1,030 1,050 1,080 905 1,120

Weight

after 2 months.

10,815

1,0SU 57 i

Lb.

1,100 1,110 1,310 1,0S0 1,2.30 1,090 1,100 1,125 1,000 l,lb5

11,280 1,128

Weight

after

3 months.

Weight

after

4 months.

Lb.

1,195 1,225 1,410 1,185 1,320 1,155 1,1S5 1 , l 0 J 1,0 5 1,^jO

12,200

1,220 92

Lb.

1,2.30 1 , 282 1,405 1,200 1,-380 1,200 1,210 1,230 1,125 1,25

Weight

after 5 months.

12,5;5

i,:;5;^

Lb.

1,270 1,340 1,480 1,270

1,460 1,215 1,260 1,280 I.ILO 1,320

13,085

l,30Si 55

*Bled badly when dehorned.

Total gain for 5 months, 2,845 pounds.

Average gain per steer for 5 months, 2841 pounds.

Average gain per steer per day, 1-86 pound.

Braxdon.

DiriSWX OF AXniAL HrSB.WDRY 315

oESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

EXPERIMENTAL FARM, INDIAN HEAD, SASK.

REPOET OE THE SUPERINTENDENT. T. J. HARRISON. B.S.A.

BEEF CATTLE.

Tlie l-erd of Shorthorns was formerly hnudled entirely as a beef herd, but in fut'.irc the main work with cattle is the development of the dual-purpose Shorthorn, while any individuals that are of decided beef type and conformation will be dealt with as such.

The cost of raising calves by hand will be compared with the cost of raising- beef calves by rr.iiiihig with the cow. At present one cow is raising two calves and doing justice to them. She really should be treated as a dual-purpose cow, but is of such an i ;iiy disposition as to forbid milking by hand. Sometimes she objects even to her own calf sucking her, let alone her foster calf, but as far as type is concerned she is a very promising cow and so there are hopes of raising ono or two du•al-llurpo^^e heifers from her.

Duriu? last season there were sold from the Farm for breeding purposes, five young bulls and one aged bull.

STEER FEEDING EXPERIMENTS.

Supplementary to the work with the beef herd, steer-feeding experiments were conducted during the past winter. Fourteen two-year-old steers and fourteen three- jear-olds were bought November, 1913. The former were apparently raised on farms, while the latter were " range " steers and gave, as one would naturally expect, trouble accordingly. Our experience with them would not warrant our attempting again to fatten " range '' steers, especiaUy of that age. Stabling them even '' loose " is too much of a contrast to their former existence to give good results, while tying them up in stanchions is nothing but imprisonment. The care and handling was such as to leave the suggestion that if steers of a like kind be bought again, they should be fed loose outside. According to results in the following tables, where, among other com- parisons, that of feeding outside and inside w- s reckoned, it was found that those fed outside gave more satisfactory returns than those fed similarly inside. Those .fed outside brought $7.35 per cwt., while those fed the same ration inside brought only $7.25 per cwt. As far as weights were concerned there was nothing to choose between these two groups, but the appearance of those fed outside was much in their favour compared with the inside lot similarly fed.

The steers were divided into four groups, and each group again subdivided into two lots. This experiment comprised a comparison of two-year-olds and three-year- olds, steers of similar ages fed inside compared with- tho-e fed outside and getting th.e same feed, and also a comparison between different feeds.

316

EXPERIMEXTAL FARMS

Steer-feeding Experiments.

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

3 O

O

Ration.

Method of feeding.

Lot 1.

Three-year

olds.

Lot 2. Two-year- olds.

Oat straw, mixed hay, meal (oats and barley) |Fed outside

Same as above. . , _ Fed inside (tied)

Same as above with an addition of ensilage (to test value

of ensilage)

Mixed hay, ensilage, roots, meal (bran, peas, oats and

barley)

No.

4 4

4

2

No.

4 4

4

2

MIXTURE.

The meal mixture in the first three groups was made up of equal parts of barley and oats, while in group -» the proportion was two of oats, two of barley, one of peas> and one of bran. The main purpose of using ration number four was to make a com- parison between a good standard ration of this kiud and other rations which, while open to criticism, could well be used by the average farmer in the district. The prices charged for feed are as follows : — -

Ground oats $24 00 a ton.

barley 24 00 "

peas 28 00 "

Bran 20 00 "

Mixed hay 10 00 "

Alfalfa $10 00 a ton.

Oat straw 2 00 "

Ensilage ^ 2 50 "

Roots 2 50 "

Indi.\x Head.

DIVISION OF ASIMAL lli'SB.WDRY SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

317

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Indian Head.

318 EXPERUIENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v.. A. 1915

The foregoing steers were bought at an average price of 6^ cents per pound, 6^ iMits for the three-year-olds and G cents for the two-year-olds. The highest selling price was 7i cents per pound given for groups 3 and 4, with $7.35 per cwt. for t]i(> outside lot, and $7.25 for tliose inside fed similarly to those outside.

A study of the results of this experiment will show that, though only a fair profit was made, yet considerable information was gained. At the outset it was the- intention fo carry on a "short" feeding-period, but when this period was expired (-three montlis) markets were low. At that time the steers showed a very satisfactory profit, while the - ultimate results were not so good. The reason is obvious. The steers were kept two « months awaiting a reasonably high market, but during the last month they held their own only. This experience proves the point that unless markets arc favourable, the feeder has difficulty to make money in this business. Our results show that the steers, generally speaking, fed fairly well but the margin between the buying and selling price was too narrow.

Another fact well worthy of notice is that the steers fed the clioieebL raiio^is brought the highest price.

Indian Head.

DIVISION OF ANIMAL UUSBANDRY 319

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

EXPERIMENTAL STATION, SCOTT, SASK.

REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT, R. E. EVEREST, B.S.A.

BEEF CATTLE.

Work was luidertaken this year in tlie line of outside winter feeding of steers for beef production. For this purpose te ■eiiteeu steers were purchased in Ocu. r aiid placed on prairie pasture, where they remained until the 1st of December. L.;i tliis dale they were weigiied into corral and started on a iigiit meid ration and pr ■ •' hay. Water, salt and a let of straw wem provided at all time- for th.e cattle, corral was enclosed by wtveu wire feiiC;;/ ;i;d on iti east side luui protection for i'* feet by an implement shed. Ou the nortiiWist corner, a shelter of a straw shed au open front was constructed. The cattle on the feediiig test ' 'mv own '•■ Tirade a fah' showing. The figures which are taken for use ii >)llowi;;

however, are the actual purchasing and selling weights. Both of ti;r -e wore taken at points when ;i railway journey had intorveiied. A fuvther circumsta;ice which ai^ect d unfavourably the results was the conflitional offer which was accepted in the disposal of the stock. The fulfilment of this offer resulted in a severe grading of cattle w'tli resultant low prices, and the shrinkage in weight was large. In fairness to the cattle and this line of work it may be said (hat even on the little change in price which existed in the general niarket from bnyiiig as feed(^rs in October, 1913. to scH'ng as beef in April, ini4, the steers, on a previous sale, would have shown a small profit.

Outside Winte7- Feeding of Steers for Beef Produclion.

Nun-ilie • of animals fed

Pu'ch !< ng weiaht, October 11, 1913 !b

Purchasing weight, average "

S? lir.g w ig'it, gross, April 4. 1914 "

Scli'ng we'ght, average "

Ni mb'^r of rlays in rasture, 16 ; in co rat, 122

Total g'p'n for period "

Averatrr ga n rer a limil » "

Avera'^e rlaily g lin for group "

Average d • 'Iv gain per an mil "

Quaiii ty of meal eaten b*- ::rou;') "

r'i;antity of hay eaten by group "

Ouartiiy of oat sheaves eaten by group "

Tnt il cost of feed $

Cos' ( f feed per hea 1 $

Cost of leed per head per day ct>-.

Cost to produce 1 pound ga'n "

Orignal cost of anitrals $

Original cost plus cost of feed $

Selling piice ?

Net loss per group $

Net Ins'j per anima' $

FindhufK from rxpn-imrnt —

Nutritive ratio of total ration

Nutritive ratio of meal ration

Dry matter reciuired to produce 1 pound gain lb.

Digestible matter reiuired to produce 1 pound gain "

Moal rr<iuired to pro'uop 1 pound gain "

Meal "iMstibl" dry matt^t lequired to prodrce 1 porn' gain

lioughage required to produce 1 pound gain "

Roughage digestible matter required to produce 1 pound gain.. "

	17
17 9n5	.00
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lR,7?o.no
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0	.29
23.3r,S	.00
48,070	.00
l.ssr,	00
325	.12
19	.12
	ll''/2l
	393
1.119	.06
1,4 4 4	.18
1.2S.'>	.67
1.58	51
9	.32
1 to 7	.61
1 to 7.	95
77 .	31
32	.34
28	35
22.	OG
59.	,89
10,	,29

320 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE V.^ A. 1915

EXPERIMENTAL STATION, ROSTHERN, SASK.

REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT, W. A. MTJNRO, B.A., B.S.A.

STEER-FEEDING EXPERIMENT.

The first experiment in steer feeding was begun by the purchase of eleven steers on November IT, 1913. They were fed in the open and the only shelter afforded was an open shed. Until December 8, they had the run of a straw stack, which perhaps afforded a little better fare than pure straw because of some grain left where the machine stood. On December 8 they were started on a ration of meal which gradually increased until the finish.

The water was supplied ad lihitum, and was kept from freezing by, means of a tank heater.

Following is the rate of feeding and the rations used at different dates, followed by a table of the weights for the total herd at stated periods, and of two individual steers in the herd, together with a statement of the cost price, cost of feed, and gain or loss. The cost of feed is based upon the following values : Corn stover, $3 per ton (green weight); haj, $10 per ton; roots, $3 per ton; oat and barley meal, 1 cent per pound.

Plate XI.

Steers, Experimental Station, Rosthem.

Lacombe. Group fed in Bam, 1913-14.

16— 1915 -p. 320.

Dl \ isl ()\ OF A Xi'MAL U L ,bi)'.iA DliY

321

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

	1	lb. 25.641 9,350	tc c> 00 CO CD »C CO (M c: oc "O o • C^l "5 O CO
	Total ~Per Steer lb. 2,331 850	toe^i — o o CO oc-i c: "O C5CO 1
	Apr. 20 to Apr. 28 lb.	o I— i	C5^ CO	"~^co
	Apr. 6 to Apr. 20		o	o CO	00 1—*
	Mar. 23 to Apr. 6	£	«3 1—1	§	oc
	Mar. 9 to Mar. 23	j5		o	00
	Feb. 23 to Mar. 9	£	•— 1	«0 . CO
	Feb. 9 to Feb. 23	J3		CO	CO 1— 1
	Jan. 26 to Feb. 9	1^ CO • £ ■		COrt
	Jan. 12 to Jan. 26 lb. 37		>0 (M
	lO « CO . O . _£,-		o o
	Dec. 22 to Jan. 5	CO
	.CO as 00	£
	^00 •£		c
	1 o	> C C U C			c	c oi c	c c L^ ' *^' c3 O CO	i. 1—1

EOSTHERN.

16—21

322

EXPERUIEXTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v.. A. 1915

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s i ° §

> > £ 5

•^ -, W 0)

d i; o

tM **-• '-M

o o o

4_. -(-» 4J

c c c

3 3 3

o o o

£ S 2

EOSTHERN.

D/T7.S70.Y OF AX [HAL UlSDAyDRT 323

SESSIONAL PAPER No. IS

DEDUCTIONS.

1. Corral stocr fcodins. oven in spite of severe weather, may he profitaI)lc.

2. Good steers of beef type make rapid gains and fair profit under tlie>e conditions, with these food stuflfs, and with $1.50 spread between buying and selling prices.

'". Grains and roughages may be marketed most profitably through the feeding of stuers.

4. In this experiment, steers of good beef type made rapid and economical gains and good profits, and steers of dairy type made slower gains costing more to produce, and were fed at a loss.

EoSTITERlf.

16— 21J c

324

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

EXPERIMENTAL STATION, LACOMBE, ALTA. KEPOET OF THE SUPERINTENDENT, G. H. HUTTON, E.S.A.

BEEF CATTLE.

The herd of pure-bred Aberdeen Angus cattle now number twenty-four, of which fifteen are females over 1 year old, and all but two of which are of breeding age. Two pure-bred Aberdeen Angus cattle aborted during the year, but the loss is believed not to have been due to contagdous a>borfrion, as after some months there has been no indication of the recurrence of the trouble.

A number of very fine calves have been reared during the year.

Four steer calves from Shorthorn sires have been hand-raised this season. The following table shows weights attained and cost of food to March 31, 1914: —

i	Date of Birth	Weight at Birth	Weight March 31 1914.	Whole and Skim Milk.	Chop.	Hay and Green Feed.	Cost.	Cost per 100 lbs. Gain.
g	Dec 25 1912	90 90 86 82	860 810 715 695	• lb. 2,940 2,990 2,800 2,840	lb. 1,340 1,131 1.057 1,057	lb. 1,700 2,960 2,760 2,760	S4104 40-65 33-97 34-29	S4-77
0	Jan 1 1913	501
21	Feb 7. 1913	4-75
2''	Feb. 13, 1913	4-93

The dams of these four calves produced 24,881-6 pounds of milk during the lacta- tion period following freshening at the birth of these calves, which, if sold at market price for butter production, would leave a fair profit. The cows were not kept simply for the production of the calves, but were of considerable value as dairy cows, and leave a profit after covering the cost of feed and depreciation.

Eight calves were raised on the cows and weighed less at the same age, though these were not so favourably housed. They ran out through the winter, being fed hay, green feed and chop. The feed cost per head figuring the charges up to 6 months old is as follows: —

Interest on an investment of $0 0 $7 20

Maintenance of dam during winter, 6 months 9 00

Maintenance of dam during summer, 6 months 6 00

Deprecation in value of dam 10 00

Roughage per head for calf for first four months of winter at $10. . 4 95 Chop per head for calf for first four months of winter at 1 cent per

pound • 4 95

Total cost per head to rear calves to approximately 1 year old.... $42 10

Average weight per head lb. 622

Cost per 100 pounds gain $ 6 76

It should be remembered that the first summer's gains on pasture will doubtless reduce cost of production more rapidly on the group raised on the cows and wintered outside than on those raised by hand and wintered inside.

Fourteen grade cattle are being used in the experimental work in the beef cattle division of the live stock work at this Station.

- DITISIOy OF AMAIAL El SB Ay DRY 325

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

FEEDING FOR BEEF.

Three groups of steers of similar quality Avere fed under different conditions during the winter of 1913-14. The cattle were divided at the beginning into three lots as nearly equal in point of breeding, age, and conformation as was possible. One group was fed in the barn in loose boxes, another in a corral without shelter except a straw stack and with a very limited run. and a third was fed in the brush with free run, having the brush and straw stack for shelter. The group fed in the barn had access to water at all times, the group fed in the corral was watered at a large tank which was kept open practically all the time by the use of a tank heater. The group in the brush was watered through the-ice at a water hole in a small lake. A similar experi- ment last year gave results showing the cost of gain less for the group fed in the corral than those under other conditions. This year's results are somewhat contradictory, the group fed inside showing cheapest gains. It is certain that the group fed inside would show a heavier shipping shrinkage than either of those fed under outside con- ditions. The inside group this year had the advantage over those fed inside a year ago, m that water had been put into the barns this season and the inside steers were able to drink at will, while those inside, a year ago, were watered only twice daily.

The average cost of 1 pound of gain is less for the three groups than the cost of gain in any year since 1909-10. Since the price charged for feed is higher for this test than that of 1909-10, it is safe to say that the cost of gain this year as compared Avith the cost of feed is. less than for any season since feeding trials began here. Green feed (peas and oats cut green and cured as hay) is charged against the cattle at $10 per ton and, since 119 tons were cut from 35 acres, it is evident that this crop is a paying one when sold at this rate. A mixture of oats, barley, and wheat made up of about two-fifths oats, two-fifths barley, and one-fifth wheat constituted the grain ration, which is charged at 1 cent per pound ground. A small charge is made to cover cost of bedding. The selling price was only slightly in advance of the purchase price and, considering this fact in conjunction with the fact, that feed consumed by the cattle has been Avell sold, it is somewhat remarkable that even a small profit can be shown. These results are further evidence of the value of live stock as a medium for the most profitable marketing of grain and fodder. It is commonly believed to be a difiicult matter to transform products, such as low grade grain and fodder crops, into profits at the present time, yet when fed to steers these crops bring high prices.

While tlie results this season indicate an advantage in favour of inside feeding, it is well to remem'ber that those fed outside without shelter made good gains. The fact that a prospective feeder does not feel able to erect shelter should not deter liim .from undertaking cattle feeding. It should also be pointed out that a charge of $4 per head might be made against the cattle fed in the barn to cover interest on the invest- ment, and that three groups of steers would be required to be fed in the barn in the course of a year to fully cover such interest charge. It is, therefore, doubtful as to whetlier it would be possible to pay interest on such shelter by feeding cattle, even ■with the same advantage secured in each test as in the trial, since it would scarcely be practical at the ])rcscnt time to buy and turn off three groups per annum. Anotlier advantage enjoyed by the inside group this year consisted in the fact that they were protected from the cold weather, permitting good gains, even in the extreme cold. The cattle Avere sold before warm weather made more rapid gains possible in the outcside groups.

All steers were dehorned in October, 1913, some time before the grain ration Avas commenced, but after dangei' from flies was past. The dehorning did not appear to interfere to any great extent with the gains made.

LACOMBE.

325

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

The following figures giv^ the results in. detail: —

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

Number steers in lot

First weight November 16, 1913 lb.

First weight average "

Finished weight, February 9, 191-1 "

Finished weight average "

Total gain in 85 day» "

Average gain per steer "

Average daily gain per steer "

Average daily gain per lot "

Total cost of feed $

Cost of 100 pounds gain "

Selling price, §7-15 per cwt., less 5 per cent shrink. . "

Profit on lot "

Profit per steer "

Average value of steer at start "

Average selling price per steer "

Amount of meal eaten lb.

Amount of green feed eaten "

Amount of straw eaten "

Amount of salt eaten "

Average increase in value $

Average cost of feed per steer "

Brush

Corral.

8

9,480

1,185

10,655

1,332

1,175 147

1-7:

13-84

111-22

9-47

723-721

10-78

1-34

77-9l|

90-46

5,902 I

9,100 I

11,856 I

54 !

12-55

13-901

11

13,484 1,226

14,941 1,3.53

1,457 132 1-55 17-05 152-71 10-48 1,01487 24-55 2-23' 80-61 92-25 8,129 12.530 16.302 54

11-64 13-88

Barn.

8

9,056

1.132

10,865

1,359

1,809

227

2

21

111

6

738

31

Total.

67 36 16 1.5^ 02 42 93 43 00

27 32.020

1.181 36,461

1,350

4,441 169

1-99

52-25

370 00

8-70

2,476-61

9-97

74

92

5,902

9,100

11,842

50

17-57

13-89

-65

■57

1 1 91-

19, gs-";

30,730

40, 000 158 13-92 13-89

LACOMBE.

DITISION OF AyiMlL H USB AX DRY 327

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

EXPERIMENTAL STATION, LETHBRIDGE, ALTA. REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT, W. H. EAIRFIELD, M.S.

STEER-FEEDING EXPERIMENT.

With tlie yearly increase in acreage of alfalfa ou tho irrigated lands in the dis- trict, more and more interest is being taken by farmers in the question of feeding it at home rather than baling and shipping. To gather data along this line a feeding test was carried out with a carload of steers.

Steers were purchased from Mr. A. C. Christensen, Beazer, Alta. The price paid was $75 per head for 3-year-olds and $65 per head for 2-year-olds; the average price per hundred pounds was $6.17. They were shipped from Cardston by rail and were received at the Station on September 21. From then on to November 2 they were allowed to run on stubble, with access to a small field of rape.

One of the objects aimed at was to test the feeding of alfalfa combined with oat hay as a roug'hage, compared with feeding alfalfa alone.

The cattle were divided into three groups and fed as follows: — Group I. — Alfalfa, roots and meal. Group II. — Alfalfa, oat sheaves, roots and meal. Group III. — Alfalfa, oat sheaves, roots and meal.

The first two groups were as nearly equal in, point of size and conformation as possible, whereas group III contained some of the culls and the four two-year-old steers. All three groups were fed in the open in corrals adjacent to the barn and had open straw slied? for shelter. They were wateral once a day by being driven to the Farm reservoir which was about a quarter of a mile from the feeding yards.

EER.S.

In every case the steers were given all the alfalfa they would^ eat up clean. Four pounds per day of green oat sheaves were given to groups II and III for the greater part of the feeding period; during the balance of the time they I'cceived 5 pounds. The roots consisted of pulped turnips; the meal of equal parts of wheat, oats, and barley. The prices charged for the feed were as follows : —

Per Ton.

Alfalfa liay $12 00

Green oat sheaves 10 00

Meal 20 00

Roots 3 00

323

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

Number of steers in group

]'irst weight, gross, November 2, 1913 lb.

First -weight, average : "

Finishing weiglit, March 16, 1914, gross "

Finishing weight, average "

Total gain for period, 135 days ; "

Avera,gc gain per steer "

Average daily gain per steer -. "

Amount of meal eaten by group "

Amount of alfalfa hay eaten by group "

Amount of oat hay eaten by group "

Amount of roots eaten by group "

Amount of salt eaten by group "

Total cost of feed $

Cost of feed per steer "

Cost of feed per steer per day . "

Cost to produce 1 pound gain ''

Original cost of group including freight, etc "

Interest on investment at 8 per cent "

Original cost plus cost of feed "

Selling price, at S8- 10 per hundred "

Net profit per group "

Net profit per steer "

Group 1

Group 2

Group 3

6	6	7
7,770	7,980	7,300
1,295	1,330	1,043
9,050	9,175	8,795
1,508	1,529	1,256
1,280	1,195	1,495
213	199	214
1-6	1-5	1-6
6,335	5,553	7,062
16,441	11,344	11,373
—	3,499	4,124
16,836	16,672	19, 769
39	35	33
187-69	166-45	189 46
31	28	27	74	27 06
	23		21	• 20
	15		14	■13
462	00	462	00	499 00
18	48	18	48	19-96
66S	17	646	93	708-42
733	05	743	17	712-39
64	88	96	24	3-97
10	SI	16	04	•57

THE SALE.

The steers were sold locally to Delaney's, Limited, on March 16.

FINANCUL STATEMENT.

The day after the experiment started, a rather unusual accident happened. One steer died, presumably from the result of bloat. This is unusual, because cattle very rarely bloat on cured alfalfa hay. This one died in group 1, which had seven steers to start with, but the results are computed on six steers. In the financial statement, however, the price of the steer that died is included.

Cost of sixteen 3-year-old steers $1,200 GO

Cost of four 2-year-old steers 2jS0 00

Freight charges 23 00

Interest on investment at 8 per cent 56 92

Pasture, 1 h months at $1 per head 30 00

Cost of feed 543 60

Selling price $2,188.61

Net profit ..^ 75 09

$2,188 61 $2,188 61

Letiibridge.

I'l.ATK XII.

Lacombe. Group fed in Brush, 1913-14.

Lacombe. Group fed in Corral, 1913-14.

16— 1915— p. 32S.

Plate XI 1 1.

i

^*r'

Steer Corral, Lethbridge, Alta. Note, 1, straw covered shed ; 2, grain table ; 3, roughage rack.

Lethbridge, Alta. Steers representing the type in Groii]) II, 1913.

16-1U15— p. 328.

DilV.S/O.V OF AMMAL IlifilJASDRY 329

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 "^

DAIRY CATTLE

CENTRAL EXPERLMENTAL FARM, OTTAWA, ONT.

REPORT OF THE DOMINION ANEVIAL HUSBANDMAN, E. S. ARCHIBALD, B.A., B.S.A.

DAIRY CATTLE.

Tli.cre are" in all 140 head of cattle in temporaiy quarters, comprised of 102 pure-bred breeding cattle and 38 grade milch cows and heifers. All dairj- cattle are kept for experimental breeding and feeding work.

TLRE-BKED BREEDING CATTLE.

Ayrshires 24, including 11 milch cows, 11 heifers, 2 malea.

Canacli;^ns 25 " 14 " 6 " 5 "

Guernseys 22 " 8 " 10 " 4 "

Holsteins 21 " 10 " 8 " 3 "

Jerseys ,10 " 6 " 3 " 1 "

Tlie pure-bred herds of dairy cattle during the year 1913-1914 included only 49 milch cows.

These herds are maintained for the following reasons: —

I. To compare breeds and breed types, and illustrate the same to visitors.

II. To supply breeding stock to farmers at reasonable figures.

III. To supply milk for daii-y experimental manufacture.

IV. To conduct experiments and demonstrate methods as regards the breeding, feeding, care and management of cattle.

The HoLstein herd, established in 1911, has not increased as rapidly as desired, owing to the large proportion of bull calves. However, these excellent bulls have been widely distributed at reasonable figures, and will be hoard from in the future. This herd is headed by the splendid young bull " King of tl'.e Ormsbys,'' No. 14959.

The Ayrshire herd, established in 1901, is reported smaller than previously, owing to a large number of sales. Eleven choice females were sent to the new Station at Ste. Anne de la Pocatierc, Que., a few more females and a number of splendid bulls were sold to Agricultural Societies and farmers, and a few of the older cows were weeded out and sold to the butcher. This herd is headed by the well-bred bull " Monarch of Tanglewyld," No. 36442, whose progeny is of outstanding promise. The three be-st families of this herd trace back, in one or two generations, to " Panel of Auchenbrain '" (35S(j), the grandsire of " Auchenbrain Brown Kate 4th,'" world's champion Ayrshire cow.

The Guernsey herd, established in 1901, has not made an increase during the past year, also owing to the high proportion of bull calves and the necessary weed- ing out of a few of the oldest cows.

Tlie French Canadian herd remains practically unchanged. A few choice heifers were forwarded to the Experimental Station, Cap Rouge, Que., to strengthen that herd.

330 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

Tlic Jersey herd, oh I ablished in 1911, has ahowa very marked imijrovemeut, et^pec'ially during the latter part of the past fiscal year.

GRADE HERDS.

Grade Ayrshiies 17, including 14 milch cows, 3 heifers.

Grade Holsteins 21 " 15 " 5 "

These cows are kept for the following reasons : —

I. To supply milk for dairy experimental manufacturing.

II. To compare^the high quality grade with pure-hreds for economic produc- tion and in their breeding qualities.

TIL To continue the upgrading of these herds as in the dairy cattle grading experiment on branch Farms.

A few excellent heifers have been produced by these grade cows, and sired by the excellent pure-bred bulls in the pure-bred herds. These calves promise even bettor than their dams, whose first year's record on this Farm may be found under " !Milk Records " in this report.

FEEDING THE DAIRY COWS.

The year 1913-14 has been most unsatisfactory for pasture. Grass started too early in the spring, was severely injured by spring frosts, and suffered considerably from drought during July and early August. The rains of September, however, made fairly good pasture, but the loss of clover caused severe shortage, both as to quality and quantity of pasture and hay.

SUMMER FEEDING.

As in previous years, the dairy cattle were allowed only a small area for pasture, and were compelled to depend largely upon soiling crops and corn silage. As pasture, there was available only a little over 19 acres. This afforded forage for nearly a month, and was so charged.

In July and parts of August and September, soiling crops, consisting of clover, mixed peas and oats, and green corn, were fed either in the stables or in pasture.

Corn ensilage for feeding in August had been provided in 1912.

Meal was fed during the entire summer, as needed by cows in milk, and dry cows and pregnant heifers in low condition.

As formerly, during the early part of the summer, the cows were in the field dur- ing the daytime and stabled at night, but during the heat of midsummer, and as flies became more troublesome, they were housed during the day and kept in pasture at night.

WINTER FEEDING.

The winter feeding was conducted under most unfavourable conditions owing to the loss of buildings and foodstuffs by fire. Although a large quantity of splendid forage had been well preserved for winter use, yet most of this was completely ruined by fire. Of the 500 tons of corn ehsilage stored in the silos of the main barn, only about ■''>() tons escaped injury by fire or subsequent spoiling owing to the loss of the silos, which were of wood. All the hay and straw preserved for winter feed, amounting to over nOO tons, was also lost.

Tlie milch cows were kept in the sheep sheds until the first of December, when two temporary structures were completed for the housing of the same during the winter. All heifers and dr,y cows until this time were of necessit.y kept in the fields. However, the cattle entered these barns in the fall in good flesh and, considering the Iiousing and food conditions, did exceptionally well.

Ottawa.

Diyiswy OF AxniAL nn^ din dry 331

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

The; w'iutor liitiou per duy for niilcli cows on the average was about a.s follows: —

I'ound.s.

Hay 5

Corn ensilage 20

Roots 15

^traw -1

Meal 7

The meal consisted of a mixture of UUO pounds ])imii; :!Oil ii.-nud-i oat .•iiop; 200 pounds oil eake meal; and 200 pounds cottonseed meal.

All the liay was purchased for the cattle which had formerly been housed in the main barn, and owin<^' to the spring killing of clover in li>13, was mostl.v tinioth.y. Tho corn ensilage was of good quality, rich in grain, and the part that wns u-^cd for f>'.-d was uninjured.

The roots were mangels, sugar mangels, and turnips. These of necessity were fed v/hole owing to our lack of facilities for pulping. In the future, however, the former method of pulping and mixing with ensilage and cut straw will be continued.

The straw purchased w^as, of course, oat straw, and was of poor feeding value. Again, owing to lack of cutting facilities, the strav/ was fed long, once per day.

The meal was scattered on the ensilage after it was before the cattle. The ;;ay given was fed uncut, after the other materials had been cleaned up.

Generally speaking, the milch cow is allowed all the roughage she will consume. Meal was given in proportion to milk produced, and if a cow responded frcel.y and profitably to an increase of meal she was fed more libcrall.v up to the ])oint v/liere profits ceased. Some of the cows, recentl.v freshened, consumed profitably 1 pound of meal for every 3 pounds of milk produced. However, a fair average of the herd and a reasonable standard for farmers, and one whicli will give on the average best results, is: 1 pound of meal fed for every 4 pounds of milk produced. .However, this ratii; between the pounds of meal and the pounds of milk must be largcl.v governed b.y tho quantity and the richness of the coarse forage, together with tho richness, palatal)ility, and variety of the meal mixture.

Water was before the cows all the time; and salt was added to the roughage at the time of mixing.

DAIRY CATTLE FEEDING EXPERIiMKXTS.

KXPKRIMKNTS WITH TIIR FF.KDINC OF ^fuLASSES AN'U MOf-ASSKS .Mi;Ar,S TO DAIRY CATTLR.

Followuig the experiments conducted in 301 2-13, and already reported, on the feeding of molasses to dairy cattle, further work in relation to the value of this sub- stance as a cattle food was carried on in the su)nmer of 1913.

Molasses vs. Caldwell's Molasses Mmh

Beginning April 27, an experiment was conducted with the grade herd to aseer- lain, if possible, a comparison of the value of molasses and Uiolasses meal added to the 7"egular meal ration. During the test, each cow received the same number of pounds of meal and molasses, or Caldwell's molasses meal. .Each feeding period consisted of two weeks; the first week as a transitory stage, the second as a busis of calculation. This allowed one week for the animals to become accustomed to an.y change in the ration, and by averaging the fii'st and third periods of the experiment, a comparison

Ottawa.

332

EXPERHJENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE V.^ A. 1915

with results of the second period is possible. The following table is calculated on the feed and production of thirteen cows in the herd : — ~

Dairy Cow Feeding Experiment No. 3 A. — Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa.

Object of Experiment. — To compare molasses with Caldwell's molasses mjeal.

Rations. — Period 2 : Meal mixture pins 25 per cent Caldwell's molasses meal. Periods 1 and 3 : Meal mixture plus 20 per cent molasses.

Value of feeds per ton. — Hay, $7; straw, $4; turnips and ensilage, $2; molasses, $23; Caldwell's molasses meal, $32; meal, 1} cents per pound.

Grain, mixture of. — Bran, 600 pounds; gluten meal, 300 pounds; oil cake, 200 pounds; cottonseed, 200 pounds; dried brewers' grains, 200 pounds.

Number of oo-ns in test

Pounds of milk produced by 13 cows lb

Average milk per cow per day "

Average per cent fat in milk p.c

Total pounds fat produced by 13 cows lb ,

Average pounds fat per cow per day "

Total meal consumed "

Total molasses or molasses meal conbumad "

Mixture consumed per 100 pounds fat produced. ..." Mixture consumed per 100 pounds of milk produced "

Findings from Experiment—

Cost of meal mixture fed %

Value of roughage fed "

Total cost of feed "

Cost to produce 100 pounds fat "

Cost to produce 1 pound fat "

Cost to produce 1 pound butter , "

Profit on 1 pound butter at 30 cents per pound. . . "

Cost to produce 100 pounds milk "

Profit on 100 pounds milk at $1.70 per cwt "

Period 1

13 2,07.5 22-8 3-6 74-7 0-82 711 178 1,190

11	03
5	54
IG	57
22	17
0	221
0	176
0	124
0	799
0	901

Period

13 2,1.30 23-4 3-9 83 0-91 711 178 1,071 41-7

11 03

5-54 1(1-57 19-96 0-199 0-159 0-141 0-773 0-927

Periods 1 and 3 average.

Period

9

■1

-75

13 M02 23 3- 78-8 0-86 711 178 ^129 42-3

11 5

16 21 0 0 0 0 0

-03

-.54

-.57

-03

-21

■168

-1.32

•788

•914

13

2, 192 24 3-8 83-29 0-916 606 223 1,067 40-6

11-90 5-54 17-44 20-95 0-209 0-167 0-1.33 0-795 0-915

Reviewing the results it will be seen that the production was higher during that week when the molasses constituent consisted of Caldwell's ineal. The cost of produc- tion, however, is not reduced, being practically the same in all periods.

In conjunction with the foregoing work, a duplicate experiment was carried on with the pure-bred herd..

Ottawa.

DlTISIOy OF AX1^JAL Hi SB AX DRY

333

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Dairy Cow Feeding Experiment No. 3 B.^Ctntral Experimental Farm, Ottawa.

Ohjeci cf L'.cperiment. — To compare CaW well's molasses meal with molasses.

Rations. — Period 2: Meal mixture plus 25 per cent Caldwell's molasses meal. Periods 1 and 3 : Meal mixture plus 20 per cent molasses.

Value of feeds per ton. — Ilay, $7; straw, $4; turnips and ensilage, $2; molesses, $23; Caldwell's molasses meal, $32; meal, 1^ cents per pound.

Grain, Mixture of. — Bran 600 pounds; gluten meal, 300 pounds; cottonseed, 200 pounds; dried brewers' grains, 200 pounds.

Number of cojvs in test

Pounds of milk produced by 11 cows lb.

Average milk i^i-r cow per day "

Average per c( -.it fat in milk p.c.

Total pounds fat produced by 11 cows lb.

Average pounds fat per cow per day "

Total meal consumed "

Total molasses consumed "

Mixture consumed per 100 pounds fat produced . . . . " Mixture consumed per 100 pounds milk produced.. . "

Findings from Experiment: —

Cost of meal mixture fed S

Value of roufxbage fed "

Total cost of feed "

Cost to prod'M e 100 pounds fat "

Cost to produce 1 pound fat "

Cost to produce 1 pound butter "

Profit on one pound butter at -30 cents per pound.. "

Cost to produce 100 pounds milk "

Profit on 100 pounds milk at $1-70 per cwt "

		Periods
Period	Period	1 and 3	Period
1-,	3.	average.	2
- 11	11	11	11
2,318	2,2.')5	2,286-5	2,2.S3
30	29-3	29-7	29-7
3-68	3-7	3-G9	3-7
85-30 J	83-43	84-37	84-47
1-10	1-08	1-09	109
576	576	576	540
144	144	144	180
843	8G4	855	851
31-1	31-9	31-5	31-54
8-93	8-93	8-93	9-63
4-36	4-36	4 -.36	4 -.36
13-29	13-29	13-29	13-99
15-58	15-93	15-75	16 -.55
0 155	0 159	0157	0163
0-124	0127	0-125	0 1.32
0-176	0-173	0-175	0168
0-509	0-589	0-.581	0-61
1-13	1-11	1-12	109

Here a comparison of the average of the two molasses feeding periods witli the Caldwell's molasses meal period shows practically the same production in all three. Consequently, the cost of production was less where the molasses constituent was used.

In discussing the cost of production it must be remembered that the term, as here used, refers only to the actual cost of the feeds themselves. It should be stated in fair- ness to the molasses meals that, wdiile they form rather an expensive food, they present molasses in a form where it may be fed as easily as any other meal. The farmer who bas used feeding molassies, especially during the winter months, will realize thoroughly its inconvenience and proverbial slowness. Roughly speaking there are three ways in which mtolasses may be fed. The first, by simply pouring it, slightly \farmed. over the feed; second, by diluting with warm water and mixing it with the roug"hage or meal, using a watering can or other receptacle; third, by using a mechanical power-mixer — consisting of a large hopper in which revolves a .specially constructed system of mixers, operated from a horizontal s]iindle and driven by hand or preferably by power through chain and sprocket. In this hopper may be placed tlic component parts of the grain or meal mixture together with the proportion of molasses required. One or two minutes' operation will so thoroughly incorporate a 20 to 30 per cent addition of molas- ses that the presence of a liquid may scarcely be detected froTU the texture of the mix- ture. Such an apparatus was used in the mixture of jnolasses food, and while proving satisfactory as regards work done, it was mechanically weak, 'and with all its sim- plicity, much too expensive for general adoption. However, the use of some such contrivance was practically necessary where definite and dilTering percentages of mol- asses were to be used. Such iteuis as the extra and not inconsiderable trouble of mix- ing, the cost of power, interest on investment, etc.,wei-e not figured against molasses.

Ottawa.

334

EXPERIMEXTA L FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915 IJolaffies rs. Caldirell's Molassps and MoJaadne Meals.

A number of the grade cows used in Experiment 3A v 're well advanced in their lactation periods, were decreasing rapidly in milk flow and were therefore much less likely to respond to slight changes in feeding. At the close of the experiment just mentioned, a number of high-grade, fresh-calved cows were purchased, and wn'th them the comparison of molaivses with molassts meals was continued as experiment No. 4, parts 1 and 2. In experiment 3, molasses formed the basis of txperimentation, while in experiment iSTo. 4 comparison was made from a molasses meal basis. Apart from this, no further explanation is necessary.

Dairy Cow Feeding Experiment No. J^ — Part I — Cenlral Experimental Farm, Ottawa.

Object of Experiment. — Caldwell's molasses meal vs. molasses (Caldwell's meal Standard).

Bations.- — ^Period 2; Grain mixture plus 20 per cent molasses

Periods 1 and 3: Grain mixture plus 25 per cent Caldwell's molasses meal.

Value of feeds per fait: — Hay, $7; straw, $4; turnips and ensilage, $2; molasses, $23; Caldwell's molasses meal, $32; meal, 1:1 cents per pound.

(rrain, mixture of. — Bran, GOO pounds; gluten meal, 300 pounds; oil cake, 200 pounds; cottonseed, 200 pounds; dried brewers' grains, 200 pounds.

Number of cows in test

Pounds of milk produced by 8 cows lb.

Average milk per cow per day "

Average per cent fat in milk p.c

Total pounds fat produced by 8 cows lb.

Average pounds fat per cow per day "

Total meal consumed "

Total molasses consumed "

Mixture consumed per 100 pounds fat produced "

Mixture consumed per 100 pounds milk produced . "

Findings from Experiment.—

Cost of meal mixture fed S

Value of roughage fed ''

Total cost of feed "

Cost to produce 100 pounds fat "

a it 1 u it

1 " butter 80 per cent "

Profit on 1 pound butter at 30 cents per pound "

('ost to produce 100 pounds milk "

Profit on 100 pounds milk at $1.70 per cwt.. . . "

		Periods
Period 1.	Period 3.	1 and 3 Average.	Period 2.
8	8	8	8
2,175	2,257	2,216	2,345
38-8	40	.39-5	41-9
3-7	3-8	3-75	3-8
79-47	85-76	83-10	89-11
142	1.53	1-48	1-59
4S3 -	483	483	515
161	161	161	129
810-3	7.50-9	774 8	722-7
29-6	28-5	29	27-4
8-62	8-62	8-62	7-99
3-55	3 -.55	3-55	3-55
12-17	12-17	12-17	11-54
15-31	14-19	14-64	12-95
0-153	0-141	0-146	0-129
0122	0-112	0-116	0 103
0-178	0-188	0 184	0 197
0-550	0-539	0-549	0-493
114	1-16	115	1-20

In the above experiment, comparing molasses feeds on a Caldwell's molasses meal standard, the eight cows gave an appreciably greater response during the period when they received the 20 per cent molasses addition to the meal mixture. This, combined with the lower cost of the ration, reduced the cost of production during the molasses feeding period. No effect was noticed in the average percentage fat during the differ- ent periods.

OTTA^VA

DITISIOX OF AXIMAL nUSBAyORY 335

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Dairy Cow Feeding Experiment Xo. ^ — Part II —Central Exijerimenlal Farm, Ottawa.

Object of Experiment. — Molassiue vs. Mola33os (Molassine standard).

Rations. — Period 2: Meal mixture plus 20 per cent mola?ses.

Periods 1 and 3 : Meal mixture plus 25 per cent Molassine meal.

Value of feeds per ton: Hay, $7; straw, $4; turnips and silage, $2; molasses, $■23; Jklolassine meal, $07; meal, 1^ cents per pound.

Grain, mixture of. — Bran. GOO pounds; gluten mciil, "00 pound.i; oil rako, 200 pounds; cottonseed, 200 pounds; dried brewers' grains, 200 pounds.

Period 1.

Poriod 3.

Periods

1 and 3

Average.

Number of rows in test

Pounds of milk produced by 8 cows lb.

Average milk per cow per day "

Average per cent fat in milk p.c.

Total pounds fat produced by 8 cows lb.

Average pounds fat per cow per day "

Total meal consumed "

Total molasses consumed "

Mixture consumed per 100 pounds fat produced "

Mixture consumed per 100 pounds milk produced . "

Findings from Experiment. —

Cost of meal mixture fed S

Value of roughage fed "

Total cost of feed "

Cost to produce 100 pounds fat "

1 " butter 80 p.c!! "

Profit on 1 pound butter at 30 cents per pound "

Cost to produce 100 pounds milk "

Profit on 100 pounds milk at S1.70 per cwt "

2,138 38 3-6 76-96 1-36 483 161 836-7 30-1

8-94 3 55 12-59 15-35 0-163 0-13 0-17 0-58 1-11

2,084 37 3-5 72-94 1-29 483 161 882-9 30-9

8-94 3-55 12-59 17-26 0-172 0137 0-163 0-60 1-09

-5 •55

8

2,111

37

3

74-94 1-30 483 161 859-3

30-5

8-94 3-55 12-59 16-80 0-168 0 134 0166 0-59 110

Period 2.

8 2.138 38 3-6 76-96 1-30 515 129 8.36-7 30-1

7-99

3-55

11-54

15- 00

0-15 0-12 0-18

54 16

In part 2 of this experiment, IMolassine meal was used during tHe first and third periods. The production of the periods decreases slightly, due to a great extent to the fact thiit the cows were housed continually during comparatively warm weather. Hero again the average for the two Molassine meal feeding periods is slightly lower than where molasses is used, resulting in practically the same lessening in cost with the latter food that was shown in part 1.

The tests as outlined were conducted with comparatively few cows, and under conditions not altogether conducive to thorougli contentment on the part of the animals, and are, perhaps, rather inconclusive. One point is fairly well shown, namel.v, that molasses added to the meal ration is more palatable, cheaper, and capable of i)r()- ducing more milk than any of the above molasses meals used. The palatability of molasses is unquestionable. During the first week of each two-week period, the cows were unmistakably glad to welcome the mohissos mixed meal. When, on the contrary, they were changed to the meal mixture plus the molasses meals, they showed a lack of enthusiasm. Attention might here be drawn to the fact that in purchasing molasses nienls. great care should be taken to examine them and ascertain that they are reason- ably fresh. The matrix or solid portion of these mcnls consists in most cases of peat, sphagnum moss, ground sugar cane or other more or less edible organic material of an absorbent nature. With these substances, in a finely-ground state, is incorporated the molasses, the whole being, when frcsldy mixed, of a soft mealy consistency and a palatable nature. Wb.ere, however, large qviantities of such meals are stored, piled high in warehouses, the result is a compacting of the material and, in warm weather,

Ottawa.

33S EXPERIMEXTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

more or less fermentation, leaving the contents-of eacli bag a solid " fire-fanged " mass, with adhesive qualities sufficient to make disintegration almost impossible. The feeding value, palatability, and cdnvenience of molasses meal in such a condition is destroyed. With Molassine meal, some difficulty was met with in obtaining the fresh- mixed product on the open market. This meal in the foregoing experiments and in experiment 5 was not of the best quality. With Caldwell's molasses meal, however, no such trouble was experienced, it being uniformly fresh and sweet wherever pur- chased, and apparently able to retain these qualities indefinitely. To this was likely due the fact that throughout the experim.ents cattle showed a preference for this meal over other meals of like nature. Where purchased in any considerable quantity, the bags containing molasses meals should either be placed on end or piled flat in tiers not more than 3 or 4 deep.

COMPARISON OF MOLASSES MEALS.

For the winter of 1913-14, due to the destruction of all machinery and special ai)pliances used in molasses feeding, investigations in this line were necessarily con- fired to a straight comparison of molasses meals. Of these, three were chosen, Cald- well's molasses meal, Molassine meal, and Molascuit. The two first-mentioned have already been used as reported. The latter, however, is a newer meal, and is composed of refuse sugar cane and pulp, ground and dried, mixed with cane feeding molasses. Although it does not impress one at first sight as an attractive or palatable meal, this feature is not apparent in the results, which show little difference in the production for the various feeding periods.

The operation of these tests was very seriously interfered with by frequent changes in the herd, individuals being removed temporarily and returned, or permanently dis- posed of and replaced by new cows. This was necessitated by crowding and the frequent changing of stock in all quarters due to lack of housing facilities and to other initoward circumstances not under control. In experiment No. 5, therefore, only fiix cows were available, these cows being in good milk flow and in the grade herd under uniform conditions throughout the test.

In order to give a fair comparison, the results of the tests are compiled in three tables, in each of which the basic Molassine meal is compared with one of the three- meal rations plus Molascuit, plus Caldwell's molasses meal, and less molasses meal constituent. Molasses meal was therefore fed during periods 1 and 3, 3 and 5, and 5 and 7. In the intermediate period in each case comparison was possible with the other molasses meals or with the mixture less molasses by averaging the two Molassine meal feeding periods. This is the fairest comparison possible, as it allows for the natural decrease in milk flow. In the case of a direct comparison of two feeding periods, the later is always at a disadvantage, due to the natural falling off in production.

The preface appearing at the top of the first table contains information applying of course to the two tables following.

•'o*

Dairy Cow Feeding Experiment No. 5 — Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa.

Object of Experiment. — To compare molasses meals (Molassine meal standard).

Kations. — Period 1, 3, 5, 7: Meal mixture plus Molassine meal. Period 2 : Meal mixture less molasses meal. Period 4 : Meal mixture plus Molascuit. . Period G: Meal mixture plus Caldwell's molasses meal.

Value of Feeds per ton. — Hay, $7; straw, $4; roots and ensilage, $2; molasses, $23; Caldwell's molasses meal, $32; Molassine meal, $37; Molascuit, $32; regular meal mix- ture, 1.1 cents per pound.

Orain and Molasses Meal Mixture. — ^Bran, 400 pounds; gluten feed, 200 pounds; nutted oil cake, 200 i)ou]ids; molasses meal (make depending on experiment) 200 pounds.

Ottavi^a.

Plate XIV.

Ayrshire cow, Havia 2nd of Ottawa, 22,197. Official record for year 1912 :— 10,318-.5 lb. milk, -JU'S lb. fat in 830 day.s. Official record for year 1913 :— 9,520 5 lb. milk, 374 8 lb. fat in 317 days. Bred and owned by Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa.

Ayrshire cow, Ottawa Kate, 29,001. Official record for year 1913 :- 11,873 lb. milk, -)78'7 lb. fat in 365 days. Bred and owned by Central E.\j)eiimental Farm, Ottawa. Her dam is a full sister of the dam of world's champion Ayrshire cow Anclienbraine Brown Kate -Ith.

16— 1915— p. 336.

DIVISION OF ANIMAL EVSBAyDRY

337

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Comparing Molassine Meal with Meal Eation less molasses.

lb.

Number of cows in test

Pounds of milk produced by six cows

Average uiilk per cow per day

Average per cent fat in milk

Total pounds fat produced by six cows

Average pounds fat per cow per day

Total meal consumed

Total molasses meal consumed

Mixture consumed per 100 pounds fat produced. . . Mixture consumed per 100 pounds milk produced.

Findings from Experiment.—

Cost of meal inixture fed %

Value of roughage fed

Total cost of feed

Cost to produce 100 pounds fat

Cost to produce 1 pound fat

Cost to produce 1 pound butter

Profit on 1 pound butter at 30 cents per pwund

Cost to produce 100 pounds milk

Profit on 100 pounds milk at |1.70 per cwt

Period 1, Molassine.

6 1,062-5 25-3 3-4 36-2 •86 336 84 1,100 39-5

5-71 3-94 9-65 26-65 0-266 0-212 0-08 0-908 0-792

Period 3. Molassine.

Periods

1 and 3

Average.

Molassine.

Period 2.

Less Molasses.

6 1,087 25-9 3-5 38

■90 336 84 1,105 38-7

5-71 3-94 9-65 25 13 0-25 0-20 0-10 0-888 0-812

6

1,074-

25-

3- 37

7

6

45

1

88

336 84 ,132-5 39-1

5 71 3-94 9-65 25-89 0-258 0-206 009 0 898 0 802

6

1,141-5

27-1

3-4

38-8

•92

420

1,082 37-

5-25 3-94 9-19 23-71 0-23 0-184 0-11 0-805 0-895

I

The outstanding feature of the results, as indicated, is the appreciable increase iu production when the Molassine meal was omitted from the ration. This increase, com- bined with the lower cost of the ration less molasses, resulted in a considerably lower cost of production during period 2.

Dairy Cow Feeding Experiment No. 5 — Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa. Comparing Molassine Meal with Molascuit.

Period 3.

Molassine.

Number of cows in test

Pounds of milk produced by six cows lb

Average milk per cow per day "

Average per cent fat in milk p.c

Total pounds fat produced by six cows lb.

Average pounds fat per cow per day "

Total meal consumed "

Total molasses meal con'-'imed "

Mixture consumed per 10(( pounds fat produced "

Mixture consumed per 100 pounds milk produced . " p^ndinf/s from Experiment. —

Cost of meal mixture fed S

Value of roughage fed "

Total cost of feed "

Cost to produce 100 pounds fat "

C;ost to produce 1 pound fat "

Cost to produce 1 pound butter "

Profit on 1 lt>. butter at 30 cents per pound. . . "

(^'ost to produce 100 pounds milk "

Profit on 100 pounds milk at $1.70 per cwt "

6 1,087 25-9

3-5 38

336 84 1,105 38-

•90

5-71 3-94 9-65 25-13 0-25 0-20 010 0-888 0-812

Period 5.

Molassine.

6

,004

23-9

3

36

6 1

86

336 84 1,163 41-8

5-71 3-94 9-65 26-73 0-267 0-213 0-087 0-96 0-74

Periods 3 and 5

Average

Molassine.

Period 4. Molascuit.

1

6 1,046 24-9 3-55 37-1

-88 336 84 1,1.34 40-3 {

5-71 i 3-94 ' 9-65 ' 25-93 ' 0-2.i9 0-207 0-093, 0-924 0-7761

6

1,065

25-

3- 37-

3368 8-1 1,129 39

3 5 2 38

5-55 3-94 9-49 25-51 0 2.55 0^204 0 096 0-89 081

16—22

Ottawa.

333

EXPERHIENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

The results show a slightly increased production during the period in which was fed Molascuit as compared with the average of the two Molassine meal periods. ]\[ola3Cuit being lower in cost than Molassine, the cost of production for period -t is still further lowered.

Dairy Cow Feeding Experiment No. 5. — Central Experimental Farm. Ottawa. — Con. CoMPARiXG Molassine Meal with Caldwell's Molasses Meal.

Period 5.

Molassine.

Number of cows in test lb.

Pounds of milk produced by six cows "

Average milk per cow per day "

Average per cent fat in milk "

Total pounds fat produced by six cows "

Average pounds fat per cow per day "

Total meal consumed "

Total molasses meal consumed "

Mixture consumed per 100 pounds fat produced. . . "

Mixture consumed per 100 pounds milk produced . "

Findings from Experiment. —

Cost of meal mixture fed $

Value of rout^hage fed ''

Total cost of feed "

Cost to produce 100 pounds fat "

Cost to produce 1 p mnd fat "

Cost to produce 1 p >und butter "

Profit on 1 pound butter at 30 cents per pound "

Cost to produce 100 pounds milk "

Profit on 100 pounds milk at $1.70 per cwt "

Period 7

Molassine.

G 1,004 2Z-

.3 36-

336- S4 1,163

41-

9 6 1

86

5-71 3 94 9-65 26-73 0-267 0 213 0 087 0 96 0-74

Periods 5 and 7

Average.

Molassine.

6 1.014 .5 24- 1

3 7 37

336

84 1,120

41-

5

89

5-71 3-94 I 9-65 ! 25-73 i 0 257' 0-20.5i 0 095i 0 9.5 i 0-75

Period 6.

Caldwell's Molasses. Meal.

6 1,009-2 24- 3-65 36-8 -8 336 84 1.142 41 6

S/o

71 94

9 65 26-23 0 262 0-209i 0-0911 0-9.55 0-74.51

6 1.049 25 3 6 37-7 -90 338 84 1,114 40

5-55 3 94 9-49 25 17 0-25 0 20 010 0-904 0 796

Here the results are in favour of the Caldwell's molasses meal, milk production being slightly higher, and cost to produce lessened accordingly, the lower price of the latter meal still further reducing the cost.

SUMM.ARY.

The feeding periods with the meal mixture pltis Molascuit, meal mixture plus Caldwell's molasses meal, and meal mixture less molasses, all show increased produc- tion over the average of a preceding and following Molassine meal feeding period. The lower price of the three former meal mixtures, combined with the above fact,, quite appreciably lessens the cost to produce.

COMPARING MOLASSES MEALS FROM A CALDWELL S MEAL STANDARD.

At the expiration of the foregoing experiment, the test was continued on the above indicated basis. A number of high-cla.ss Holstein and Ayrshire grades having been purchased, and several individuals of the herd having freshened, eleven cows were available, all at a stage of lactation where production wotild likely be affected by change in diet.

Except for the change in the basis of comparison, experiment 6 was practically a replica of experiment 5. The results being tabulated as in experimeatt 5, no further explanation should be required.

Ottawa.

DiTisioy OF AxniAL nvf^nwDnr 3S9

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Dairy Cow Feeding Experiment No. 6. — Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa.

Object of Experiment. — To compare nwlasses meals. (Caldwell's molasses meal standard).

Rations: Periods 1, H, 5 and 7: Meal mixture plus Caldwell's molasses meal.

Period 3: Meal mixture plus Molascuit. Period 5 : Meal mixture plus Molassine meal. Period 7: Meal mixture less molasses meal.

Value of feeds per ion. — Hay. $7; straw, $4; ensilae-e, $2; Caldwell's molasses meal, $32; Molascuit, $32; Molassine meal, $37; meal, 11 cent per pound.

Grain and Molasses Meal Mixture. — Bran, 400 iwunds; gluten feed, 200 pounds; nutt-ed oil cake, 200 pound.s; molasses meal (make dependins^ on experiment) 200 pounds.

Comparing Caldwell's Molasses Meal with Molascuit.

Period 1

Caldwell's

Molasses

Meal

Period 3

Caldwell's

Molasses Meal

Number of cows in test

Pounds of milk produced by II cows lb.

Average milk per cow per day "

Average per cent fat in milk p.c.

Total pounds of fat produced by 11 cows lb.

Average pounds fat per cow per day "

Total meal consumed "

Total molasses meal consum.ed "

Mixture consumed perl 00 pounds fat produced. ..." Mixture consumed per 100 pounds milk produced . . "

Findings from Experiment. —

Cost of meal mixture fed $

Value of roughage fed "

Total cost of feed "

Cost to produce 100 pounds fat *'

Cost to produce 1 pound fat "

Cost to produce 1 pound butter "

Profit on 1 pound butter at 30 cents per pound "

Co-it to produce 100 pounds milk "

Profit on 100 pounds milk at $1.70 per cwt „

11

2,699- 35-

9 2 36

105 1

941- 235- 1,118- 43-5

15-52 4 -.38 19-90 18-91 0 189 0-151 0-149 0-741 0-959

11 2,520- 32-7 3-9 98-2 1-27 941- 2.35- 1,197- 46-6

15-52 4-38 19-90 20-26 0-202 0161 0-1.39 0-789 0-911

Periods

1 and 3

Average.

Caldwell's

Molasses

Meal

11

2,609-5

33-8

3-9

101-7

1-32 941- 235- 1.157-5 45-5

15 52 4-38 19-90 19-58 0-195 0-156 0 144' 0-765 0-935

Period 2

Molascuit.

11

2,638-

34-2

3

102

1

941- 235- 1,197- 46-6

9 9 34

15-52 4 -.38 19-90 19-34 0 193 0-154 0-146 0-751 0-946

The results for the averag* of the CaidwoU's molasses meal feeding periods, as against the IMolascuit period, were practically the same both as to production and cost to produce.

IG— 22J

Ottawa.

340

EJPERIMEXTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915 Dairy Cow Feediny Experiment No. 6. — Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa. — Con.

Comparing Caldwell's Molasses Meal with Molassine Meal.

Period 3.

Caldwell's

Molasses Meal.

Period 5.

Caldwell's Molasses Meal.

Periods

3 and 5

Average.

Cak well's Molasses Meal.

Period 4.

Molassine Meal.

Number of cows in test

Pounds of milk produced by 11 cows lb .

Average milk per cow per day "

Average per cent of fat in milk p.c.

Total pounds of fat produced by eleven cows lb.

Average pounds fat per cow per day "

Total meal consumed "

Total molasses consumed "

Mixture consumed per 100 pounds fat produced. ..." Mixture consumed per 100 pounds milk produced. . " Findings from Experiment. —

Cost of meal mixture fed $

Value of roughage fed

Total cost of feed ,

Cost to produce 100 pounds fat

Cost to produce 1 pound fat

Cost to produce 1 pound butter

Profit on 1 pound butter at 30 cents per pound

Cost to produce 100 pounds milk

Profit on 100 pounds milk at $1.70 per cwt

11
2,520
32	7
3	9
98	2
1	27
941
235
1,197
4G	6
15	52
4	38
19	90
20	26
0	202
0	161
0	137
0	789
0	911

11

2,4.38- SI- S' 92- 1- 941- 235 1,270' 48'

6

8 6 20

15-52 4-38 19-90 21-49 0-214 0-171 0-129 0-812 0-888

11 2,479- 32-2

3-85 95-4 1-24 941- 235- 1,234- 47-6

15-52 4-38 19-90 20-88 0-208 0-166 0-134 0-801 0-899

11 2,402- 31-1 3-8 91-2 1-18 941- 2.35- 1,289- . 48-9

16-00 4-S8 20-38 22-34 0-223 0-178 0-122 0-848 0-852

The average of the Caldwell's ineal periods was here higher than the Molassine period, and in conjunction with the lower cost of the former meal the total cost to pro- duce was consequently lowered.

CoiMPARiNG Caldwell's Molasses Meal with a Meal Ration less Molasses.

Number of cows in test

Pounds of milk produced by 11 cows lb.

Average milk per cow per day "

Average per cent fat in milk p.c.

Total pounds fat produced by 11 cows lb.

Average pounds fat per cow per day "

Total meal consumed "

Total molasses meal consumed "

Mixture consumed per 100 pounds fat produced. ..." Mixture consumed per 100 pounds milk prodi e:d. . . .

Findings from Experiment. —

Cost of meal mixture fed %

Value of roughage fed "

Total cost of feed "

Cyost to produce 100 pounds fat "

Cost to produce 1 pound fat "

Cost to produce 1 pound butter "

Profit on 1 pound butter at 30 cents per pound. . . . "

Cost to produce 100 pounds milk , "

Profit on 100 pounds milk at $1.70 per cwt "

Period 5

Caldwell's

Molasses

Meal.

11

2,438

31

3-8

92-6

1

941- 235- 1,270- 48-5

6

20

15-52 4-38 19-90 21-49 0-214 0-171 0129 0-812 0-888

Period 7.

Caldwell's

Molasses Meal.

11 2,202

28

3

79

1

941

235

1,482

53

5

6

3

02

15-52 4-38 19-90 25 09 0-25 0-20 010 0-90 0-80

Periods

5 and 7

Average.

Caldwell's

Molasses- Meal

11 2,320- 30-1 3-7 86-

1-21

941-

235-

1,376-

51-

15-52 4-38 19-90 23-29 0-232 0-185 0-115 0-F56 0-844

Period 6.

Meal EatioR

less Molasses.

11 2,199-

28-5 3-7

81-4 1-05 1,176-

1,444- 53-4

14-60 4-38 18-98 23-32 0-233 0-186 0-114 0-863 0-837

Ottawa.

DiriSlOyi OF AMMAL HllSBAyDRY

341

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Caldwell's molasses meal here showed a considerable superiority over the ration less molasses. In the previous experiment exactly the reverse was the case, quite as decided a rise being shown when the molasses meal was omitted. Notwithstanding the drop in production in this case, however, the cost to produce was verj' little higher, due to the absence, in period 6, of the relatively expensive Caldwell's meal.

GENERAL CONCLUSIONS.

Reviewing the results as obtained throughout the year it would appear that in view of their relatively high cost, molasses meals tend to increase the cost of milk production. Comparing them with the pure molasses addition, the results are not as conclusive as might be desired in order to makq deductions. The cost to produce, as figured, is lower with molasses, which is more palatable, and looks to be a bettor milk producer than the meals. It is a foodstuff of inconvenient nature, ho^wever, and the necessary expense involved in its incorporation with the food, must not be forgotten. Among the meals themselves, Caldwell's molasses meal has shown a slight but consistent superiority. This may have been due to the fact that, "when purchased, it was uniformly fresh. Although results as to milk production were contradictory when compared with a meal mixture less molasses, the addition of molasses meals to a well-balanced ration, as largely home-grown as possible, would be of doubtful benefit, when the question is viewed in the last analysis — the cost to produce. However, this is the first test of its kind to be conducted at the Central Experimental Farm, and no further attempt should be made at hard and fast deduc- tions.

Below is given a table of the weights of the cows taken at the beginning of experiments 5 and 6 and at the end of each feeding period throughout the tests.

WEIGHTS OF OATTLE AT END OF FEEDING PERIODS.

Experiment No. 5.

	At Be- ginning of Experi- ment.	Period 1.	Period 2.	Period 3.	Period 4.	Period 5.	Period 6 .	Period 7.	Period 8.
6 cows	ft,G45	6,795	6,769	6,712	7,013	6,707	6,847	6,654

Experiment No. 6.

llcbwa 11,432

11,617

11,618

11,660

11,944

11,920 11, {

11,875

11,905

The results, although interesting, do not permit of any deductions bearing on the excellence of the meals tested-

Ottawa.

342

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

GUARANTEED ANALYSES.

In connection with the foodstuffs used in the foregoing experiments, the follow- ing analyses, as quoted by manufacturers, may be of interest. Further analyses will be made by the Chemical Division, of composite samples of these foods, taken during the period of experiment.

Guaranteed Analyses.

Foodstuff.	Protein.	Carbo- hydrate.	Fat.	Fibre.
Bran — (Ontario and Manitoba Flour Mills)	% 11-9 23- 31-5 41-48	% 42-	% 2-5 3- 3- 7-12	%
Gluten Feed— (Canada Starch Co. )	6-
Nut ted OU Cake— (Sherwin-Williams Co.)	35-7
Cotton Seed Meal — (Michigan Farmer Brand)	4-10

Guaranteed Analyses (Molasses Meals).

Meal.	Moisture.	Protein.	Carbo- hydrate and Digest- ible Fibre.	Sugar.	Fat.	Fibre.	Ash.
	%	/O	%	%	%	%	%
Molascuit	15 33	2-50 4-61 7-94	69 02 64-56 55-48	53-19 39 16	•13 •81 1 06	6-23 2-71 6-87	675
Caldwell s
Molassine	19-23	9-42'

Molascuit. — Composed of the interior of the sugar cane after the juice has been expressed this material, after screening and drying, is known as Megass meal, is said to be 75 per cent digestible, and, furthermore, is capable of absorbing four times its weight of molasses, the original juice being largely replaced by molasses.

CaldweU's Molasses Meal. — Composed of 80 to 84 per cent pure cane molasses, and the balance sphagntun moss.

Molassine iVeaZ.— Much similar in composition to Caldwell's, sphagnum moss or peat forming the absorbent matrix which holds a high percentage of molasses.

ANALY.SES by the DIVISIOV OF CHEMISTRY.

Readers interested in the above as well as all other live stock feeding experiments are referred tc the report of the Dominion Chemist, a.s contained in previous chapters of this volume, for the analyses of all the various foodstuffs under experiment. Such analyses are absolutely essential in the final deductions relating to any feeds. The

Ottawa.

DITISIOy OF AKIMAL nUSBANDRY

343

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

foivgoiiiK •' guanuitecd analyses" are available to all purclra.scrs who request such from sales agents. Whether or not such feeds are uniform in composition or live up to the guaranteed analyses, can be proven only by careful sampling and analysing by a chemist.

The following analyses were made by Mr. F. T. Shutt, Dominion Chemist, who has done a large amount of work relating to molasses as a foodstuff. The.-e figures are lii'i-c copied to illustrate the above-mentioned comparisons. Readers are particularly referred to complete analyses and explanatory notes as contained in the report of the Dominion Chemist.

Samples Nos. 1 and 2 were analysed a year ago and reported in the annual report for the year ending March 31, 1913. Samples IN^os. 3, 4, and 5 were analysed during the past year, complete details of which are found in previous chapters of this report.

d	Feed.	Moisture.	Protein.	Carbo- hydrate.	Sugar.	Fat or Oil.	Fibre.	Ash.
1	Molasf'uit Meal	% 16-10 21-45 17-06 22-04 28-70	% 2-81 8-44 6-34 4-89 4-94	% 66-23 56-29 5S-23 58-22 60-95	% 43-70 39-12 35-32 44-86 60-57	% •20 •35 •G8 •46	% 6-97 5-44 10.55 7-03	07 /O 7-69
2 3 4	Molas.sine Meal Molassine Meal Caldwell's meal	8-07 G-99 7 -.36
5	Molasses	5-41
	1

Whether or not these meals were representative of their respective brands caimot be said. These, however, were all purchased on the market, and should be representa- tive.

Comparisons of the above analyses with the results of the feeding experiments are most interesting. Final deductions would be impossible owing to the shortness of the test, yet one most noticeable fact may be noted, namely, in the above experiments the food values of molasses qnd molasses meals are in the same order and i^roportion to their sugar content, while the protein might be largely discarded in calculations as being mostly indigestible.

MILKIXG MACHINES.

As reported in the annual report for the fi.scal year ending ]\[arch 31, 1913, con- siderable work has been done at the Central Experimental Farm in connection with milking machines. Although nothing of a definite nature is as yet ready for publica- tion, a brief summary of operations to date is worthy of note.

In July, 1912, a Sharpies mechanical milker was installed in the main barn of the Central Experimental Farm with an idea of testing thoroughly this method of milk- ing, and this machine in particular, as to its commercial value, its economy, durability, the effect on the cows as compared with hand milking, and particularly on the bac- terial quality of the milk produced. Six milking units of this mechanical milker, together with all necessary equipment, including an electric motor, were installed with a total cost of $1,043. Each milking unit cost $110, with the pump, vacuum tanks, etc., extra. To readers who are not acquainted with milking machines, atten- tion is drawn to the fact that with the Sharpies mechanical milker a milking unit milks only one cow at a time.

In September, 1913, another make of milking machine, namely, the Burrell-Law- renee-Kennedy, was also installed in the main barn of the Central Experimental Farm. The reason for this installation was to obtain comparative data between the Burrell-

OlTAWA.

344 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

I 5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

Lawrence-Kennedy, the Sharpies, and eventually other makes of meelianical milkers, in contrast to good hand milking. This installation did not in any way mean the dis- carding of the first installed machine. A complete outfit of the Burrell-Lawrence- Kennedy milker, consisting of three double milking units, together with -all necessaiy appliances and incidentals, was installed, the one motor, however, being capable of handling the two makes of mechanical milkers. The cost of the Burrel-Lawrence- Kennedy milker amounted to $102 per milking unit, with extra for the pump, tank, and valves. A unit of this machine consists of a milk pail, cover with pulsator attached, eight teat cups and all rubber tubing. One xmit of the Burrell-Lawrence- Kennedy machine milks two cows at a time, in contrast to one cow at a time in the Sharpies machine.

The fire which destroyed the main bam in October, 1913, also destroyed all pip- ing, motors, pumps, vacuum tanks, etc., of both of these makes of meehanioal milkers and, in consequence of the loss of building;s and this part of the equipment, it was deemed advisable to discontinue experimental work with milking machines until the completion of the new structure, when all such work will be much enlarged and con- tinued.

The Sharpies mechanical milker had been in use for fifteen months, excepting check periods of hand millcing, amounting to approximately three months. The Bur- rell-Lawrence-Kennedy m.achine was in use just one month previous to the fire. Com- parisons between these two machines in any Avay would be utterly impossible owing to the fact that the latter installed machine was used for such a short time and also that the former machine had in a way prepared the cows for mechanical milking. How- ever, with the ten months of hand milking subsequent to the loss of buildings, all herds will be in a position on a uniform basis to take up the experimental work comv paring these two nxachines with hand milking.

The bacteriological study for purity of milk in this work has, in the past, been conducted by Miss L. Dean, and with the assistance and under the supervision of the Dominion Botanist, Mr. H. T. Giissow. Many new bacterial phases of this work will be taken up as soon as this experimiental work with mechanical mill?:ers is re-estab- lished.

A brief summary of results with the Sharpies mechanical milker to date is as fol- lows : —

Although uniform conditions as to cleanliness of barn, cattle, etc., were main- tained, yet with the best methods possible adopted, certified milk was an impossibility with the Sharpies machine, while, with difficulty, it was possible by the best of hand milking. For good pure milk the Sharpies mechanical millver gave good results if special precautions Avere taken in the washing and sterilizing of the milker after each minting period. The utility of this mechanical milker in the production of pure milli depends absolutely on the man who is operating the same, both as to cleanliness of the cows, care in handling the machine during operation, and thorough sterilization of the machine before using.

This machine appai-ently had no ill effect upon the cattle, only a few objecting to its use at the commencement of the experiment, and all taking kindly to it in a short time.

As to economy of labour, it undoubtedly has decreased the labour of milking fully 60 per cent but, on the other hand, has largely increased the labour in washing and sterilizing of all utensils. Generally speaking, it has decreased the roost important labour of milking to an extent which would warrant the installation of the machine in a herd of some dimensions — fifteen cows or more.

Apparently the machine has exei-ted some influence in hastening the end of the lactation period; however, as it was the first year of installation, no definite figures or no definite conclusions could be drawn.

Ottawa.

Plate XV.

Holstein cow "Evergreen March," oaicial records as 3 years in 1913: — Record of performance — 13,804 lb. milk testing 38 % fat, or 52o'4 lb. fat in 335 days. Record of milk, 3 years, 5 months, 1 day:— 7 days: o49-5 lb. milk, 1938 lb. fat, 2422 lb. butter; 30 days: 2,202-5 lb. milk, 74'86 lb. fat, !(3'58 lb. butter. Owned by Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa.

French Canadian cow, Fortune 4th, of Ottawa, age 5 years. Record of performance, 1913:— 9,127 lb. milk testing 4 42 % fat; 410 02 lb. fat 365 days. Bred and owned by E.xperiraental

Farm, Ottawa.

16— 1915— p. 344.

DIVISION OF AXIMAL HUSBAyORY 345

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

The cost of renewal of rubber lining's for teat cups and rubber tubing' aniountcil to more than was expected. IIoweA'er, the nianufncturers of the Sharpies machine have, during the year 1913, greatly improved the tinish and quality of the machine, both a« to rubber parts and also as to the smoothness of the metal surfaces, which will greatly overcome part of the difficulty in was^hing and thorough sterilizing.

Further conclusions would be unwarranted owing to the short duration of the experiment. However, it is hoped that after three or more years of careful study of this and other mechanical milkers, a large amount of definite information of vajuable character will be available for distribution.

DAIRY HERD RECORDS.

Eollowing are the dairy cow milk records for all cows which have finished a lac- tation period during the fiscal year ending March 31, 1911.

In the case of heifers with their first calves, charges for feed include the con- sumption from a date two months previous to parturition, to the time of being dried oil preparatory to second calving. In the case of heifers and cows 3 years old and over, charges for feed include the period in which they were dry previous to the lac- tation period reported.

In estimating the cost of feeding the following values are used : —

Pasture, per month $ 1 per cow.

Meal mixture 25 per ton.

Hay 7

Straw 4

Roots and ensilage 2 "

Green teed 3 • "

In calculating the value of the product, 30 cents per pound is allowed for the but- ter, and 20 cents per liundred pounds for skim-milk. In reality a considerable quan- tity of milk conforming to the " certified " standard has again been sold at $^3 per hundred pounds, while the price of butter ranged from 29 to 35 cents per pound. The cream cheeses sold realized from $3.25 to $3.50 per hundre<l pounds of milk, and the Coulommier cheeses sold realized from $2.20 to $3 per hundred pounds of milk. The skim-milk, too, has acquired a value much exceeding the 20 cents per hundred pounds. In many cases, in the feeding of either calves or young pigs, it has reached a value of 75 cents and, in exceptional cases, nearly a dollar per hundred pounds.

However, the figures chosen for calculation were regular market values, and form a fair basis for comparison of the various individuals in the herd with each other, for this and previous fiscal years, as well as with the individuals of other herds either on branch Farms and Stations or on the farms of private individual farmers.

In computing these returns it will be noted that the bedding and labour in con- nection with caring for the cattle, and also the manufacture of the butter, cost of handling milk, nuuiufacturing of cheese, and the like, have not been taken into account. From careful calculation covering s'everal years it has bee«i found that the value of the manure made and the value of the calves at birth, if proi)erly cared for, more than counterbalance the above-mentioned items.

All cows are reported upon that have finished a lactation i>eriod during the past fiscal year. This list, however, does not include all cows that are at present in milk on the Central Experimental Farm, for in a fe\v easels the cows have overrun the full year milking, and many heifers have not completed their first lactation period.

Owing to the loss of the splendid roughage together with the complete winters supply of meals, all dairy cows on the Farm suffered severely from lack of a well-bal- anced ration, until such time as sufficient materials could be jnirchased for the same.

Ottawa.

343

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. -i^lS

In conipariug' tlie results f roiu tiie various herds, special note must be made of the fact that the barn in which the grade cows were housed was not lost by fire, only tli8 main barn and its various wings, in which all the pure-bred dairy cattle were housed, 'being destroyed. In consequence, the grade cows had, during the latter half of the fiscal year, a very much better opportunity than did the pure-breds, as they were not seriously affected by the fire.

OFFICIAL RECORDS OF PRODUCTION^.

Although the herd records on the Central Experimental Farm are considered official, yet the policy of the Fai-ms has been to place individual cows under test sim- ilar to cows of private individuals, and conduct the same under similar supervision. In consequence of this policy, pure-bred individual cows from tlie various herds on the Central Experimental Farm have, during the past years, been entered in the Record of Performance and, added to this during the past fiscal year, a few individual Hol- steins were entered in the Canadian Holstein Friesian Association Record of Merit.

Following is a list of the cows which have completed these official records during the past fiscal year: —

Canadian Record of Perfomnance.

Name of cow.

Evergreen March 3rd..

Ottawa Kate

Flavia 2nd

Fortune 4th of Ottawa

Aromaz

Inoquette 3rd

Fortune Cadette

Breed.

I Age at commencement of test.

Holstein

Ayrshire

Ayrshire

Fr. Canadian

Number

days milking.

335 365 317 365 360 365 319

Pounds

milk

produced.

13,804 11,873 9,520 9,127 7,712 6,763 5,801

Pounds

fat

produced,

525-48 478 70 374-84 410 02 41.5-86 315-28 287 00

Average

per cent.

fat.

8 9 94 42 33 501 4-71

Ottawa.

D/r/.Sf/Oy OF A\IM IL nUSBANDRY

347

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Canadiax Hoktein Friesian Record of Merit.

Xamc of Cow.	Age at commencement of test.	■ No. ci days in test.	Pounds milk prcfluced.	Pounds fat produced.	Pounds 80 per cent. butter pro<lueed.
Evergreen March .3rd (12G59 )	3y.. 5m., lOd.	t	549-5	19 -.38	24-22
30	2,202-5	74-86	93-58
"Ri^i-loVi r^I'ii* (7 7(W\ (^^' At.-i 07A	7	472	16-79	20-99
		30	1,897	59-96	74-95
rVntro \'io\v HnsiQio Ann M '^ 0'il\	4y., 5m., 27d.	7	475	14-80 18-51
	30	1,758-5	53-30	66-62
Rhod-i Snd's \rind f7.3Ul	7y., .3m., 18d.	7	411	13-79 17-24
	30	1,600	51-46	64-33
Rpiilali riiv .3rrl (\7 0S4 )	2y., 3m., 12d.	7	262-5	10-40	13-00
	30	1,194	41-81	52-27

Ottawa.

348

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. '915 Eecord of Dairy Herd—

■^ Nanae and Breeds of Cows.

o-o

M 2 <D O

a 'a

o

.S 2

•" c

6^

o_o

m'C

3 .

2

Q

CI

o

c

IS O

^^

re ^

»-T3

Cm <U

o c.

3 O

. ..G. ...G ...G

Evergreen March 3rd

Brampton Fereor Tister

Ottawa Kate

Annie Laurie

Tannahill's Diamond

Maggie Murphy

Jennie Dean

Beulah Clay

Archer's Pearl

riavia 2nd of Ottawa. . .

Milkmaid

Rhoda 2nd*s Maud

Dolly

Canaan Beauty

Itchen's Pride

Fanny

Archer's Spot

Belle K

Belle's Pauline

Ottawa Itchen's Favour.

Queen Bess G

Katrina G

Brampton Raleigh Cora

Arthur's Rose G

Centre View Bessie Ann

Flavia 4th of Ottawa

Daisy Belle G

Ruby's Pride

Itchen's Girl ;

Maggie Pulchrae

Rose Korndyke

Mainstay Pearl

Ottawa Deanie

Betty G

Brampton Blue Duchess

Soncy 3rd of Ottawa

...G.

!.'.G ...G

.G. .G.

!f

.F .F

Aldvne

Kirsty 2nd

Mainstay's Pride ,

Orange Blossom ,

Fortune Cadette

La Belle

Ottawa Kate 2nd

Brampton Oakland Trial.

Johanna G.

Ottawa Itchen

Denty 4th of Ottawa

Nancy 2nd „.G.

Flavia 3rd of Ottawa

Marjorie (imp.)

Lady Anne 2ncl G.

Marjorie 4th of Ottawa

Bonnie Jean G.

Sangster's Mayflower G.

Dixie 2nd" G.

Clothilde Hengerveld Korndyke.

Zaza Fille 2nd F.

Pearly 's Maid

Duchcsse Sauvee F.

Inocjuette 5th F.

Marjorie 6th of Ottawa

Marjorie 2nd of Ottawa

Elegante Poupee F.

Denty 3rd of Ottawa

Inoquette 4th F.

Jessie D. of Ottawa

Jessie E. of Ottawa

H.

.J.

A.

.A.

.H.

.H.

.A.

H.

G.

.A.

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C.'

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C.

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3 Apr. 7

4 I Nov. 8 6 Jan. 12 6 Ijuly 7

Oct. 10 July 9 July 1 June 17 Jan. 10 Mar. 11 June 16 June 4 July 6 July 13 Dec. 8 Apr. 15 Oct. 2 Apr. 12 Aug. 10 Dec. 6 Oct. 6 Apr. 19 Sept. 13 Sept. 15 May 11 Sept .29

5

8 6 7 3 7 •8 7 6 5 3 3 2 5 6 4 6 5 3 6 4 3 8 3 3 4 5 Aug. 16

2 June 20

3 Oct. 10

7 [June 16 2 jSept.20

4 !Oct. 18

8 iFeb.28 8 lApr. 30

July 6 Jan. 31 Aug. 31 May 6

May 10 Sept. - Nov. 15 May 20 Nov. 17 Oct. 10 Feb. 10 Sept. 5 Feb. 22 Apr. 5 Apr. 8 July 22 Apr. 12 Oct. 25 July 10 Sept. 1 Apr. 12 Sept. 17 Dec. 6 Dec. 19 Dec. 28 Sept. 12 Dec. 17 Oct. 4 JMay 25 'July 20 jOct. 24 7 lApr. 7 5 |Aug.31

1913.

1912.

1913.

1912.

1912.

1912..

1912,

1913.

1912.

1913..

1912.,

1913..

1912.,

1912..

1911..

1913.,

1911.,

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1912.,

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1912..

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1913..

1913..

1913..

1912..

1912..

1912..

1912..

1912..

1913..

1912..

1913..

1913..

1913..

1912..

1913..

1912..

1912..

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1912..

1912..

1912..

1912..

1912..

1913..

1912.,

340

508

395

427

320

427

417

286

615

327

437

276

417

444

517

334

879

236

325

363

319

236

301

407

231

247

411

331

382

285

532

272

354

417

375

375

365

290

290

273

319

315

299

354

234

296

341

304

269

267

296

242

442

271

254

338

297

388

273

442

318

244

309

288

325

244

303

Lb.

13,817 9,567 12,262 10,206 12,618 13,292 9,252 11,472 8,120 9,493 8,805 10,087 7,442 12, 154 7,592 9,780 9,806 9,072 9,279 6,3S9 8,776 8,884 5,951 9,008 8,576 6,485 7,653 5,693 6,211 6,929 11,364 4,400 5,083 7,761 5,701 7,421 8,605 7,715 4,975 4,584 5,797 5,764 5,056 3,870 6,415 4,269 7,280 6,864 6,258 7,285 6,580 5,657 7,166 5,400 5,550 6,437 4,588 4,450 3,694 5,284 5,334 5,547 4,062 5,448 4,977 4,746 5,528

Lb.

40-6 18-8 310 23-9 39-4 311 22-2 401 13-2 290 201 36-6 17-8 27-4 14-7 29-3 11-2 38-4 28-6 17-6 27-5 37-6 16-5 22-3 37- 1 26-3 18-6 170 16-3 24-3 21-4 16-2 14-4 18-6 15-2 19-8 23-6 26-6 17-2 16-8 18-2 18-3 16-9 10-9 27-4

14-4 21-4 22-6 23-3 27-3 22-2 23-4 16'2 19-9 21-9 190 15-5 11-5 13-5 120 16-8 22-7 13-2 18-9 15-3 19-5 18-2

p. c.

3-80 5-37 3-90 4-08 3-28 3-20 400 3-53

46

94

11

45

41

44

91

3-60

4-94

3-46

3-70

516

3-55

3-34

5-30

3-48

25

39

82

36

02

26

3-44 5-79 5-61 3-64 4-93 3-94 3-81 3-64 5-14 5-32 4-66 4 -.55 4-78 66 34 47 91 76 15

6-

3-

5-

3-

3-

4-

3-47

3-69

4-22

3-28

3-71

3-87

3

4

5

5

4

4

3

4

3

46 77 48 43 88 03 93 80 92 4-69 4- 14 3-35

Lb.

618-21

6t)4-65

563 17

489-87

487-64

500-40

435-64

477-06

521-93

441 00

426-30

410-25

386-35

492-28

442-84

422-58

569-95

369-41

404-45

387-89

366-80

349 05

371-72

371-53

339-91

335-41

344-14

359-40

367 -.33

347-95

459-44

300-05

335-93

3.32-41

330-91

344-70

385-76

330-8^

300-82

287-04

318-14

310-30

284-64

303-37

252-41

274-79

337-70

304-04

305-91

297-64

285-89

281-09

276-94

236-23

251-42

261-86

257-76

287-01

236 14

30.3-88

253-09

256-47

229-70

250-00

275-05

231-61

218-33

$ c. 185 46 181 40 168 95 146 96

146 29 150 12 130 69 143 12 156 58 1.32 30 127 89 123 08

115 91

147 68 132 85 126 77 170 99 110 82

- 121 34

116 37

110 04 104 72

111 52 111 46 101 97 100 62

103 24 107 82 110 20

104 39 137 83

90 02

100 78 99 72 99 27

103 41

115 73

99 25

90 25 86 11 95 44 93 09 85 39

91 01 75 72

82 44

101 31 91 21 91 77 89 29

85 77 84 33

83 08 70 87 75 43 78 56 77 33

86 10 70 84 91 16

75 93

76 94

68 91 75 00 82 52

69 48 65 50

Ottawa.

DiriSJOy OF AMMAL lILlSBAXDnY

349

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 -Central Experimental Farm.

^	6 t4	c3 a	2 <=	>.c		Bo	<D .	"3 .	9	-^ B	-a^	ij k ie
1^	o Mi	0. OS c . .	9 ii	k2 c 0 l~	c - ..i O " c^ c		3:S Jl O <Li <£ ft		3-^ 1—' ir. ■^ 5	i K — ■el's	P
	o H	3 C — ^a a		3 a c o p t;	£ £ ^	3 C C <U . £?.-£		Hj3	c o <=>	6 KB		tC c t. (u O C- 3 -^ fc. > o "
$ c.	« c.	Lb.	Lb.	Lb.	Lb.	Lb.	Mo.	S c.	Cts.	Cts.	Cts.	i c.
26 40	211 86	5,066	14,075	2,416	2,450	557		91 65	66-3	14	8	15-2	120 21
17 92	199 32	3	741	19	324	3	162	3,620	7N6		85 15	89 0	14	1	15	9	114 17
23 40	192 35	4	275	17	205	2	327	2.4.50	711		84 88	09-2	15	•1	14	9	107 47
19 43	166 39	2	443	13	860	2	310	3.040	765		59 57	58-4	12	2	17	8	106 82
24 26	170 55	3	003	15	150	1	770	3,010	465		66 13	52-4	13	6	16	4	104 42
25 58	175 70	3	313	16	950	2	310	3,040	935		73 88	55-6	14	8	15	2	101 82
17 63	148 32	2	607	13	860	2	310	a, 040	765		61 62	66-6	14	1	15	9	86 70
21 99	165 11	4	241	13	1.55	2	097	2,450	473		79 13	69-0	16	6	13	4	85 98
15 20	171 78	3	344	22	184	2	888	5,710	1 , 203		86 18	100-1	16	5	13	5	85 60
18 10	150 40	3	386	15	265	1	867	2,4.50	650		70 10	73-8	15	9	14	1	80 30
16 76	144 65	2	836	13	860	2	310	3,040	705		64 49	73-2	15	1	14	9	80 16
19 35	142 43	3	546	7	415	1	675	2,450	141		62 56	620	15	•3	14	7	79 87
14 11	130 02	1	869	13	860	2	310	3,040	765		52 40	70-4	13	6	16	4	77 02
23 32	171 00	i	043	23	701	2	163	6,005	1,011		93 84	77-2	19	1	10	9	77 16
14 30	147 15	2	735	19	585	2	513	3,260	1,041		70 54	92-9	15	-9	14	1	76 61
18 72	145 49	3	338	14	395		782	3,040	577		69 07	70-6	16	•3	13	7	76 42
18 47	189 46	4	632	28	581		273	5,710	1,288		113 .58	115-8	19	9	10	1	75 88
17 41	128 23	2	592	9	315		182	3,040	471		52 35	57-7	14	■ 2	15	8	75 88
17-75	139 09	3	007	14	395		7S2	3,010	577		64 93	700	16	I	13	9	74 16
12 00	128 37	2	413	14	9.55		911	2,4.50	786		58 05	90-9	15	0	15	0	70 32
16 82	126 86	2	345	14	950		770	3,040	665		57 .35	65-3	15	6	14	4	69 51
17 07	121 79	2	592	9	315		182	3,040	471		52 35	58-9	15	0	15	0	69 44
11 16	122 68	2	227	13	392		791	2,4.50 .	666		53 49	89-9	14	4	15	6	69 19
17 40	128 86	2	492	18	140		136	3,040	848		64 02	70-6	17	2	12	8	64 84
16 47	118 44	2	906	8	685		023	2,450	383		54 03	63-0	15	9	14	1	64 41
12 30	112 92	2	059	13	675		662	1,240	616		49 32	76-1	14	7	15	3	63 60
14 62	117 86	2	067	13	860		310	3,040	765		54 87	71-7	15	■9	14	1	62 99
10 67	118 49	2	481	13	455		743	2,4.50	711		56 67	99-S-	15	8	14	2	61 82
11 69	121 89	2	516	14	439		821	3,6.50	730		60 20	96-9	16	•4	13	6	61 69
13 16	117 55	2	635	11	575		793	2,450	473	1	56 41	81-4	16	• 2	13	8	61 14
21 81	159 64	4	336	23	925		599	6,005	839		98 91	87-0	21	5	8	5	60 73
8 20	98 22	1	992	5	010		383	2,4,50	176		39 78	90-4	13	3	16	•7	58 44
9 49	110 27	2	190	12	647		641	2,450	730		51 90	102-1	15	5	14	5	58 37
14 86	114 58	2	176	13	860		310	3,040	705		56 24	72-5	16	■9	13	1	58 34
10 74	110 01	2	235	13	792		791	2,450	810		54 29	95-2	16	4	13	6	55 72
14 15	117 56	2	300	17	295		1.30	3,, 580	799		62 29	83-9	18	1	11	9	55 27
■ 16 44	132 17	3	712	17	085		956	3,040	757		77 40	89-9	20	1	9	9	54 77
14 77	114 02	3	002	10	205		576	3,040	577		59 96	77-7	IS	1	11	9	54 06
9 35	99 60	2	296	5	800		797	2,450	60		45 58	91-6	15	2	14	8	54 02
8 59	94 70	1	714	12	746		749		610		42 51	92-7	14	8	15	2	52 19
10 96	106 40	2	294	13	932		821	"2,'450	730		55 11	95 1	17	3	12	7	51 29
10 91	104 00	2	095	15	480		813	3,260	697	1	55 30	95-9	17	8	12	2	48 70
9 54	94 93	1	912	12	765		359	2,4.50	726	1	47 55	94-1	16	7	13	3	47 .38
7 13	98 14	2	121	12	680		641	2,450	730		51 07	1.32 0	16	S	13	2	47 07
12 33	88 05	2	078	9	315		186		471		41 38	64-5	16	-4-	13	6	46 67
7 99	90 43	1	767	12	570		611	""980'	657		44 08	103-3	16	0	14	0	46 .35
13 88	115 19	2	942	18	125		233	2,4.50	801		68 99	94-8	20	4	9	6	46 20
13 12	104 33	2	918	10	775		.596	3,040	577		59 55	86-8	19	6	10	4	44 78
11 90	103 67	2	576	15	055		867	2,4.50	634		.59 73	95-5	19	5	10	5	43 94
13 97	103 26	2	202	-18	280		818	3,380	780		59 SO	82- 1	20	1	9	9	43 46
12 59	98 36	2	670	10	■205		596	3.040	577		55 88	84-9	19	5	10	5	42 48
10 75	95 08	2	099	16	210		782	1,240	678		52 90	93-5	IS	8	11	2	42 18
13 78	96 86	2	099	14	790		490	3,040	858		57 04	79-6	20	6	9	4	39 82
10 33	81 20	1	472	13	350		530	1,360	665		41 48	76-8	17	6	12	4	39 72
10 00	86 03	2	038	9	760		428	3,040	563		46 92	84-5	18	7	11	3	39 11
12 35	90 91	2	167	12	857		771	2,4.50	610		52 04	80-9	19	9	10	1	38 87
8 66	. 85 99	1	952	12	847		641	2,4.50	730		49 13	107-1	19	1	10	9	36 86
8 33	94 43	2	460	14	.540		022	2,4.50	711		58 46	131-4	20	4	9	6	35 97
6 92	77 76	1	766	10	355		275	2,4.50	055		42 88	1161	18	2	11	8	34 88
9 96	101 12	2	820	16	687	^	539	2,4.50	666		66 83	126-5	22	0	8	0	34 29
10 10	86 09	2	229	14	441		377	2.450	801		53 40	100-1	21	1	8	9	32 69
10 58	87 52	2	323	16	290		782	2,140	057 : 1	57 09	102-9	22	3	7	7	30 43
7 66	76 57	1	670	13	566	^	582	3,200	597 i 1	46 96	115-6	20	4	9	6	29 61
10 40	85 40	2	040	17	240		644	3, -.380	636 1 1	.55 84	102-5	22	3	7	7	29 56
9 40	91 92	2	298	15	907		007	5,710	730 1	62 77	126- 1	22	8	7	2	29 15
9 03	78 51	2	324	10	015	*	208	2,450	.557 1	'49 68	104-7	21	5	8	5	28 83
10 62	76 12	2	209	15	080	*	818	1,240	701	1	53 32	90-5	24	4	5	6	22 80

Ottawa.

350

EXPERIMENTAL FAIfJIS

Oenlral Experimental Farm.

GRADE AYRSHIRES.

5 GEORGE v.. A. 1915

Name of Cow.

Annie Laurie. Jennie Dean. .

Milkmaid

Dolly

Daisy Belie..

W)_o!

M

•5J!

o

bfl

a

'a.

a. o

o

6 July 7, 1912.

6 'July 1, 1912.

8 [June 16, 1912.

6 I July 6. 1912.

8 July 6, 1912.

Average.

	Jlj	"3	•**
			3S
'z-o		.~	1^
11	-* ««_;	>-i
«.2	S^	s^
	■73 t*	oir;:;
O iS <- 2	^:i		s.i
oj .3	■ O t-i	r' ,_^	OJ c
X! 03	ftO	^ o
3 03		>i	a
z^	D	^	>
H	3	<

427 417 437 417 411

422

4

P3

TO 1)

§^

PL,

Lb.

10.206 9,2.52 8,805 7,442 7,653

8,67

Lb.	p. c.
23-9	4 08
22-2	400
25 i	4.11
17-8	4-41
18-6	3-82
20-5	408

Lb.

489 87 43.5-64 426-30 386-35 344-14

416-46

o

CO

3 D

a

_3

146 96 130 69 127 89 115-91 103 24

124 94

GRADE HOLSTEIXS.

Tannahill's Diamond

Maggie Murphy

Fanny

Belle K

Bell's Pauline

Average

Oct. 10, 1912... July 9,1912... Apr. 15, 1913.. Apr. 12, 1913

6 Aug. 10, 1912...

320 427 334 236 325

328

12,618

13,292

9,780

9,072

9,279

10,808

39-4 31-1

29-3 .38-4 28-6

3-28 3-20 3-60 3-46 3-70

33-0 3-44

487-64 500-40 422-58 369-41 404-45

436-90

146 29 150 l9 126 77 110 8-7 121 34

131-0'7

AYRSHIRES.

Ottawa Kate

Flavia 2nd of Ottawa Flavia 4th of Ottawa.

Maggie Pulchrae

Soncy 3rd of Ottawa.

Average

6 Jan. 12. 1913..

7 Mar. 11, 1913..

3 iSept.29, 1912..

4 IMay 6, 1913.. 4 iOct. 18, 1912..

395 327 247 285 375

12,262 9,493 6,485 6,929 7,421

326 8,518

31-0 29-0 26-3 24-3 19-8

90 94

4-39

26 94

26-1

406

563-17 441-00 335-41 347-95 344-70

406-45

168 95 132 30 100 62 104 39

103 41

121 93

CANADL4NS.

Orange Blossom. Fortune Cadette.

La Belle

Zaza Fille2nd... Duchesse Sauvee

Average

Sept.—, 1912. Nov.15, 1912. May 20, 1912. Dec. 6, 1912. Dec. 28, 1912.

273 319 315 297 273

295

4,584 5,797 5,764 4,588 3,694

16-8 18-2 18-3 15-5 13-5

4,885 : 16-6

5-32 4-66 4-55 4-77 5-43

287-04 31814 310-30 2.57-76 23614

4-90 i 281-88

GUERNSEYS.

86 11 95 44 93 09 77 33 70 84

84 56

Archer's Pearl

Itchen's Pride

Archer's Spot

Ottawa Itchen's Favour Ruby's Pride

Average

3 Jan. 10, 1912.

3 !Dec. 8, 1911. 2 Oct. 2, 1911.

4 Dec. G-, 1912 2 Jan. 31, 1913.

615 517 879 363 331

541

8,120

7,592 9,806 6,389 5,693

7,520

13-2 14 7 11-2 17-6 17-0

46 91 94 16 36

13-9 i 516

521-93 442-84 569-95 387-89 359-40

456-40

156 58 132-85 170 99 116-37 107 82

136 92

Ottawa.

DIVrSTOX OF AXniAL nrsBiyDRT

351

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 13

Record of Dairy Herd —

GRADE AYRSHIRE3.

	o 3 -3	c o -♦-> • rS-3	03 ^	g cj		a"		J3	o o	3n3		0- 2
.S u >	2 0 c 3 O	.- a. <	a. 01 c =	O '~ i	OS Is il <	li s	3-S O 4) o	o a OS	■a . ■~>^ 3-— a., on o§ ■^ o a. +j m o	w 3 o	Si ~ as- 5 ^ 11	O as
% c.	$ c.	Lb.	Lb.	Lb.	Lb.	Lb.	Mo.	$ c.	Cts.	Cts.	Cts.	$ C.
19 43	166 39	2,443	13,800	2,310	3,040	765		59 57	.58-4	12-2	17-8	106 82
17 63	148 32	2,607	13,860	2,310	3,040	765	4	61 62	66-6	14- 1 15-9	86 70
16 76	144 65	2,836	13,860	2,310	3,040	765		64 49	73-2	15- 1	14-9	80 16
14 11	130 C2	1,869	13,860	2,310	3,040	765		52 40	70-4	13 6	16-4	77 02
14 62	117 86	2,067	13.860	2.310	3,040	765		54 87	71-7	15-9	141	62 99
16 51	141 45	2,364	13,860	2,310	3,040	765	1	58 59	67-6	14 1 { 15-9 1	82 86

GRADE HOLSTEINS.

24 26	170 55	3,063	15, 150	1,770	3,040	465		66 13	52-4	13-6	16-4	104 42
25 58	175 70	3,313	16,950	2.310	3,040	935		73 88	55-6	14-8	15-2	101 82
18 72	145 49	3,338	14,. 395	1,782	3,04'0	577		69 07	70 6	16-3	13-7	76 42
17 41	128 23	2,592	9,315	1,182	3,040	471		52 35	57-7	14-2	15-8	75 SJ
17 75	139 09	3,007	14,395	1,782	3,040	577		64 93	700	161	13-9	74 16
20 74	151 81	3,063	14,041	1,765	3,040	605	1	65 27	60-4	14-9	15- 1	86 54

AYRSHIRES.

23 40	192 35	4,275	17.205	2.327	2.4.50	711 1	84 88	69-2	15 1	14-9	107 47
18 10	150 40	3,386	15,205	1,867	2,4.50	6.50 1	70 10	73-8	15-9	14- 1	80 .30
12 30	112 92	2,059	13,675	1,662	1,240	616 i 1	49 32	761	14-7	15-3	63 60
13 16	117 55	2,635	11,575	1,793	2,450	473	1	56 41	81-4	16 "5	13-8	61 14
14 15	117 56	2,366	17,295	2,130	3,580	799	1	62 29	83-9	181	11-9	55 27
16 22	138 15	2,944	15,003	1.956	2.434	650 1	64 60	75-8	15-9	14-1	73 55

CANADL4NS.

8 59 10 96 10 91 8 66 6 92	94 70 100 40 104 00 85 99 77 76	1,714 2,294 2,095 1,952 1.766	12,746 13,932 15,480 12,847 10,355	1,749 1,821 1,813 1,641 1,275	2,4.50 3,260 2,4.50 2,450	610 730 697 730 655	1 1	42 51 ,55 11 55 30 49 13 42 88	92. 7 95 1 95-9 107 1 1161	14-8 1 15-2 17-3 ' 12-7 17-.8 : 12-2 191 : 10-9 18-2 I 11-8	52 19 51 29 48 70 36 8!) 34 88
9 21	93 77	1.964	13,072	1,660	2,122	684	1	48 98	100-3	17-4 ' 12-6	44 79

GUEl'NSEYS.

15 20	171 78	3,344	22, 184	2,888	5,710	1	263		86 18	106- 1	16-5	13-5	85 60
14 30	147 15	2,735	19 '585	2.513	3.260	1	041		70 54	92-9	15-9	141	70 61
18 47	189 46	4,632	28,581	4,273	5,710	1	288		113 58	115-8	19-9	101	75 88
12 00	128 37	2,413	14,955	1 . '•TA	2,4.50		78«r^		58 05	90-9	15-0	150	70 32
10 67	118 49	2,481	13,455	1.743	2,450		711		56 67	99-5	15-8	14-2	61 82
14 13	151 05	3,121	19,752	2,666	3,916	1	018	1	77 00	102-4	16-9	13 1	74 05

Ottawa.

352

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915 Eecord of Dairy Herd—

HOLSTEINS.

-		:»						u
■-	n-^	1^	•S^	^	12 "3			g
-		§>		S	K-i		fco	1a
		ft	ca cj	o	<D	<D
Name of Cow.		ft 2	QUh	-CT)	til	(4	1:; c	"^ "S-^
		Q o -*^ c3	^ 9 la				-si	13 ft
	<	P	z	H	Q	-<	Ph	>
				Lb.	Ld.	p. c.	Lb.	$
Everereen March 3rd	3 IAdf. 7. 1913...	340 286 276 444 231	13,817 11,472 10,087 12,154 8,576	40-6 40-1 36-6 27-4 37-1	3-80 3-53 3-45 3-44 3-25	618-21 477-06 410-25 492-28 339-91	( 185 46
Beulah Clay	7 7 5 4	June 17, 1913.... June 4, 1913.... July 13, 1912... May 11, 1913....	143 12
Rhoda 2nd's Maud	123 08
Canaan Beauty	147 68
Centre View Bessie Ann	101 97
	5		315	11,221	35-6	3-54	467-54	140 26

JERSEYS.

Bramnion T'preor Tister —	4 3 2 2	Nov. 8, 1912 ... Sept.l3, 1912 ... Sept.20, 1912... Oct. 10, 1912....	508 361 375 354	9,567	18-8	5-37 604-65 5-30 371-72 4-93 330-91 6-66 303-37	fkl 40
Ttrflmnton T?.aleierli C^ora	5,951 5,701 3,870	16-5 15-2 10-9	111 ')2
Bramnton Blue Duchess	99 ''7
Tirnninton On,k]ancl Trial	91 01
	3		400	6,272	15-7	5-45 402-66	120-80

Ottawa.

Plate XVI.

Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa : A group of dairy cows on pasture ; experimental feeding barn to the left ; horse and sheep barns to the right in background.

Jersey cow, Blue Duchess. Record at 3 years :— 5,701 lb. milk, testing 493 % fat, or 28128 lb. fat in 375 days. Owned by Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa.

16— 1915— p 352.

DIVISION OF AXJMAL EL\'iBASDRY

353

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Central Exijerimental Farm. — Continued.

HOLSTEINS.

of Skim Milk at per cwt .	Value of Product.	c	nt of Roots and ilage eaten, at cr ton.	c es W >i . a c KB •Bfc ^ a t=t-	fc. CO	c CJ Eg	OS ^§ o £ r- C^	-J -<- c 8g	0 produce 100 ids Milk.	0 produce 1 pound tor (Skim Milk cctod),	on 1 pound tor (Skim Milk cctod).	on Cow between •ings (Labour and neglected).
a, -■	,	3 —I	3 y. O.	3«/i	w ■•— '	3 CI	■f ^		"*" -!	-«-' "" 1 *-■ -^- ~"	j^ ^"^
CJCM	O	i^		C ^	O C3	o ^ £"5	C ^	C3 Z	si	8e c £K c	goo
>	H	<	--^	-?;	<;	<	S	H	o	u	PL,	S
%	$	Lb.	Lb.	Lb.	Lb.	Lb.	Mo.	$	Cts.	Cts.	Cts.	s
26 40	211 80	5,066	14,075	2,416	2,450	557		91 65	66-3	14-8	15-2	120 21
21 99	165 11	4,241	13, 155	2,097	2,4.50	473		79 13	69 0	16-6	13-4	85 98
19 35	142 43	3,546	7,415	1,675	2,450	141		62 56	620	15-3	14-7	79 87
23-32	171 00	4,043	23,701	2.163	6,005	1,011		93 84	77-2	191	10-9	77 16
10 47	118 44	2,906	8,085	1,023	2,450	383		54 03	630	15-9	141	64 41
21 51	161 77	3,960	13,406	1,875	3,161	513	1	76 24	67-9	16-3	13-7	85 53

JERSEYS.

17 92 11 16 10 74 7 13	199 32 122 68 110 01 98 14	3,741 2,227 2,235 2,121	19,324 13,392 13,792 12, '680	3,162 1,791 1,791 1,641	3,620 2,450 2,450 2,^50	786 666 810 730	1 1 1 1	85 15 53 49 54 29 51 07	890 89-9 95-2 132-0	14-1 14-4 16-4 16-8	15-9 15-6 13-6 13-2	114 17 69 19 55 72 47 07
11 74	132 54	2.581	14,797	2,096	2,743	748	1	61 00	97-3	151	14-9	71 54

1G— 23

Ott.awa.

354 EXrERIilEXTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915 CO-OPERATIVE MILK RECORDS.

Althoiigli repetition io not as a rule considered advisable yet owing to the increased demand for literature regarding milk and feed record forms, the follow- ing is a list of some of these forms, which may be obtained free upon application to this Division. An increasingly large number of dairy farmers have during thi' post year availed themselves of this oti'er, which is a gratifying indication of tlic i'lipidly advancing methods being adopted by our dairy farmers in the keeping of records for the individual cows of their herds. IIowe^■e^, from inquiries, there are apparently a very large number of farmers who, as yet, have not adopted any such records in their herds, nor availed them.-clves of this offer, being in ignorance of this distribution. The object of this free distribution is not to in any way overlap the work of the Cow Testing Association of the Dairy Branch, Department of Agricul- ture, Ottawa, but rather to encourage individual farmei*s in the keeping of dairy records, which individuals in turn will eventually form the nuclei of record centres. The week-long milk record form here illustrated, shows the simplicity and utility of niiik record forms for distribution.

The forms for distribution are as follows : —

Month long. — Daily milk records suitable for herds numbering up to twenty- two cows.

Week long. — Daily records for herds of sixteen cows.

Week long. — 'Dailj' records for herds of twenty-four cows.

Monthly summacj' records.

Yearly summary records.

Teed record forms.

Ottawa.

DITISIOy OF AXniAL niHB.WDRY

355

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

DAlr.Y MILK RECOFtD.

Ilrrd belonging to I liis form supplied frrr by TAve btoclc

I'ost Office Divitiion. Crnlra! l-:xprrimental

l!< (Old for week endinti Farm, Ottawa, Ont.

Hay.	Time.								Total for diy.
	Morning. . . .			1 1
S;i!Kl:iy.	Evening. . . .
	Morning. . . .
Monday.	Evenin*'" . . ....
	Morniner. . ■	! 1
Tuesday.	Evpninii . . i .... 1
	1 ' i
	Morning ;
Wednesday.	1 i i^vt'ning. . . . i ' j !
			1
	Morninsr . .1 ■ !
Thursday	1 ! Evening i
			1
	Morning 1 !				1
Friday	Kvenine . ! 1 1
	L.villlllt,. j ] 1 1 . ^ . . - - - .

Saturday.

Total.

I Morning. ; Evening.

Week.

Remarks:

J H. Ge.isD.'vi.E,

Dirrctor.

[HEVEnSE SIDE OF RECORD FOHM.]

CEXTHAL EXPERIMENTAL FARM.

13. S. Archib.\lDj Dominion Anirnal Ifusbandman.

Milk Records.

1 The profitable dairy cow must E;i\e over 5,000 pounds o£ milk each year. To know the value of a cow. l-.cr total annual yield of milk must be known. The only way to know this is to keep a record of her daily milk yield.

2 The form on the other side of this sheet is intended to help progressive dairy farmers by supplyiiiEi them with a simple and convenient sheet for the keeping' of the milk records of tlie r in-liv;dual cows. A study of such records will soon indicate which cows should go to the butcher. We should be pleased to receive a summary of your record. If you have no sum- mary forms write us».

3. Such records ;ire b'ing kept by hundreds of successful dairymen to-day. Many of these n-.e:; atti loule tVicir success to the keepinsr of such records. Why not give the thing a tria' if you are a dairyman? It will increase your milk production. It will lighten your labour, since your interest will le irirreased in your work and " inteiest lightens labour." It will show > ou the unprofitable cow. the " boarder." You cannot get rid of lier too o.uickly.

4. For weighing the inilk. a simple legal spring balance may be secured for from one anl a half to four and a half dollars. If youi* local dealer cannot supply you, write the under- signed for particulars. A small platform scale is faiily convenient, but we find the spring balance preferable.

5. Many farmers keep records of the amount of foorl fed to infliv'duai cows. If you would like to ('o o. sample forms would b(v sent free on writing li. S. Archibald, Dominion Animal llus-bandmun, Central Experimental Faim, Ottawa, Ont.

in— ;

Ottawa.

356 EXPERlMEyTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915 DISPOSAL OF MILK.

As previously reported, milk produced on the Central Experimental Farm prior to the year 1911 was largely manufactured into butter, and the skim-milk fed to calves and pigs. Aside from this, a small amount of milk and cream was sold daily to the Farm employees. The manufacture of butter and utilization of the dairy by-products for feeding purposes is continued on about the same scale as in previous years. However, in the year 1911, it was found necessary to look for different methods of disposal of the surplus milk, owing to the necessary increase in the size of the herd, and in consequence experimental work along the lines of cheesemaking was commenced. The following is a list of the methods which were utilized during the past year for the disposal of the milk, and the prices realized on this product, either in its raw or manufactured form.

CREAM CHEESE.

During the past year work was continued in the manufacture of soft cheeses, but owing to a lack of facilities, the manufacture of Canadian Cheddar cheese in an experimental way wa-s discontinued, awaiting the erection of the new dairy building. For full particulars as' to the inanufacture of creani cheese, a pamphlet has been pre- l)ared by this Division, being a slight remodelling of the methods described in the annual report for the year 1911.

These cream cheese are made daily, and are marketed 24 hours after manufacture. Twenty pounds of milk, testing 4J per cent fat, to which is added four pounds of cream, testing 20 i>er cent fat, makes fourteen cream cheese, weighing about 6 ount-es; hence, by this method of manufacturing, 100 pounds of 4^ per cent milk will make 35 or 26 cheeses. These sell at 15 cents each retail and 11 cents wholesale, or realizing on the milk from $3.80 to $5.40 per hundred pounds. Various methods of manufacturing liave been exi^erimented with during the past three years, and even when using a much richer cream, milk testing 4i per cent butter-fat will still realize over $3 jier hundred pounds. The demand for this type of cheese is growing rapidly, and far exceeds the possible output. Many inquiries h«ve come from private individuals regarding the manufacture of this cheese, and it is to be hoped that any such who have ready railway transportation will work up permanent markets in the Canadian towns and cities.

COULOMMIER CHEESE.

This, too, is a very popular t;vT>e of soft cheese, which requires but little expendi- ture for equipment and is easily made and ripened. For full particulars as to the manu- facture of the same, a special pamphlet describing methods used on the Central Experimental Farm has been written, to which readers are referred, as well as to special bulletins published by the Dairy and Cold Storage Branch of the Department cf Agriculture, Ottawa.

One hundred pounds of milk, tes.ting 41- per cent butter-fat, according to the methods which are being used on the Central Experimental Farm at the present time, will make twenty Coulommier cheese, weighing about 16 ounces each. These are sold on the local market for 15 cents each retail, and 11 cents wholesale; hence 100 pounds of milk, testing 4i per cent fat, is marketed at from $2.20 1o $3 per hundred pounds.

Work similar to the above in the manufacture of tlie soft cheeses is being started vn many of the branch Farms, and it is to be hoped that in a few years a large amount of data regarding these products and the marketing of the same mjay be available for jiublication.

Ottawa.

DIVl.'^WX OF AMUAL EUi<BAXDR¥ 357

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

CERTIFIED MILK. '

Investigations alon^' the lines of pure niilk production and certified milk produc- tion were started during the year 1912. Although considerable valuable data have been collected, this, as yet, is insufficient to give conclusive and detailed results. Owing 1o the resignation of the bacteriologist, who, with the assistance of the Dominion Botanist, Mr. H. T. Giissow, was conducting the bacterial studies of this milk, such lines of work were discontinued for the latter half of the fiscal year. It is to be hoped, however, that with another appointment this work will be continued immediately.

Certified millv, namely, luilk which conforms to a certain standard as to health of the herd, health of the stablemen, and the light, ventilation, sanitation, and cleanli- ness of the stable, methods of handling milk, and above all the freedom of the milk from bacteria of an injurious nature, shall, according to the Ontario standards, con- tain not more than 5,000 bacteria per c.c. during the winter months, and 10,000 bacteria per c.c. during the summer months.

A number of private individuals in Canada have from time to time tried the pro- duction of this milk, but at present only a few dairy concerns are working on the same.

Many difficulties are met in the keeping down of the bacterial count of the milk in the herd, the stable and in the dairy, as well as the eliminating of the growth of bacteria during delivery. In the overcoming of these difficulties, much valuable information is being gained as to the extra cost of production of the milk and the most advantageous procedures, as well as their feasibility for the Canadian dairyman.

Owing to the lack of a modern and convenient dairy building, with good refriger- ation and sanitary conditions for the handling of certified milk, a great deal of diffi- culty has been met in this work. In consequence of these conditions it has been found advisable to not undertake the bottling of the milk until such time as better facilities warrant. This milk sells to a large local dairy concern for $3 per hundred pounds, in bulk, cooled to 45° F.

BUTTER.

Butter from the Central Experimental Farm usually commands a slightly higher price than the current market figures. During the past fiscal year, for example, it sold at an average of 33i cents per pound, with a range of 29 to 35 cents. The average milk from the herd tests 4^ per cent butter-fat. In other words, milk sold as butter would realize $1.74 per hundred pounds, not considering the yalue of the skim-milk. Skim-milk is valued at 20 cents per hundred pounds when fed to calves and pigs. When fed with discretion, this is the minimum valuation; it often reaching a value of 75 cents or more per hundred pounds wlen fed to young calves and newly- weaned pigs.

DAIRY BARX PLANS.

During the fiscal year ending March 31, 1914, a large number of completed idans, with specifications, for dairy barns to suit local conditions and individual needs of farmers have been distributed free. Although this entails a large amount of work, yet the many inquiries as to the details of modern dairy barn plans are increasing in luimbers from all parts of Canada and, considering tiie most undesir- able state of the average Canadian barn, it is felt tliat such work demands immediate attention; hence the farmers who anticipate the construction of new barns or tlie remodelling of their old barns, have been encouraged to write for free information to the Division of Animal Husbandry, Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa.

This Division has al-o supplied complete sets of plans and specifications for two of the new Farms of the Experimental Farm system. These plans and specifications,

Ottawa.

353 EXPEniMENTAL F AH SIS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

proparcl by the Doniiiiiou x\uiinal Ilusbaudmaii under the supervision of the Director of Experimental Farms, are as follows: —

For the Experimental Station, Fredericton, N.B., one large dairy barn, one main storage barn v/ith housing accommodations for dairy heifers and beef breeding and feeding animals, one horse barn, and one model farm dairy with the refrigeration building attached.

For the Exnerimental Station, Ste. Anne de la Pocatiei-e, Que., one large dair.y barn and one horse barn.

For further details regarding these buildings see reports of these Stations.

The plans of the barns recently destroyed by fire on the Central Experimental Farm have also been prepared by this Division under the supervision of the Director of Experimental Farms, and the work also conducted under the supervision of this Division. It js to be honed that these Iniildings will be completed on or before August 15, 1914:. Full details as to -the same will appear in the annual report for the fiscal year ending March 31, 1915. However, details as to the structure of the same are at any time available to any one inquiring.

Ottawa.

DIVlslOS OF AXIM AL nV^UKSI^RY 359

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR DAIRY CATTLE.

Below are .submitted inventories and returns from dairy cattle on the Central Experimental Farm during the year April 1, 1913, to March 31, 1!>14.

1	April 1, 1913.	March, 31 1914.	Returns in- cluding sale.s of dairy pro- duce, breed- ins cattle, and bull .scr vice.	Gros.s returns rru'-de up of in- crc;ve in \';ilue of product.s and viilue of animals sold.
	No.	Value.	No.	Value.
Dr.ii'v cuttle	138	% 22,289 00	140	$ 24,27.T 00	IC-WG 02	18,. 1^2 02

Returns.

By increased vaUie of heids % 1,986 00

Returns from dairy products 11,157 02

Returns fvom sales of dairy breeding cattle.... 4,300 00

Returns from bull service 59 00

Returns from manure, 980 tons at $1 per ton... 980 00

Gross returns ?1?>.482 02

Expenditures.

To value of food stuffs consumed $7,014 00

Cost of labour ~. 3,090 00

Cost o: new stock purchased 1,6S0 00

Gross expenditures .••• 11,784 00

Net balance from dairy cattla ?6,698 02

Ott.\wa.

360 -y EXPERIMEyXAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

EXPERIMENTAL STATION, CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT, J. A. CLARK, B.S.A.

A dairy barn is in prospect and land suitable for pasture and forage crops is likely to be acquired in the near future.

The dairy live stock work is limited at this Station to one grade dairy cow, •which is kept as a milk supply to the Farm houses.

DAIRY COW.

The cow calved June 2. She was out on pasture for five and one-half months. The following data were recorded : —

Number of days milking days 278

Number of pounds of milk lb 7,881

Amount of hay fed, counted for one year " 1.858

Amount of oats fed, counted for one year " 1,871

Amount of bran fed, counted for one year " 2,717

Amount of roots fed, counted for one year " 10,315

Pasture, 5?: months at $1 per month $ 5 50

Cost of feed " SO 71

Value of milk, 3,152.4 quarts at 5 cents per quart " 157 62

Balance " 76 91

DIVISIVX OF AM.VAL HiL-BASDRY 361

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

EXPERIMENTAL FARM, NAPPAN, N.S. EEPOET OF THE SUPERINTENDENT, W. W. BAIRD, B SA

DAIKY CATTLE GRADING EXPERIMEXT.

OBJECT OF EXPERIMENT.

The object of tliis experiment is to discover the actual cash value of the pure-bred dairy sire, in a herd of common and mixed breeding, in the increased production of the progeny, as well as their proportionately greater market value. The outline of this experiment was reported in the annual report for the year ending March 31, 1913.

RESULTS OF EXPERIMENT TO DATE, APRIL 1, 191-4.

The twelve heifers termed the " foundation heifers " have dropped their first lot of calves from the Ayrshire crcs'-^, Holstein cross, and Guernsey cross, and have com- pleted their first two lactation periods.

The first crop of calves (first cross Ayrshire), calved in the fall of 1911, yielded eight heifers, which in turn have dropped their first crop (second cross Ayrshire), calved in the fall of 1913, yieldiiig five heifers. These in turn are to be bred to a pure-bred Ayrshire bull to calve in the fall of 1915.

The second crop of calves from the foundation cows (first cross Holstein), calved in the fall of 1912, yielded six heifers. These are being bred to a pure-bred Holstein bull to calve in the fall of 1914.

The third crop of calves (first cross Guernsey), calved in the fall of 1913, yielded three heifers, which are being fitted to be bred to calve in the fall of 1915.

The greater percentage of progeny are promising to be superior to their dams and, as would naturally be expected, a few only are not.

Unfortunately two of the foundation heifers have not been successful in passing the yearly test and have been disposed of. These are Jessie and Spot, both of Avhich have heifers to succeed them.

The following table will give the results of the second year's work iu milk pro- duction:—

352

EXPERIilEXTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915 Rkcokd of Dairy Herd—

					o
^J"			a	M	-a		4
				''-*	.2i	«.-,	ft-Tj
			m-n	s	J>>	-u	>- 2
Name of cow.	Dat	e of dropping	>, o "O 0)	Ot3		o .
		calf.	o.	■^•s	'^"^		.i2 c
			o a	c <v	O C	ft C
			o	3 ft	> ^	'- C	'o'^
			^1 ^5	i:a	c3 >>		" 0)
			iJ	aJ		u	C^
			O	03	0)	3 o
			:z;	H	Q	<	PL|
'				lb.	lb.	p. 0.	lb.
Maggie	Dec.	15. 1912	365	8.202-4	22-47	4-5	431-23
Vera	<i	27, 1912 6. 1912	317 332	7,978-8 4,798-2	25-17 14-45	3-7 5-3	317-31
Mossy	2'j'j-18
Jean	Mar.	8, 1913	270	6,480-1	24 00	3-9	297-32
Ppot	Jan.	14, 1913	335	5,6.30-8	16-8	4-3	284-85
Jessie	Dec.	19, 1912	353	6,221-3	17-62	3-9	285-45
Beli	Jan.	24, 1913	299	6.057-0	20-25	3-9	27/' -90
Queen	Dec. Jan.	21, 1912 12, 1913	307 261	5,005-1 4,914-1	16-30 18-82	40 4-C	23-V.';:;
Ella	2:3 [■2.')
Myrtle	Feb.	1, 1913	261	3,628-5	13-90	3-9	16') -IS
Georgie	k«	2, 1913	261	3.411-7	13 07	4-1	lOt-5'j
Average 11 head	305	5,666-2	18-58	41	27! -01

Nappan.

DlVISIOy OF ANIMAL nUSBiyDRY

^63

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 Isapiiaii Experinieutal raini.

	C3	-*-> 0	c-4	■?-	^ A	ti	OS	L4 ^	0	"5=5		.11
o	-^	3 -3 0	^1		11	c g	-V	5	1: •	3. X	-a —	11
Si "5 ~	15 — c ^ 0	ft >	03 . c 3-<*	0 c rt cj5 2	a; C3 >.2	0 n c c 3 D	Q. - §3. »i _	o ?-: 0	-5'- 2 =	] 3 .» 3 i-	_15	c 0
3	3	5	o-"	0 ='•' •-• i: c <u	0	£-5	c	.=^fe	« 3	-J S£ -r- ■— at ■7.^ l.,T 3 5,	■-g^i*
.='	5		^M	S a* a	a	e aj	0	0 E.	0 a	£ 0 C JiJ2 c	2 ac
>	>	H	< "*	<	< •	<	*	H	'O	0 a,	a-
$ C.	$ e.	% c.	lb.	ib.	lb.	lb.	Mo.	$ c.	Ct3.	cts.	cts.	S c.
130 27	15 54	145 81	2,545	13.050	3.855	1,830	4	65 10	79-4	■14-99	15-01	80 71
104 19	15 ■ 2G	119 45	2.407	13,050	3.855	1,830	4	63 37	79-4	18-24 11-76	56 OS
89 75	9 00	98 75	1.810	13.050	3,855	1,830	4	55 91	116-5	18-69 11-31	42 84
89 20	12-37	101 57	2,375	13.050	3,855	1,830	4	62 97	97 --i	21-17 i 8-83	38 CO
80 46	10 69	96 15	1.991	13,050	3.855	1,8:30	4	58 17	103-3	20 42	9-53	37 98
80 64	11 87	97 51	2,12s	13,050	3.855	1,8.30	4	59 89	96-3	20-98	902	37 02
83 37	11 56	94 93	2.031	13,050	3.8.W	1 . 83!)	4	58 67	96-9	'21-11	8-89	36-26
70 66	9 54	80 20	1,729	13,050	3,8.-)5	1,830	4	54 89	109-7	23-30 ; 6-70	25-31
69 38	9-36	78 74	1.734	13,050	3,855	1,8.30	4	.54 96	111 8	23-77 6-23	23 78
49 94	6 93	56 87	1.257	13.050	3,855	1,830	4	49 00	135-0	29-43	•57	7-87
49 37	6 49	55 86	1,224	13.050	3,855	1.830	4	48-58	142-4	29-52	.48	7 28
82 47	10 78	93 25	1.930	13,050	3,855	1.S30	4	.57 41	101-3	20-52	9-48	35 84

N.\i'P.\y.

364

EXPERJMEMAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915 Data re Cost of Holstein Heifers from Birth until 1 year old.

Name.

Myrtle 1 H. Bell 1 H.... Bpotl H.... Vera 1 H.... Jessie 1 H.

Feb. Jan. Jan. Dec. Dec. Mossy 1 H I Dec.

Period.

Whole Milk.

1, 1913, to Feb. 1, 1914... 24, 1913, to .Jan. 24, 1914.. 14, 1913, to Jan. 14, 1914... 27, 1912, to Dec.27. 1913.. 19, 1912, to Dec. 19, 1913.

6, 1912, to Dec. 6, 1913...

Lb.

.420 424 420 420 560 560

Skim- milk.

Meal

Lb.

2,260 2,400 2,320 2,080 2,080 2,340

Lb.

6921 67U 644 625i 5711 539

Roots

or Ensil- age.

Hay Green Feed.

Lb.

Lb.

5,660' 1,827

5,. 380 1,757

5,036 1,678

4,388; 1,509

4.068; 1,429

4,248, 1,299

I

Lb.

1,220 1,220 1,220 1,220 1,200 1,200

Mol- asses.

Lb.

112 112 112 112 112 106

Total Cost.

Sets

32 56

.32 09 30 93 28 98 28 93 28 09

Data re Cost of A^^rshire Heifers from the time they are Yearlings until they drop

their first oalves.

Name.	Period.	Hay.	Roots and Ensilage.	Meal.	Pasture — Months.	Total Cost.
Ijf*ssie 1 A	Nov. 25, 1912, to Jan. 7, 1914. " 18, 1912, to Nov. 19, 1913. Dec. 4, 1912, to Jan. 10, 1914. " 28, 1912, to Dec. 26, 1913. " 24, 1912, to Nov. 17, 1913 " 21, 1912, to Dec. 12, 1913. Feb. 1, 1913, to Feb. 24, 1914. Mar. 7, 1913, to Feb. 24, 1914.	Lb. 3,475 2,800 3,2.55 2.790 2,410 2,650 3.055 2,715	Lb. 10,900 9,120 9-970 8,650 7,650 8,300 8,920 7,560	Lb. 1,069 872 1,029 882 754 833 982 873	^ ^ 41 ^ 4i ^ 4i-	$ cts. 41 76
Jessie 1 A	34 76
Snot lA	39 24
Mossv 1 A	34 38
Mvrtle 1 A	30 38
Queen 1 A	32 90
Ella 1 A	27 88
Jean 1 A	32 91

Nappah.

DJrJSJO^ UF AMMAL UlUBAXDRY 365

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

EXPERIMENTAL STATION, KENTVILLE, N.S. REPOKT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT, W. S. BLAIR.

DAIRY CATTLE.

During the summer of 1913, the onlj' head of dairy cattle at this Station was one grade cow. Durinjr tlie month of October, 1913, an importation was made from Ontario of eleven Shorthorn cows and one Sliorthorn bull. These cows are all of Scotch foundation blood and were picked out as representing a good type of farmers' Shorthorn, showing indications of fair milk production over and above the recjuirc- monts of their calves. These are not dairy Shorthorns as to breeding, but will be treated in the herd as pure-bred farmers' cows, from the dairy standpoint. A Short- horn bull from good milking strain was purchased to head this herd, and the purpose of the herd is the development of a thick, strong beef type of Shorthorn which will give at least a reasonable flow of milk- — sufficient to warrant profitable milking of such.

From the time when the Shorthorn cows arrived at this Farm until the end of the fiscal year, five head freshened, giving four heifer calves and one bull calf. All these cows are milking fairly well, and their calves are most promising. The practice of taking the calf from the cow on the third day has been followed. Two of the cows, apparently used to suckling their calves, objected most strenuously, but these have gradually become more accustomed to hand-milking, and in another year give promise of a good milk record. As no cow has finished a lactation period, reports of production from this herd will not be given initil the annual report for the fiscal year 1914-15.

FEEDING THE DAIRY COW.

The cows were fed on a meal ration of 1 pound to each 3 pounds of milk produced. The meal ration consisted of 400 pounds bran, 100 pounds cottonseed meal, 200 pounds crushed oats, 100 pounds linseed meal, and 100 pounds conimeal, mixed together. The succulent feed consisted of 40 pounds ensilage or turnips, and 12 pounds liay each per day.

They were given a light feed of hay early in the morning, followed by the ensilage or roots, on which half the daily meal ration was scattered; this was followed by another light feed of hay. This was all eaten by ten o'clock and the next feed was given about three o'clock. The afternoon feed consisted of, first, ensilage or roots, and the other half of the daily meal ration and half the daily hay ration to finisjh up. Drinking bowls were alongside the cows so that they could get water when needed

355

EXPERIMEXTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v.. A, 1915

EXPERIMENTAL STATION, FREDERICTON, N.B.

REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT. W. W. HUBBARD,

DAIRY CATTLE.

Xo dairy work was done during the year. Two cows were purchased in May and their milk sold to the various families belonging to the officers and men connected with the Station. These two cows produced approximately 15.000 pounds of milk.

In the absence of equipment no record was kept of the cost of feeding.

Next year it is intended to have about thirty-five nxilch cows on tlie Farm; part' of them will be pure-bred Shorthorns, Ayrshires, and Hdlsteins, and eighteen cows of no particular breeding ^Wll be kept under records. These latter will be served by a prolstcin bull with the object of testing out heifers for comparison with the records of their dams.

COW BARXS.

The accomp'a7iying plans and photographs of the new cow barns erected in the summer of 1910 at the Experimental Station, Fredericton, X. B., are for the most part self-explanatory. A few additional remarks, however, may help to make some point* more intelligible. For more complete specifications, special referenx^e is mad » to the report of the Dominion Animal Husbandman for the year ending March -31, 191-3, iu which complete plans and specifications of a new dairy barn at Ottawa are detailed. The details of the Fredericton barn, particularly of the dairj- cattle wing, are largely siniiilar to the Ottawa structure.

FOUNDATION'.

All foundations are of concrete, well reinforced and extending 3 feet above the floor level of barns, on which are bolted the sil^s.

SUPERSTltL CTLTRE.

The superstructure of both of these barns is of wood, In'p roofed, plank frame, and the roof covered with best quality galvanized metal shiiigies. I'lie framing through- out this barn is of timbers made from plank of the tlimeiLsions 2 by 6 inches, 2 by 8 inclies, and 2 by 10 inches.

The covering of the frame, the method of flooring, ceiling, insulating the walls, and the like, are similar to those described under the hoi^e barn, and also other s-peci- flcations as found in the annual report of Superintendents in other cliapters of this volmne.

lUVlsioy OF WniAL IlUSBAyORY 3S7

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

DIMENSIONS.

Tlic nuiiii barn is lOl) feet lor.ii' by HO feet wide, outsido dimoiisions. Tlie ceiliiis' of tlio stnble is 10 feet in lu'i.uht, and the post in the stora^^-e baru above is 1.5 feet in b'-iiibt. I'nderneiitb the driveway is the root ceUar. capable of holding? approximately n.OOO busliels. A silo, conveniently situated, opens into feed room.

The dairy cattle barn is a wing to the nniin barn, the same beinj? 101 feet ?> iiiches long by 41 feet 2 inches wide, with milk room and wasli room nndr-riKvitli vlriveway to storage barn above.

The main barn accommodates beef breeding- cows, steers, bulls, and all calves, together witli the fcixl room and hospital, while tlie dairy barn wing aecominoiiate-S forty-eight head of mih-h cows or dairy heifei'S.

Details as to dimensions of stalls, together with the cement finish, li-vels, slopes, etc., may be found in the brief specifications as contained in the reports for the siiper- intcndent.s of other Farms, and also in the report of the Dominion Animal Husbiiid- num for the year ending March 31, 1913.

Particular attention is drawn to the different types of mangers ex|>erimfnted

with. In the dairy barn the raised front manger is illustrated, while in the beef

X)i' main barn, tlie continuous m'angers with the raised feed pn.ssage, and also witli tise

submerged feed pa^isage, but with only 10-inch curbing front manger, are illustrated.

LIGHT.

As much light as the strength of the walls would permit was installed in this barn. The burn is lighted by 768 square feet of glass, or at tli-^ rate of 15-8 square feet per head. The direct sunlight thus reaches every part of tlic barn, which renders it most sanitary, bright and cheerful.

VENTILATION,

The modified Rutherford sysitem of ventilation is used in this bam, the details of which have been so thoroughly described elsewhere. The area of intake ductri per head is about 13 square inch.es, and the aj-ea of the foul air outlets per head is about 26 square inches. Aside from this, the windows of the bam can be so operated that they may be tilted inwards from the top, thus facilitating ventilation in weather so warm that the ventilation system is insiifucieut.

Tlie ventilation of the root cellar is on the same princix>le as that of the barn, and seems to work quite satisfactorily. Especial care must be taken, however, in the ven- tilation of any root cellar, that the ventilators be closed imanediately after the roots are thoroughly cooled and dried, in order that frost be not allowed into the roots.

ACCOM MODATION.

As will be seen from the plans, the dairy barn aeconuuodates forty-eigb.t head of cattle, while the main or beef bam will accommodate twenty-one head tied in stanch- ions, thirty calves, three bulls, and three box stalls which will accommodate either five steers or six b.-ifors each, as well as the maternity hospital.

Comi)lete accommodations in milk rooms, wash rcum, feed room with meal room above, root cellars, silo, litter carriers throughout the barn, etc., may be seen by a close examination of the plans and illustrations.

Fredericton.

363 LXrBRIMEM'AL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915 WATER.

Individual water basins are provided for all tie stalls, and conA'enient taps arranged for tlie watering of calves and all individuals maintained in box stalls.

PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS.

More complete plans and specifications of this bam, or any ptirt of same, will be forwarded to parties interested, upon application to the Superintendent, Experimental Station, Fredericton, N.B,

Fkkdericton.

y.

u

t-

i- _

16— 1915-P. 368.

x;

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0-or-

;.0.//-

D7r;,S'iO.Y OF AMMAL IIl\'<BA\DIiY S69

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

EXPERIMENTAL STATION, CAP ROUGE, QUE. EEPORT or THE SUPERINTENDENT, GUS. A. LANGELIER.

DAIEY CATTLE.

The herd now comprises fifty-three head of pure-bred and grade French Cana- dians. There are one aged and three yearling bulls, twenty-seven eowg, nine yearling heifers, and thirteen calves, ranging from a few days to ten months of age. Out of this number there are sixteen grade cows and heifers. These grades are kept to show that, with a good pure-bred bull, a fairly uniform and a jpaying herd can be bred. It is remarkable to note how the first point has already been reached, as there are six grade heifers which appear to be pure-breds. Time alone, of course, will tell whether they will be as profitable at the pail as their more aristocratic registered sisters, but it is difficult to see why this woiild not be the case.

The following table gives detailed results for cows which finished a lactation period during the year: —

le— 24

370

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

Names of cows.

Gipsv

Finette 2

Jeannette de St. Denis

Flora

Empire ,

Delphine

Amanda

Bella

La "Brune du Sable

Exilce de Kamouia.ska

Piincesse du Sable

Christine

Eva

Hilda

Simonne

Kate

Frisee

Denise Besse

o

o

o

G.F.C.

2I.S....

2,409..

G.F.C.

2,ryJ8..

G.F.C.

G.F.C.

G.F.C.

2,440

•2,414

2,261

G.F.C.

G.F.C. i

G.F.C. i

2,259..

G.F.C.

1,612..

1,269

5J

8

7

13

If 6

7

10

8

o

2|

6

8

9

8

6

6

7J

Date of dropping Calf.

Sept. 11 Mar. 4 April 27 Mar. 25 May 29 May 26 4 May 6 April 20 " 5 Dec. 5 May 25 Mar. 25, April 26 June 13 April 6 April 27 Dec. 18

1912, 1913, 1912, 1912. 1912. 1912. 1912, 1912. 1912. 1912. 1912. 1912. 1912. 1913. 1912. 1912. 1912. 1912.

0)

'— a. o ^

^ .-s

'^.

465 341 3.37 339 426 461 311 329 403 402 271 285 257 243 271 316 352 292

M

C 3 O

-d o

^ o

lb

11,928 8,039 6,453 6,852 5,706 6,988 5,677 5,673 4,902 4,453 4,345 4,350 4,360 4,004 4,153 4,201- 3,643 3,372

00 25 00 75 25 50 75 00 00 25 25 50 50 00 75 00 75 00

2 "53

0) bfi c3

03 O

Q

lb.

25-65 23-57 19-15 20-21 13-39 15-16 18-26 17-24 12-40 11-08 16-03 15-34 16-97 12-33 15-33 13-29 10-35 11-50

01

a

p.c.

4-0 4-0 4-71 4-60

59

4

35

49 78 07

4-63 4-03 4-28 4-57 4-64 4-59 4-95 4-5

a . 9 o

=_ c

3~

p-i

11).

561-86 398-21 357 -.34 375-42 .307-57 3.3S-94 288-23 299-62 275-97 265-36 236-70 2.33-45 219-69 215-57 226 -.57 226-67 210-88 184-65

Cap KoLCiK.

D/T7.S70Y or AX[}fAL nUSBAXDRY

371

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

£	^^1	A	i	-og		•T3 c o o	4J OS	^1- a,	2 !	£'^ \it	C 3
t^	7Z fi	ft		=* a	"^	i-^	o		1	- c - =	':: 0
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li.				O o • - M C	*- ft		s. s •J o -	'0	G — . t- • — ■1- ^	0 3 t ° "• ^	0 - •
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S cts.	S cts.	$ cts.	lb.	11).	lb.	lb.	Mo.	$cts.	<!t.S.	cts.	cts.	$ cts.
157 P.l	22 90	180 21	3.073-8	5,624-5	2,430-5	12,689-5	11	73 11	61-3	13-0	150	107 10
111 50	15 40	126 91	2,267-8	5-726-a	2.247-0	7,290-0	H 54-39	67-0	11-1	16-9	72 52
100 05	12 .".O	112 35	1,761-8	4,270-4	1,802-5	6,878-0	1'. 44-43	68-8	12-7	15-3	67-92
105 12	13 07	118 19	1,907-8	6,159-5	2,695-0	8,8300	ij 5-4 18	70-3	14-4	13-6	04 01
86- 12	10 89	97 01	1,741-3	4-077-5	1,911-0	6,. 3.52-0	3 45 06	78-7	14-0	140	51-95
94 00	13 40	108 30	2,081-5	5,280-0	2,432-0	9,300-0	3 56 76	81-2	16-7	11-3	51-54
XO-70	10-86	91 56	1,5'JO-l	3,527-5	1,6410	6,878-0	n 140-90	720	14-2	13-8	.50-80
83-89	10 S3	94 92	1.733-2	5,310-0	2,430-0	8,100-0	U 49-13	86-6	16-4	11-0	45 -,59
77 27	9 33	86 60	1,479-6	4,228-0	2,0.32-0	6,4800	n 41 04	83-7	14-8	13-2	45 56
74 30	8 46	82 76	1,479-5	4,200-0	1,8600	4,7600	1| 37 90	85-1	14-2	13-8	44 86
GG 28	8 29	74 57	1,363-7	3,749-8	1,657-5	4,212-0	n \M 46	79-2	14o	13-5	40-11
Co 37	8 30	73 67	1,324-1	3,251-1	1,470-5	6,878-0	Ij i36 77	84-5	15-7	12-3	36 90
Gl 51	8 35	69 86	1,242-9	2,992-5	1,215-0	7,2900	1- 35-22	80-7	16-3	11-7	34 64
GO 33	7 64	68 00	1,170-5	2,495-5	1,021-0	7,689-0	n I33-73	84-2	15-5	12-5	34 27
G3 44	7 92	71 36	1.302-8	3,676-1	1,640-5	3,878-0	I5 37 52	90-3	16-5	11-5	33-84
G3 47	8 01	71 48	1,285-8	3,570-0	1,629 0	7,2900	1, '37 78	89-9	.16-6	11-4	33-70
59 05	6 93	65 97	1.116-0	3,909-7	1.734-0	6,878 0	n .35 74	980	16-9	111	30 23
51 70	6 43	58 13	989 0	3,982-5	1,813-0	6,4830	U 33 91 1	100-5	18-5	9-5	24 22

One filing stands out very plainly from the above table; that the biggost profit- making cows are in general the largest producers, which consume the most feed at the highest cost. There are, of course, exceptions, but here again is shown the fact that good cows, well fed, are the only ones which pa.v. This is so often repeated that it seems useless to mention the matter here, but it is wonderful that so few farmers will, in this caje, put into i^ractice what is acknowledged by all to be the best pi'o- cedure to follow. Culling and feeding, more than breeding, is the shortest road to success. Why it seems to a large number the hardest to follow is beyond ccmpre- liensiou.

16— 24i

CaI' Roi'GB.

372

EXPEEIMEyTAL I ^RMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915 FEEDIXG EXPEEIAIEXT WITH DAIRY CATTLE.

The question of concentrates is becoming an important one now tliat mill by- products cost so much, and with the price of milk not advancing very much. A feeding exxoerimcMt was thus planned in which nine cows, whose weights did not differ enough to materially change the result, were fed exactly the same quantities

Dairy Records. —

	Name of Cow.	Registration No.	5 "5 c	Produced dteixg previors lactation Period.	- Date of calving.	5?
	Milk.	Fat.	1	o >>
Lot I.-	—Amanda	- G.F.C. G.F.C. G.F.C.	7 6 9	lb. lb. lb. 5,677-75 288-23 ;18-26 4,350-5 2.33-45 15-34 4,004.00 215-57 ^12-33	June 8, 1913... " 27, •• " 18. "	128
	Christine'	**
	Hilda ;	..
LOT II.	—Bella Eva	G.F.C. G.F.C.	10 8	5,673-00 4,360-5 6,852-75	299-62 1 17-24 219-69 16-97 375-42 |20-21	July 22, " June 12, " •' 25, "
	Flora	G.F.C.	13 8
Lot III.	— La Brune du Sable	2,440	4,902-00 6, 453 00 4,153-75	275-97 12-40 357-34 19-15 226-57 15 -.33	July 18, " June 24, " '• 29, "
	Jeannette de St. Denis	2,409 7 2,259 8

'Ceased giving milk before end of experiment. Roughages charged to her only when milking.

Cap Rouge.

DIVISIOX OF AMMAL HL.'<HA\DRY

373

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

of roughages, whilst three received 1 pound of concentrates for 8 pounds of milk, three others 1 pound of concentrates for 4 pounds of milk, and the last three all the concentrates they would eat, which was 1 pound per 2-25 pounds of milk.

The following table gives details about previous records of cows, their feed, production and profit: —

Cap Rouge, Que.

c c

'S

<u .

_J2 to

o t- c ^ b a

3 ,—

<

lb

194-11 118-88 223-23

480- Gl 425-67 397-51

1,024.00 1,193.00 1,024.00

3J^

O C

O <a

fc. -^

ce

o

o ■ c 2 t-

>.

C3

— c

O O

- o

o a.

lb.

5, 534 00 4,87400 5,531-00

5. 534 00 5,534-09 5 -531 GO

o

Ib.

1,024-00

920 00

1,024 00

$cts.

11 54

9-58

IMO

1,02400 15 12 1,02400 14-43 1,02400 14 03

5. 534- 00 I 1,024-00 |21 91 5,534-00 1,024 00 121 02 5,.534-00 1,02400 |21 91

E

-c ■

C-i

c. ;

Ib.

1,5.53-88

951-04

1- 786- 49

1,903-19 1,702-68 1,590-04

2,446-20 2.617 50 2,220-25

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lb.	Sets.	Sets.
74-49	20 85	2 98
46-42	11 45	1 82
72-20	20 23	3-45
82-26	23 03	3 67
72-83	20 3B	3 28
77-26	21 63	3 05
119-97	33 59	4-69
129-67	.36 31	5 01
112-47	39 49	4-25

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I.£ =

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Sets. I $ cts.i $ cts.

! 2.3'83 'l2 29 \] 13 27 • 3 69 I 23-68 •11-78 1-

9-26

27 30

23 66

24 68

12 18

9 23

10 60

ll \ 10 67

38 23 116 .37

41 32 34 74

17

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u

50

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ton

c o

c c

•— 3

c P

c £

lb. 38

c —

lb.

11 4

17

2-25

Cap Eouge.

374

EXPETUME'NTAL FA RMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

Here again is demonstrated the importance of "feed and weed." Taking the i\\ crage for each group, we find that the three cows which received 1 pound of meal for 2-25 potinds of milk gave, during the period of the experiment, an average profit of- $15.50 each, the three which received 1 pound of meal per 4 pounds of milk gave an. average profit of $10. GT, whilst the three which received 1 pound of meal per 8 pounds of milk only gave an average profit of $9.2G. These profits look small for the length of the feeding experiment, 128 days, but it must not be forgotten "that this test com- menced when, on an average, each of the nine cows had already been milking 137 days. Most of these cows are served to calve during August, 1914, to gather more data on the subject, and it is proposed to commence the feeding test soon after they calve. A small paddock, practically bare, will be used to give them exercise, and green feed will be fed in the stable after being weighed.

As to the question of weeding out the "boarders," a few figures given here will show that it is an important one. It shows one other point : besides knowing what the cow produces, a farmer must also have an idea of what she eats, as a good producer may not make an economical use of her feed. No doubt many will say that it is too much trouble to do all this weighing, but the farmer is in business as the manufacturer, the merchant and the contractor, and if ho is to make a success of this business, he must know what it costs him to produce the goods which he sells. It is reasonably ^afe to say that when a majority of farmers get to know how much it costs thera to produce milk, they will then commence to make larger profits, as they will discard the non-paying cows and perhaps also insist on getting more for their milk. Both these things must be done before the dairying industry pays the dividends which it should for the money invested therein.

Economical and Non-economical Producers compared.

Name of cows.	Ratio of meal fed per lb. of milk.	Cost of feed.	Value of product.	Gain in weight.	Value of this gain at 7c per pound.	Profit overfeed.	Profit including gain in weight.
AiYicincla	1-8 1-4 1-2-25	$ cts 11 ."il 15 12 21 91	$ Ct3. 23 83 27 30 34.74	Lb. 30 15 25	$ eta. 2 10 1 05 1-75	• % cts. 12 29 12 18 12 83	S eta. 14 39
Bella	11 13
	14 58

It is easily seen here thaf Amanda, which received only 1 pound of meal per 8 pounds of milk, and which gave a profit of $14.39, made better use of her feed than Simonne, which received 1 pound of meal per 2-25 pounds of milk and only gave a profit of $14.55. There is no positive proof that Amanda would have given a larger profit had she received more meal, but the averages, on the large table above, would tend to show to any fair-minded person that she would. What the dairyman wants is more Amandaa and less Simonnes. To keep the first and get rid of the second, there is nothing else to do but weigh the milk and keep a record of the concentrates given, increasing the amount until it is found that the cow does not respond with a profitable increase.

Cap Eouge.

DIVfSilOy OF AKUIAL nrsBAyuRY 27<^

.SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

EXPERIMENTAL STATION, STE. ANNE DE LA POCATIfiRE,

QUE.

REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT, JOS. BEGIN.

DAIRY CATTLE.

A small hut excellent start was made in a dairy herd at this Station in Jmio. lOH, when eleven head of pure-bred Ayrshire females were transferred from the Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa, to this Station. Added to this number was a 2-year-old Ayrshire bull, transferred from the Experimental Farm, Nappan, N.S. These cov/.s were all of the ehoieest breeding- and are excellent individuals. All the cows 2 years and over were in calf to the pure-bred Ayrshire bull at the Central Experimental Farm. "Monarch of Tanfflev.yld " 30442, son of the famous Ayrshire cow ''Primrose of Tanglewyld" 1594.". TTenee, all the first crop of calves on this Farm are by this noted sire. When transferred to this Station, all cows and heifers, excepting one, were dry. Seven of these have calved during the fall and early winter, giving four heifer calves and three bull calves. Herewith is submitted a list of the foundation herd: —

Years.

Miirjorie 2nd— 22196 • 9

Mirjorie 4th — 28101 6

Soujy 3id — 29604 7

Flavia's Girl — 32rir>.5 6

Duchess Flavla— .'56408 .•?

Denty Srd's Own — 36442 3

Flavia Spot— 36412 3

Jessie G.— 36407 2

Prince?s Denty— 36411 3

Margaret Ottawa — 36413 2

Margaret 2nd— 38051 1

As no cows have completed a full lactation period, no complete records for this year will be given until the annual report for the coming fiscal year. However, returns as given below will sliow the fact that the cows have produced profitably to date: —

Number of cows 7

Total number of milkhig days 1.203

Amount of mill; produced lb. 28,873

Average p:oducton of milU per cow lb. per day. 24

Milk sold at 4 cents per quart $ 461 96

Amount of expenses during that time " 196 15

Profit " 265 81

Average profit per cow " 37 97

Taking into consideration the fact that three of these seven head milking were heifers with their first calf, and that the stabling conditions until nearly the end of the fiscal year were most unfavourable, these returns are quite satisfactory. These cows were installed in the new barn on the 1st of INFarch, 1014.

In connection with the pure-bred herd, there will also be conducted, at this Station, a dairy cattle grading experiment. This experiment will entail the purchase of a number of average heifers of common breeding with which only pure-bred Ayrshire bulls will be used. Preparations are being made to commence this experiment during the first of the coming fiscal year, and a more complete report of the outline and progress of the same will be given in the rejiort for the coming fiscal year.

376 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE V.^ A. 1915 ' A GOOD COMMERCIAL DAIEY BARN.

During tine past year a dairy barn was erected at this Station. The following is briefly a description of this complete modern commercial dairy barn, illustrating capacity, strength, lightness of structure, convenience, light, and ventilation.

This is called a good conunercial dairy ,barn for the reason that many dairymen much prefer having the calves and bulls in the same barn with the cows, and in fact this is the common practice throughout Canada. Although this may not be conducive toward the most e»3onomical manufacture of the very purest milk, yet such a system has many advantages. This barn contains box stalls, feed rooms, calf pens, milk room, and, in fact, is a complete barn which will house all classes and ages of dairy cattle.

The plans and specifications herewith submitted may be changed to suit the loca- tion, the convenience, or the taste of any farmer; but in essentials, at least, represent the ideal of this type of dairy barn, both as to appearance, convenience, economy, and efficiency.

A brief outline of the specifications is as follow*:—

1. Foundation.

The foundation is of concrete. A concrete footing, 18 inches Avide and 18 inches deep, supports the foundation walls. The concrete foundation w^alls extend 2 feet above the floor level inside the barn, excepting where adjoining the root cellar luider driveway, where the foundation wall extends full height of the cattle stable. This foundation wall is 18 inches in thickness, to which the sill is firmly bolted with cement bolts. A 3-inch tile just below and outside the footing of wall was installed to pre- vent the heaving and cracking of foundation.

2. Superstructure.

The superstructure is of wood, hip roofed, pknk frame, and the roof covered with best quality of galvanized metal shingles. The sills are made of two ply 2- by S-inch plank with broken joints, well spiked together. Wall posts and studding are made of 2- by 8-inch plank. The purlins and plateo are also made of two ply 2- by 8-inch planks, well spiked with broken joints. The truss is made from 2- by 10-inch and 2- by 6-inch planking. The purlin brace is made of two ply 2- by 10-inch bolted 2 inches apart to receive braces and props and also to receive the ridge brace, which is also 2- by 10-inch. All short braces and cross braces of truss are made from 2- by 6-inch planks. Floor joists are made of 2- by 12-inch planks on 22-inch centres. Girths holding joist are made of five ply of 2- by 12-inch, tliese resting on 6-inch Avood posts along the line of calf pens and bull stalls and on 3|-inch steel columns along the lines of cattle ties. Rafters are of 2- by 6- inch plank.

The covering of the frame is as follows : The walls are built from the outside with battens, 1-inch planed boards, one ply building paper, 2- by 8-inch studs and posts, one thickness of heavy fibre wall paper called " Linofelt," and seven-eighths inch matched lumber on the inside. This sheathing is only for the stable below. In the storage barn above stable, the studs and posts are exposed. The rafters are covered with inch boarding, one ply of good building paper to preserve the underside of shingles, and best quality metal shingles. The floor of the storage barn above cattle is composed of one-ply inch lumber laid angle-wise to thoroughly tie the barn. In the drive floo ■ this is covered in turn with 2-inch hemlock planking, while over the balance of flooi' tlie covering is inch lumber nailed lengthwise of the barn. Building paper is used between the two ply of lumber in the floor of barn to keep dust from settling through

Ste. Anne.

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Ofe

16— 1915— p. 376.

Plate XX.

EXPERIMENTAL STATIOH 5T Amt DE LA POCATIZVZ ,QUZ

i/j. IN 5CAWE.

Ui> 1JAFTER

^j^

lyi> e».FTEl

/-6' VOOD P03T

v-^

:"• vcv iv. y^ . .ft - ... ^.. . .,.(

IJ^

FRESH >ilg IHLET PUCT (la-'OC

- - •jV iRoh posrr ■ ■ '

WATER Biv*. I

-S'-ii* ti»^*— -4-» — <| >«■-» i'-e'^ ->*X

6x6 POELIM

l-iXfcPlATf

J- o' r/8^-» f-' » -

*Uvei.OF hNH

m

•I''.

; 0

iill

Plate XXI

Cattle Barn, Ste. Anne de la Pocatiere. Note the lighting and hocids of fresh air intakes.

rf°° nED ■EBffHH P

Experimental Station, Ste. Anne de la Pocatiere, Que. Horse barn to right.

DiriSIOy OF AyiMAL BVSBAyDRT 377

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

the floor into the cattle ham hencath. Dressed inatchcd lumber is used in flooring in order to give a dead air space in ceiling for better ventilation, and also to dispense with the dust-collecting space between joists.

3. Dim ENSIGNS.

The rnain ham is 80 by 50 feet outside measurement. The ceiling of stable is 10 feet in height from the manure passages, 9 feet in height from the feed passage, and 10 feet G inches in height from the floor of box stalls. The wall post in storage barn is 14 feet clear above floor, thus making a total height of post above the sill of 22} feet, to which is added 8 inches for plate and sill.

The cattle stands from end to end are of different lengths, one varying from 5 feet to 4 feet 8 inches, and the other from 4 feet 8 inches to 4 feet 4 inches. All the tie stalls are 3 feet 0 inches in width to centre of divisions. The feed passage is 5 feet 8 inches wide. Mangers are 24 inches wide; division between manner and stand, 0 inches wide; and gutters 18 inches wide, with sloping bottoms. The box stalls vary in width from 8 feet (^ inches to 10 feet, and are 12 feet deep, excepting three boxes at end of barn, which are 14 feet deep.

4. Cement Finish.

The 2 feet oi cement wall above the floor, the floors of milk room, the mangers, and gutters were finished perfectly smooth. Feed passages were given a smooth finish and then rolled. Cattle stands and floor of box stalls were given a true but rough finish with a wood float. The manure passages and the main passage were given a smooth finish and then heavily rolled with a cement roller to give the pebbled finish, this to prevent cattle from slipping. The grades at the ends of manure passages and feed passages were cross-lined at every 5 inches and also rolled.

5. Levels.

All the floors in the stable are of concrete. The two manure passages running lengthwise of barn are 4^ inches lower than the passages at end of rows, while the feed passage is again 4^ inches higher than end passages. The rear of stand is 2 inches higher than the manure passage at gutter. The manger bottoms are 1^ inches higher than the front of stands. The divisions between manger and stand are of concrete, the same being 7 inches higher than front of stand and 5} inches above the manger bottom. The manger is of the continuous type, the top of feed passage forming the outer side of manger. The manure gutters are 7i inches deep next the stand and G inches deep next manure passage.

6. Slopes.

The cattle stands have a slope of li inches from front to rear. The main feed passage has a crown of 1 inch to centre. The manure passages have a fall toward gutter of 1 inch. The bottom of gutter is one-half inch higher next the cattle stand tliau next the manure passage, and the gutter slopes to drain at one end in the proportion of 1 inch per 25 feet, with an extra inch in the last 2 feet toward drain. These slopes facilitate the cleaning out of liquid manure, as well as the keeping clean of the tails of the cows. The mangers have the same slope toward drain at end as manure gutters. The sides of the gutters are vertical, while manger bottoms are curved.

The slopes from manure passages and feed passage to end passage are at the rate of 1 inch per foot, the finish being deeply grooved in squares. The floor of the milk room slopes to a floor drain at one side at the rate of 1 inch per 6 feet.

Ste. Anne.

373 EXPERIMEXTAL FARM3

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915 7. Light.

As mxich light as the strength of walls would permit was installed in this barn. The windows in walls and doors were made as large as possible. The cattle barn will nccommodate thirty-four cows tied, two bulls in box stalls, and twenty calves and heifers in the remaining boxes. The barn is lighted by 650 square feet of glass, or at tlie rate of 12-87 square feet per liead. Direct sunlight reaches every part of the barn, which renders it most sanitary, bright, and cheerful.

8. Ventilation.

A modified Rutherford system of ventilation is used in this barn. On the south side the fresh air intakes are brought in at the floor level and carried up to the height of 10 inches against wall. These intakes are constructed from sewer pipe elbows, being 6 inches' in diameter. On the north side and east end, ventilator ducts had to be made under box stalls.

Fresh air is admitted through the walls at or near floor level. Cement casing guards are placed around all fresh-air intakes in order to cut down possibility of damage and to exclude dirt.

Ventilator boxes on the outside of walls extend 3 feet above the pipe opening in wall. These ventilator boxes are resting on small cement bases to prevent decay, and contain openings in the sides near top. The fresh air entering thus describes a deep parabola, thus preventing strong direct air currents, yet supplying a uniform, adequate flow of fresh air for the barn. The area of each opening in the intake box is equal to the area of the intake pipe. Dampers are installed in these boxes to control the flow of fi'csh air.

The area of intake ducts per head is about 14 square inches.

The foul-air outlets are three in number, each being 18 square inches in diameter, inside measurement, and thoroughly insulated to prevent condensation of moisture. These outlets are not placed in the centre of building but alternately in each side, extending from ceiling of stable to roof, and following the line of upper rafters to bam peak, thus straddling the hay track in loft, yet using the cupolas on ridge as outlets. These foul-air outlets are constructed as follows : From the outside, one ply of matched lumber, inch battens and air space; one ply of building paper and one ply of matched lumber on the inside. This makes a perfect foul-air outlet. The area of outlet for this stable is 30 square inches per cow. The damper at the lower end of foul-air out- let, swivelling in the centre with control cords extending to the stable below, is used to control tlie outgoing air.

The windows of this barn throughout, excepting in box stalls, are of two sashes, the upper one of which is hinged to the lower sash, opening inward from the top. These may be tilted at any angle by mean^ of a cord operating a small pulley on a worm spindle. Such a device costs in the vicinity of '50 cents each, is easy to operate, and prevents the slamming of windows and the consequent destruction of glass. When warm weather necessitates more fresh air than is admitted through the fresh air intakes, the windows are opened as needed. From au ideal dairy barn viewpoint, if screens were supplied for the windows and sashes in the dairy of this barn for the siiinmer months, it would nllow the taking off of windows during the heat of summer and yet proliibit the entrance of flies.

Tbe ventilation of tlie root cellar is on tlie same principle as that of the barn. However, the fresh air is conducted through the walls at a height of about 6 feet above floor, but is carried down to floor level before being dispersed. On the floor is a slatted .syslcin of ventilator boxes, which allows the air not onl,y to go from opening to open- ing, but at the same time to work its way gradually upward through the roots. If

Ste. Anne.

DiriSIUN OF ASIMM. Ili.-^IJAS DRY S79

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

uocGSsary, upright slatted shafts may be provided to the trap doors for fillinfj. The fresli air intake-; are eontrolled hy double dampers, whir'h can be closed after the roots are eoolcd, tlnis prohibitiim' the cntraiicc of frost.

i). Acro.M \iiti).\Ti(>\'.

riic cattle barn will aeeommodate thirty-four milch cows standing in all-stcd stalls and tied by means of swiiig'iug' steel stanchions, and also the eifj;ht box stalls will accommodate twenty-two bulls, heifers, itnd calves.

A separate milk room, well ecpiipped with lockers and sink, etc., is cojitained in the northwest eoriier of barn. This milk room being- farthest away from the manure pit and feed room, facilitates cleanliness of the milk. A self-elosing door from the milk room to the barn ensures the exclusion of dust.

In the southeast eorner of barn there is a small open shed sufficiently large to accommodate a large manure wagon. This provided with a concave cement floor facilitates the keeping of the iuanure away from the barn with the least possible labour. The exclusion of the manure from the vicinity of a dairy bai'n is absolutely essential in order to make the best flavoured and purest milk, and also to prohibit the breeding of flies in the vicinity of the barn.

A connnodious feed room is provided in the northeast corner of stable, into whi<'h enter the silo and the root cellars. Into this feed room dump four meal chutes from the meal room above, A stairway to meal room, properly fitted with closets and sink miderneath, makes this an ideal place for the mixing of feeds.

The meal room above the feed room is of the same size as feed room, and is well fitted w^ith hopper-shaped bins and with chutes extending to feed room below.

The rest of this end of the storage barn is taken up with a granary.

The root cellar under driveway is sufficiently large to accommodate approximately 4,000 bushels of roots. This root cellar has a ceiling of reinforced concrete, the same being flour of the driveway to barn. Contained in this eeiling are two watertight traf>s for the filling of the root cellar. Adjoining this root cellar in the barn is a smaller emergency root cellar sufficiently large to accommodate approximately 1,G00 bushels of roots.

The silo opening into feed room has a capacity of approximately 140 tons.

A litter carrier is installed throughout the barn, which takes the manure to tlic small manure shed and runs it directly over the cart there placed for the reception <>f all litter. All manure is haulpd directly to the fields.

The distribution of feed is done by means of two low, three-wheeled trucks. ^Thc meal truck is fitted with bins to accommodate three diiferent meal mixtures or straight meals. The ensilage truck is of the large hopper-sh.aped type, accommodating 20 bushels. It might be well to again mention that experience with these trucks has shown distinct superiority over the s'ispended feed carriers.

10. Water.

Individual basins are provided for the tie stalls and all calf boxes. For compara- tive purposes, two systems representing two tj'^yes were installed. For one row of cow stalls and the calf boxes a good underfeed system of bowls was installed with two control tanks to regulate the same. On one of the rows of ties an overhead feed system was installed. This latter, however, has not given very good s.'Uisfaetion as yet, but it i.t Loped that remodellings will materially improve the same, for it has many distinct advantages over the underfeed system in principle, althou.gh as yet not in practice. These water systems to date have been fairly satisfactory and are much more con- venient and cleanly than watering "in the mangers or with buckets. The bull boxes were not supplied with water basins owing to the possibility of breakage, thus causing the flcoding of tlie retails. Hence the bulls are watered with pails.

Sri:. Ann 10.

380

EXPERIMEXTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

EXPERIMENTAL FARM, BRANDON, MAN.

EEFOET OF THE SUPERINTENDENT, W. C. McKILLICAN, B.S.A.

DUAL-PUEPOSE AND DAIRY CATTLE.

The breeding herd consists of thirty-one head of cattle as follows : — Shorthorn : 2 bulls, 16 milch cows, and 8 heifers and calves. Ayrshire: 1 milch cow. Grade: 2 milch cows, and 2 calves.

The Shorthorns are mostly of the dual-purpose type and are being bred for capa- city of milk production as well as for suitability for beef. There is a great demand in "Western Canada for cattle of this type, and large numbers of both sexes could be sold to farmers in all parts of the country if there were more obtainable. It has been foimd impossible to sell females this year as the herd is small and all heifer calves were retained to increase the herd. Nine bull calves were sold during the year.

MILK RECX)EDS.

The following milk records are for the last complete lactation period of the cows now on hand. In addition to the cows recorded there are six young cows which have not yet completed their first lactation period.

Name of Cow.

Ottawa Marchioness 5th. .

Illuniinata 3rd

Duchess 3rd

Ottawa Janet 4th

Buttercup

Ottawa Janet 3rd

Jane of Brandon

Rose of Brandon

Daisy of Brandon

lUuminata 4th

Poppy of Brandon

Brandon Beauty

Ottawa Marchioness 2nd.

Breed.

Shorthorn

Grade.. . . Shorthorn

Age at beginning of lactation period.

4 7 5 3 6 4 7 9 8 6 6 5 8

Date of dropping calf.

Number

of days in

lactation

period.

Dec.

Nov.

Dec.

Mar.

July

Oct.

Mar.

April

April

Feb.

May

jMay

April

21, 1912. 25, 1911.

4, 1912.

18, 1913.

3, 1912.

2, 1912.

28, 1913. 16, 1912,

1, 1912,

22, 1912

29. 1913, 28, 1913

9, 1913

387 443 285 401 443 334 365 305 271 306 200 126 164

Total pounds of Milk for period.

11,334 10-287 9.621 8,462§ 7,578 6,598^ 6,042 5, 8321 5,530^ 5,410 3, 2841 2,287 580i

iDue to attack of inflammation of udder.

A Babcock test outfit was purchased during the season and a commencement made at testing the percentage of butter fat in the milk produced by each cow. A test is made on the 5th and 20th of each month. As the test was started in the latter part of the year, there are, as yet, no complete reports ready for publication.

WINTER RATIONS FOR DAIRY COWS.

The daily winter ration fed the dairy cows is on the average about as follows • —

Hay (clover and grasses mixed or alfalfa) lb. 6

Straw " 8

Corn silage " 32

Roots •' 6

Grain ' chiefly oats and bran) " 5 to 14

The meal ration varies with the flow of the milk and is usually 1 pound to about 3 or 3^ pounds of milk.

D/r/,S70.Y OF AyiMAL HVSBAyDRY 381

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

((1ST CK MILK I'RC'I'i'i Tl'iy.

0)1 April 1, 1913, a start was made, at keeping the exact weight of each kind of feed -given to each individual cow. This will make it possible to know the cfst of pror ducing milk from each cow, and also the profit or loss returned by each cow As most of the lactation periods reported on began before th's system of weighing feed wes started, it is not practicable to show the profit and loss from every cow. Three typical cows that freshened about the time the individual feed records were started are chosen, one above average, one about average, and one of the poorest; the results from these three cows are as follows. The labour is not considered, neither is the value of the calf and of the manure.

Ottawa Janet Jtth (3 years old).

Calved March 18, 1013; milked to March 31, 1914. Feed consumed, April 1, 1913, till March 31, 1914:—

2.094 pounds grain (oats, barley and bran) at $20 per ton $ 20 94

775 pounds mixed hay at ?10 per ton 3 &8

569 pounds alfalfa at $12 per ton 3 41

775 pounds mixed hay at $10 per ton 3 S8

1,421 pounds straw at $2 per ton 1 42

6,991 pounds corn ensilage at $3 per ton 10 49

1,653 pounds roots ar $3 per ton 2 48

5 months pasture at $1 per month 5 00

? 47 62 Milk produced from April 1 to March 31, 8,045 pounds at 11

cent per pound $ 120 67

Profit on milk over cost of feed 73 03

Cost of feed to produce 100 pounds mill; 59

i7a?ie of Brandon (7 years old).

Calved March 28, 1913; milked till March 28, 1914. Feed consumed April 1, 1913, to March 31, 1914:—

1,879 pounds grain (oats, barley and bran) at $20 per ton ? 18 7&

569 poi nds alfalfa at $12 per ton 3 41

775 po_nds mixed hay at $10 per ton .". 3 88

1421 pounds straw at $2 per ton 1 42

f.."991 pounds corn ensilage at $3 per ton 10 49

1 653 pounds ro:ts at $3 per ton 2 48

5 months pasture at $1 5 00

5 45 47 Milk produced from April 1, 1S13, to March 28, 1914, 5.956 pounds

at IJ cent per pound $ 89 34

Profit on milk over cost of fe<?d 43 87

Cost of feed to produce 100 pounds milk 76

Poppy of Brandon (6 years old).

Calved May 29, 1913; milked till December 28, 1913. Feed consumed April 1, 1913, to March 31, 1914: —

1.535 pounds grain (oats, barley and bran) at $20 per ton $ 15 S5

56*9 pounds alfalfa at $12 per ton 3 41

775 pounds mixefl hay at $10 per ton 3 88

1,421 pounds straw at $2 per ton 1 42

C,991 pounds corn ensilage at $3 )3er ton 10 49

960 pounds roots at $3 per ton 1 44

5 months pasture at $1 5 OO

$ 40 99

Milk produced from May 29, 1913, to December 15, 1913, 3,2S4*

pounds at 1 J cent " $ 4 9 27

Profit on milk over cost of feed S 28

Cost of feed to produce 100 pounds of m Ik 1 25

Brandon.

332 EXT'ERIMEXTAL FXRMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915 COST OF FEED FOR MATL'RE BULL FOR ONE YEAR.

Butterfly King 21st (age 4 years). Weight at beginning of year, 2,070 pounds. "VVeiglit at end of year 2,335 pounds.

Feed consumed April 1, 1913, to March 31. 1014:—

2 609 pounls gran (cats, barley ancl l;ran) at $2i) per ton $ 26 09

639 pounds alfalfa at $12 per ton 3 83

2,400 pounds mixed hay at $10 per ton 12 00

2,056 pounds straw at $2 per ton 2 06

8,179 pounds corn ensilage at $3 per ton 12 22

540 pounds roots at $3 per ton 81

Total cost for year $ 57 01

COST OF RAISIXG HEIFERS.

Brandon Maid 2nd (from hirih io six moyxths/.

Born September 29, 1913. Weight at birth. 65 pounds. Weight March 31, 1914, 390 pounds.

Feed consumed September 29. 1913. to March 31, 1914:—

2,199 pounds whole milk at IJ cent per pound ,. .. % 32 98

134 pounds corn silage at $3 per ton 20

24 pounds straw at $2 per- ton 2

24 pounds alfalfa at $12 per ton 6

15S pounds mixed hay at $10 per ton : 77

144 pounds grain (oats and bran) at $20 per ton 1 44

Total.. $ 35 47

Marchioness 9th (from 3 months to 15^ months).

Born December 21, 1912. Weight April 1, 1913, 165 pounds. Weiglit March 31, 1914, 735 pounds.

Feed consumed during year: —

2604 pounds of whole milk at IJ cent per pound $ 39 06

1,6S0 pounds corn silage at $3 per ton 2 64

364 pounds straw at $2 per ton 36

460 pounds alfalfa at $12 per ton 2 86

427 pounds mixed hay at .$10 per ton 2 13

594 pounds grain (oats, barley, and bran) at $20 per ton.. .. 5 94

Total $ 5,2 99

Brandon Marchioness Bess (from IGi months: to SSh months).

Born November 20, 1911. Weight April 1. 1913, 785 pounds. Weigbt March 31, 1914, 1,185 pounds.

Feed consumed during tlie year: —

5,943 pounds corn silage at $3 per ton $ S 9^6

7S4 pounds straw at $2 per ton 78

371 pounds alfalfa at $12 per ton 2 23

751 pounds mixed hay at $10 per ton 3 75

630 pounds grain (oats, barley and bran) at $20 i)er ton 6 30

Total $ 22 02

Braxdon.

nnisioy oi' aximal nusBA\DRY 383

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

EXPERIMENTAL FARM, INDIAN HEAD, SA8K. REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDEiJT, T. J. HAP.RISOK, B.S.A.

DUAL-PURPOSE CATTUE.

On tlic Tiifliaii lioad Experimental Farm at present there arc in all about forty- ciglit head of breeding cattle, made np as follovv-s: —

kShortlicrns: 1 bvdl, 7 aged (;o\vs, 16 mileh cows, 9 two-year old heifers, 3 yearling heifers, 2 heifer calves, (i bull calves.

Ci rades : 4 cows.

These are not all dairy cattle, a? a number of the cows are of strictl.v beef type. The object, however, of maintaining the herd is to develop, if possible, the dual-pur- pose Shorthorn; in other words, a non-specialized farmer's cow. With this end in view, during the fall of 1918 there was purchased a .vearling bull, "King Edward," of a good milking strain, and sired b.v " Butterfiy King," one of the best dairy sires of the breed in Canada. With this bull at the head of the ShortJiorn herd, in which are alread.y }i few promising individuals, there is hope of developing a profitable milking typa that would be suitable to the average farmer in southern Saskatchewan. Among tlie young cattle espcially there are seme fair individuals, and with the culling out of a number of old cows whose days of usefulness are over, we will be in possession of some good foundation stock which, with judicious handling, should develop into a creditable herd of dual-purpose Shorthorns.

In former years this herd was treated strictly as a beef herd, the calves being allowed to suck their dams. Now, all the cows are being milked by hand and a record taken of the amount of milk and butter-fat produced in each lactation period. None of the cows have yet completed a lactation period since the commencement of keeping records, and therefore cannot be reported further than that three or four are milking verj' satisfactorily. One drawback is found to this work. It is that the cowa that have suckled their calves in former years have commenced to drop off in their milk production very early in their lactation period. The reason for this is that tho cow was allowed to go dry early when suckling her young and the habit has now become second nature with her. Not much is expected from these cows except that they niay raise a few promising heifers. Therefore, our most reliable foundation will be the heifers tliat are yet to freshen.

This experiment will require a luunber of years before results are forthcoming. However, as there is such interest being taken in the dual-purpose cow in the West it seems that the development of this cow v/ould be a profitable line to follow. The grain farmers require a cow that will give a large flow of milk and produce a calf that will develop into a good beef steer.

It is also the endeavour to begin an experiment to determine the profits from a dual-purpose herd by keeping data in regard to the cost of production of milk and butter-fat from the cows, and the cost of rearing calves, yearlings, and 2-year-old Shorthorn heifers.

334 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

EXPERIMENTAL STATION, LACOMBE, ALTA. EEPOST OF THE SUPEEINTENDENT, G. H. HUTTON, B.S.A.

DAIKY CATTLE.

Experiments were conducted in January, February, and March to determine the comparative feeding value of timothy and green feed, and also to fix a value for roots when fed in conjunction with either of these bulky fodders.

The results indicate the advantage of feeding roots in reducing the cost of produc- tion of milk. These tests will be rei)eated next season to verify the results before pub- lishing.

Nineteen head comprise the herd of pure-bred Holstein cattle, eleven of which are females of breeding age. Besides those whose records are published herewith, a num- ber are making a very satisfactory showing. Not having completed their lactation period at the end of the fiscal year, their production to date is not shown. The heifer '' Lawnerest Rosa Echo" gave 11,143 pounds milk in twelve months after fresh- ening for the first time at about three years of age. The 2-year-old heifer, " Rhode De Kol Beets'' produced 7,322-6 pounds of milk from August 3 to March 31. A number of these animals are entered in the R.O.P. test.

The pure-bred Jerseys at this Station now number six, three of which are of breed- ing age. The 3-year-old heifer " Brampton Wolseley Girl " is making a good showing in her 3-year-old form.

Records are being kept of the production of a number of grade cows which were selected in the hope of being able to secure a grade herd representing the average dairy herd of the province. These cows are being bred to the Holstein bull '' Royalton Korn- dyke Comit " ,13237, whose pedigree is one of the best in Canada. The object of this experiment is to determine the influence of the sire of high-producing pedigree in raising the production of common herds by grading up.

Platk XXIV.

Brandon : Ottawa Marchioness 5th (dual-purpose Shorthorn). Gave 11,335 lb.

of milk in one milking period.

y V

Brandon : Illuminata 3rd (dual-purpose Shorthorn). Gave 10,387 lb. of milk in one milking period.

Ifi— 15)15— p. 38-1.

>

<

a;

o o

Q

04

16— 19] 5— p. 384.

DlVIsrOX OF AXIMAL HVSBAXDliT

385

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

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1 Date of Dropping Calf.		Fob. 26,1913 ]>b. 11, 1913 Fob. 9, 1913 Fob. 25, 1913	Nov. 24, 1912 Anr. 25, 1913 Fob. 13,1913 .Ian. 1,1913 Doc. 25.1912 Juno 1, 1013 Juno 4, 1913	1
•pouoj iioi4n40i;'j[ jo BuiuuiSoq 4t; oiSv		CJ CJ ci>o	COCJ Oi-V t^xco	1
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Lacombe.

336 rxr'i:RL]rKXTAL far:\is

5 GEORGE v.. A. 1915 DAIEY PRODUCTS.

The complete equipment for the dairy was slow in arriving, rendering it impot:;- sible to finish the installation till jSTovember. The boiler was the last to arrive, but since hot water was available from the furnace in the basement of the dairy building for some time, work of the dairy was not seriously handicapped for lack of live steam. Sweet cream has been shipped to Edmonton during the entire season, and for this cream tlie current price has been received, which is at present on the basis of Hi cents per pound butter fat f.o.b. Lacombe. Commencing in July, cream chee?e have been made in limited numbers, and have been offered the local market. As yet the quality of these cheese appears somewhat variable in character and it cannot be said at present that a market for this product has been established. Those who are within shipping distance of Edmonton and Calgary find a profitable outlet in the^e cities for milk, cream, and butter.

Lacombe.

DIVISIOX or .l.Y/l/.lL nUSBAXDRY 387

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 15

EXPERIMENTAL FARM, AGASSIZ, B.C.

REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT, P. H. MOORE, B.S.A.

DAIRY CATTLE.

The most important v/ork in the dairy herd of IIolstein-Friosian oattle this past year has hecn : fir^jt. the breeding work; and second, the testing of the various indivi- duals with the object of having uniform groups for experimental purposes. Five grade cows of tlie original herd liavc been sold to the butcher. For various reasons they were both unprofitable and unsuitable for experimental work.

Only one loss is reported during the year. Cow Xo. 27 died from septieiemia at calving time. In spite of the fact that the best of veterinary attention and nursing had been given her. The only other serious trouble encountered this year was the poisoning of a yearling heifer in March; this did not prove fatal. The heifer is suspected of having eaten soniething i)oisonou5 in the field v.'hen first turned out. She became totally, paralyzed but was treated for dietetic poisoning and very slowly recovered. Simie inconvenience was experienced with sore teats, but as soon as there was a change from hard to liquid soap for washing the milkei's' hands, the trouble disappeared. This may have been only a coincidence, but it seemed at the time that the infection was being carried on the cake of soap. Plowever. no bacteriological tests were made, but when the liquid soap was used the trouble disappeared.

Of the twenty cows which finished a lactation period this year, 50 per cent gave heifer calves; all of these calves were raised. 1'he 2-year-old heifers of unknowii breeding have grown well, and some are about i-eady to freshen. They were divided into two groups for breeding. One lot was bred to come in at 24 to 25 months of age, and the others bred to come in at 2S to 30 months. Nearly all the yearlings will be carried over and bred to come in during the autunni, wlien they will be, as near as possible, 30 months old. Tlie average results for the whole herd are better this year than they were last year. The cows have become thoroughly acclimatized and arc responding more to food and care. The average lactation period is not as long as last year, because it did n*jt pay to keep some of the old grade cows unless they had a calf at least once in twelve months.

The increase is also partly due to feeding silage during the summer when the pasture became short. There are several cows to be culled out of this herd during the next year. They will be discarded as soon as the heifers are ready to replace them.

It seems well to say a word here concerning the method of handling the cows during the past year. The treatment is substantially the same as that given last year. with a few exceptions. Tlie cows are milked at 5 a.m. then fed silage, roots, and grain. After ])reakfast the cows are turned out and the stables are cleaned, and fresh bedding is put down. If the weather is fine the cows remain out until 1.30 p.m.. and if it is cold or wet they are let in as soon as the stables are prepared. At three o'clock thej' are again fed silage, roots, and grain, after which they are prepared for milking, which begins at 4.30 p.m. After milking, the floors are swe|)t. and. lastly, tlie cows are given a feed of long hay, which they eat up clean before nioniing. Where silage is fed heavily, this method has proved more economical than when the hay is chaffed and fed with the silage. It has, besides, two distinct advantages: it gives the cows sonic-

338 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

thing to work at during the longer period between feeds, and als. . keeps down the dust during milking.

When the cows are groomed it is generally done as soon as they have come in from the yard. In summer they are in the stable only as long as it takes to milk them or to feed ajiything which may be given to supplement pasture.

Below is given a table showing the records of each cow which has finished a lacta- tion period since the last report. At each milking the milk was weighed and a small quantity taken for a composite sample; these samples were tested every five days, tlms giving a very detailed record of production during the whole period. Accurate figures were taken of all the food consumed and the cost of this was estimated from tl;e following prices : —

Per ton.

Clover hay $ 10 00

Corn silage .• 3 00

Roots 3 00

Bran (car lots) 20 00

Brewers' grains (dried) 22 50

Soy bean cake 45 00

Oil cake (flax) 45 00

Wlaeat Germ meal .. .. 33 00

Salt 9 50

Agassiz.

Dil i,S70.V OF AyiMAL EUSlSAyDIiY

£89

5'ESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

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ACASSIZ.

390

rXPERIMEKTAL FA RMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

Last year was reported the production of the five most profitable and the five Icn^it profitable cows. The difference in profit last year was $50.15. Since that time some of the poorest cows have been culled out, but this year the difference is $ri2.54. Last year the poorest five averaged $GT.G8 profit, with a food cost of $36.G2; this year the average of this class was $78.68 profit and a food cost of $52.54. The greatest difference is in the best five. A year ago the food of the five best cows cost $54.27 per cow, and they made $117.83 profit. This j^ear the food cost per cow for the best five was $60.19 and they gave a profit of $141.22. This difference can be accounted for by a variety of reasons. First, two pure-bred Holstein-'Friesian cows have been added to the herd, and their records are the two best. All the cows are acclimatized and are beginning to respond to good care and food. All the stock was fed more silage, roots, and grain, and the average length of lactation period was not so long. The performances of the most profitable and least profitable five for this year are charted below.

	Number of o'ays milked.	Yield of Milk.	Yield of fat.	Cost. of food	Profit over food.
Five, most profitable oowa	301 323 316 314 339	Lb. 11.510 6 10!).S8 7 9.577 0 9416-8 9011-	Lb. 41:5-67 300 02 306-85 340 08 331 57	■S cts. 60.58 63 42 51.06 61.39 6('.63	$ cts. 173.15 1.56.20 129.83 120.01 126.92
Ave raff©	318-6	ICOOl- 357 438	60,19	141.22
Civp lea'=!t n»*ofitable cows	247 341 306 294 •312	7005 6 7871-3 6069-9 7115-2 8120-	232 69 265 06 183-06 214-25 250 15 230 902	49.61 61 65 49 96 46.86 54.64	82.49
	88,. 59 56.72 76 27 80.35
Average	300	7236 4	52.54	78.68

Most ProfilaUe Cow versus Least Profitable Cow.

Cow No.	No. of days xiiilked.	Yield of milk.	Yield of fat.	Cost of food.	Profit over food.
61 18	301 30(>	Lb. 11510 6 6060-9	T,b. 415-67 183 06	$ cts. 60 .58 49.96	, $ cts. 173.15 56.72

Statement for Two Years.

		Five moi	t profitable cows.	Five lea.st profitable cows.
Average of Five Cows.	1012-13.	1913-14.	1012-13.	101,3-14.
Number of days in lactation Totnl yield of milk	oeriod.. .. .Lb.	345 0637-2 344 2 .54.27 117.83	318 lOf.Ol 0 357 --13 60.10 141.22	270 61.36 2 208 6 36, 62 67.68	300 7236 4
Total yield of butter fat Total co.st: of food Total profit over cost of food	. . . . Lb. $ $	230 00 52 54 78.68

Agassjz.

Dinsioy OF AXniAL nUSBAyDRY . 391

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

DxVTRY STABLE NOTES.

The staljle lias now boon in use for three winters and definite results reffarding the construction and fittings from a practical point of view may be mentioned.

The window ventilation has proven quite adequate for this climate. This stable acconunodates forty-two head of cows. There are TOT cubic feet of air-space per cow and 10 square feet of glass per cow. Altliough this space was not filled with full- grown cattle, yet every stall was occupied this past winter.

Careful record has been kept of the temi^eratures, both morning and evening at 5 o'clock, throughout the housing season. The average morning temperature wa3 55-00'', and the average evening temperature was 52-8°. The highest morning tem- perature was G0°, and the highest evening temperature was GG° ; the lowest at both times has been 50°. Both extremes occurred in reasonably warm weather in ^Nfarch. The barn has always been free from moisture or foul air.

This past season water bowls were installed, one between every two cows. This improvement cost, including our own labour, $4.10 per cow. Watering from the con- crete manger gave good results, considering that there was no money outlay, but the bowl system is an improvement and has none of the objections of the former system. Any protection the bowl system gives to the health of the cows, or any increase in milk flow or general condition, should pay for the cost of installation. In installing this system, the main feed pipe was placed on top of the concrete dyke which holds the stanchions, instead of putting it on the bottom of the manger, as is often done. This is found a de.'ided advantage in that it keeps the mangers clean. (Sec plate xxviii.)

Last year was reported the stripping of the iron stall fixtures of all their " extras." The barn lias been kept thus during this year and is found satisfactory. The iron manger is tiie most unsightly and unsatisfactory portion of the present equipment.

The gutter, which is T inches deep next the cows, 20 inches wide, and 4 inches next the alley, has given tlie best of results for even our largest cows. The 5-foot stand has proven ample for the largest cows, and has never allowed dirt to collect. The 3-foot G-inch width has been wide enough for the average, but hardly wide enough for the largest cows, i.e., those over 1,400 pounds. The concrete stand is dry and com- fortable, but needs a lot of bedding to prevent teat trouble. Straw was very scarce last year and there was difficulty with bruised teats.

On the whole, the stable is light, airy, comfortable, and convenient to work in, with- out having any tendency to faddishness or luxury.

CALF RKARTNO.

To date no experiments have been made on the rearing of heifer calves. A few well known general principles have been followed \'ery closely and as yet no failure.'? are to be reported.

It may be useful to some to outline here the method which has been followed and found very satisfactory. The cows, when dry, are fed a small amount of grain and enough succulent food to put tlicm in good condition. As parturition approaches, they are fed some laxative food such as linseed meal (flax oil cake), in addition to the regular ration. In almost every case all the calves born were perfectly healthy. In some cases calves were burn with goitre, bu^, without treatment, this malady has always disaiipeared. The calf is left with the cow until it has had at least one good meal of the colostrum. It is then taken away and fed three times a day on warm, whole milk. The amount is varied according to the individuality of the calf. They are fed regularly, and each has meal as nearly as possible equal. They are always fed under the limit of their appetites. After three weeks a small amount of skim-milk is added to the ration. The skim-milk is increased gradually until at four months of

AOASSIZ.

392

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

c.ge, all the whole milk is supplanted by skim-milk. At about three weeks of age the calves are taught to eat bran and oats, and in a week or two later, some pulped mangels and silage are added. After the first month clean water is kept before them all the time. The chop and roots are seasoned with a little salt. Clover hay is kept before them all night.

The pens are light and well ventilated, clean, and not over-crowded. The calves are allowed into the yard to exercise when the weather is favourable. They are never left out in extreme wet, cold, or heat.

One thing in which great care has been taken is the cleanliness of the pail from v/hich the calf drinks. These pails are washed after each feed, and although it takes time, it is time well spent.

The points which we try to keep in mind and practise are: Good food, regulaifly given; light pens, kept clean and dry; and reasonable exercise, with protection from extremes.

Below is given in detail the average cost of a bunch of calves, grown to 1 year of age. These calves were never fat, biit were always in thrift^', growing condition throughout the entire year.

COST TO RAISE GRADE HOLSTEIN-FRIESIAN HEIFERS.

First period, 225 days —

AvcKage weight at birth pounds 72

Average weight at 225 days " 461-6

Average gain in weight in 225 days " 389-6

Average gain in weight per day " 1-7

Average cost per pound gain cents C -.8

Food consumed per calf — •

Whole millf, 8SS pounds at 1-8 cents $ 15 98

Skim-milk, 2,326 pounds at 25 cents 5 81

Bran and oats, 44 0 pounds at 1 cent 440

Mangels, 160 pounds at -25 cent 40

Total cost for period of 225 days $ 26 59

Second period, 140 days —

Average weight at beginning pounds 461 -6

Average weight at close " 618-3

Average gain in weight per period " 176 -7

Average daily gain per calf " 1-2

Average cost per pound gain cents 4-4

Food consumed per calf — ^

Silage, 1,365 pounds at .15 cent $ 2 04

Clover hay, 95 pounds at -5 cent .475

Green feed, 450 pounds at .15 cents .675

Bran and oats, 364 pounds at 1 cent 3 CO

Oil cake, 4G pounds at 2.25 cents 1 03

Total cost for period of 140 days $ 7 S6

Total cost for 365 days $ 34 45

Total gain for 365 days pounds 546-3

Average daily gain for 1 year " 1-5

Cost per pound gain for 1 year ►. ..cents 6-3

VEAL CAftVES.

Three lots of calves were fed for veal. The ration used was fresh, whole milk. The periods varied from thirty-four to forty-eight days, and the calves used were grade Holstein bulls. Lot 3 contained one calf from a dam that was at least three parts Shorthorn.

Considering the price paid for milk on this market, it does not pay to veal calves on an exclusive whole-milk ration. It will be noticed in the chart below that the most expensive lots were those getting over a gallon and a half for the longer period. The

Agassiz.

X

16-1915-p. 392.

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X! CS

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I)JVJs/0.\ OF AXIMAL III sliAXDRT SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

393

cheapest lot was fed less than a Ki^Hon of milk per day, and they were turned off early, althoufrh the daily frain was much {greater in the two most expensive lots. The following- eiiart gives the results of the three k)ts in detail: —

Lot 1.

A\ crage weifrlit at birth Lbs.

Number of daj's fed ,,

A veragc gain per period „

Average daily gain per period i

Pounds whole milk fed ])er periud „

II of uiilk fed per da;<. \wr calf "

■I II for 100 pounds gain m

I

Cost of 100 pounds gain, milk at Si. 80 per 100 pounds ji

Lot 2.

Lot 3.

78	82	89
48	35	34
9(5	74	51
2	21	1-5
755	540	314
15-7	15-4	9 2
7i'6 4	729-7	C15 6
14 15	13 34	11 OS

PURE MILK PRODUCTION.

1-jelow are gi\n?n the results of some bacteriological tesfs of milk in barn and dairy. We desire here to express our appreciation of the courtesy of Mr. G. II. Unwin, of the Health of Animals Branch here, by whom the bacteriological work was done.

During the months of February, March, and April, 1914, a number of bacterial eo'jnts were made with the milk of the dairy herd. The object of these tests was two- fold:—

(1) To ascertain approximately the quantity of bacteria taken up by milk in the process of handling, from the cow to the consumer's bottle.

(2) To find the relation between the number of bacteria in the air of the barn at milking and the number in the milk.

METHOD OF HANDLIXO ^flLK IX BARX AXD DAIRY.

Tlie cows are driven in from pasture or yard an hour or more before milking. The ensilage, grain, and roots are fed, and then some time is allowed to pass before milking is begun. All sweeping and hay-feeding is done afterwards. The men milk in wliite coats and overalls'; and after milking each cow the hands are washed at a tap and dried with a paper towel, which is then thrown away. The udder is wiped with a damp clotli. It might be mentioned here that the cows are usually groomed after the morning milking during the winter months. Closed pails are used and the milk, after being weighed, is poured into closed cans. It is then taken to the dairy, a distance of about GO feet, cooled, strained, and put into bottles. In the dairy all utensils are washed and scalded after using, and then left exposed to air and sunlight. It will be seen that the methods employed are simi)le, the object being to produce pure milk by means of care and cleanliness, without the use of an elaborate and expensive outfit.

(1) Comparative Tests of Milk from Uddkr, from Pail, axd from Cooler.

Method of Quantitative Testing for Bacteria. — Three samples were taken from each cow. The first was drawn fitom the teat, the second poured from the milk-pail, the third was run through the cooler, strained, and then dipped into the milk bottle. Sterile bottles were used in each case. The milk tluis obtained was plated in the following manner : —

From the sample bottle 1 c.c. of milk was taken with a sterile pipette, and nliuwed to drop into a bottle containing 200 c.c. of sterile wa'ter, where it was well mixed by shaking. Of this dilute mixture, 1 c.c. was drawn out and i)oured into the

Ag.\ssi/.

394

EXPERnilJXTAL FA RJfS

5 GEORGE v.. A. 1915

Petri disli. Tlie Agar medium was cooled to about 40°C. and poured into the dish, the whok' being' then mixed and .spread over the pLate. The plates were then placed in the incubator at o7°C. and left for forty houi-s. This is a long incubation period, a fact which should be remembered in considering results. Two plates were used with each, sample, to check results. It was found that the dilution used (200: 1) was convenient, the colonies spreading out well and being easily counted. This is the melhod followed by W. IF. Park, N.Y. (Journal of Hygiene, July, 1901). The following table show? the results of the first series of tests :—

Tabi.k " A."

Date.	Number of Cow.	Miilc from Teat per c.c.	Mi lie from Pail, per c.c.	Milk from Cooler, per c.c.
Feb. 17	19 24 87 2 3 4 30 33 31 25 18 & 36 11 6	600 800 600 3,000 Sterile. 10,000 1,000 200 )Sterile . 400 800 600 2,000 3,200	2.400 Spreading growth. 3,200 5,400 17,600 13,000 4,003 3. .300 2 700 1,800 2,600 1,000 Spreading growth. 5,800 4,200	6,600
„ 19	3,500
„ 20	6,000
„ 23	8,200
M 25 M 26 „ 27	30,(»00 10,000 9,000
]\Iar 4	12,000
5	6,600
n 7 „ 9	5,200 6,500
„ 10	4,600
„ 15	9,000
„ 17	20,000
„ 18	21,600
	1,587	5,154	10,987

With regard to the first column of figures, it may be observed that the milk drawn directly from the udder is not often sterile.

Five counts were discarded, it being clear in these cases that accidental contamina- tion had occurred. Thus on February 24 the milk of Xo. 29 showed 6,600 per c.c. from the teat, and only 4,000 in each of the samples from pail and cooler. Again, on February 28, No. 10 showed 30,000 in the milk from the teat, and 20,000 in the milk from the pail. The first sample was obviously contaminated from some other source. Such counts as these, where an error was qlearly indicated, were therefore discarded. The average of the fifteen counts tabulated gives:—

Milk taken directly from teat contained per c. c. l,.yS7

." " pail contained per c. c. 5,154

" " cooler contained.." per c. c. 10.987

Reducing this to a percentage we have the following facts indicated: —

Process 1. — Milking 224 per cent increase.

Process 2. — Cooling and straining 113 per cent increase.

The value of these figures is relative. Quantitative tests of bacteria cannot bo taken too literally. Yet it will be seen from the table gi^•en above that the results are quit« uniform, and are to be relied upon as far as they go. They will in any case serve to emphasize, the fact that each additional handling of milk greatly increases the risk of contaVii nation, even where clean methods are followed; and consequently, that sim- plicity and quickness of handling are of prime importance in producing clean milk.^

Agassiz.

Dirn^iox or aximal nrsuAyDRT

395

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

(2) The Air a.s .\ Source op Cont.\mination of ^Filk.

Tliis series of tests was carried on diiriiip: the month of April. The object, as .'^tilted above, was to find approximately the reflation between the nnnibcr of bacteria in the air of the barn and the nnmber in the milk. The weather, for the most part, was snnny and dry. and, as would be expected, the counts were slightly higher than i;i February and March.

For the air test the method originally devised by Koch was followed. Agar plates were exposed to the air during milking. The period of exposure was three minutes; and the plates were placed upon a niilking-stool, which gave about the height of the milk pail. They were exposed as near to the cow and the milker as possible, in order to reproduce the conditions of milking.

With each air test a corresponding test was made of the milk of the whole herd: the sample was taken from the milk which had been cooled, strained, and bottled for the consumer. Check tests were made in every case. Following are the results in tabulated form: —

D.\TE .	TiMK or Test.	Air Conte.nt.	Mu.K Content.
Exposure 3 minutes, average of 2 plates.	(40 hrs. incubation.) No. per c.e.
April 4	P.M. - 5:10 5:10 5:15 .5:10 5:5 5:0 5:10 5:5 5:0 5r20 5.5 5:0	97 (108.8r.) G9 (78 60) 48 (45 51) 50 (49.51) m (94.104) (1) 270 iSn.241) 70 (70.(11) .37 (3().38) 80 (78.81) (-) 100 (97.104) 58 (51.(55) 104 (107.101)	29,000
n 6	10,400 20,000
M 9 .. 11 „ 14 „ 1.-1	13,000 35,000 80,000 12,000
„ ]G	8,000
„ 17	22,000
„ 21	5,000
,. 22 M 23	9,200 27,000

(1) On this date liay was being chopped in the barn above and the air was full of dust.

(2) The air plates were exposed after some of the heifers had been turned out. This may account for the high air count, as compared with the milk count.

From the figures it may be seen that the number of bacteria in the air of the barn appears to correspond to a great extent with the number in the milk. Particularly interesting is the test made on April 14, when an abnormal condition of the air existed. Dust-laden air is followed by a correspondingly dirty sample of milk. Excluding this abnormal case, the average of the counts shows: —

Air plate — 75 colonies. Milk plate — 19,550 colonies.

Seven of the milk samples contained 20.000 or less per c.c. ; of these, six showed a corresponding air count of less than 75. The remaining six show over 20.000 in the milk: and all these have an air count of more than T"). Of the thirteen tests one shows a marked variation (April 24). Considering the numerous other sources of oontamination which might cause variations, the results are sufficiently uniform to be convincing. The fact that air is a fertile source of milk contamination is, of course, well established. The figures taken from tlicse tests are useful only in so far as they magnify the danger of such contamination.

Ag.\s.siz.

393

EXPERIMENTAL FAB MS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

The different oTganisms olDserved upon the air plates correspond to many of those found in the milk. Chromogenic forms, green and yellow, were present both in milk and air. A yellow Staphlococcus, similar to Si. pyigenes aureus, was fovmd in both plates. The yellow and white cocci mentioned by Hastings in Research Bulletin 6, Wisconsin Experiment Station, as being xerj frequently found in the milk of normal healthy cov/s, were abundant; and a spore-bearing bacillus, forming a spreading, arborescent growth, was common to both. This last corresponds in many respects to Bacillus mycoides lactis. Putrefactive, evil-smelling bacteria were found in air and milk.

CONCLUSIONS.

fl) That quickness and jsimplicity in methods of handling milk, reduce the risk of contamination.

(2) That air-borne organisms play a great part in milk contamination, and that especial care should be taken to have the air in barns as free from dust as possible.

DAIRY WORK FOR THE YEAR 1913-14.

Since June, 1913, the dairy work has been done by Miss R. Keene. Miss Keene has had considerable experience in dairy work, and particularly in the making of soft cheese, both in England and France. The work in the dairy here has been quite varied in nature, including the handling of the product of the herd, which was marketed in the form of sweet cream, butter, and soft cheese, as well as a small local supply of high-class bottled milk.

In addition, the milk of the individual cows of the herd has been tested regularly throughout the year; also special tests*liave been made with the pure-bred cows, and a considerable number of samples, sent in by dairymen from the surrounding country, have been tested. All this entails a considerable amount of detailed work. In addi- tion. Miss Keene has acted as judge of dairy products at a ni;mber of fall fairs in different parts of the province.

Quite extensive tests have been made with formalin and corrosive sublimate, both alone and combined, as preservatives of milk for Babcock testing. This worK was conducted in both summer and winter conditions. Quoting from the protocols of the experiments made, it has been found that a saturated solution of corrosive sublimate and water, used at the rate of ten drops per 8 ounces, will keep milk for one month in good condition for testing. The same amount of commercial formalin, although a perfeci preservative for about three weeks, -was not as successful for a longer period. A saturated solution of corrosive sublimate in formalin, used at the same rate, gave the best results for both a short and a long period.

Tests were made, extending over a period of 200 days, on the relative acidity of milk produced by cows when fed on different foods. These tests were made with milk kept on the one hand in refrigerators, and on the other in ordinary temperatures. The following rations were fed: Clover pasture, clover as a soiling crop; oats, peas, and vetches as a soiling crop; corn silage in conjunction with pasture; corn silage in conjunction with green feed; corn silage, mangels, mixed grain, and hay; and mangels, mixed grain, and hay. It 'is a popular argument of the enemies of corn silage that this food produces a milk which sours rapidly; the trials made with the rations given above show, however, that there is as much variation with one single ration as there is between any two rations.

With the amount of labour expended and with the transportation facilities avail- able, the various marketable products may be considered profitable in the following order: sweet cream, bottled milk, soft cheese, and butter.

Agassiz.

Diri^IOX OF AyiMAL IW SB Ay DRY 397

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

In view of the fact tliat tlic making of soft elicese is an important branch of the dairy work lio: •. it is advisable to give in detail some of the experiences during the. -past year.

CHEESE.

The object aimed at was to produce a ri])eued soft cheese, approximating as closely as possible, the European original, Coulommier being the particular type chosen to begin with. For this three rooms are desirable (making-, drying-, and curing-rooms). This is not possible here, owing to lack of space, but by \itilizing the butter dairy as a making-room, the clieese room was set free for a curing-room.

Though by no means ideal, this arrangement rendered possible the manufacture (in small quantities) of a well-flavoured Coulommier which ripened in from ten to twelve days. The principal difficulty all througli has lain in controlling the tempera- ture of the making-room, and the humidity of the curing-rooni. The temperature of the former varied from 84° in summer to 20° in winter, the proper temperature being from 65° to 08°. As nothing could be done to reduce the heat in this room, duiing the hottest weather the cheeses were set and ladled at night. ^

A canvas screen arranged so as to keep the sun off the curing-room during the afternoon improved the conditions there considerably, though even with this addition the temperature was frequently higher than desirable. About the middle of Septem- ber, it became necessary to heat the making room artificially at night. It was neces- sary to transfer the cheeses to another room where there is a heater. Here it was possible to control the temperature at will, but the question of humidity arose. The room being very small, some cheeses were too near the heater, .causing excessive evap- oration. The simplest remedy was to keep these cheeses covered during the earlier stages.

The curing-room at times became too dry; to remedy this the floor was flooded and wet cloths hung up near the cheeses. These were the only means at hand for cor- recting the conditions, and- proved fairly successful.

At the beginning of September, a hardwood draining table was purchased to hold OJie dozen cheeses. Previous to this, it had been impossible to make more than two cheeses at one time. The straw mats for draining were purchased in England at a cost of 54 cents per dozen.

Experiments to determine the proportions, and rennetting temperature most suit- able to the conditions here, show the following to be the best, subject to occasional variations: Fresh morning's milk; rennet at the rate of 3-6 c.c. to 30 pounds milk, starter (acidity -7 to -S) at the rate of 9 to 10 c.c. to 30 pounds milk, Eennetting temperature of milk 80° ; room temperature G5° to 68°. Some cheeses were tried without starter but were unreliable. They were doubtful under approximately cor- rect conditions (July 27) and became vuimarketable where the conditions were bad <July 21).

It may be noted that the cheeses will stand heat better when the percentage of moisture in the atmosphere is low, as here the percentage of moisture is usually high in hot weather. It will be seen that in those which are set with starter (August 18 to November 3), the room temperature may be somewhat raised or lowered without injuring the products, though this variation is not desirable. Cheeses invaded by the liquifying organisms may frequently be saved by exaggerated salting (July 27 and August 4), but this depreciates the product considerably.

Some experiments were made with Pont I'Eveque, but as the.y need different ripening conditions, it was not possible to do them full justice side by side with Coulommier.

Coulommier sells at 15 cents retail. Pont I'Eveque have not been marketed, but should realize 18 cents to 20 cents each. Cream cheeses have been made of both sweet and acid varieties, but there is little demand for a cheese of this typo.

Agassiz.

393 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v.. A. 1915

The total additions to clieesemaking equipment have been: One draining table; four dozen straw mats; three Oamembert moulds; six Pont I'Eveque moulds; twelve Coulommier moulds; sundries, such as curd ladles, etc.

Below are the protocols of the trials under different conditions of temperature, etc.

COULOMMIER.

July 21.— 5 pounds milk. 9 drops rennet. Milk 80°. Eoom 78". Set 11.40 a.m. Ladled 1.50 p.m. Drainage, too rapid on account of heat of room, which varied from 78° to 84°.

July iT). — Temperature dropped to 08°.' Cheese began to smell putrid. Destroyed.

COULOMMIER.

July 27. — 0 pounds uiilk. -75 c.c. rennet. Temperature of milk, 80". Tempera- ture of room. 72°. Set, 7.20 p.m. Ladled, 10.15 p.m. Turned. 10.35 p.m.

July 28. — Room, 04°. Turned twice before 10.30. L'pper mould removed at second turning. Koom tcmperatiue fell to 02°. Drainage slow, removed to butter dairy where temperature was 04°.

July 29. — Drainage still slow. Turned four times between 0.30 and 7.30. Salted once ou each surface and sides. Slight appearance of gasiness on sides.

July 30. — Turned and salted again. Room temperature 74°.

July 31. — Temperature dropped to 01°.

August 1. — Turned; White mould showing. Temperature, 01°. Turned once daily until August 0. Trace of P. glaucum. Rest of the cheese covered with white mould.

August 0. — Cheese liquifying under coat. Coat wrinkled.

August 7. — Slightly gassy appearance, but flavour and texture good. Would be no good for shipping, but good for immediate consumption.

COULOMMIER.

August 1. — 5i pounds milk. Rennet, -7 c.c. Room temperature, 80°. Milk temperature, 72°. Set, 8.20 p.m. Ladled. 10.30 p.m. Turned. 10.45 p.m. Curd not all used; resulting cheese rather thin. No straw mats, muslin placed between cheese and board to prevent curd sticking at first turning.

August 5. — Turned. Temperature, 04°. Temperature rose to 78° and dropped again to 74°.

August 0 and 7. — Turned and salted. (N.B. — This cheese was salted several times where liquifying organisms appeared.) Temperature dropped to 58°, rising to 08° on August 17. Pencillium growing but not freely. Salted again, in one place, salt rubbed in lightly.

August 13. — Ready for use. Flavour and texture good, but too salty.

COULOilMIER (one CIIEESE). .

August. 18. — 5^ pounds milk. Rennet -6 c.c. Starter, 1-5 c.c. Starter added at 10.55 a.m. Room temperature, 08°. Milk temperature, 80°. Ladled, 2.45 p.m. Rennetted, 11.55 a.m. Turned 3.20 p.m., and again the same evening.

August 19. — Turned. Whey fairly clear.

August 20.— Turned, salted top and sides. Removed to cheese room.

August 21.— Turned, salting completed. Room temperature. 72°.

August 22. — Turned.

AOASSIZ.

D/\i>io\ or AMU \L iirsnAyoRY 399

oESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Aiiffus!; 25. — Room tcniperatiirc. 72*. Progress good.

Aiig^ust 20. — Cnieese eatoii this and following day. Good toxturo and flavour.

Rapid ripoiiiug is affouiitod for by high room li-nipiTaturc ami delay in salting.

rorr.oM M)i:i; Tsiv r riF.i;si:s).

Novcmhor ?>. — "0 pounds milk. Rennet, H-G c.c. Starter, 9 c.o., (acidity -GG). Temperature of room, GS°. Tciuperature of milk S7°. Starter put in 11.50 a.m. Renuet ])ut in 12.50 p.m. Ladled. " p.m. ^Vhev had rif^en hefore hulling. Turm-d 8.30 p.m.

November 4. — Temperature of room had dropped to 5G°. Cliee-e turned twice before 10 a.m. Salted njiper surface. Turned in the evening. Room temperature dropped during night to 50'^.

November 5. — Drainage continning. Cheese turned. Demoulded. Salted other surface and sides.

November G. — Removed to curing room. Ri[»eniug normal.

November 14. — Specimens taken to Victoria. (Jood average chee.4e.

Ag.vssiz.

400 experime:\t±l farms

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

HORSES.

CENTRAL EXPERIMENTAL FARM, OTTAWA, ONT.

REPORT OF THE DOMINION ANIMAL HUSBANDMAN, E. S. ARCHIBALD, B.A., B.S.A.

The horses on the Central Experimental Farm have in years previous to 1912 been maintained for labour purposes exclusively. However, in the fiscal year ending March 31, 1913, a small start was made in breeding work. There are now on the Central Experimental Earm twenty-seven horses, made up as follows: 11 heavy draught grade Clydesdale geldings, G pure-bred Clydesdale mares, 4 grade Clydesdale mares, 3 expressers, 2 light driving horses, and 1 Clydesdale stallion colt 1 year of age.

HORSE LABOUR.

The twenty-one heavy draught mares and geldings on the Earm are expected to do all the labour not only on the 200-acre farm, but, in addition, must supply the necessary labour to the Horticultural Division, Cereal Division, Poultry Division, Agrostology Division, and Botanical Division. In addition, a large amount of haul- ing and cartage in connection with all the Divisions, as well as roadmaking, messenger service, and the like, takes up much of their time. Following is a detailed statement of the horse labour for the past fiscal year.

During the year April 1, 1913, to March 31, 1914, the work done by horses kept in the stables was equivalent to* 6,889 days' work, distributed as follows : —

Days.

Live stock, hauling feed, milk delivery, etc 205 J

Farm work (200-acre farm) 1,0112|

Manure on 200-acre farm 451

Horticultural Division 926

Cereal Division S75

Poultry Division 55

Agrostology Division 39

Bulletins to and from offices 27

Lawns 157

Arboretum 152J

Omnibus service and supervision of work 1,4()0

Care of roads on farm 403J

Various, including hauling freight, sidewalks, exhibitions, etc., build- ings, clearing refuse, hauling materials, etc 955

Total- 6,889

HORSE BREEDING.

There is now at the Central Experimental Farm a good string of breeding mares with which to conduct breeding operations, and the many phases of experimental work both as to breeding, feeding, care, and management of brood mares and foals. Ten uniform, good quality Clydesdale mares are as follows: Four imported Clydesdale mares, two registered Canadian-bred mares; four high quality grade Clydesdale mares.

I

I

f

VlVfsJOy OF AyiMAL IWsnAXDRY <G1

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Tlie imported mares are of particularly hiirli order both as to size, substance, quality, and breeding. These mares are the pick of two of the larjrest importations of I'Jlo and contain the choicest blood of the breed. It is hoped that in the course of another year, when breeding operations start on a larger scale, that these mares will be heard from as to the quality of their progeny.

During the past year, two Canadian-bred registered mares gave birth to foals. The lirst mare to foal had been in the stables of the Central Experimental Farm for a year, and gave birth to a splendid stallion foal. The second mare, also a Canadian- bred registered Clj^desdale mare, was purchased three months previous to foaling. This mare had been heavily fed and mider-exercised during the winter of 1912-13 and in consequence was overloaded with fat and produced a weak foal which died within twenty-four hours. This is a condition which is altogether too common throughout the farms of Eastern Canada, and a phase of experimental work which will be dealt with both on the Central Experimental Farm and branch Farms and Stations during the coming years.

HORSE STABLES.

The horse stable, constructed in the year 1907. is unaltered since its erection. In view of the fact that there is an increasingly large number of inquiries regarding stable construction, concrete floors and stands, and particularly of ventilation, refer- ence is again made to detailed plans and brief specifications as to this horse barn in the reports for the years 1908 and 1910. In addition to this, readers are referred to n bulletin on farm building ventilation now in the hands of the printers, in Avhicli is given details as to the proper method of ventilating the horse barn for all parts of Canada wliere atmospheric conditions are somewhat similar to those at Ottawa. Based on the results at tlie Central Experimental Farm, considerable experimental work is being conducted, in the construction of horse barns, on the branch Farms. As to best methods of flooring, lighting, construction of box stalls, and the like, readers of this report are referred to the reports of the Superintendents of the Experimental Stations at Cap Eouge and Ste. Anne de la Pocatiere, Que.

FEEDING THE WORK HORSES.

The feeding of the work horses is conducted along the same lines as in former years. However, owing to a large number of inquiries, these methods will bear repeti- tion.

The stableman feeds all horses, and. under his supervision, each teamster is responsible for the washing and cleaning of his horses and liarness.

The feeds used are mixed hay, fed long, oats and bran, generally in the proportion of five parts oats to two parts bran, mixed and fed dry. Warm bran mashes, 5 or 0 pounds per horse, are used on Saturday nights to replace the regular grain ration. When horses are on very heavy work, the proportion of bran is decreased to one part for five parts oats. Tliese ratios between bran and oats were decided best after much experimental work. Readers interested are referred to the annual rei>«rts of the Dominion Agriculturist, years 1904 and 1905.

A safe standard for feeding draught horses, and one commonly used here, is that of giving from 1 to 1\ pounds of the above grain mixture and 1 pound of hay for each 100 pounds live weight; this, of course, subject to variation depending on the severity of work, condition of animal when fed, the health of animal, and other minor considerations.

The morning feed, about 5 a.m., consists of about three-eighths of the total grain mixture and one-quarter of the hay for that day. The noon ration is the same. The

10—20

OXT.^W.V

\

402 EXPERUlf^NTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v.. A. 1915

evening feed consists of one-quartei- of the grain and about one-half of the hay for the dny.

Water is supplied after tlie morning feed and before the noon and evening feeds. During the winter, water is also supplied in the evenings, some three hours after the food.

With the above trentment, the horses are maintained in good working condition, and with an almost entire absence of common stomach and intestinal ailments, such as indigestion and colic. ISTo condiments are nsed, but to horses somewhat low in llesh and requiring more feed, molasses mixed with the grain is used in small quanti- ties, as it stimulates the appetite by increasing the palatability of the food.

Exj^erimental work as to the feed value of molasses, and similar lines of work are anticipated. ^

FEEDING BROOD Mx\RES.

All brood mares are worked up until the day of foaling, care, however, being taken, during the month previous to parturition, that the mares are not overworked, over- heated, or worked in shafts or C[uarters so narrow that it might in any way induce abortion. During the period in which they are carrying their colts they are fed exactly the same as the working geldings and the non-breeding mares. After foaling, the rati.on of tlie mare is immediately changed. During the first twenty-four hours after foaling, nothing is given to the brood mare excepting heated drinks and a bran mash, after which she is gradually put on to a good milking ration. A large number of horse breeders lose sight of the fact that the mare suckling the foal must be fed on a milk-producing ration in just the same way as a cow or other classes of stock. A ration whicli has given us very good success during the past year, for the brood mare suckling the foal, is composed of: oats, four parts; bran, two parts; and cracked corn, two parts. If the mare is slightly down in condition, the ration would be improved by adding one part of oil cake meal, which v/ould not only improve her general con- dition, but would also increase the milk fiov,-. The quantity of the above ration fed to the mare suckling the colt depends largely uiion the condition of the mare, amount of milk which she is giving, and the availability of good pasture. However, even on the best of pasture, a limited amount of meal is very profitable.

FEEDING THE YOUNG COLT.

Since the records in colt feeding on the Central Experimental Farm included only that of one colt for one year, publication of the same v.'ould be useless. The principle used, however, v/as that of teaching the colt to eat grain, composed of crushed oats and bran, as soon as possible. Although a limited amount of pasture was available, yet the colt was taught to eat as soon as he would take it, with the result that within two months he was feeding to advantage from the same ration as the mare, both as to grain and roughage.

As a number of mares on the Central Experimental Farm are in foal, experimental work and data along the lines of cost of feeding will be taken up on a much larger scale during the coming fiscal year, and it is hoped that within a few years a great deal of valuable data will be acquired.

Ottawa.

Dirrf<fO\ OF IV/.l/IT". T/r.s'/? 1 \7>A'F

403

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR ITORSKS.

Beli.'W are suhmittod iuveutorios and returns from lior^c?* on tlu> ('ontral Experi- mental Farm during' the year April 1, 191:], to March '51, 11)14.

'	Apiul 1, l!)i:}.	March IVi, 1914.	Returu.s from Jjalionr.	(}ro.«.s returns inchulinR
	No.	Valun.	Xo.	Value.	inerea.sed value and labour.
Horses	21	0,925.00	26	$ cts. 9,925.00	§ cts. 4,822.30	i cts. 7,982 30

HKTLKNS.

By 6,889 rlays' labour at 70 cents.

increased value of hor.se.s

160 toii.s mauuie at $1

Gross returns

$4,822 .30

3.000 00

160 00

17,982 30

EXl'EXniTUIJES.

To cost of feed and bedding.

purcha.ses

Bhoeins of horses

lal;ou:-, stableman

harness and repairs

Gross expenditure

Net balance from liorses.

!2.425 00

3.875 00

37S 30

700 00

432 25

7.810 r.5 $171 7S

IG— 2GJ

Ottawa.

404 EXPEKIMENTAL FAE2IS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

EXPERIMENTAL STATION, CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I.

REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT, J. A. CLARK, B.S.A.

HOESES.

The horses were kept for labour purposes. A team of grade draught mares was pur- chased during the year. At present there are six horses at this Station, as follows: three draught mares, one draught horse, one express horse and one carriage horse.

During heavy work they were fed as follows: 13-3 pounds oats and bran, mixed 1 part bran to 5 J parts oats, and 14 pounds hay per 1,000 pounds live weight; and during light work about 10| pounds oats and bran, mixed 1 part bran to 4] parts oats, and 18-^ pounds hay per day. Eoots were fed as required. The horses have been healthy and are in better condition than ever before.

The team of draught mares purchased during the year Avas fed for 6 weeks on cheap roughage and bran from February to March 31; it consisted of 30 pounds natural grass hay and bran each per day.

They were given light work and continued in good health; gaining respectively 5 pounds and 10 pounds during the }c od.

DJ\Ii-l(,X OF AMilAL Hit:lBAyDJtY 405

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

EXPERIMENTAL FARM, NAPPAN, N,S.

REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT, W. W. BAIRD, B.S.A.

HORSES.

In the spring of 1913 there were nine horses at this Station, six of which are heavy grades, all being geldings except one. They are used for the general farm work, doing all tlie heavy work in the different departments, and the miscellaneous truck- ing.

Three light horses were used for light work, such as express work, cultivating, spraying in gardens and orchards, and driving.

One of these, being badly blemished, was exchanged for a more sound animal later in the season. Another has been used principally for express work for a long time, but is now very old.

The third one, being a very spirited animal, wrenched her fetlock joint, kicking in the stall, and has been laid up for the greater part of the season. Though she is now sufficiently well for use, yet the fetlock joint is much enlarged.

With a view to raising colts, two pure-bred Clydesdale mares have been purchased, one a 3-year-old and the other a i-year-old. Both are very fine mares, typical of the breed, and should give satisfaction as breeding stock.

40S EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

EXPERIMENTAL STATION, KENTVILLE, N.S.

REPORT OF THE SITPERINTENDENT, W. S. BLAIR.

HORSES.

Seven horses are kept. There are three working teams and one driving, horse. The work horses were fed as follows: Spring and summer feed, IG ponnds oats, 5 ponnds bran; winter feed, 8 pounds oats, 5 pounds bran.

The oats are crushed and mixed with the bran for feeding. They also get 18 to 20 pounds hay per day. Carrots were fed from time to time during the winter.

WORKING OXEX.

From April 1 to November 1, three pair of oxen were kept for breaking new land. These were purchased in the spring and sold in the fall. They were fed 5 pounds crushed oats and 5 pounds cornmeal, with a hay ration of 25 pounds per day.

DlVISIOy OF AyilllL nUSBiyDHY 407

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

EXPERIMENTAL STATION, FREDERICTON, N.B.

REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT, W. W. HUBBARD.

HORSES.

The teams boiijyht for use on the Farm consist of the folluwiiij;- animals: Three pure-bred ( lydesdalc marcs (imported), six grade Clydesdale mares, two grade Per- cheron mares, two geldings of dranght breeding, one driving mare by a standard bred sire out of a jNTorgan grade mare.

One of the grade Clydesdale marcs purchased in ir»12 proved in foal and dropped a colt of unknown breeding August 1, 1913. This colt developed v/ell, and was sold in March, 191-1.

The above draught horses range in weight from 1,530 pounds to 1,900 pounds, and the driving mare, showing good style and action, stands lG-3 hands high, and weighs 1,1.50 pounds.

It is intended to breed most of the mares yearly. Last season, six grade Clydesdale and three pure-brod Clydesdale mares and the two grade Perchcrons were bred, bnt only one pure-bred Clydesdale, one grade Clydesdale and the two grade Perchcrons proved pregnant.

All these horses, except one grade Clydesdale mare which had no mate and was used on odd jobs, worked steadily from April 1 to November 30. After that they worked about half time, three teamsters being retained to work the si.K teams.

They were fed oats, cracked oats, bran, cracked corn, and a little ground oil cake. Some turnips were fed from November till May.

The average daily ration was approximately as follows : —

rounds.

Whole oata 12 to 13

Cracked oats 3 to 3 5

Bran 1 to 2

Corn 1 to 1 J

TurniiJS 5 to 10

Hay 15 to 20

These horses all kept in good flesh. One grade Clydesdale mare was sold during the latter part of AFarch, as thei'e were six teams without her, and a general utility horse was preferred to replace her.

Team labour with driver costs from $iJ>0 to $5 per day. Based on the smaller cost, with the wages of the teamsters deducted, these six teams earned for the 200 days which they worked, from April 1 to November 30, $3,399.90; and from December 1 to April 1, half time, or 47 days each, $798.96; a total for the year of $4,19.S.92 One colt selling for $70, the total revenue is $4,208.92.

408 EXPERIMEXTAZ FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915 Their feed bills were as follows: —

Hay, 45 tons at $S $ 360 00

Oil caVe, 1 ton at $20 20 00

Oats, 2,450 bushels at 4S to 55 cents 1,255 25

Corn, 6,200 pounds ' 106 50

Turnips. 350 bushels at S cents .. 28 00

Bran, 8,000 pounds at $1S per ton 72 00

Straw, 2S tons at $4-50 to $10 168 00

$2,009 75

Services of mares SO 00

Shoeing 137 40

Stable supplies, veterinary attendance, medicines, etc 75 00

Six per cent interest on cost price, $5,100 30G 00

Ten per cent depreciation 510 00

Gross expenditure $3,118 15

Profit 1.150 77

$4,268 92

In the above statement nothing is allowed for the earning of the driving mare nor the odd grade Clydesdale, nor is the manure valued; which all might be placed against the attendance of one stableman, and depreciation of harness, clothing, etc.

HOESE BAEN.

In 1913, on the Experimental Station, Eredericton, N.B., a new horse barn was erected, capable of accommodating fifteen horses. The accompanying plans and photo- graphs of this bam are for the most part self-explanatory. A few additional remarks, however, may help make some poijits more intelligible.

FOUNDATION.

The foundation of this barn is a concrete wall 12 inches in thickness and 2 feet in height, the same resting on a concrete footing 18 inches wide and 18 inches deep.

SUPERSTRUCTURE.

The superstructure is of wood, built on the plank frame type. All timbers through- out .this barn in the frame are 2- by 0-ineh plank, excepting the joists of the loft floor which are made of 2- by 10-inch planks, and the girths supporting this floor, made of five ply 2- by 10-inch planks. This type of structure is exceedingly strong and is very economical in that it requires less lumber for construction and is more economical in erection than the square-timbered tyiae of barn.

Special attention is drawn to the economic structure of the walls of this barn, which, starting at the outside, are composed of: vertical inch dressed liunber with battens over joints, two ply building paper, 6-inch studs and posts with air space between and, on the inside of stable, one ply of specially prepared building paper (Linofelt), with sheathing on the inside. The ceiling or upper floor is constructed of one ply of rough boards placed diagonally over joists, covered by one ply of build- ing paper and matched lumber, making the same dust-proof, while on the underside the ceiling is sheathed with matched lumber.

DIMENSIONS.

The barn is 89 feet 0 inches in length and 32 feet in Avidth, with a wing 20 feet in width and 2G feet in length. The main barn accommodates fifteen tie stalls, and six box stalls. The wing accommodates feed room, harness room, a stairway, and

Eredericton.

I— I -3

16— 1915— p. 408.

Pl.ATK XX\.

Western end of Hoise Barn at Exijeriniental Station, Caj) Rouge, Que. Note the lighting, ventilation and conveniences for handling hay and manure.

Interior View of Horse Stable, Cap Rouge, P.Q. Note the fresh air intake covered bj' grating in floor,

and the foul air outlet in ceiling.

1JIVIS10\ OF AMMAL nLSBAyDRY 409

PESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

meal storage room above. The stalls are 0 feet in length and vary in width from 5 to 6 feet. The box stalls are 10 feet 0 inches by 13 feet. The passage between the two rows of tie-stalls is 12 feet in width.

LEVELS.

The floors throughout are of concrete. All floors are resting on 6 inches or more of field stone, covered by 5 inches of rough cement and 2 inches of finish-coat. The main i^assage is 5 inches lower tlian the rear eiid of the tie-stalls, and is on the same level as feed room and harness room.

SLOPES.

The main passage has a crown of 2 inches to centre. Next the tie-stall is a 1-inch depression to act as a gutter for collecting the urine. The tie stalls have a slope of two inches from front to rear. These tie stalls are finished with a very rough surface and are sloped to centre of stall as well as from front to rear, and also grooved in order to facilitate ease of moving about of occupant and also the carrying away of all liquid manure.

LIGHT.

All- light possible was installed in this barn. A window as large as possible was placed in the front of each tie-stall, and all windows possible in doorways, box stalls and feed rooms were installed, in order to give as much light as possible to this build- ing.

VEXTILATIOX,

rresh air is admitted at the floor level by means of air ducts bringing the fre.--h air from the intakes just outside the walls. The outlets are three in number, situated to one side of the middle of the barn, when considered from side to side. These run vertically to rafters and follow the line of rafters to cupolas on roof. By the installation of foul-air outlets in tliis way, there is no interference with the track for hay carriers in loft. The foul-air outlets are constructed of two ply of i-inch matched lumber with a dead air space between, thus giving splendid insulation and preventing con- densation of moisture in ventilators. Both incoming fresh air and outgoing foul air are controlled by dampers or keys. It is thus possible to regulate the temperature as desired. This system is known as the Rutherford system of ventilation, and has given the best results on the Central Experimental Farm and branch Farms where tried.

FACILITIES AND FEEDING CONVENIENCES.

Feed chutes, as shown in diagram, extend from the bottom of manger to the plate of barn. Doors to admit the hay into chutes occur at the top and half-way down to the floor of loft. The chute is slightly bell shaped, so that hay once start-v3d drops easily to manger. This plan of feeding long hay has been found very satisfactory elsewhere. The manger extends clear across the stall, the hay in chute falling into one end. The grain or meal is fed in the manger, no special box being provided. Horses are watered by men in charge, a water tank at side entrance of barn being conveniently situated for incoming or outgoing horses.

The feed room, although not very large, is sufiicient to accommodate the meal trucks necessary. Into this feed room, grain chutes from bins in the meal storage room above empty into movable trucks.

The harness room is conveniently situated, and has facilities for warming should such be necessary. In the harness room are also installed a sink for washing, a tank for heating water on st'fve, harness racks, and a locker underneath stairway for tlie keeping of small harness, medicines and the like. The manure is removed from this barn by barrows, there being no overhead track for this purpose.

Fredeiucton.

4ia

EX-PERIMEMAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

EXPERIMENTAL STATION, CAP ROUGE, QUE.

FvEPORT OF THE SUPERINTEcIDENT. GUS. A. LANGELIEK.

HORSEvS.

We now have seventeen horses at the Station: 12 registered French Canadians — nine mares, two yearling fillies, one colt — two teams of from 2,GQ0 to 2,900 ponnds weight, and a driver of ahout 1,000 pounds. They have all been, and are now, in vovy good condition.

During the year, fourteen of these horses, leaving the colts out, worked daring 23,190-5 hour.": as follows: —

Hours.

Farm work 8,049.5

Care of stock (hauling: feed, etc.) 1,392-5

Care of grounds (including: roads) 877.

Horticulture '. 1.222.

Drawing manure 6,050-5

]Mc.s.senger service 3,306-5

Exhibitions 505.

Draining (hauling tiles, ploughing) -^ 523-

Implements and tools 37.5

Blacksmithing, harness, carriages 39-5

Apiary 25.

Clearing land 2.

Buildings (hauling material) 914.

Fuel (hauling wood and coal) 193-5

Fencing 51.

Waterworks (hauling pipes, etc.) 2.

23,190-5

EXPERIMENT — WINTERING A HORSE AT LOW COST.

As a great many farmers keep more horses than they can utilize during the winter, it has seemed advisable to try to find a ration which, while of low cost, maintains the animal in good health and leaves him enough energy to perform the spring's work with celerity. In theory, 1 pound of mixed grass, 1 pound^of oat straw, and 1 pound of swedes or carrots per 100 pounds of horse, should about maintain the weight of the animal when he is idle. In other words, this is, according to feeding tables, a good maintenance ration. The hay and straw furnish plenty of bulk to distend the diges- tive tract, whilst the roots cool all the system and add succulence and palatability to the ration.

It is agreeable to note that practice goes hand in hand with theory in this case, as we have tried this ration for three winters with great success. Not only have the animals increased their weight in 1911-12 and 1912-13, but they performed their work all through spring and summer in a way which plainly showed that they were in per- fect physical condition. ]\[oreover, one of tlicse animals, a gelding which was subject to frequent attacks of mild colic or bad indigestion, never evidenced the least troul^le fiom this source since he was put through the experiment. A reasonable explanation of this would be that tlie digestive tract, overworked by the constant high feeding of grain necessary to produce the required energy to do heavy work, gets a much needed rest and is in good shape in the spring.

During the winter of 191-3-11:, we used a pure-bred Frencli Canadian mare for this experiment. On November 1, 1913, she weighed 1,150 pounds, and on April 1, 191-1,

DITIFiWX OF AXI}fAL 77r«/.' I \7)/.'f 411

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

bhc tipi>i''l the scales at 1,1-''..".. It is iuterostinf? to note, in this connection, that the fieMiny- nsed in 11)11-12 weighed 1,375 in the fall aiul l.^.*.") in tlie sprinu', and the mare nscd in 1912-13, tipped the scales at 1,350 in the fall and 1.145 in tiie spring. ThiH is according' to Arinsby, who says "experiment has shown that the increase (in the maintenance ration of horse?) is not proportional to the weight of the animal, but approximately to the amount of surface which it exposes, so that the large animal requires less food in proportion to its weight to maintain it than does the small one." Jordan also claims that •' sommvhat larger amounts of protein and carix (hydrates are considered necessary with small horses." It must be understood that it is not the intention of the writer to "• make a case" in favour of the draught breeds, but it seems opportune at this moment to correct the wrong ideas which most people have about this matter.

In conclusion, it may be said that a farmer who wishes to use this method of feeding must remember that the animal must be gradually taken away from work, in the fall, at the same time as the ration is cut down, whil.-^t in the spring, the ration and work should be gradually increased. At the Station we replaced one-half jjound of oats per day, by the same weight both of straw and carrot, whilst the hay from grasses replaced the timothy. In the spring, the reverse is done until the animal is on full feed when work, aiven gradually at first, is performed during ten hours every day, weather permitting.

That the ration is an economical one can readily be understood when it is said that it cost $10.90 to feed this mare during 150 days, during which time she received 1.T25 pounds of hay, valued at $7 per ton, 1,612 pounds of straw at $-1, and 1,725 pounds of carrots at $2. "The box stall in which she stood was bedded with shavings, and she left during the winter 113 pounds of straw which was weighed and credited to her.

COST OF FEED OF WEANLINGS.

There is not much data on the cost of feed for colts until they are ready to work and earn their living. This has led us to weigh all the feed received by a weanling, with the exception of grass which he ate in a small paddock which was practically bare all the time. It must be remarked that this colt spent all the winter outside, having only a sin.gle-boarded shed for a shelter. As the temperature went down to 31° below zero and the animal never even shivered, it can easily be seen that farmers need not be afraid of this way of wintering colts. It is certainly a very good ])lan if a person wishes to feed heavily, which should be done if any size is to be attained by ihe animal.

Teed eaten by a colt from birth, May 31, 1913, until Aiiril 1, 1914: —

Hay, 816 pounds at $7 per ton $ 5 71

Oa.ts, 1,01 S pounds at 1 '5 cent per pound 1") 27

Bran, 339 25 pounds at 1 cent per pound 3 39

Wheat, 2H pounds at 1 •.'"> cent per pound 38

Oil cake. IC pounds at 1 '5 cent per pound 24

Skim-milk, 1,2G0 pounds at '2 cent per pound 2 r>2 ,

S27 r.i

The sire of this colt docs not weigh 1,100 pounds and the dam's average weight for six months (she was weighed once a month), is 1,051 pounds. The colt, on the day when he was 10 months old, weighed 735 pounds, whidi shows that he will weigh over 1,200 and possibly 1,300 at maturity. He took more feed, to warm his body, because he was wintered outside, but his limhs are in line shape, which might certainly not have been the case, had he been kept in the stable with <uch heavy feeding.

It is intended to weigh all feed eaten l)y this young stallion — a registered French Canadian — until he is 3 years of age; also to do the same with at least one of the foals to be dropped this spring (1914).

Cap Rouge.

412 EXPEni MENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915 HORSE BARN.

In 1913, on the Experimental Station, Cap Ronge, Que., a new horse barn was erected. This barn is callable of accommodating fifteen horses in ties and also con- tains eight box stalls. The accompanying photographs, showing the exterior and interior views, will give a good idea regarding the structure of this barn. As the plans and specifications of this building are exactly similar to those of the barn erected on the Experimental Station, Frcdericton, N.B., with the exception that there are two more box stalls in this barn, readers are referred to the annual report of that Station for complete plans and specifications. Although this building has, to date, only been used for a few weeks, it has proven most satisfactory and might easily be considered a standard of excellence for horse barns in this province. Already, visitors have inquired as to the details of the building and it is likely that this building, in part at least, will be copied extensively throughout this part of the province of Quebec. Particular attention has been given, in the erection of this building,, to the light, venti- lation, durability, and conveniences, which can be readily noted from the illustrations.

Cap Rouge.

DIVll<ru.\ OF AMilAL UL.'iBAXDRI 413

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

EXPERIMENTAL STATION, STE. ANNE DB LA POCATIERE,

QUE.

REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT, JOS. BEGIN.

HORSES.

At present, seven horses tire in the stables on this Farm, these being used entirely for labour jjurpases. Although this number is iiisuffieiont for carrying on the work of this Farm, j'et owing to the limited stabling facilities previous to the erection of the new horse barn, it was impossible to keep the proper number. This number will be increased from time to time, to which will also be added 'ii number of mares for breed- ing purjioses.

HORSE BAEX.

In 1913, on the Experimental Station, Ste. Anne de la Pocatiere, Que., a new horse barn was erected, capable of accommodating fifteen horses. The accompanying plans and photographs of this barn are for the most part self-explanatory. A few additional remarks, however, may help make some points more intelligible.

FOUNDATION.

The foundation of this barn is a concrete wall 12 inches in thickness and 2 feet in height, the same resting on a concrete footing 18 inches wide and 18 inches deep.

SUPERSTRUCTURE.

The superstructure is of wood, built of the plank frame type. All timbers through- out this barn in the frame are 2- by 6-inch plank, excepting the joists of the loft floor, which are made of 2- by 10-inch planks, and the girths supporting this floor, made of five ply 2- by 10-inch planks. This type of structure is exceedingly strong and is very economical in that it requires less lumber for construction and is more economical in erection than the square-timbered type of barn.

Special attention is drawn to the economic structure of the walls of this barn, which, starting at the outside, are composed of: vertical inch dressed lumber with battens over joints, two ply building paper, 6-inch studs and posts with air space between and. on the inside of stable, one ply of specially prepared building paper (Lino- felt) with slieathing on the inside. The ceiling or upper floor is constructed of one ply of rough boards placed diagonally over joists, covered by one ply of building paper and matclicd lumber, making the same dust-proof, while on the uuTlerside the ceiling is sheathed witli matched lumber.

DIMENSIONS,

The barn is 76 feet 6 inches in length and 32 feet in width, with a wing 20 feet in width and 26 feet in length. The main barn accommodate* thirteen tie stalls, two box stalls and a carriage shed. The wing accomihodates feed room, harness room, stairway, and meal storage room above. The stalls are 9 feet in length and vary in width from 5 to G feet. The box stalls are 11 feet 6 inches by 13 feet 6 inches. The drive shed is 18 by 30 feet. The passage between the two rows of tie-stalls is 12 feet in width.

414 EXPERIilEXTAL FARMS

.5 GEORGE V.^ A. 1915 LEVELS.

The floors tlivoiigliont are of concrete. All floors are resting on 6 inelies or more of field stone, covered by 5 inches of rough cement and 2 inches of finish-coat. The main passage is 5 inches lower than the rear end of tie-stalls, and is on the same level as feed room and harness room.

SLOPES.

The main passage has a crown of 2 inches to centre. Xext the tie stall is a 1-incli depression to act as a gutter for collecting the urine. The tie stalls have a slope of 2 inches from front to rear. These tie stalls are finished with a very rough surface and are sloped to centre of stall as well as from front to rear, and also grooved in order to facilitate ease of moving about of occupant, and also the carrying away of all liquid manure.

Lir.HT.

All light jjossible was installed in this barn. A window as large as possible was placed in the front of each tie stall, and all windows possible in doorways, box stalls and feed rooms were installed, in order to give' as much light as possible to this bxiild- ing.

VKVTILATION.

Fresh air is admitted at the iloor level by means of air ducts bringing fresh air from the intakes just outside the walls. The outlets are two in number, situated to one side of the middle of the barn when considered from side to side. These ruii vertically to rafters and follow the line of rafters to cupolas on roof. By the installation of foul air outlets in this way, there is no interference with the track for hay carriers in loft. The foul air outlets are constructed of two ply of i5-inch matched lumber with a dead air spac*e between, thus giving splendid insulation and preventing condensation of moisture in ventilators. Both incoming fresh air and outgoing foul air are con- trolled by dampers or keys. It is thus possible to regulate the temperature as desired. This system is known as the Kutherford system of ventilation, and has given the best results on the Central Experimental Farm and branch Farms where tried.

!•' V. K DIXG CON VF.X i KN< ' KS.

Feed chutes, as shown in diagram, extend from the bottom of manger to the plate of barn. Poors to admit the hay into chutes occur at the top and half-way down to the floor of loft. The chute is slightly bell-shaped so that hay once started drops easily to manger. This plan of feeding long hay has been found very satisfactory elsewhere. The manger extends clear across the stall, the hay in chute falling into one end. The grain or meal is fed iii the manger, no special box being provided. Horses are watered by men in charge, a water tank at sida entrance of barn being conveniently situated for incoming or outgoing horses.

KACir.iTiES AXi) coNvi;xLi:\('i-:s.

The feed room, although not very large, is suflicient to accommodate the meal truck.-; necessary. Into this feed room grain chutes from bins in the meal storage room above empty into movable trucks.

The harness room is conveniently situated and has facilities for warming, should such be neces.sary. In the harness room are also installed a sisk for washing, a taiik for heating water on stove, harness racks, and a locker underneath stairway for the keeping of small harness, medicines, and the like. The manure is removed from this barn by barrows, there being no overhead track for this purpose.

Stk Anne.

DIVlSlOy OF lyiMAL nUSILVNDRY 415

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

EXPERIMENTAL FARM, BRANDON. MAN.

REPOUT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT. W. C. McKILLICAN, B.S.A.

HORSES.

The horses on this F;inn at present consist of the folhiwinp:: twelve heavy fiirm horses, two li^ht horses for driving, and one 2-year old colt.

The horses are kept for labour purposes; no hrecding or experimental work has been done during the year.

CLASSIFICATION OF LAF>OUR.

The labour performed by the horses during the year was divided as follows: Farm work (regular), 12,150 hours; farm work (experimental) 10,710 hours; horticulture. 640 hours; roads, 750 hours; drawing feed, 630 hours; drawing manure, 1,250 hours; messenger service, 3,120 hours.

HORSE BARN.

A new horse barn hus been built this year. It is 72 feet 4 inches long and 32 feet wide, and provides accommodation for fourteen horses tied up in single stalls, and three roomy box stalls.

The single stalls are on each side of a 12-foot main passage which runs lengthwise of the building. The space of tv/o stalls in the middle of the west side is used for the main entrance to the stable. The ends of the building arc used for the box stalls and feed, room, two box stalls being at the south end and one box stall and the feed room at the north end. This is found to be a very convenient and compact arrange- ment, and is nrore economical of space than a driveway through the stable from end to end.

There are no feed passages; the mangers are tight up to the wall, and the hay is fed through chutes which extend from the manger to a height of 7 feet above the loft floor. These chutes 'are double boarded, with air spaces between the boards, and the doors which open into them are constructed in the same way. They work very satis- factorily, the only difficulty being the swelling of the doors at the top of the chute from the steam which rises from the stable.

The stable is well lighted, a window opens directly into every stall. Thi^ gives a bright and cheery appearance and should make it more healthful.

The ventilation is the Rutherford system. There are three fresh-air inlets; each receives the fresh air in a little box placed against the outside wall, with an opening at each side 1 foot square covered by wire netting. From this entrance the air goes through a 1-foot sewer pipe underneath the wall and the cement floor and comes up through a grating placed so as to avoid sending a direct draft against a horse's body. The locations of the ventilator inlets are shown in the accompanying plan, i'he \entih^tor ovtkts consist of two wooden flues which rise from tlie coiling of lii;^ stable and deliver the foul air through the vents shown on the roof. The flues are of t\vo-p]y of matched lumber with an air space between. They are each 2 feet square. Tl;e outlet on the roof is wide open to all four directions, and roofed on the top; it has no louvres or other obstacles to impede tlie ventilation or form a settling place for moisture. The flow of air is regulated by a damper placed in the outlet just above tlic stable ceiling, and controlled by a rope hanging down in the stable.

This ventihxtinn system has proven very effective. The stable has always been fresh and dry, and almost entirely free from stable smells.

416

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

EXPERIMENTAL FARM, INDIAN HEAD, SASK.

EEPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT, T. J. HARRISON, B.S.A.

HORSES.

On the Indian Head Experimental Farm there are at present fourteen horses, viz., three Clydesdale mares, five grade mares, four geldings and two drivers. Among these there are some fine draught horses, but there are also three or four that are past the age of usefulness. This also applies to the two drivers, which are hardly ever used for driving purposes, but are very useful for doing the light farm work. Of the above horses, two grade mares were bought last April to supplement the stock of horses, as there was too much work for the number on hand.

During past years horses were kept on this Farm for labour purposes only, but in the future the breeding of draught horses is also to be carried on. Two mares are now in foal and in due course it is hoped to be able to secure data on the costs of rearing colts, yearlings, 2-year-olds and 3-year-olds. With the purchase of two or three pure- bred Clydesdale mares it should be possible to procure some valuable information in regard to breeding Clydesdales. The breeding of grade draught horses is also to be carried on, the purpose of which is to primarily supply work horses for the Farm. By the use of the pure-bred Clydesdale, the improvement that can be brought about by pure-bred top crosses from a good quality Clydesdale stallion will be noted.

HORSE FEEDING EXPERIMENTS.

"With a view to investigating the most economic means of handling and feeding the draught horse in winter an experiment was started last season and will be con- tinued again this winter. The following table will indicate the outline that was followed. It will be noted that horses handled similarly were fed differently, while those fed similarly were handled differently.

d	Ration.	Method c>f Handling.
	Light Work.	Let Out Each Day.	Stabled and Exercised N.B.
1	Oat straw, oat sheaves, oats, and brnn Oat straw, mixed hay, oats, and ground flaxseed Oat straw, mixed liay, oats, and bran Oat straw, alfalfa hay, oats, and bran =	CDuke	Lucj'	TFl ira.
2	(.linimie / Maggre Ann . . . \ Maggie	(^'ueen	1 Mary. J Prince. I Dolly,
3	Dick
4	Kit

The hordes bracketed under " light work " were worked together, while those bracketed under " stabled and exercised " were handled together in respective two- horse teams. Tliose under " light w'ork "' were w'orked every second day by the teamster, while the "stabled and exercised" lot were exercised every second day by the stableman. In this way it wa* possible to work one team of the four each day and exercise one team of the other four. The four horses " let out each day " were, with the exception of two or three very stormy days, turned out in a field every morning where they were allowed to remain most of the day.

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16— 1915-p. 410.

Plate XXX II.

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DETAILS OF VENTILATOR

Ventilation of Horse Stable, Brandon (Showing Detail of Ventilator Outlet).

1'I.ATK XX X\'.

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DETAIL OF FRESH AIR INTAKE DUCT.

Ventilation of Horse Stable, Brandon (Showing detail of fresh air intake duct).

Pl.ATK XXXVI.

2X6 @ 24"C

CROSS SECTION ON LINE A- -A.

Cross Sfction of Horse Stable, Bramloii.

Plate XXXVII.

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DlVlalOX or AXIMAL nCSBAXDRy ^'.7

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

The stablenuiii feeds all the horses, while the teamsters, under his supervision, are responsible for the eare of their respeetive teams. The horses arc always watered before meals and not after unless to merely wash out their mouths. During the experi- ment, wliich lasted for four months, the rations were weighed every week and the horses weighed monthly.

In the feeding of the horse not only the animal's weight but also its individudlity was recognized. In the latter connection especially, tery noticeable peculiarities were observed, some horses of similar weights being much easier to feed than others. The horse "Duke " is a very hard feeder at any time and i)articularly did he give evidence of this when fed straw, oat sheaves, oats, and bran. The outline below will give the amount fed the average horse per day. It will be noticed they were all fed lightly in the belief that the idle horse should be limited to about half the feed given wIkmi on regular work. Those working, however, were fed according to the nature of the work.

Group 1. — Straw, 0.\t Sheaves, Oats, and Brax.

Morning. — Oat sheaf.

Noon. — Oai > i gallon; bran, | gallon; oat straw, 3 to 5 pounds.

Evening. — Oat sheaf.

Note. — In this ration as in the others the horses took a long time to acquire a taste for the straw. Neither did they appreciate the oat sheaves. After a time they thrived on this ration but were never in as good a state of thrift as those fed on the other rations. In the spring, however, after two weeks of good feeding on hay and oats, before the heavy work started, they stood the work as well as the horses in the other groups.

Group 2. — Straw, Mixed Hay, Oats, axd Gjxouxd Flaxseed.

Morning. — \ gallon oats; ground flaxseed, handful; hay, 3 to 6 pounds. iVooji.— Oats, J gallon; ground flaxseed, handful; oat straw, 3 to 5 pounds. Evening. — Oats, i gallon; ground flaxseed, haudful; hay, 3 to 6 pounds.

Note. — The amount of flaxseed fed in this ration was about one-quarter gallon per day. This ration being more expensive than the former naturally kept the horses up in better condition, but care had to be exercised in giving only a small quantity, of flaxseed as it is very laxative in its properties.

Group 3. — Straw, Mixed Hay, Oats, and Brax.

Morning. — Oats, I gallon; bran, \ gallon; hay, 3 to G pounds. Noon. — Oats, ^ gallon; bran, \ gallon; oat straw, 3 to 5 pounds. Evening. — Oats, 4 gallon; bran, ] gallon; hay, 3 to G pounds.

Note. — Of all the rations, this last gave the best satisfaction. The hay seemed' to give better results than oat sheaves in No. 1, while the bran is an ideal feed t» mix with oats, as contrasted with ilax seed in No. 2. ^

Group 4. — Straw, Alfalfa Hay, Oats, and Brax.

Morning. — Oats, ;} gallon; bran, } gallon; alfalfa hay, 2 to 5 pounds. Noon. — Oats, i gallon; bran, ] gallon; straw, 3 to 5 pounds. Evening. — Oats, i gallon; bran, :} gallon; alfalfa hay, 2 to 5 pounds.

Note. — It was found that alfalfa hay is slightly laxative and conse<]uently would not be advisable for drivers or horses at very liard work. It might be used to good advantage with horses at slow, steady work or under such conditions as outlined in the experiment above.

IG— 27

Indian IIeai>

418 E^PEItlME^^TAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

The ration wliicli was found most expensive was that in which the flaxseed was inchided. That coutAining the alfalfa hay followed next, while the " oat sheaves " ration came third, and the " mixed hay, oats, and bran " ration cheapest. This may be largely due to the fact that there was less v/aste with the latter than with the oat sheaves. The prices for feed were allowed as follows: Oat sheaves, 5 cents; oats, 1 cent per pound; flaxseed meal, 4 cents per. pound; mixed hay, $10 a ton; alfalfa hay, $12 a ton; oat straw, $2 a ton; bran, $20 a ton.

The average cost per horse was, of course, low in each group, for the reason that they were fed as lightly as possible in counideration of tlie fact that our aim was the economical feeding. The cost per day per horse was as follows: —

Group 1.^16 cents per horse per day.

" 2. 18 " " "

a ■> I r, " « "

" 4_ ]^7 •'< " "

The average weight of the horses under this test was 1,600 pounds. With the foregoing method of handling and feeding all horses were carried through the winter in a very satisfactory condition. This work, however, has only just been started, and no definite conclusions can be drawn. It has, however, opened up a very interesting line of investigation that will be followed up in years to come, when more definite data can be jjublished.

Lndian Head

7)/F/&/0-V OF WniXL UUSBAXDRT 419

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

EXPERIMENTAL STATION, SCOTT, SASK.

REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT, R. E. EVEREST, B.S.A.

IIORSKS.

( i»i' (>i' l;i.\i;i.\i; i<ii,TS.

$29	74
14	16
2	18
(;	27
14	00

The cost of raising- liovses and the cost of wintcriiij;- i<llo horses are the two phases of horse invostig'ational work entered upon.

For the purpose of aseertaining figures on the cost of raising horses, the foals of two work mares were taken at weaning time (in this case 5, months of age) and from then a record of feed consumed was kept when stall fed, and of time when animals were on pasture. The following table gives cost of for-d up to 2 years of age: —

Vali'k of Food Consumed.

Cir-t chop, 2,974 poun is at 34 cants per bushel

H:iy. 2 S32 pouiifls western rye grass, $10 per ton

Alfalfa hay, 304 pounds at $1 2 per ton

Oat shcxves, 209 at 3 cents each

Pasture, seven months, two animals at $1 per month

Total cost $66 3,'')

Cost of growing one horse from weaning at five months till 2 years

of age 33 175

Tilt; F.coxo.MK wrvn-.uixf; of inr,i: horses.

In the work of economy ut inainlouauce of idle horses over winter, five mature work horses were used. These, after a steady summer's work were, on the ^nd of Decemher, started in the following manner: At 7 a.m. they received a drink and a small feed of oat chop in the stahle; as soon as this feed was eaten the horses were taken to a prairie pasture field where they remained until 5 p.m., when tliey were brought to stable, watered, and again given a small feed of oat chop; when occasion required an oat sheaf was also fed. This treatment was given for three months.

The following data give weights of the horses at the beginning of period and conelnsion of period, and the vahu' of food consumed: —

Touil weight of five horses, December, 1013 lb. 7,432

Average weight, Decombor, 1913 '• 1.4S6

Total weight of horses, INfarcli, 1914 " 7,716

Average weight of horses, March, 1914 " lj)\'i

Tctal gain in weigiit '. " 2S4

Average gain in we'ght " 57

Value of feed consumed, total $ 45 86

V.alue of feed consumed, one horse •' 9 17

Cost of maintaining a horse for 120 days, winter of 1913-14 ' 9 17

1G-L>7J

420

EXPEIilMEXTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

EXPERIMENTAL STATION, LACOMBE, ALTA.

EEPORT OF THE SUPEEINTENDENT, G. H. HUTTON, B.S.A.

HORSES.

The Station now owns twenty head of horses. There are thirteen pure-bred Per- cheron, Clydesdale, and grade mares. We were successful in raising three foals. Nine of the mares were bred for foaling during the spring and early summer of 1913. Of this number five foaled prematurely, three being, Avithout doubt, cases of abortion and in the other two cases this disease was the probable cause. The mares were wintered outside day and night, had access to a str»aw stack, were watered at a small lake and were not fed hay or grain. A number were brought up for spring work, were then fed hay and grain, while the others were left out and were fed a light grain ration. Of the six in-foal mares which were worked, only one raised a foal, which was malformed, while all three mares left out raised good colts. It is planned to repeat this test next spring, though all mares are bred to foal comparatively late.

All horses, wintered outside in the manner above described, came through the winter in prime condition and, without exception, showed increase in weight. This method of wintering horses is very inexpensive, costing probably about $1 per month per head. When straw, which would otherwise be burned, can be put to this use, .the cost of wintering horses is practically negligible.

Three foals were carried from Xovember 1, to March 31, at a feed cost as follows: —

Hay

(iieen feed.

Oats . .

Bran

Pounds.

2.718 '2,?A0 1,530 1,000

Total.

Value per Ton.

10

10 20 20

Cost.

.§ cts.

13 59

11 70

15 30

10 00

50 59

Combined

Weight at 6

Months.

Lb.

2,1G0

1

TJlVIt<10:\ OF AMMAL IlifSBAyDHY 421

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

EXPERIMENTAL FARM, AGASSIZ, B.C.

REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT, P, H. MOORE, B.S.A.

HORSES.

During the year no experiments have been made with the horses. Ton have been kept for working purposes only. Just at the dose of the year, two 3-year-old pure- bred Clydesdale mares were added to the force. These mares are good specimens of the breed, and they are working well at the time of writing. They were both foaled the property of the Colony Farm, Coquitlam, B.C. They are bred as follows : —

Colony Lilly— 27871— jSire, Brown Spots (imp.)— S383— 12877. I Dam, Lilly of Grandview — 15750.

Nellie Dean— 28843— (Sire, Dean Swift (imp.)— 5307— 12936. [Dam, Nellie Carrick (imp.)^ — 7375.

The three old light draught horses mentioned in last year's report a? being on the downgrade are still retained, and also one general-purpose mare, which is pretty well worn ont. In addition to these, there are four grade Clydesdale heavy draught horses, bought in 1912.

Throughout the season all the horses were kept at hard work, and in the wintei" they were all put on l><;hter work, but all kept working. They were all fed a mixture of ground oats, peas, and barley, bran, and clover or mixed hay. During the winter they ate about 5 pounds of roots per day. The hay fed averaged at the end of the year slightly less than 1 pound for every 100 pounds live weight.

The average food cost to keep the big horses for the year was: —

Grain, 5,110 pounds at 1.2 cent ?tjl 62

Hay, 6,570 pounds at .5 cents 32 S5

Roots, 510 pounds at .2 cents 1 02

?95 19

The average food cost of the small horses was less as indicated: —

Grain, 4,380 pounds at 1-2 cent ?52 56

Hay, 5,657 pounds at .5 cents 28 28

Roots, 510 pounds at .2 cents 1 02

1

?M 86

^1

Such feeding kept the horses in good condition for the entire year and no trouble from disease of any nature was encountered. One of the old horses was slightly crippled for a time, but this was caused by a combination of hard work and old age. Owing to lack of room no breeding work can be done.

422 EXPEniMEXTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

SHEEP.

, CENTRAL EXPERIMENTAL FAR:M, OTTAWA, ONT.

EEPORT OF THE DOMINION ANIMAL HU3SANDMAN, E. S. ARCHIBALD, B.A., B.S.A.

BREEDING SHEEP.

There are now eighty-one pnre-bred sheep in the pens. Two breeds only are kept, namely, Shropshires and Leieesters.

The Shropshires include 4S head, made up of 1 ram, 21 a.yed ewes, 7 shearling ewes," S spring ewe lambs, and 11 spring ram lambs.

The Leieesters include 33 head, made up of 1 ram, 11 aged ewes, S sliearliug ewes, 6 spring ewe lambs, and 7 spring ram lambs.

Only a fairly successful year can again be reported in the breeding operations with sheep. The lamb crop in the spring of 1913 was exceptionally good, namely, 151 per cent; and to date, March 31, 1914, has also been very good although many ewes have yet to lamb. During the past fiscal year both ewes and lambs did particularly well until niidsummer. Limited as they were to the 2 acres of pasture contained in the O-acre sheep rotation, the pasture became very poor after the first month. In past years it hat been the practice to allow the sheep to remain on this closely-cropped pasture and supplement the shortage with green crops. This, however, has proved dangerous in that it induced tho rapid spreading and multiplying of intestinal parasites. In consequence of our experience in this matter it v\-as deemed advisable to keep the riheep awiiy from this pasture after the grass became closely cropped. An experiment was tried in the keeping of sheep on the. Farm roadsides, to ascertain their influence on the keeping clean of roadside as well a? the cost of attention for this method of pasturing. Although it proved somewhat more expensive than the other method of pasturing, yet the added weight of the lambs and increased condition of the ewes appetu'ed to warrant the same for these conditions, as long as the Central Experi- mental Farm is so limited in its land area.

The ewes and lambs, as in former years, were attacked with both tape worms and stomach worms, although only to a small degree. Had they been removed from the 2-acre pasture a few weeks sooner, the probabilities are that the flock would not have become reinfested with these parasites. Treatment was made for these parasites as reported in annual report for 1912, and although it was discovered that but a few iuuividuai-, were infested, yet these treatments again were quite successful, aud are worthy of repetition.

The treatment given for tapeworms, with such good results, was as follows : —

Fast the animals for at least twenty-four hours. Drench mature sheep and shear- iiiiSs with a mixture of 4 ounces of castor oil and 1 dram (J or.ncc) of ethereal extract of iriale fern. Lambs may have one-quarter to three-quarters of the above dose, depend- ing on size and age. Confine sheep for twenty-four hours after drenching. Destroy worms given off in manure.

Follow the above drench with a laxative tonic, such as: C'ojumoii salt, 2 pounds; potassium nitrate, 4 ounces; Epsom Salts, 1 pound: iron sn]))hate. 8 ounces; powdered gentian, 8 ounces. This mixture is suflicient for lUO mature siieep or ir>0 to 200 lambs, and also is test given in water solution as a drench.

nnisius OF AM UAL lli.sLlA:\i)in' 423

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Apparently very favourable results were obtained in the eradication of stomach worms by the use of a 1 i)cr cent solution of coal tar creosote. Lurnbs were f?iven 2 to 4 ounces, and mature slieep •'> to 5 ounces, vavyina: with the size. This was administered as a drench, was preceded l'.y a twenty-four hour fast, and succeeded by a twenty-four hour confinement and tlie laxative tonic as above.

Owin^ to the winter-killing of all the clovers in the sjjring of 191C, the after-<<:ra.ss, some of which is usually used for cattle and sheep for pasture, was extremely limited and not of i)articularly high quality. However, the pasturage on roadsides was so good that at weaning time the lambs were well advanced and after weaning the ewes gained in flesh rapidly previous to mating season in the fall.

All breeding sheep were housed in sheds of a very rough nature during the past winter, as tbe regular sheep barn and lamb-feeding sheds were completely filled v/ith cattle. Nevertheless, all the breeding stock came thi'ough thq winter in exceptionally good shape at a minimum of cost.

FEEDIXG LAMBS.

A special lamb-feeding shed v\as erected during the summer of 191" and experi- mental work on a considerable scale was anticipated. Lambs were purchased subject to delivery on the 20th of October, 191'), and a particularly good bunch of lambs v.-ere purchased, at regular market prices, for this feeding ex}v-rimeutal work. However, in consequeiice of the fire, this lamb-feeding shed was the only building available for milch cows until temporary structures could he completed, and was used continuously throughout the past winter for the housing of heifers and bulls. In consequence, the lamb-feeding experimental work was postponed for a year.

i.A:\rR-Frr.niNG siino.

Although the inclosed diagrams and photographs are self-explanatory, yet a few details as to a cheap but very efficient shed either for the feeding of lambs or the main- taining of a breeding flock excepting for lambiug season, are worthy of mention. I'hia shed was erected on the Central Experimental Farm during the month of July, 1913, and is very satisfactory in all its details.

1. FoinirJiifian.

Although originally it was the intention to place the sills of this building on cedar posts, yet it was found nearly as economical to build a low concrete wall for this purpose. Tins would not be advisable where a farmer anticipates moving the shed from time to time, but where good river gravel and sand are available, it will eventu- ally i)rove even more economical th.an post foundations, or the placing of the sills on the earth. This wall also prevents very strong draughts from the northern and western exposures. The foundation wall was made 10 inches in thicknesi?, an average of 2 feet in depth, and was composed of a mixture of concrete, 1 to G, with as many field stones in the concrete as possible.

S. Supcisfriicfurc.

The sills and i)lates and jiost.s were made of 2-inch by G-inch scantliisg. Rafters were made of 2-inch by r>-inch scantling, and collar beams of 8-inch boards. The walls were single boarded and battened on the outside of posts and studding, no finish what- ever being necessary on tlio iii'^ide. The roof was single boarded and covered with pre- pared roofing, which to dnt*- i- proving fairly satisfactory.

Ottawa.

424 EXPEIilMEyTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE V.^ A. 1915 -5. Light.

' Special attention was paid to the lighting of this shed, as -undoubtedly the great proportion of sheep troubles come from insufficient light, lack of fresh air, and poor ventilation. All windows were hinged at the bottom and fastened at the top with a short chain, thus allowing the window to drop open from the top and allow a free pass- age of air through the building. The doors also were made 4 feet in width and were so arranged that they can be open at all times except during very severe weather. No ventilation system, aside from the windows and doors, was provided, since both windows and doors are kept open at practically all times.

4. Feed Passage.

The feed passage across the ends of the pens was provided for the ease in feedii>g of the forages and also, at one end, to provide room for keeping a limited amount of grains in this building. A wood floor was provided for this passag?, both from a point of cleanliness and economy of foodstuffs.

5. Pens.

The site of the building was chasen on account of its dryness and good facilities for drainage. Earth floors, for the pens where straw bedding can be iised, are con- sidered the best. The doors of pens into paddocks "were arranged to eliminate draughts. These doors open to the south, and were made 4 feet in width in order to eliminate the hipping of ewes or the crowding of lambs in the doorway. The sizes of pens were based on the area required for various classes of stock according to the experience with sheep on the Central Experimental Farm. These areas are as follows: For large breeding ewes, 10 to 12 square feet of floor space; smaller breeding ewes, 8 to 10 square feet; feeding and breeding lambs, 5 to 8 square feet. The four pens of this shed will conveniently accommodate twenty-five to thirty feeding lambs each.

6. Feed racl's.

The accompanying diagrams of feed racks installed are self-explanatory. Three different types of hay racks were installed for comparative purposes, type " A " rack including the grain trough in bottom of rack, while the other two types of racks have the grain trough in front of rack. All three types have given good satisfaction in the limited time which they have been used. These and other types of racks and troughs will be installed for comparative purposes, during the coming year.

Ottawa.

ri.ATic XXXIX.

2'xit KArriH.

SriECP 5HED.

CENTRAL EXPELRIMENTAL FARM,

OTTAWA, ONT.

}'4 m ScALt.

Ce05S MICTION.

lASr CLCVATION

LOhG SCCTJOli, 5ti£WmQ TKAMINQ

M

llillil-

ffl

w

llilili

a

TTTTT

II 111

SOUTH tLEVKTIQH

16- 191o-p. 424.

I'i.ATK XL.

D&TAIL Op SHEEP RACK6

■ V/z IN scAue-

mi

ill

7C

7-0-

fC^D a\C< fOB. LAMBS

Divisioy or amxial iilsbaxdry

425

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR SIIKEP.

Bolow are SMbinitted inventories and returns for slieej) on the Central Experi- mental Farm during- the year April 1, 1013, to Mareh 31, l!n4: —

	Apsil 1, IflLS.	March 31, 1914.	Ketums jiiclu'.iing Bales.	returns ma'li- u]i of
	No.	Value	No. j A'ahie.	ilicre.ii'ed value and Kale.s.
Sheep, all breeds and ages	57	$ cts. 1,028 00	81	§ i-ts. 1,8 G 00	$ cts. 207' oy	S cts. 1,077 00

RETURNS

Ly increase in value of flocks

Sales of breeding stock

Sales of lamb

Sales of wool

Manure, 70 tons at SI ]!''i' ton .

810 00

120 00

G 44

71 55

70 Ott

Gross returns S 1,077 99

EXPENDITURES.

To food consumed Labour expended Purchase of breeders	402 1.1 345 00 290 00
Gross expenditure Net balance from sheep		1,037 15 40 84

Ottawa.

426 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v.. A. 1915

EXPERIMENTAL STATION, CHARLOTTETOWN, P. H:. I.

EEPOET OF THE SUPEEINTENDSJSTT, J. A. CLAEK, B.S.A.

BREEDING SHEEP.

A flock of eight Leicester sheep was transferred from the Nappan Experimental Farm on December 12, 1913. Six other pure-bred Leicester sheep were purchased locally, making a flock of fourteen; consisting of one ram, nine breeding ewes and four ewe lambs. Three of the ewe lambs purchased for breeding purposes proved to be with lamb and were kept over.

The sheep received in December had severe colds in the head which proved very stubborn to treatment. With the ram it developed into catarrhal pneumonia and killed him.

EXPERIMENT IN FATTENING LAMBS.

The experiment to determine the relative value of roughage in lamb fattening was continued v/ith four pens of nine lambs each.

The total lunnbcr of lambs in the experiment was thirty-six. The original cost' was very high being $5.90 per cwt. live weight. Wether and ewe lambs were selected, weighing on the average 87 pounds for three pens and 70 pounds for the fourth.

The lambs were allowed to run on pasture for a short time before the beginning of the test.

x\fter this preparatory -period they were fed as follows : Each lot received 2$ pounds of meal mixture per diem and 1 pound of bran at starting. The meal mixture was increased by one-tenth of a pound per diem, throughout the exiieriment. The bran was increased as necessary up to 2^ pounds per diem, the average amount of bran fed being about 2 pounds per diem.

Pen IV, though lighter in weight, received the same amount of meal and bran per diem until January 23. From that time on they received a 10 per cent increase of the meal mixture.

The roughage fed the different lots was as follows : —

Lot I received alfalfa and clover hay of fair quality.

Lot II was fed mixed clover and timothy hay, fsnd corn .stover in the proportion of 2

of hay and 1 of corn stover. Lo- III was \.:-u L.ii'.ull V li.iy ai'.i mar.tiols Lot IV was fed mixed clover and li.r.othy hay and mangels.

The lambs were dipped with Cooper's dip for lice and ticks on December 22. This set them back for a time.

In calculating the cost of feeding the following prices were charged: —

Roots and corn stover at $2 per ton.

Hay at $8 per ton.

Meal mixture and bran at $25 per ton.

Ottawa.

nins;rox of .ixniAL nuNUAxnnY

427

•SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

1am;{ i-'j:i;i)L\(; E\i'i-;i:i.\ii;.\r.— (('lover hay, larydy alfalfa, rs. iiiixod hay, i.ii.l corn stover r.s-. timotliy hay and roots vs. mixed hay and roots and oxtra ijraiu).

Lot

Class of ffcd for Ii>t.

Nniiibor of lainbs. in lot

Nmnljer of days in expcriiiiOMt ...

Total weight at beginning !1)

Total weight at end i.

(Jain during i^eriod

Gain per head i,

Gain per head p t day

Q'.'.anllty of meal eaten bj' lot

Quantity of clover hay eaten

Quatitity of mixed hay eaten i.

Quantity of tiniitiiy hay '-aten ,•

Quantity of roots and ensilage eaten

Total eost of feed .;

Cust of fe -d per head

Cost of feed per head per day Ct:

Original cost of lambs at S5.i)3 per 103 pounds,

li vc weight g

Original cost of lambs plus co.^t of feed S

.Selling price at 7^ cents per poniid $

Net profit on lot .?

Net profit on lamb ots

Cost to produce 1 pound gain .

H.

III.

TV.

Clover hav,

considerable

alfalfa.

9 97

7S7i

7-1 Ji 8";?

81 •> t,S!t8

•0.S.5

1 ft!) 1 91

4G-70 <;3 52

1 1:5 12

22-7

JS'ixed hay

and corn stovor.

0

97

784i

80S

53A

i 91

OGy

815

1,377

l.'^ 70 1 74 18

4G 52 (i2-22 G-.' &5

•r,3

•7 29 G

Timothy

hay and roots.

9 97

78!i

Mixed hay

and

roots and

■ extra grain.

3;{ 3 GO 037 809

,0/ {

Kil 1.-. 77 1 75 1-80

40 -7!) 62 5fi Gl 05 *-91 10 477

9 97

fi4.Si

74 1.^

93

10 3

IOi>

861

1 091

8G1 15 42 1 71 1 7G

38-45 .53-87 55 71 1 84 ■20 IG G

* T^oss.

T.A.M15 Fattknino ExTEiuMKNT. — (Average results of three years' test of alfalfa hay vs. mixed liay, and corn stover vs. timothy hay and roots as roughage in fattening lambs).

Lor.

Cla.ss of Feed.

Alfalfa Hav.

lb.

Number of lambs in group

Average niunber of daj's in experiment

Total weight at beginning of experiment

Total weight at end of experiment

Ciain during period , «

Gain per he:id "

Gain per head i)er day n

Quantity of grain eaten bj- lot in i>oriod ti

Quantity of alfalfa >•

Quantity of timothy ■>

C^.iantity of mixed hay

Quantity of ro<jts and en.silage

Total cost of feed

Cost of feed per head

Cost of feed per head i)er day cts.

Original eost of lambs $

Original cost of lambs, plus cost of feed !S

S.-liing jirice •?,

Net profit on lot $

Net 1 roiit on lam'o cts.

Cost to produce a |>ound of gain cts.

31 92

2,529i 2,872i 312^ 11 2 2,12G G,717

§

.S!

50.07

l.Gl

1.75

125.08

175.15

187.75

12. GO

40

14.'.

n.

IIL

Mi:(ed Hay ' TimoHiy

and Hay

Corn j aiiii

Stover. Roots.

31 92 2,5l9.t 2,074| 155

.054 2,003ii

4,111

3,82G

43.34

1.39

1.51

124 G7

His. 01

175.29

7.28

23

28

31

92 2,4G2 2,G.55,' lO.ii'

G.2

.008

i,mh

4.194 '

4,147^,

42.47

1.37

1.49

12,207

154 51

IC."

.39 .84 02 22

Cil.VKI.oTTETOVVM,

423

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915 Lamb Feeding Experiments. — Table ^ f Weights and Gains.

Ta§ Number.	First Weight.	Last Weiglit.	Total Gain.	Dressed Weight.	Percent<ige of Dressed Meat.
PeiiNo.l-No. 1 II 11 2 . . . . .1 11. 1-22 11 26 11 II 34 11 11 36 .... 11 11 ot 11 II 39	Lb. 89 5 79 8S 95 86 80-5 77 112-5 80	Lb. 98 86 97 107 93 8() 88 112 95	Lb. . 8-5 13 9 12 7 5-5 *11 •5 15	Lb. 49 41 46 59 47 39 41 53 47	% 50 47-7 47-4 55-1 50-5 45-35 50 48-2 49-5
Total Pen No. 2— No. 3 , . . . II It 4 . . . . 11 ' II 5 It II 6 II II 8 . . . . II 1. 10 11 14 .... II 11 18 II 11 23 .... .	787^ 75-5 77 93 76-5 78 112 90 87 95-5	862 82 82 98 84 88 114 89 97 104	74-5 6-5 5 5 7-5 10 2 * 1 10 8-5	425 40 38 50 40 42 53 43 49 55	48-78 46 3 51 47-8 47-7 46 5 48 3 50-5 52-88
Total	784 5 98 81 8G 76 100 79-5 92 85 91-5	838 102 78 84 79 92 82 105 93 107	53-5 4 * 3 * 2 3 " 8 2 5 13 8* 15.5	410 53 40 41 40 47 44 56 47 53
PenNo. 3-No. 9 1. 12 .. .. II 11 15 . ... II 11 25 ,1 29 II II 31 11 32 II II 35 II It 38	51-96 51-3 48-8 50-63 51-1 53-66 53-1 50-5 49-53
Total	789 72-5 71 70 67 70 71 69 70 88	822 8.S 5 79 83 5 74-5 83 83 82-5 86 5 ^ 81	33 16 8 13-5 6-5 13 12 13-5 16-5 * 7	421 40 37 43 31 37 38 41 . 36 34
Pen No. 4— No. 7 11 10 II 17.... II 19 II 1. 20.. . ti 11 21 II II 2i 11 11 28 . . . 11 It 33	45 2 46-8 50-3 41-6 44-6 45-8 49-7 41-6 42
Total	648-5	741 5	93	337	N.
		1

The last weight was taken after the lambs had been starved sixteen hours.

The demand for lambs carried over winter is much greater than the supply. Lambs of medium weight make the best gains and are most profitable for winter feed- ing.

Good clover hay with roots ajid grain has beevi found most satisfactory. The quantity of grain at the eommeneement of the feeding period should be small. The increase should be gradual.

Charlottetown.

DlVlSIOy OF AMAJAL UifilSAADRY

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

429

EXPERIMENTAL FARM, NAPPAN, N.S.

EEPOFvT CF THE SUPERINTENDENT, W. W. BAIED, B.S.A.

SHEEP.

BKEEDING FLOCK.

Owing to the fact that we were handicapped for pasture and stable room, it was thought best to discontinue for the present the practice of keeping more than one breed of sheep at this Farm. Hence, hi the fall of 1913, the flock of Leicesters was shipped to the Experimental Station, Charlotteto^\^l, P.E.I., and the Shropshires retained, as they were considered the more suitable breed for this district. As part of this flock was getting somewhat aged, and others not of desirable type, it v,-a3 decided to dispose of them and purchase a younger and more typical foundation flock.

This was done in December, 1913, when there were purchased nine ewes, consist- ing of one two-shear, two shearlings and six lambs, all of which were from well-bred stock, in fact, prize winners. These are very uniform and typical of the breed, and especially is this true of the six lambs, which have made excellent development during the winter.

Three oiily were bred, namely, the two-shear and the two shearlings. We were very unfortunate in losing one shearling ewe on February 23, 1914. Death was caused by wool-ball in paunch. The other two gave three very nice lambs, two ewes and a ram.

The ram that heads the flock is a very typical sire, " Kelsey's Promise."

All record of feed, etc., is being kept of this flock in order to demonstrate the profit to be derived from such. Naturallj' it may be expected that the first year is the most expensive one, more especially where the greater percentage of the flock is lambs which do not give any return except the wool and manure. Following is the metliod of feeding and foodstuffs consumed during the remaining part of the year: —

From December 20 to March 5 they received li pounds hay, G pounds pulped roots, and 3 pound whole oats, per head per day.

From March 5 to April 1 they received H- pounds hay, 3 pounds whole roots, I pound crushed oats.

The following table gives the total amounts of each and cost of feed: —

Bkeedixg Sheep. — Value of food stuffs was : Hay, $8 per ton ; meal, $1.38 per ewt. ; and

roots and er^ilage, $2 per ton.

No. uf Sheep.	Period.	Hay.	Roots and JCiisilagf.	Meal.	Cost of Feed.
9 9	Dpc. 20, 1913. to Fob. 23, 1914 Feb. 23, 1014, to Mar. 5, 1914 Mar. 5, 1914, to Apr. 1, 1914 101 days	- l.b. 975 VAr, 3.M	Lb. 3,900 r>40 702 5,142	Lb. 487-5 (57 -5 58-5	$ cts. 14 h^ 2 01 2 91
9	1,401	013-5	19 45

430

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

FIXAXCIAL STATEMENT.

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

Breed.	Dec, 1913.	A-pr., 1[»14.	Heturn.	Gross returns made up of in- crease in value and returns from wool.
No.	Value.	No.	Valn^.
Shropshires of all ages	. 10	$ cts. 2?.Q 00 12	•S cts. 27S 00	S cts. IS 4G	$ cts. G6 46

RETL'RX.S.

Made up in increase in value and returns from wool. %'i tons manure at %1 per ton

6 75 ?73 21

EXI'EXDlTLi^ES AXU LOSSES.

Food consumed .

Labour

Loss of one ewe

Net balance

$19 30 25	45 30 00
$74	75

$1 S4

LAMB FEEDIXG EXPERIMENT.

In order to get more eoiielusive data on the relative value of clover and timothy hay in fattening lambs, a similar experiment to that of 1912-13 was carried on dnring the winter of 1913-14.

Of the fifty-six grade lambs purchased for this test, all were wethers except ten.

These were divided into four lots of fourteen each. Lots 1 and 2 wore the heaviest, lots 3 and 1 the liglitest, but all fairly uniform. Lot 1 was fed clover hay, roots, and meal; lot 2, clover hay and meal; lot 3, timothy hay, roots, and meal; and lot 4, timothy hay and meal.

Tlie meal ration was fed alike to all lots throughout the test and at the start tliey received three-quarters pound per head per day. This was gradually increased until at the end of the period they were receiving 1|- pounds. Each lamb in lots 2 and 3 received 2^ pounds at the beginning and increased to 4 pouhds of jmlped roots per lamb per dny. Lots 2 and 4 did not receive any roots. Lots 1 and 2 were fed clover hay at the rate of 1^ pounds per lamb per day. Lots 3 and 4 were fed timothy hay at the rate of lA pounds per lamb per day.

The meal ration was made up as follows: Bran, 200 pounds; mixed crushed grain, (oats and barley) 200 pounds, cotton seed (100 pounds) at the first of period, tlien replaced by oil cake (100 pounds).

The cost of different feeds was figured at: Hay, $S per ton; meal mixture, $1.30 per cwt. ; roots, $2 per ton.

The follovv'ing table gives the results of the test : —

J\ APP.VN

nrvr^ffix of axlual iirsa ixnin'

431

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Lamb Fkkding Expkki.ment at Nappau Experimental Farm, 1013.

Nf ). of Iai!il>s in lot

No. of days in experiment

Total weight at beginning of experiiiient II Total weight at finish of e.\|)eriuieiit. ... u

Gain (luring period «

tiain per head m

(iain per heai i)er daj' i>

(hiantity of liiy con.sumed ,i

<]uantitj' of lueal consumed

' ,»iiantity of root.s consumed . . „

Vital cost of fee'l -S

' 'ost of feed p'er head ..

(Jost of fee ! per head per day cts

{.'oat of I p )>ind gain i.

(Original co.st of .sheep $

Original eo.st of sheep phi.s cost of feed. . „ Helling jiriee at .'?8 per hundred pound.s. . ,,

Net profit on lot m

Net profit per lamb n

Lot 1.

Clover Hay

Roots and ^^eal.

14 118 l,2!i!) 1.034 335 23 9 ■20 2,478 2,0S!>-.o0 0,008 43 08 3 12 '_'■() 4 l.i 04

:i;-49

]:J.rl7

1 ;;o 72

10 55 75

Lilt

Clover Hay and Meal.

13 118 1.221 1.4.SS 207 -5 20-5 17 2,301 1,!J40 25

34 43 2-65 2-24

12 89

71 100 119

12

89 32 04 72 98

Let 3.

Timothy Hay

Knots

and Meal.

14

118 1,191) 1,518 319 22 7 19 2,478 2,0.^9- 50 G,0f>8 43 08 3 12 2 (14 13-09 70-00 114 28 121 44 7 10 •51

Lot 4.

Timothy Hay and Meal.

12

118

917

1,151

233 19

2,124 1,791

4

•10

31-78

2-65

2-24

13 00

54 02

85-80

92 -08

6-28

•52

AvERAGK Two Years' Lamb Feeding Experiment at ISTappaiT Experimental Farm.

Numher of lambs in lot

I\'umV)er of days in experiment. .

Total weight at beginning of experiment 11)

Total weight at finish of experiment n

(!ain during |)eriod i

(iain per head u

Gain iier head ])er day ■•

(Quantity of hay consimied

Quantity of meal consumed

Quantity of roots consumed

Total cost of feed $

Cost of feed per head n

Cost of feed i)f r head jier day cts .

Cost of 1 i)ound gain «

Original cost of sheep S

Oriuinal cost of sheep plus cost of feed i-

Selling price at $7.50 and §3 per hundred pounds. >i

Net profit on lot n

Net |)rofit per lamb

Lot 1.

Lot 2.

Lot 3.

Clover Hay, /-<i u i Timotliy

Roots and CWr H .V,! ^^^^^^ ^.^^^

Meal.

12 97 1.009.5 1,294.5 285.(1 23.75 24 1.809 1,. 509. 75 4,704 32 50 2.71 2. 79 11.4 50.25 88.75 101.18 12.43 1.04

and Meal.

11.5 97

970.5 1,208 • 237 20.05 .21 1,720.5 1,435.125

" 20.48'

2.30

2.37

11.15

53.95

80.43

94.32

13.S!t

1.21

oots and Meal.

12 97

900.5 1.2;?7.5 277.0 23.08 .24 1,809 1,509.75 4,704 32.50 2.71 2.79 11.7 5:^.35

f^r. . M5

90.01

10.70

.90

Lot 4.

Timothy

Hay, and

Meal.

11

97 810 1,029 212. 19.

1,032 l,.30O

10

34

20

25.15

2 29

2.35

11.82

44.89

70.04

80.00

10.02

.91

NaI'I'AN

432 EIPE.lilMENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1S15 DEDUCTIONS.

Wliile no positive deductions can be drawn even from two years' results, yet, when we have compared the results of 1912-13 with those of 1913-14 and find they coincide as well as they do, we are most apt to lay considerable stress on such results. Hence the following points may be of great interest to note: —

First : That 1912-13 test showed that clover hay surpassed timothy hay in economy of production likewise this test.

Second: That when timothy is fed, roots play a great part in the feed ration.

Third : That in both cases, clover hay and meal have given greatest profit.

Fourth : Both 1912-13 and 1913-14 tests have shown quite conclusively that a good profit can be realized over and above the market value of food stuffs in fattening lambs.

Fifth: Note tliat when roots are used a better daily gain is obtained but not quite sufiicient to produce any appreciable profit by using them.

Nappan

1-3 X

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T3 3)

J=

00

a.

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o «

J3

c8

J3

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tie

a

o -o

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03

16— 1915-p. 432.

D/r/.S/OA" OF AMilAL nUSBANDRY 433

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

EXPERIMENTAL STATION, CAP ROUGE, QUE.

REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT, GUS. A. LANGELIER.

SHEEP.

A small but select flock of Leicesters is kept, consisting of one ram, six breeding ewes, and eight ewe lambs. Four ram lambs, sold during the autumn of 1913 to the Provincial Government, made an average of over $40 each at the public sale held in Quebec during October of that year.

A good dog-proof fence was made around the sheep pasture and as this pasture is on a high knoll and very dry it had to be supplemented with green peas and oats. A creep was made to allow grain feefling to the lamb?, and the stock kept in tine shape until the end of March, wlijen this report is written.

The ram, instead of being turned in with the ewes to serve them, was kept in a separiite paddock in which grain was fed to the ewes once a day, when the man who fed could watch them and take note of the ear number of the ewe served. This method not only has the advantage of saving the ram's energy, but also of giving positive and correct information as to the date of lambing, when the ewes can be watched carefully.

During the winter of 1013, the horses had to be kept in the future sheep barn, pending the completion of a new stable. This prevented doing any feeding cxi^eri- inent through lack of room.

16—28

434

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

EXPERIMENTAL FARM, BRANDON, MAN.

REPORT OF THE SFPERINTENDENT, W. C. McKILLICAN, B.S.A.

SHEEP.

The flock is comprised as follows on March 31, 1914: One Oxford Down ram; three Oxford Down ewes (two aged and one yearling) ; forty-six grade ewes (twenty- three aged, eighteen yearlings and five lambs).

In 1910 and 1911 a start was made at sheep raivsing here, by obtaining a small flock of grade ewes. These ewes were part of a shipment brought by the Manitoba Sheep Breeders' Association from the range districts of western Saskatchewan. They were of the usual range type, though rather better than the average, and were of decidedly mixed breeding and appearance. These ewes have improved greatly in appearance under farm treatment and good feeding. They have been bred each season to a pure-bred Oxford Down ram, and a noticeable improvement is being observed in the progeny, as illustrated in the accompanying plate.

The season of 191 o was not a particularly successful one for the raising of lambs. The lambs raised averaged about -75 to the ewe, and more than two-thirds of these were rams, so that the increase of females to the flock was only five.

EXPEKIMENT IX WII^TEKING BREEDING FLOCK.

An experiment was tried this winter in which alfalfa was compared with mixed hay, consisting chiefly of timothy and Western Rye grass, as a feed for breeding ewes, and also in which an expensive sheep barn was compared with a cheap open shed as a place for wintering these ewes.

The flock was divided as equally as possible into three lots. Two lots were housed in the sheep barn, were each given a small yard in which to run, were only confined in the barn on stormy days, and were always fed inside. The other lot were given an open shed for shelter and were fed entirely out-of-doors. Of the two lots in the slieep barn, one was fed mixed hay and the other alfalfa; the outside lot received alfalfa. All three lots received straw in equal quantities per sheep once a day and were fed a small ration (one-quarter pound per sheep per day) of peas and oats. The hay and the alfalfa were fed in equal quantities per sheep to all lots.

The results are reported in tabular form as follows: —

No. in lot

Total weight on January 9 Lb,

Total weight on March 31 .t

Total gain in 81 days n

A N'erago gain per sheep n

Pounds of mixed hay used i

Pounds of alfalfa used ir

Pounds of straw used n

Pounds of grain used , . ■.

Lot 1.

Open Shed. Fed alfalfa.

16

2,340

2,770

430

26.

8S

Lot 2.

5,670

1,620

324

Sheep Barn. Fed alfalfa.

16

2,035

2,574

439

27

7.42

5,670

1,620

324

Lot 3.

Slieep Ram. Fed hay.

17

2,300

2,675

375

22.06 6,024

1,731 364

DIVISION OF ANIMAL HUSIBANDRT 435

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

It will be observed that the sheep that received alfalfa wintered better than hay- fed sheep. This was shown in their {general appearance, as well as in their weight.

The sheep that were fed in the open shed did practically as well by weight as the lot receiving the same feed inside. In general appearance they looked healthier and more vigorous than either of the other lota. fXote in plates the two buildings referred to in this exijeriment.)

The ewes had not conunenced to lamb at the end of the fiscal year; it is therefore impo.-sihle to report on the lamb crop resulting from the different treatments. Notes will be taken on tliis aspect of the question and the results reported ne.xt year.

No experiments in the winter fattening of lambs or wethers have been conducted this year. The spread between the price of feeders in the fall and the probable price of fat sheep in the spring was not sufficiently great to give inducement. Butchers will give almost as much for a lamb off pasture in the fall as they will for the same lamb the next spring. Under these conditions the raising of lambs is a much more attrac- tive proposition than winter fattening.

Brandon. 16— 28J

436 UXPERIMEXTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

EXPERIMENTAL FARM, INDIAN HEAD, SASK.

REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT, T. J. HARRISON, B.S.A.

SHEEP.

The flock of sheep on the Farm on March 31, 1914, was composed of the folloM-ing: Shi'opshires, one ram, one ram Limb, seven ewes; Grades, eight ewes, four shearling ewes.

During the last year, six ram lambs and one aged ram were sold from the Farm for breeding ijurposes. In October there were purchased four Shroptrhire shearling ewes and one Shropshire sliearling ram to strengthen the flock. These are all of a fine type of Shropshire and shouM aid materially in building iip the flock on this Farm.

Supplementary to the handling of the flock of pure-bred sheep, which is established to procure data regarding the cost of rearing and maintaining sheep in the West, a sheep grading experiment is under way. The object of this test is to discover the possible improvement in regard to mutton and wool qualities by the continuous use of pure-bred rams of the san^e breed on the common ewes of mixed breeding and on their grade female progeny. The foundation flock in this work is the common range ewe, which can be procured quite reasonably in the Avestern portion of this province.

FEEDING EXPEEIMEXTS.

One hundred range lambs were bought last Xovember for the purpose of conduct- ing a feeding exj)eriment during the winter. These were divided into four groups of twenty-five each. The experiment was started on December 1, and completed at the end of sixteen weeks. From the outline below it will be noted that very satisfactory gains were made. However, a loss is reported as there was no margin between the buying and selling prices. The difficulty with feeding lambs during the winter is that it is necessary to buy them in the fall and pay a " lamb " price, and when they are sold in the spring we can only obtain a " sheep " price. In view of this fact it would appear that there is little money made in this line of work. Next season, however, shearlings will be purchased, which are cheaper than the lambs and will sell for the same price in the spring. Below is an outline of the rations fed to the difl^erent groups : —

Group 1. — Oat straw and grain.

Group 2. — Oat straw, mixed hay, and grain.

Group 3. — Oat straw, mixed hay, grain, and turnips.

Group 4. — Oat straw, alfalfa hay, grain, and turnips.

The grain in the above ration was composed of equal parts of oats and barley.

With the ration used in group 1 considerable trouble was experienced in keeping the lambs on their feed. This ration was very binding in its properties. In this group one lamb was lost, through indigestion, and it was found that the lambs required careful watching and needed a laxative from time to time. In group 2 a lamb was also lost, due to stone in the bladder. The lambs in groups 3 and 4 seemed to be quite contented and thrifty.

DlVISIOy OF AyiMAL HUSBAyORT

437

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

A week previous to the coniiueiieenieiit of the experiment the lambs were arranged in their respective jirciiips and fed their proper rations so as to got them accustomed to their feed before the experiment was set in running order. The prices charged for feed in computing the cost are as follows: —

Grain, $20 a ton.

Mixed hay, $10 a ton.

Alfalfa hay. .$10 a ton (not well cured).

Turnius. $2 a »on.

Oat straw, $2 a ton.

Results of Lamb feeding Experiment, 1913-14.

Group 1.

Oat straw and grain (oats and barley in

equal pro- i portions.)

Group 2. Oat straw, mixed hay,

and same grain.

Group 3.

Oat straw,

mixed hay,

same grain,

and

ttimips.

Number of lambs in experiment

II days in .i

Total weight at beginning of exjjeriinent . lb.

II II end of experiment •■

Gain during period (112 days) n

Gain per head n

Gain per day per head n

Amount of grain eaten by lot n

II hay II II II

II alfalfa hay h

II oat straw n

II turnips i

Total cost of feed $

Cost of feed per head $

II II II II )jer day cts.

II II II pound gain cts.

Original cost of lambs $

II II II plus cost of feed S

Total receipts from sale $

Loss on lot $

II lamb cts.

25

112

1,.590

2,030

440

17

3,4o2

6

19

50

1,980-

3(i 58 1 46 ■013A ■08,3,

95 40 131 98 121 SO

10 18

.to

25 112 1,770 2,490 720 28-8 •26 3,662-5 2,362.5

25 112 1,922 2,605 683 27 -3 •25 3.4J2 50 2,187 -5

1,8.55

.oO 20 2 00

•06^

106 20

156 40

149 40

7 00

.28

1,737-5 4,462 -5 51 18 2 04 Olit •07? 115 32 166 50 156 30 10 20 .40

Group 4.

Oat .straw,

alfalfa hay,

same grain,

and

turnips.

25 112 1,970 2,718 748 29 9 •27 3,500^

2,187-5 l,<;27-5 4,4(S-5 51 96 2 07

•06A

119 20

171 16

163 08

8 OS

•32

From the foregoing it will be seen that, though the cost of feed per head in group 1 was the lowest, yet the cost of 1 pound gain was far in excess of any of the others and, as noted before, did not prove very satisfactory. This ration will be continued another season, but an endeavour will be made to have included some laxative food, such as flaxseed meal.

Strange to say, group 2 made better returns than group 3, even though the latter had the advantage of roots to keep their digestive organs in order. This can partly be accounted for by the fact that group 3 went off their feed during the first two weeks of the experiment, when it was attempted to make the root.s and snow suffice without giving water also, since many people believe that sheep require no water. After this happened, all the groups received water and drank a little each da^'. Group 4, getting alfalfa and roots, gave the most satisfactory returns, and compared well in cost of feed per pound gain with group 2.

The conclusions that can be drawn are: (1) There is little profit in lamb feeding because of the difference in price of lamb and shearling; (2) the ration fed group 1, while the cheapest, was not satisfactory and was one of the most expensive when con- sidering the cost per pound gain; (3) for the average farmer who has mixed hay, a ration fed as in group 2 would prove quite satisfactory; (4) where alfalfa is being grown, fattening sheep will respond to this feed most readily.

Indian Head

438 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

EXPERIMENTAL STATION, LACOMBE, ALTA.

REPORT OE THE SUPERINTENDENT, G. H. HUTTON, B.S.A.

SHEEP.

Twenty common range ewes were puraliased in October, and ^ycre mated to a pure-bred Shropshire ram with the object of carrying on a grading up experiment with such sheep as are being generally brought into this country. Lambs from the first and each successive cross will be weighed at birth and periodically thereafter; samples of wool from the foundation flock and from each cross will be taken and data secured as to the effect of such grading on both mutton and wool production.

The cost of carrying these sheep through the winter was If cents per head per day. They consumed 2 pounds of hay at $10 per ton and three-quarters of a pound of oats at 1 cent per pound per head daily.

niVlSIOX OF AXIlllL HiSBlNDRY 439

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

EXPERIMENTAL STATION, LETHBRIDGE, ALTA.

REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT. W. H. FAIRFIELD, M.S SHEEP FEEDING EXPERIMENT.

The work in Iamb feeding was again carried out along similar lines as those fi)llowed during the past two winters with quite satisfactory results.

Two hundred and fifty range lambs and fifty yearling wethers were purchased from A. Green, of Taher, Alta., through Mr. Geo. Kerr. Delivery was taken on October 10. They were run on stubble fields till November 1, when the feeding experiment began.

GENERAL OUTLINE.

The primal object of the experiment was to obtain data regarding the possibility of marketing alfalfa hay profitably through the feeding of range sheep. They were divided into groups of fifty each. The yearlings were put in group I and were fed similarly to group II which was made up of lambs. In every case each group was fed what alfalfa they would clean up at all times. The different lots were fed as follows : —

Group I. — Alfalfa, meal and roots (yearlings). Group II. — Alfalfa, meal and roots (lambs). Group III. — Alfalfa and roots (lambs). Group IV. — Alfalfa and meal (lanAs). Group V. — Alfalfa and screenings (lambs). Group VI. — Alfalfa alone (lambs).

Groups I, II, IV, and V were sold March 15, but Groups III and VI, which were fed respectivel.v alfalfa and roots and alfalfa alone, were carried for a longer period. From March 15 they were fed meal, and were sold May 9, being sheared just previous to this date. The yield of wool averaged 8 pounds per head and sold for IGi cents per pound. The selling price of the four lots sold March 15 was $7 per cwt. with no shrink^ and the price obtained for the two lots sheared was $6.00 per cwt., with no shrink. They were sold in each case to Delaney's Limited, of Lcthbridge.

In calculating the cost of feeding, the fallowing prices were charged: —

Alfalfa hay $12 00 per ton.

Meal — equal parts of wheat, oats, and barley 20 00 "

Screenings 9 00 "

Roots (turnips) 3 00

The quality of the screenings fed this year was particularly good, as they contained in addition to weed seeds a good proportion of cracked wheat.

440

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

GENEEAL STATEMENT.

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

Number of lambs or yearlings in lot at beginning of

period

Kvmiber of lambs or yearlings in lot at end of period

Number of days in experiment

Total weight at beginning of experiment. Lb.

Average weight at beginning of experiment. ... n Total weight at beginning of experiment after

deducting weight of loss n

Total weight at end of experiment n

Gain for period , i

Gain per head for period >>

Gain per liead per day n

Quantity of meal eaten by lot for period. n

Quantity of screenings eaten by lot for period . . h Quantity of alfalfa hay eaten by lot for period. . u

Quantity of roots eaten by lot for period k

Quantity of salt eaten by lot for period .i

Total cost of feed . i$

Cost of feed eaten by the 49, 49, 47, 50, 48 and

4G respectively. i.

f~ost of feed per head for period >,

Cost of feed per head per day ct-:.

Cost to produce 1 |>ound gain

Original cost of yearlings at $5, and lambs at

$3.25 per head , §

Original cost plus cost of feed

Original cost plus cost of shearing at 9 cents per

head, and cost of feed ,.

Selling price at $7 per cwt., live weight

Selling price at .f6.60 per cwt., live weight n

Selling price at $6.60 per cwt., live weight, plus

wool at lU^ cents per lb m

Net profit on group n

Net profit per head n

Group	Group	Group	Group	Group
Year- lings.	II Lambs.	III Lambs.	IV Lambs.	V Lambs.
49	60	50	50	50
49	49	47	50	48
135	135	191	135	135
5,490	3,480	3,451	3.465	3,483
112	69-6	69-2	69 3	69-7
	3,410	3,243		3.344
G,966	5,008	4,735	4,943	4,919
1,410	1,598	1,492	1,487	1,605
28-8	32(T	31 -7	29-7	32-4
•25	•24	•17	-22	■24
5,850	5,648	1,692	5,578	275 7,523 10,243
ifi,325	10,565	18,433	11,520
10,987 103	10,160 103	17,0y5 138
104	101
173 96	135 78	154 54	1^5 94	99 07
173 96	134 60	153 22	125 94	98 94
! 3 55	2 74	3 26	2 52	2 06
' 2 63	203	1-711	1-86	1-52
12-33	8-20	10 27	8-47	616
245 00	159 25	152 75	162 50	156 00
! U8 96	293 85	305 97 310 20	288 44	254 94
483 GO	350 56	346 6i	346 43
		312 51 374 55
64 04	56 71	64 35	57 57	91 19
1 31	1 16	1 37	1 15	1 90

Group

VI Lambs.

50

46

191

3,488 69-8

3,209 4,610 1,401 30-5 16 1,692

22! 644'

103 150 2t

145 46

3 16

1-65

10 38

149 50 294 90

299 10

'364 26"

3G4 98

Go 88

1 42

Lethbridge

hi

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a

C

Xi 3>

C

c s

aa

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lO-lOl.-)-],. 440.

Sic

be

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S as

— bo

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a.

if

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a

DlVISlOy OF AMMAL insnAXDHY

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Average, Three Years' Lamb feeding Experiments.

441

Lot I.

Xuiiiber of lambs or yearlingb in lot at beginning "of

])eriod .

Xunibf-r of lambs or j'earlings in lot at end of period

Xiiinber of days in experiment

Total weight at brgmning cf experiment I^b.

Average weight at beginning of exi)eriment. . . n 'i'dtal wo'glit at lieginnir.g of experiment after

deducting weight of loss i

Total weight at end of experiment n

Ciain for pei-iod i

(Jain i)er head for period n

Gain per head per day n

t^nantity of meal eaten by lot for period i

C^uantitj' of screenings eaten by lot for period.. „ <,^u intiiy of alfalfa hay eaten by lot for period. «

C^iiantity of roots eaten by lot for period u

C/Uiuitity of .salt eaten by lot for period ..

Total cost of feed S

Cost of feed eaten by the 49, IGSS, 48, 40 67,

48 07, and 47, resjjectively S

Cost of feed i)er head for period ... $

Cost of feed per head per day Cts.

Cost to produce one pound gain «

Original cost of sheep $

Original cost ]:lus cost of feed $

Original cost plus cost of shearing and cost of

feed.. S

Selling price S

Net profit on group $

Net proiit per head $

*49-5

40

V2C,

4,037

93-7

4,.o90 5,093 1,304 28-4 •23 5,514

l.'?,.'^75

0,114

52

149-87

149 23

3 05

2 42

10 71

214-38

363 fil

406-80 43 19

Lot II. !Lot III.

47

40-33

121

3,418

72-7

3,308 4,966 1,598 34-5 -29 5,400

49 33

48

140

3,060

74-2

3,504 4,822 1,2.58 20 2 19 1,476

9,921 8,733

14,849 12,730

34	46
122 27	118-17
121 11	117 53
2-01	2-45
216	1-75
7-58	9 34
1.51 -74	1.59 68
272-85	277-21

320-55

47-70

1-03

278 02

325 73

47-11

•98

Lot IV.lLot V.

Lot VL

50

49 07

121

3.739

74-8

3,713 5,180 1,407 29-5 •24 5,747

11,447

35 122-51

122 04

2-46

203

8-32

165 94

287 S8

40 ,33

4S-07

121

3,686

74-7

3,640

5,018

1.378

28-3

-23

92

6,303

11,038

34 84 18

84-14

1-73

1-43

6 11

101 09

245-83

334-04

46-66

•94

324 88

79 05

1-02

49-33

47

140

3,701 75 0

3,531 4,012 1,111 23 0 -17 3,070

15.842

34 111 52

108-91 2 32 1 06

0 80 156-58 265 49

200-87

314-01

4714

1 00

*This lot has only been fed two years.

SOME DEDUCTIONS.

As the prime object of the tests was to get some idea as to the price that could be obtained for alfalfa hay when fed to lambs, the figures given below will be of interest. The meal, roots, and screenings are charged at the price? mentioned, and all the i)rnfit is credited to alfalfa hay. The cost of labour is omitted, for the amount involved in experimental feeding when such small lots are fed in each case is so much greater than would be the case when a farmer would be feeding on a more extensive scale, that it is hardly comparable. However, it miglit be safe to assume that it would not be much greater than the cost of baling and delivering to cars in ca>e a farmer \va3 selling his hay outright.

Price obtained for alfalfa hay when all the profit is credited to it : —

Gioup.

I II

I'l .

IV . V .

VI .

Alfalfa hay per ton. $19 85 22 80 18 90 21 99 29 86 IS 25

$131 65

Average price.

$21 95

The average price obtained for alfalfa hay when computed in the same manner for the past three years for all lots fed is $19.49 per ton.

VALUE OF ROOTS.

The relatively small increase in gains of the lots fed roots would indicate that under our conditions it is not particularly profitable to raise them for this purpose.

LETIIBRlDtiE

442 ~ EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

■ 5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

EXPERIMENTAL FARM, AGAS3IZ, B.C.

REPOUT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT, P. H. MOORE, B.S.A.

SHEEP.

This year there were kept through the season eighteen ewes eligible to raise lambs. Two ewes would not breed and two died of pneumonia. The old ram was sold at the close of the breeding season.

The results this year from the flock are not as good as the previous year, although from a money-making point of view, the. flock may have been more profitable than before. The whole flock ran to pasture the entire year and ate pasture that would otherwise have gone to waste. They were fed hay for eight days in February, and some at lambing time. The entii-e flock consumed 840 pounds, making a total cost of 30 cents per sheep for hay. Even with feeding such as this, the sheep became very fat, and trouble at lambing time resulted. Tw» ewes would not breed, two died of pneumonia early in the season ; one was a sheei) that had an attack last year, and the other was a fresh case. Both cases came on in good weather and the cause could not be ascertained.

At lambing time, some of the lambs were born deformed, some had not strength to get up, and others were blind. From all these causes, the mortality in the lambs was high. The lambing results of the season are as follows : —

Total number of ewes 14

Total number of lambs dropped 26

Total number of lambs dropped per ewe 1'84

Total number of lambs raised 16

Average number of lambs raised per ewe 1-14

Per cent of lambs raised 61.5%

One of the ewes raised a pair of lambs in the autumn of 1913, but they are not counted in the above. She also had a strong lamb in March, 1914. Two other ewes had lambs in the autuimi but did not raise them.

The wool from the flock was of good quality and quantity. The heaviest fleece was 11-1 pounds, from a yearling, and the lightest was 4-5 pounds, from the ewe which raised the two sets of lambs. The average for the flock was 7-28 pounds per ewe.

No experimental work was done on account of not having sufficient housing accommodation.

nniswN OF AxniAL husbaxdry 443

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

SWINE.

CENTRAL EXPERIMENTAL FARM, OTTAWA, ONT.

REPORT OF THE DOMINION ANIMAL HUSBANDMAN,

E. S. ARCHIBALD, B.A.. B.S.A.

- There are 217 head of swine of all breeds and ages now on the Central Experi- mental Farm. These are used for experimental breeding, feeding, and housing, as well as for sales of high-class breeders at a reasonable figure. The breeds kept are "Berk- shire, Tamworth, and Yorkshire.

The Berkshires are 37 in number, including 18 breeding sows, 17 young pigs and 2 boars.

The Tamworths are 31 in number, including 10 breeding sows, 19 young pigs and 2 boars.

The Yorkshires are llt> in number, including 31 breeding sows, 110 young pigs and 5 boars.

The main piggery, erected in 1910, continues to give excellent satisfaction in all respects, both for experimental feeding work and also in its uses for farrowing season, feed rooms, and the like. The housing of brood sows, during both winter and summer, in the single-board cabins has also continued to give good results.

The increasing sales and demand from individual farmers and agricultural societies for young breeding pigs may again be reported, and is a healthy indication of the added interest of the farmers, both in the Experimental Farms and in the swine industry.

The experimental feeding work, together with general supervision of the breeding operations, was conducted by Mr. D. D. Gray, to whom special credit is due for the returns, which are quite satisfactory considering the crowded condition of the build- ings.

PIG FEEDING EXPEFJMEXT.

In October, 1913, a pig feeding experiment was started to determine the value of various grains fed in different ways, with and without supplements; this being, in part, a continuation of the work carried on in the fiscal year ending March 31' 1913. The object of this experiment was: (1 ) to determine the value of the hog motor grinder; (2) the value of dry feeding versus slop feeding; (3) tlie value of home-grown grains alone versus supplements; (1) the value of milk as a sui)plement to grain; and (5) the value of roots as a suppU-ment to grain. The home-grown grains chosen were barley, oats, and wheat, mixed in varying proportions. Six lots of pigs were started on this experiment. However, owing to the fact that the pigs on the hog motor grinder did not seem to have as fair a chance as the others, and owing to the fire which destroyed the cattle barns, this experiment was discontinued, but will be taken up again on a more complete scale during the coming fiscal year.

444 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE V.,^A. 1915 SOW FEEDING EXPEEIMENT.

Although the main piggery was, during the winter, utilized for calf feeding, yet experimental work with the brood sows housed in single-board cabins was quite possible.

A great deal of work, with more or less indefinite results, along the lines of feeding of tankage to pigs, has been carried on by individual farmers and experiment stations throughout America. A series of experiments has been outlined on the Central Experi- m.ental Farm and branch Farms and Stations toward the determination of the value of tankage fed to both sows and litters, and both as an addition to the regular feed and as a supplement to some of the foodstviffs which in many cases are not available to the average farmer. A start was made in this work in the fall of 1913, and although only a small proportion of this first experiment has, as yet, reached completion, yet a brief sunnnary of results will show the line of work started and results to date. How- ever, it nmst be held in mind that this is only a part of one year's experiment, which, even though com.plete for one period, will be altogether too incomplete for definite conclusions.

Objects of Experoiext.

The objects of this first experiment with tankage were to determine the value of tankage fed to in-pig sows as an influence on the condition of the sow during preg- nancy, the condition of the litters at birth, and the influence on the milking qualities of the sow during the first eight weeks after parturition.

Plan of Exteri.mext.

Two pens of eight brood sows each were set aside for this work. These sows were of uniform nature, both as to age, weight, general type, and breeding qualities.

Pen J. v^•iis to be fed the regular winter meal mixture, namely, a combination of wheat bran and shorts, varying with the advancing season.

Pen II. was to be fed the regular meal mixture, as pen I., with the exception that one-third (33 per cent in weight) of this mixture was replaced by tankage.

In both pens meal was fed in the same way, and each pen was to receive approxi- mately the same amount of water, roots, clover hay, and skim-milk when available.

The regular winter meal for brood sows consisted of a mixture of bran, two parts, and shorts, one part, from December 1 until February 1, and a mixture of bran, two parts, and shorts, two parts, for the second period, namely, from February 1 until farrowing.

Although it is the practice on the Central Experimental Farm to add other in- gredients after farrowing in order to make a somewhat more concentrated ration for nursing sows, yet the above mixtures were continued until eight w?eks after farrowing, in order to give comparative results as to the tankage. Samples of meals were taken for chemical analyses, which will be reported on when this line of experimental work has reached greater dimensions.

Valuation of Foodstuffs.

The following valuations were placed on the meals and forages consumed: —

Bran $20 00 per ton.

Shorts 23 00

Tankage (protein, 60 per cent; fat, 8 per cent; fibre, 6 per

cent) 50 00

Roots 2 00

Ottaava.

DIVISION OF AMMAL Ui.SBAMJiri

445

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

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Ottawa.

446 i:XPERIMEXTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v.. A. 1915 DEDUCTIONS FROM EXPERISIEN'T.

Xo definite deductions could be drawn from a one-year experiment, and especi- ally where so few individuals were included. However, many interesting facts may be noted in the above tables, which might be summarized as follows : —

1. The tankage-fed sows (pen II) did not consume as much meal as pen I, where no tankage was fed. By comparing the weights of the two pens of sows throughout the experiment it will be noticed that all sows were practically of the same weight at each stage of the experiment, and that the proportionate loss of weight per sow in the advanced stage of lactation was practically uniform in each case.

2. The natural deduction from such comparative figures would be that any varia- tion in the increasing weight of the litters would be due to the milk-producing pro- perties of the meals consumed by the sows during nursing period.

3. Undoubtedly the mortality in all litters was much higher than should be. This, however, was due, in all cases except sow No. 1 of pen No. 1, to the carelessness on the part of the sow several days after the pigs were farro we'd. Undoubtedly the aver- age pig from the tankage-fed sows was more rugged than the average pig from the sows which received no tankage. By a comparison of the weights of litters at farrow- ing, at four weeks of age, and at eight weeks of age it will be noticed that the average pig in pen I weighed 2-44 pounds at birth, 11-4 pounds at four weeks of age, and 19-7 pounds at eight weeks of age, while the average pig in pen II weighed 2-42 pounds at birth, Voi> pounds four weeks after farrowing, and 25-3 i^ounds eight weeks after farrowing. •

4. From the above figures it will be noted that there was practically no differ- ence in the average pigs at birth, which is somewhat contrary to the .results of experiments reported from various experiment stations throughout America. How- ever, the more rapid increase in weight of the small pigs during the nursing period would warrant a continuation of this experiment, and a more complete study from this and other viewpoints.

5. It will be noticed that the cost of feeding pen I amounted to $10.89 per sow for the 17G days on experiment, while the cost of feeding pen II amounted to $14.07 per sow for the 163 days on experiment. Although the tankage is, when fed in these proportions, expensive for the feeding of brood sows, yet in the above instance the difference in cost, was more than counterbalanced by the greater ruggedness of litters, lower percentage of mortality, and the increased weight of litters at eight weeks of age. This, however, is but the result of one experiment.

A repetition of this experiment, together with the several lines of experimental work in the use of tankage and other meals in the feeding of young pigs, is already under way and more complete data along the , lines of this foodstuff will be available for publication in the near future.

Readers are particularly referred to the report of the Dominion Chemist, Mr. F. T. Shutt, in which may be found the chemical analyses of the foodstuffs under experi- ment .

Ottawa.

DITISIOS OF 1\IM1L nUSBANDRY 447

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 i

EXPERLMENTAL FARM, NAPPAN, N. S.

REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT, W. W. BAIRD, B.S.A.

BREEDIiSTG SWTXE.

In the spring of 1912-1'5 there were only tive hreodiiig swine at this Station, hence it was decided to increase them to ten, adding two Berkshire and three Yorkshire sows, so at present there are: Three Berkshire sows, one Berkshire boar, five Yorkshire sows, one Yorkshire boar.

The Berkshires are all in good shape and are exoeUent pigs.

Two of the Yorkshire sows are getting somewhat aged, and will be disposed of. The other three are young, in fact, just a year old, and are developing into three very fine sows.

During the season of 191;j only fair success was met with in the litters. The Berkshire sow only gave a litter of six, and lost one. One of the Yorkshires gave a nice litter of eleven, but was a very clumsy mother, and tramped and laid on five. Tlie other Yorkshire sow gave only five and killed two of those, so that there were but few to dispose of.

x\s the present piggery is not at all suitable for pigs, it was decided to build four colony houses for housing boars and sows. The accompanying plate will show the structure of these cabins.

During last winter all sows and boars were wintered in tliese houses except for just a short period. While there was a little more feed and labour connected with it, we found that the sows wintered in excellent shape and were in good condition at farrow- ing time. They were moved into warmer quarters a week or more before farrowing date. This allowed them to get accustomed to the quarters and feed inside.

For the greater part of the time, they received shorts and bran, with cracked corn when it could be had, in the following amounts: shorts 2^ ; bran 1; cracked corn lA: by weight, or, when shorts and bran only were used, it was shorts 3 and bran 1.

The following is a financial statement of the piggery: —

FiNANC^iAF, Statement of Piggery for 1913-14.

Sales during the year $172 18

Value of manure 6 00 ^

Value of pigs on hand April 1. 1914 . 300 00

$478 18

Cost of feed and bedding $19S 94

Cost of labour 164 25

Cost of nsw stock 55 00

Value of stock on hand April 1, 1913 12.) 00

$543 19 Net balance against pigs ■ $6=' ^^

^OTE. — The reasons for there being a balance against the pigs are: First, the number was too small to warrant full time for one man, yet the time spent on these is sufficient to attend to twice or even three times as many more; Second, the bad luck with the litters last season; Third, the addition of new stock.

448

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

FEEDING SWINE.

Not having any facilities for carrying on any experiments in feeding, no work was done along this line. Four of the small pigs which were not sold were fed on a mixture of shorts and cracked corn for the respective periods, as per table of food consumed. Below is a statement of returns and profits: — "

Number of Pigs.	Time Fed.	Meal.	Cost of feed.
2	July 27, 1913, to March 2, 1914, 218 days	1,424 1,3G4	$21.79
2	May 21, 10] 3, to December 19, 1913, 212 days	20.87
	2,788	$ 42 .OG

EXPEXiDITURE.

First pair, cost of feed consumed. . Second pair, cost of feed consumed.

Laboiir

Cost of four pigs at $3

RETURNS.

First pair, 390 pounds pork at 12 cents per pound. . . . Second pair, 388 pounds pork at 131 cents per pound. .

$21	79
20	87
30	00
12	00

Net balance

$84 66

$16 80 52 38

$99 18 $14 52

Ottawa.

Pi ATE \LI\'

Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa. Sows on Pasture. The shelters are the same

in which brood sows are wintered.

16— 1915— p. 448.

DIVISION OF AM-VAL IILi,IiA.\Dliy 449

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

EXPERIMENTAL STATION, CAP ROUGE, QUE.

REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT, GUS. A. LANGELIER.

S^VIXE.

There are only three sows ou the Farm, pure-bred Yorkshires. The piggery is to be transformed into a sheep barn and, pending the construction of a new building, it will be impossible to keep many hogs. A boar from this Station made the highest price, in October, 1913, of any hog at the sale of the Provincial Department of Agri- culture at Quebec. As soon as proper accommodation is available, a larger herd of Yorkshires will be established and feeding tests will be started.

16—29

450 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

EXPERIMENTAL STATION, STE. ANNE DE LA

POCATIERE, QUE.

REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT, JOS. BEGIN.

SWINE.

During the past fiscal year, a small start was made in swine operations in the transfer of an excellent Yorkshire boar and- two first-class yearling Yorkshii-e sows from the Experimental Station, Cap Rouge, Que., to this Station. During tht past winter, accommodations for these individuals were most inconvenient; nevertheless the spring litters from these sows were fairly good.

A modern, inexpensive, but complete piggery is anticipated during the coming year, in which feeding experimental work with swine will be conducted. At such time as more ample accommodations are available, the swine breeding work will also be considerably enlarged, as this department of the live stock industry, for this dis- trict of Quebec, deserves immediate attention.

DIVISIOX OF IXIMIL HUSBAyDRY 461

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 ^

EXPERIMENTAL FARM. BRANDON, MAN.

REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT, W. C. McKILLICAN, B.S.A.

SWINE.

There are 37 swine on tlii.s Farm on March 31, 1914. They are divided as fol- lows: Yorkshire, 1 boar, 5 brood sows and 4 young pigs; Berkshire, 1 boar, 2 brood sows and 3 young pigs ; experimental feeders, 21.

Four Yorkshire boars and four Yorksliire sows have been sold to farmers for breeding purposes. As no stock boar of the Berkshire breed was on hand until late in the season, the Berkshire sows were bred to the Yorkshire boar and the crossbred offspring used for pork production. The surplus Yorkshire young pigs were used in the same way.

SWINE FEEDING EXPERIMENT.

BARLEY VS. OATS VS. SHORTS.

A feeding test was conducted in which oats, barley, and shorts were compared as winter feeds for the production of pork. The pigs used averaged between 65 find 70 pounds at the start of the test.

Lot 1 received ground oats as the main portion of their feed; lot 2 received ground barley; and lot 3 received shorts. All three lots received one part of feed flour to three parts of the principal meal fed. All received a small ration of mangels — from 2 to 3 pounds per pig per day. These feeds were charged against them at the follow- ing rates: Oats, 30 cents per bushel; barley, 40 cents per bushel; feed flour, $2S per ton; mangels, $3 per ton.

The lot that were fed shorts became crippled and went very badly off feed early in the test, consequently that part of the experiment had to be dropped. Some of the pigs in the other lots showed a tendency in the same direction, but the majority did well and even the poorer ones did not get seriously wrong.

The individual and average gains per month and for the whole period are as follows : —

16— 29J

452

EXPEBIMENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915 Lot 1. — Fed Ground Oats (with Feed Flour and Mangets).

PiR.	Weight Nov. 27.	Weight Dec. 27. Lb. 62 86 96 91 101 98 103	Weight Jan. 27.	Weight Feb. 27.	Weight March 27;	Gain in 4 months.
No. 942	Lb. 45 66 67 64 73 70 . 72	Lb. 75 102 117 105 115 116 118	Lb. 89 113 130 124 122 120 133	Lb. 113 128 143 149 143 133 154	Lb. 68
No. 943	62
No. 944	76
No. 945 No. 946	85 70
No. 94o	C3
No. 941	82
Total Average per pig	457 65 f	637 91	748 106f	831 118?	96.3 137^	506 72?

Lot 2. — Fed Ground Barley (with Feed Flour and Mangels).

Pig.	Weight Nov. 27.	Weight Dec. 27.	Weight Jan. 27.	Weight Feb. 27.	Weight March 27.	Gain in 4 months.
No.947 No.948	Lb. 73 79 80 50 62 68 45	Lb. 107 116 95 7C 94 97 65	Lb. 125 132 111 86 114 111 81	Lb. 128 J "3 145 103 139 124 100	Lb. 150 146 158 131 174 139 122	Lb. 77 67
No. 949	78
No. 950	81
Nc. 951 . No. 952 No. 953	112 71 77
Total	457 65?	644 92	760 108*	882 126'	1,020 145?	563
Averaere uer uiEr	802

Lot 3. — Fed Shorts (with Feed Flour and Mangels).

Tig.	Weight Nov. 27.	Weight Dec. 27.	Weight Jan. 27.	Weight Feb. 27.	Weight Mar. 27.
No 893	Lb. 88 68 65 61 65 70 69	Lb. 112 96 97 87 91 97 95	Lb. 114 115 105 97 90 112 102	Lb.	Lb.
No. 95^
No 95.">
No. 95(i No. 957 ■
No. 95S
No. 959
	486	675	735
A vf^mee Der Difir -	69?	96?	105

Pigs became crippled and went off their feed during January; the method of feed-

ing was changed on January 31 in order to try to restore their health.

Brandon

DiriHIO^ OF ANIMAL HUSBANDRY

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Summary of Results.

453

No. of pigs in lot

Weight at start of test November 27, 1913 Lb.

Weight at end of test March 27. 1914 „

Gain in four months

(iain per pig per day i

Total amount of oats fed n

Total amount of barley fed n

Total amount of feed flour fed n

Total amount of mangels fed

Total cost of feed ..... S

Cost of feed per 100 pounds gain in weight §

Lot 1.

Lot. 2.

7	7
457	457
9G3	1,020
50G	563
6	•67
1,638
1,638
548	548
l/il'i	1,010
23 61	22 84
4 66	4 03

This experiment would indicate that, whatever may be the value of the shorts for milking sows and freshly weaned pigs, it is not a satisfactory winter feed for half- grown pigs unless it is fed in combination with some coarse lighter feed, such as ground barley or oats. When fed alone or with feed flour it induced digestive troubles and crippling. Last year's results were corroborative of thid conclusion.

In comparing oats and barley, results are not very conclusive, but in as far as they give any evidence are in favour of barley, for the production of larger and cheaper gains.

FEEDING TWICE A DAY VS. THREE TIMES.

A feeding test was conducted in which feeding pigs three times a day was com- pared with feeding twice a day. The pigs were Yorkshires and grade Yorkshires. The test was started on November 27 and was completed on February 27, when the pigs were ready for market. Lot 4 weighed 117| pounds average per pig at the start, and lot 5 weighed 120^ pounds average. Both lots received 3 pounds of barley chop and 1 pound of feed flour per pig per day part of the period, and 4^ pounds of barley chop ,and IJ pounds of feed per pig per day the rest of the time. Both lots received about 2 to 3 pounds of mangels per pig per day. These feeds were charged at the fol- lowing rates: Barley, 40 cents per bushel; feed flour, $28 per ton; mangels, $3 per ton. The following are the gains made per month and for the whole period : —

Lot 4. — Fed Twice a Day.

rip.	Weight Nov. 27,	Weight Dec. 27.	Weight Jan. 27.	Weight Feb. 27.	Gains in 3 month.
No. 891 No 8!»2	Lb. 139 113 132 87	Lb. 188 175 195 119	Lb. 205 185 213 131	Lb. 241 228 260 160	Lb. 102 115
No. 891 No. S95	128 7.S
Total	471	677	734	889	418
A verage i>er pig	1173	lG9j	lS3i	222i 104i
				Bf	lA^•DON

454

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

Lot 5. — Fed Three Times a Day.

Pig.	Weight Nov. 27.	Weight Deo. 27.	Weight Jan. 27.	Weight Feb. 27.	Gain in 3 months.
No. 896 No. 897	Lb. 118 1.3 135 '.)8	Lb. 165 177 175 146	Lb. 202 210 205 180	Lb. 217 231 240 197	Lb 99 100
No. 898	105
No. 8l)9	99
Total . ,'	4S2 1201	663	797	885	403
1
Averasre Der nier	16.5-2	199i	22\\	1002

Summary of Eesults.

Number of pigs in lot

Weight at start of test November 27, 1913 Weight at end of test February 27, 1914 . .

Gain in three months

Gain per pig per day

Tptal amount of barley fed

Total amount of f ted Hour fed

Total amount of mangels fed

Total cost of feed

Cost of feed per 100 pounds gain in weight.

The results would indicate that there is no advantage in feeding pigs of this size more frequently than twice a day. A single experiment is never conclusive, but similar experiments elsewhere tend, on the whole, to corroborate this conclusion.

The ration used, viz., 3 parts of ground barley to 1 part of feed flour to 2 parts of mangels, is one that gives rapid and cheaply produced gains with pigs of the size used in this experiment.

PIGGERY.

The accompanying plans of piggery erected at the Experimental Farm, Brandon, Man., during the summer of 1913, are for the most part self-explanatory. However, a few added notes regarding the same may make these more comprehensive.

This piggery is 82 feet long, 32 feet wide and with a 13-foot post above founda- tion wall. A wing 15 feet wide and 32 feet long gives ample accommodation for feed room, stairways, meal room, etc., with a root cellar below. The dimensions inside the piggery are as follows: passage, 6 feet wide; pens, 10 by 12 feet; feed room, 20 by 22 feet; and ceiling, 9 feet clear. In each of the pens is a small sleeping pen of the dimension 6 by 7 feet. In each of the farrowing pens is a guardrail composed of 2-inch iron pipe set 12 inches above the cement floor and 10 inches out from the wall. The troughs are of concrete and are 6 inches deep and 10 inches wide, inside measure- ments. The pen fronts are 8 inches high next the maiii passage and 10 inches high in pens, and are on the same level as the top of foundation wall.

Brandon

DIVISIOX OF AXIM'IL HUSBAXDRY 455

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

FOUNDATION,

The foundation wall about the piggery is of eoncrote, same being 12 inches thick. Cement bolts were inserted in the cement wall with which to bolt down the sill. This cement foundation wall extends above the floor of pen.s to a height of 10 inches, 3nd extends 2 feet below the grade line outside of building. This wall stands on a 12- by 15-inch coi^crete footing. Within the piggery a 4-inch cement wall supports the division, with somewhat heavier buttresses at corners of pens carrying the posts.

FLOORS,

The floors throughout this building are of concrete, excepting the floor of feed

room over root cellar. xVll floors have ample drainage. Underneath floor of main

\ passage is an 8-inch drain running lengthwifee of the building, into which a 4-inoh

drain empties from each pair of pens. The floors of pens were given a rough finish,

and the floor of main passage crowned 1 inch and rolled to give a rough finish.

LEVELS AND GRADES.

The floors of pens are 2 inches lower at the front than the level of main passage. The fronts of pens are 8 inches above the passage level next pens. The passage has a crown of 1 inch to centre. On the edge of passage, directly against the concrete pen fronts, is a gutter 2 inches wide, this grading alternately for each pair of pens, passing through the pen fronts and emptying into the 4-inch drain of each pair of pens. The floor of pens falls towards centres 2 inches in 3 feet from passage, from which there is a rise of 1 inch in 2 feet and 2 inches to the rear of pen. Each pair of pens drains to. the 4-inch drain placed in the division between the two pens.

SUPERSTRUCTURE.

The superstructure is made of 2- by 6-inch planking throughout, excepting the joists and girths which are made of 2- by 10-inch planking. The walls are most economically constructed, as follows: On the outside of posts and studs is one ply of building paper, covered by vertical planed boards with battens over cracks. On the inside of posts and studs is a layer of specially prepared building paper called " Lino- felt," covered by -^-inch sheathing in the piggery below but not in the loft. All divi- sions between pens are of 1^-inch matched sheathing topped with grooved and bevelled header. A sliding door crossing the main passage at the south side of feed room completely shuts off one-half of the piggery, thus allowing the maintenance of higher temperature in the portion set aside for farrowing sows.

LIGHT.

As per illustration, all the light possible is installed in this piggery, in order to get it perfectly sanitary and cheerful. Although this necessitates storm windows for winter, yet a much moi'e sanitary piggery for breeding purposes is the result.

VENTILATION.

The ventilation is of the Rutherford system. Each pair of pens has a fresh-air intake which brings the fresh air in 3 feet above floor. The foul-air outlets run from the ceiling of feed passage through the loft to the cupolas on roof. These outlets are made of two ply i-inch matched sheathing with dead air space between in order to prevent condensation. Both incoming and outgoing air are controlled by dampers in ventilators,

/ Brandon

456

EXPEBIMENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v.. A. 1915

COm'ENIENCES.

Underneath the feed room is a root ceHar with a capacity of approximately 2,000 bushels, with adequate ventilation for the same. The piggery is fitted with a litter carrier in order to facilitate the cleaning out of pens. Meal bins, with hopper- shaped bottoms, are installed over feed room, from which chutes convey the meal to the feed room below. A feed cooker is installed in the feed room, the same fitted with the necessary hoods, counter- weights, steam outlets, etc., in order to keep the piggery as free from steam and as dry and wholesome as possible.

A sink is also installed in the feed room for the washing of pails, etc.

A manure pit, 10 by 12 feet. 2 feet in depth, will eventually be placed at the end of piggery, but only in order to keep clean the location of the manure cart.

Brandon

Plaik XLV

^5

I

<

16— 1915-p. 456.

/

>

1-3

<

16— 1915— p. 456.

DiriSlOy OF AyiMAL El\'iBAyDRY 457

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

EXPERLArENTAL FAR:\I, INDIAN HEAD, SASK.

REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT, T. J. HARRISON, B.S.A.

SWINE.

At this date the herd of swine on the Indian Head Experimental Farm consists of one Yorkshire boar, four Yorkshire sews and one Berkshire sow., The Berkshire boar was sold to the bntcher some weeks ago for the reason that his usefulness was past.

During the year a number of young pigs were sold to farmers for breeding purposes. The follov.-jng is a list of the animals sold: four Yorkshire boars and three Yorkshire sows. In this connection it may be well to note that the demand greatly' exceeded the supply.

A very fair type prevails in the herd of bacon hogs, the Yorkshires being headed by a boar of splendid quality .':nd conformation, and it is hoped iha't in the near futu:''e a Berkshire of eoual standing may be procured. With the present equipment any extensive feeding experinlents are impossible. The only work done in this connection was a test in regard to feeding sows in the piggery and outside in cabins. Two sows were kept in a single-board 6- by 8-foot cabin all winter, and thrived exceedingly well, one of them having already given birth to a healthy but small litter. Those kept inside were not imder good conditions as the old piggery is dark and poorly ventilated. From the results so far it would seem to indicate that brood sows can be housed outside during the winter quite satisfactorily. With a more up-to-date piggery s-.nd a larger number of sows something more definite along this line may, during another season, be undertaken.

458 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

EXPERIMENTAL STATION, LACOMBE, ALTA.

EEPOET OF THE SUPERINTENDENT, G. H. HUTTON, B.S.A.

SWINE.

Two pure breeds of hogs are kept, viz., Yorkshire and Berkshire. Six sows are being kept over and were wintered at a cost of 1.86 cents per head daily. These sows, Jiowever, ran in the corrals and no doaibt secured a part of their ration there. What they got in this way would not be very great, as the stock in the corrals were fed finely-ground grain. It is hoped that we will be in a position next year to increase the number of sows kept.

The Yorkshire boar "Summerhill Gentleman 5th — 3920G", farrowed November 2, 1912, now weighs, in moderate condition, 665 poimds.

The following table shows the cost of a litter of pigs farrowed November 9, 1912, and marketed at $8.65 per hundred on May 1, 1913. Though these pigs were produced on the Farm they were charged up at $3.50 each at weaning: —

Six pigs at weaning at $3.50 each $21 00

2,095 pounds chop at 1 cent per pound 20 95

200 pounds bran at $1.35 per cwt 2 70

5,000 pounds skim-milk at 20 cents per cwt 10 00

Total cost $54 65

1,085 pounds pork at $S.65 per cwt $93.85

Total profit 39 20

$93 85 $93 85

Profit per hog, $6.53.

A number of pigs were sold for breeding purposes during the year.

DIVISION OF ANIMAL nUSDAXDRT 459

SESSIONAL PAP'^R No. 16

EXPERIMENTAL FARM, AGASSIZ, B.C.

REPORT 0? THE SUPERINTENDENT, P. H. MOORE, B.S.A.

BREEDING WORK.

During this year the breeding stock of Yorkshire hogs has been greatly increased. There are at present twenty-seven head of breeders (one aged boar and two young ones, eight sows over 1 year, and sixteen sows 1 year or under). There will also be a number raised from the summer litters to still iufreaso the herd and to roplaee some of the old sows that are becoming worn out.

xVll the young stock shows an improvement in both size and type on the older material. The breeding stock has all been kept in the " A "-shaped colony houses during the year, with the exception of two weeks at farrowing time. This method has proved most satisfactory, particularly for young, growing sows. These cots were tried, in a few cases, for farrowing sows, but they did not prove satisfactory for winter conditions. The greatest loss was with hea\y, old sows, and, on the average, 40 j,; cent of llie pigs farrowed were killed. No losses were experienced when the pigs have been farrowed in the piggery and put into the cots at two weeks of age; "the young pigs grow stronger and the sows keep in better health than when they are kept in the piggery a longer period. The sows are all given pasture or mangels, according to the season, and they get a meal mixture of barley, peas, oats, and shorts. At times they get a little skim-milk, which, even in small quantities, is most beneficial.

The young pigs are weaned at 8 or 10 weeks, but are taught to feed on skim-milk and shorts when 3 weeks old, and, by the time they are taken from the sows, they seldom or never stop gaining.

The demand for breeding stock has been strong this year, so strong that the proportion of orders filled is not known. All surplus stock that was of the best quality were sold, and any inferior pigs were put into feeding pens.

Three grade Yorkshire sows were kept to breed pigs for the experimental work. They were good, young sows, and produced well, but pure-breds of the same age were more profitable. They were sold at the close of the year. There has not been any disease or loss from disease in the breeding stock this year.

The following short table will give in condensed form the work of the sows over 1 year old. Slightly better results were obtained in winter than in summer. The second table gives the food cost per pig weaned at 60 days and raised in winter. Tl;.^ figures were taken from the performance of two sows 2 years old. They were started, after weaning a litter, very thin in Hesh, and at farrowing time they were in excellent condition. They were kept in a paddock and housed in a cot. The winter was mild and some food was obtained from the paddock, which is not accounted for in the t: ' '•'. Further work of a similar nature is being done to got the average of a greater number of sows and litters.

460

EXPEKIMESTAL FARMS

Table Ia.

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

Year.	Number of sows.	Number of litters.	Number of pigs farrowed.	Average number farrowed.	Number of pigs raised.	Average number raised	Per ren*. raised.
.				per sow.		per sow.
							%
1913-14.	8	14	151	10-78	11.')	8-2	76- 1
Summer I'tters.	6	7	71	10 14	54	7-7	76-05
Winter litters. ..	7	7	80	11-4	61	8-7	76 25

Table Ib.

	Age.	Snn.mer litters.	Winter litters.
Sow number.	Number farrowed.	Number raised.	Number farrowed.	Number raised.
	Years.
2 3 10 11 12 13	G 4 2 2 1-5 1-5 12 12	18 11 12 9 7	!i 8 10 6 7	10 11 12 10 1.3 14	8 5 11 9 10 s
17	14	14
19	10	10
		71	54	80	61

Table No 2.

Food cost to keep a sow and raise young pigs in winter. Average of two sows, each 2 years old: —

Sow —

Tmie from weaning summer litter to farrowing, 126 days. Ration — $ cts. $ cts.

Shorts, one-half ; peas, oats and barley, one-half ; 480 pounds at

13 c';nt 6 24

Skiir.-milk, 250 pounds at -25 cent 62

Mangels (whole) 30Ci pounds at ' 25 cent 75 7 61

Time from farrowing to wcaninr/ — 60 daps —

Mixed grain (shorts, peas, oats, and barley), 336 pounds at 1 Scent.. . 4 30

Skim-milk, 140 pounds at 25 cent 35

Mangels (whole), 560 pounds at ' 25 cent 1 40 6 11

• Yowig pif/s while with sow —

Skim-milk, 350 pounds at '25 cent 0 87

Wheat shorts, 70 pounds at 13 cent 91 178

Total cost of food for sow and litter 15 50

Average number of i)igs raised, ten.

Average cost per pig raised 1 55

Agassiz

DIVISION OF ANIMAL Hi'SBAXDIiY 461

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

LXPERIMENT ON THE EFFECTS OF FEEDING RICE-MEAL TO FATTEN- ING HOGS.

In the annual report for the year ending ^lareh 31, 1913, some preliminary experi- ments were described on the value of rice-meal as a food for swine.

This work was undertaken in response to numerous inquiries received from this section of the province concerning this food, it being evidoiit that large quantities of rice-nical were being sold to farmers. The work done was of a preliminary nature and was necessarily not conclusive; but it indicated that further careful experiment was both desirable and necesi?ary in order to prove: Firstly, whether this food was a profit- able one for farmers to feed to pigs; and secondly, what was its effect on animal nutrition.

With these two main objects in view, a number of experiments have been carried on for the past twelve months. Twenty-five pens of four pigs each, a total of one hundred pigs, have been fed. The feeding period varied from fifty-seven days to one hundred days, but the majority of the pens were fed for the last-named period. Tlie pigs used were, as nearly as possible, of uniform size, age, and condition for oiu.-li experiment. In every case the best pigs were put on the rice-meal or mixture and the poorer ones used for controls.

All the pigs on the experiment were given every attention that our condition would permit. They were kept in rough, but light, clean, well-bedded, and well- ventilated pens. The pens were cleaned out every day and fresh straw was put in. They were fed three times a day, and were given clean water to drink at will. Green food, such as mangels, peas, oats and vetches, and green clover, was supplied every day. Three times each week, every pen was supplied with a liberal, quantity of a mixture of soil, wood-ashes, charcoal, and salt. This mixture was greatly enjoyed by all the pigs.

The pigs used were very ordinary in breeding and condition. Grade and cross- bred pigs were bought and these were supplemented from our own litters by pure-bred ones that were not first-class breeding stock. They were always so arranged as to make the x^^ns as uniform as possible.

In all the work now reported, rice-meal when fed in mixtures was used half and half with other meals, except alfaKa and dried blood. These last named foods were used in an endeavour to replace skim-milk. Dried blood at $60 per ton, and ground alfalfa at $28 per ton were both very expensive substitutes for skim-milk.

Thirteen pens were fed rice-meal and rice-meal mixtures. Twelve pens were used as controls and fed on wheat shorts, or shorts and the same mixtures as in the case of rice-meal. The ditierent lots contain both summer- and winter-fed hOgs.

In looking over the various lots of pens, one will notice quite a variation in the different points, but in every case the rice-meal fed hogs were less profitable than were the ones fed on the other grains. Not only were they less profitable but their general condition was not to be compared to the control pens. In some cases a definite disease developed, and when the hogs were slaughtered they were condemned on account of lack of condition.

Dr. Seymour Hadwen of the Health of Animals Branch inspected, both before and after slaughter, every hog put through the pens. As will be noted in a paragraph by Dr. Hadwen, this m.alady caused by the rice-meal resembles very closely the disease Beri-leri in man. When this trouble first occurred, it appeared due to some faulty method of housing or feeding; but, when experience proved that this malady could be produced or checked at will by changing the ration, this idea was given up. In every case where rice-meal has been fed, symptoms were produced of a like nature. This has been done with various classes of hogs at all seasons of the year, and with various

foods mixed with rice-meal.

Agassiz

Per Ton.
:2G	00	to $:	28
22	40	to $:	J5
2G	00
28	00
60	00
4	00
4	00
4	00

452 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

Tlie grain foods used varied in price, and each pen was charged according to the fond eaten. The prices charged were as follows: —

Whea\ shorts

R'ce meal

Peas. oats, and barley (home-grown)

Ground alfalfa •

Dried blood

Mangels and green food

Skim-milk

Potatoes ( culls )

Lots 1 axd 2.

In lot 1, all the pens were fed rice-meal a.= the grain ration, and all the pens in lot 2 were fed wheat shorts as a control. This experiment was made in the different sea- sons of the year, and the average represents all of our yearly conditions.

It will be noted that the periods vary in length. This irregularity was brought about by the rice-meal fed pigs becoming disabled and being killed when they began to lose weight. At the same time, the controls were gaining rapidly and had not yet reached the height of their production. This, to a groat extent, lessens the difference between the two lots, but, even at this stage, there is more profit to the credit of the controls.

From a nutrition point of view, the difference is very marked. In pen 1, the pigg all became very stiff and sore and refused food at fifty days; their hair was rough and the skin yellow to brown. Pen 5, at a different season of the year, also went exactly the same way at the fifty-day stage. Pen 10 started to show symptoms of trouble at thirty days, and at fifty days the pigs were all unable to use their hind-feet and had very rough hair and brown skins. This pen was treated with Epsom salts, given shorts to eat, and in a few days they were on their feet. They were put back on rice-meal and all stiffened up again, becoming very bad before the period was up. They were all condemned before killing. Pen 12 had a slightly different history. At fifty- three days, one pig became very lame very suddenly as if attacked by a terrible cramp in the hind legs. He was exceedingly sore and noisy. Three days later the other pigs became gradually lame. All of them had very rough hair and dark skins. They gradually became worse until the end of the period. The first symptom one would notice was a uniform wild or staring expression of the eyes, next they would not clean their trough out, then they would get stiff and bury themselves in the straw and they would squeal, vehemently if disturbed.

In contrast to this, there was no trouble at all with the pigs in lot 2, fed on straight shorts with all the other conditions exactly the same. In pen 2 the pigs were healthy and active every day, although they became very fat, and they were always hungry. Their trough was always clean, their skin and hair were pure white and they were making their best gains at the end of the period. Pen 6 has exactly the same history as pen 2, only that they started as much younger pigs and ran a longer period. Pen 9 started very young and ran the full 100 days, without the slightest trouble occurring. They varied from the other two pens in this lot because they were pushed to the limit throughout the trial. They were given every pound of shorts they would possibly eat, yet they never refused a meal or had anything wrong with them, except that they became very fat.

Several times during the various periods, the pigs changed places with one another to try to prove whether or not there was any difference- in location in the piggery or anything contagious, but negative results were obtained at each time. The ration was the only factor in changing the condition. From the results obtained from lots 1 and 2, it must be said that rice-meal is not a safe food for fattening hogs.

Agassiz.

niyiP!To\ or iNTMAi husbandry

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Lot 1. — Rice-Meal, Skim-mllk, atid Mangels.

463

rs'umber of animals

Affe at beginning of feeding period days.

Total weight at bnginning of feeding period, lb.

Nutritive ratio of ration

Duration of feeding period days.

Amount of meal consumed lb.

Amount of milk consumed m

Amount of mangels con.sumed n

Amount of meal consumed for 100 pounds

gain „

Amount of milk consumed for 100 pounds gain n Amount of mangels consumed for 100 pounds

gain n

Cost to produce 100 pounds gain

Total live weight at end of feeding period . . . Total gain in live weight during feeding

period

Daily gain per pig during feeding period

Total vciqht oj rinrera

Weight of livers

Weight of hearts and lungs

W^eight of remainder of viscera

S lb.

Penl.

4

180 582 1:7 9 57 G84 .570 1425

412 05 343-3

85S 43 7-28 748

100

728 105 14 3 9 3 81-4

Pen 5.

54

4

98 324 1:7

78

705

780

1.5G0

329 4 304-48

728-9 G 11 538

214

81

64

-685 G -9 -5

■2

Lot 1.

Pen 10. ! Pen 12. 1 Average.

4

70

201

1:7-85

100

1291

1000

1000

309 91 286 5

286-5 5-77 5.".0

319

96

8

8

77

-872

6

1 -6 •9

4

98

249

1:803

100

1112

1000

1000

376 9 338 98

338-98 6 05 544

295

73.8 8-4 81

57 3

4 111 5

339 1:7 83 948 837 1246

83 75

5 25

372-065 333-315

553-202 6-30 595

25()

89

10

8

70

7555

25

175

375

2

Lot 2. — Whfeat Shorts, Skim-milk, and Mangels.

Lot 2.

Number of animals

Age at beginning of feeding period days

Total weight at beginning of feeding period . . lb.

Nutritivt! ratio of ration

Duration of feeding period days

Amoimt of .shorts consumed lb.

Amount of milk consumed i.

Amount of mangels consumed h

.Amount of shorts consumed for 100 pounds

gain II

Amount of milk consumed for 100 pounds gain « Amount of mangels consiimed for 100 pounds

gain ; • • • :

Cost to produce 100 pounds gain

Total live weight at end of feeding period ....

Tf)tal giiin in live wiight during feeding period n

Daily gain per ]iig during feeding period «

Tolid "-tliihl of viscera >i

Weight of livers i

W^eigiit of hearts and lungs i

Weight of remainder of viscera m

lb.

$;

Pen 2.

4

180

449

1:4.21

64

763

640

640

269-4 224 5

224-5

4.30

734

285

riiM

92 5 14 6 11- 66 9

Pen 6.

4

98

322

1:4.14

78

«96

780

1,.560

214 240

480-

4.10

04?

325

1 04

76-8

12 6

8-2

56

15

Pen 9.

4

70

198

1:4.12

100

1,339

940

940

299 5 210 2

210-2

4.73

645

447

1-117

112-

13 7

10 1

&S-2

Average.

4

116 323

1:4.117 80-66 934-3 786-6 1,046-6

201 01 224 9

304-9 4 306 675-3 352-3

109 93 76 13 63

9-76 70-36

Lot 3 .\m) 4.

In lots 3 and 4, wheat shorts was used for the foundation ration. Lot 3 had one- half of the grain food made up of rioe-meal and lot 4 liad nn equal portion of a home- grown mixture of oats. peas, and hiirley. Thi.s experiniont wa? nuide to determine what effect rice-meal would have as compared with mixed grain, when used with equal

Agassiz

464

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

portions of wheat shorts. Speaking generally from the results obtained, the mixture of riee-meal and shorts is very little better than straight rice-meal and cannot be eomijared in regard to usefulness with oats, peas, barley, and shorts.

The same trouble was experienced in lot 3 as in lot 1, but it did not occur quite as early in the feeding period. The history of lot 3 is as follows : In pen 3, the pigs became fat but looked rough and had dark-coloured skins, but they did not show signs of weakness in the hind-legs until the eighty -third day, after w^hich time they all went down and they were immediately killed. Pen 7 of this lot showed the first symptoms of trouble at fifty days, and at the 64th-day stage none could walk.' and they were killed before they had finished their 100-day period.

The controls in lot 4 behaved very differently. Pen 4 did not begin to gain as rapidly as did pen 3 in lot 3, but the pigs always appeared in better condition. The last week of the period they made better gains than in any previous week. They were killed the same time as pen 3 of lot 3, and thus lost, to the advantage of that pen, their best jjroducing period. They never missed a meal; they were always hungry, and were in perfect health when killed. The pigs in pen 8, lot 4, were from the same litter as those in pen 7, lot 3, and were 2 pounds heavier at the beginning, but the pen 7 pigs were the most robust looking. Instead of killing this pen when the ones they con- trolled went under, they were kept the full period to see if, by any chance, they could be pushed off their feet. At the end of 105 days, or 41 days longer than their rice-meal mates, they were still healthy and in perfect condition.

The same can be said of pen 15. They started slowly, grew for a long time, then began to fatten, and, for the whole period, they were in perfect health and were in show condition when killed.

Comparing lots 3 and 4, the cost of production differs but little. Lot 3 could only stand, on an average, 77-5 days' feeding; while lot 4 averaged 98-6 days and gave first-class block pork, as compared to having lot 3 pork condemned. This makes the very great difference in the two lots.

Lot 3. — Rice-meal, Wheat Shorts, Skim-milk, and Mangels.

Number of animals

Age at beginning of feeding period days

Total weight at beginning of feeding period lb.

Nutritive ratio of ration

Duration of feeding period days

Amount of meal consumed Jb.

Amount of shorts consumed lb.

Amoimt of milk consu'ned lb.

Amount of mangels consumed lb.

Amount of meal consumed for 100 pounds gain .... lb.

Amount of shorts consumed for ] 00 pounds gain lb.

Amount of milk consumed for 100 pounds gain lb.

Amount of mangels consumed for 100 pounds gain lb.

Cost to produce lOO pounds gain $

Total live weight at end of feeding period lb.

Total gain in live weight during feeding period lb.

Daily gain per pig daring feeding period lb.

Total -veight of viscera lb.

Weight of livers lb.

Weight of li-arts and lungs. lb.

Weight of remainder of v iscera lb.

Lot 3.

0 es
394
192
	75
47	S
10	1
6	4
31	3

Agassiz

hi <

w^sak

>

<

16-1015— p. 464.

DIVISION OF ASJMAL Hii^BAXDRY

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Lot 4. — Oats, Peas aiid Barley, Wheat Shorts, Skim-milk, nnd Mangels.

465

days, lb.

da ys. lb.

Number of animal.<!

Age at beginning of feeding period

Total weigtii at beginning of fetding period . .

NutritiN'e ratio of ration ....

Duration of feeding jieriod

Amount of grain con.suincd

Amount of sliorts consumed

Amount of milk consumed

Amount of mangels consumed

Amoimt of grain con.^umed for 100 pounds gain Amount of shorts consumed for 100 poun'ls gain Amount of niilk consumed for 100 pounds gain Amount of mangels consumed for 100 pounds

gain

Cost to produce 100 pounds gain

'I'otal live weight at end of feeding, period .... Total gain in live weight during feeding period m

Daily gain per pig during feeding period «

ToOd iceiyht of viscera «

Weights of livers. ... i

Weik'ht of hearts and hmgs >

Weight of remainder of viscera

s

lb.

Pen 4.

4

98 24.S 1:4-47

91 447 447 920 illO 114 G 114 (■) 235 8

23.'l-33 3 92 638 390 1 09 93 7 12

10 3 71 4

Lot 4.

I Pen 8. i Pen 15.

4

84

204

1:4 7

105

550 5

550 5 1,050 2,120

131 07

131 07

250

504 -70

4 72

624

♦20

1

87

11 9 10 65

1

4

98 234 1:4 5 100 742-5 742-5

l.OOU

1.000 173 48 173-48 233 6

233-6 5 34 602 428 1 07 89-9 13 9 3 67 -6

•Average.

3 6 55<)

4

93 228 1:4

9S 6 .580 580 1190 1,343-3 139 71 139-71 239 8

323 896

4 641

66 3

412 6

1 90 12

9 68

053 2 3 9

Lot 5 .\nd Lot 6.

In lots 5 and 6, ground alfalfa was substituted for skim-milk, and rice-meal was tried against the common grain mixture.- The rations for both lots -were of a bulky nature, yet they were eaten well, especially the control. The pigs on the control ration had not the smooth, fine finish of the milk-fed hogs, and the gain -^vas costly.

Pen 13, lot 5, had very rough coats of hair and dark-coloured skins, and they gre-w very rough. After being fed for fifty-four days, one pig sho-wcd signs of stiffness, but it -was several days longer before all the rest lost control of their hind-legs. This pen did not get as bad as previous rice-meal fed pens, and the pigs got about the pen to feed until the end of the period. Pen 2.3, lot 5, did not stand up so well, for in thirty- one days one pig was crippled. Graduallj' others went down, until, after sixty days, three pigs were stiffened up and very sore. One pig showed no signs of stiffness whatever during the entire period. lie ate fairly well, had rough hair, and did not grow, but he remained on his feet the entire period. Just at the end, he had the peculiar staring expression, and his head was much out of proportion to the rest of his body.

In lot G, pen 10 was not an extra good control, because two pigs when started had

become runted and the rough ration did not improve them. All the pigs in this pen

. had an enormous api)ctitc and they were given all they would eat. They were kil'.-d

early, but were in perfect health, with the exception of one pig which had adhesions

between the lungs and ribs.

Pen 25 of this lot was made up of much better pigs. They ate greedily and remained healthy throughout the entire period.

In these lots, even with poor pigs as controls, the rough grains were far superior to the rice-meal. The lack of milk made a great difference in the condition of the pigs.

16 — 30-31 Aga.ssiz.

466

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915 Lot 5. — Eice-meal, Ground Alfalfa, and Mangels.

Number of animals

Age at beginning of feeding period days.

Total weight at beginning of feeding period lb.

Nutritive ratio of ration

Duration of feeding period day.

Amount of meal consumed lb.

Amount of alfalfa consumed u

Amount of mangels consumed n

Amount of meal consumed for 100 pounds gain n

Amount of alfalfa consumed for 100 pounds gain.- n

Amount of mangels consumed for 100 pounds gain m

Cost to produce 100 pounds gain u

Total live weight at end of feeding period «

Total gain in live weight during feeding period h

Daily gain per pig during feeding period n

Total weight of viscera i

Weight of livers n

Weight of hearts and lun^s m

Weight of remainder of viscera n

Pen 13.

4

98

249

1:9.29 100 1,197 115 1,000 352 05 33-82

294 5- 5S9 340

93

12

7

73

1 32

•85 ■7

4

8

5

Lot 5.

Pen 23,

4 120 316 1:8.9 100 909 131 1,000 683 45

98 4 751

11 449 133

047

71 6 8

56

■33 •2

6

2

4

Average.

4

109

282 -5

1:9.095

100 1,053

123 1,000

507 66 522 8 519 236

25 11 55 1836

82

9

8 64 95

5

59

45

5

Lot 6. — Wheat Shorts, Peas, Oats and Barley, Ground Alfalfa, Mangels.

Number of animals

Age at beginning of feeding period days,

Total weight at beginning of feeding period lb.

Nutritive ratio of ration

Duration of feeding period days.

Amount of sborts consumed lb.

Amount of grain consumed i

Amount of ground alfalfa consumed n

Amount of mangels consumed n

Amount of sliort'^ consumed for 100 pounds grain

Amount of grain consumed for 100 pounds gain

Amount of ground alfalfa consumed for 100 pounds gain «

Amount of mangels consumed for 100 pounds gain

Cost to produce 100 pounds gain .$

Total live weight at end of feeding period lb.

Total gain in live weight during feeding period n

Daily gain per pig during feeding period i

Total ueir/hi of viscera n

Weight of livers n

Weight of hearts and lungs m

Weight of remainder of viscera n

Lot .7 and Lot 8.

With these two lots, dried blood was used as a substitute for skim milk, combined with the same grains as in lots 5 and 6.

The dried blood made a much better substitute for skim-milk than did the ground alfalfa, but, even by making the ration much narrower, it did not prevent the trouble with rice-meal.

Agassiz.

Lot 6.

A

DIVISTOy OF ANIMAL nUf^BAXDRY

467

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

In the rice-meal lot (No. T), pen 14 showed the typical symptoms in sixty-two days, and at eighty-two days one pig was ab.solutely helpless and the rest badly crippled. They remained in this condition until the end of the period. Pen 22 was made up of very excellent, strong pigs, but at thirty day.? one pig showed signs of weakness, and at thirty-eight days, all showed dark-coloured skins and stiffness. At fifty days all were alike and crippled.

Lot S was very different. Both pens remained in perfect health until the end of the period and they were clean and smooth, although not as smooth as pigs getting skim-milk. The high price of the dried blood meal made the gain more expensive than it otherwise would have been. The pigs in both lots were very even and among the very best used.

Lot 7. — Rice meal, Dried Blood and Mangels.

Number of animals

Age at beginninpr of feeding period ..... days.

Totial weight at beginning of feeding period lb.

Nutritive ratio of ration

Duration of feeding period daya.

Amount of meal consumed lb.

Amount of dried blood consumed m

Amount of mangels consumed «

Amount of meal consumed for 100 lbs. gain . . ■ ■ "

Amount of dri'-d blood consumed for 100 lbs. gain n

Amount of mangels consumed for 100 lbs. gain >■

Cost to produce 100 lbs. gain $

Total live weight at end of feeding period lb.

Total gain in live weight during feeding period ..

Daily gain per pig during feeding period i

Total weight of viscera "

Weight of livers •

Weight of hearts and lungs u

Weight of remainder of viscera n

Pen 14.

8

4

98 238 1 :5 100 11.59 97 1000 375.08 31.39 323.62 6.10 .517 309 .77 86.7 10.2 7.6 68. 9

Lot 7.

Pen 22.

4

127

299

1 :5.6

100

893

85

1000

572 46

54.4 641.

9.74 4.55 156 .39 79.3 6 6 9.1 63.6

Average.

4

112.5

268.6

1 :5.7

KX)

1026

91

1000

473.77

42.895 482.31 7.92 501 2.32.

.5 .58

4 35

83.

8.

8 66.25

16— 30i

Ag.\ssiz.

468

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915 Lot 8. — Wheat shorts, Oats, Peas and Barley, Dried Blood, and Mangels.

Number of animals

Age at beginning of feeding period days

Total weight at beginning of feeding peiiod lb.

Nutritive ratio of ration

Duration of feeding period daj-s

Amount of sliorts consumerl lb.

Amount of grain consumed u

Aniouut of dried blood consumed h

Amount Of mangels consumed . . . h

Amount of shorts consumed for 100 pounds gain «

Amount of grain consumed for 100 pounds gain ■<

Amount of dried blood consumed for 100 pounds gain "

Amount of mangels consumed for 100 pounds gain n

Cost to produce 100 pounds gain $

Total live weight at end of feeding period lb.

Total gain in live weight during feeding period n

Daily gain per pig during feeding period i

Total wcifjht of viscera , <•

Weight of livers n

Weight of hearts and lungs - "

Weight of remainder of viscera n

4

98 241 1 : 5 6

100 700- 5 760- 5 97 1,000

sen 5

3G0 5 23 37 240 96 5-35 «u(i 415 1 hi 11 8

03 3

7 3

673

Lot 8.

4 129

305 1 : 3-5 100 650-5 656-5 100 1,185 205-15 205-15 31 25 370 3 fi-72 625 320

89 9 7

71

4

113-5

273

1 : 4-55

100

708-5

708-5

98-5 1,092-5 285-825 285-825

27-31 305-63 6 035 640 367

10 8

0

5

915

15

6

1

69-45

Lot 9 vs. Lot 10.

In lots 9 and 10, rice-meal -was used against wheat shorts in a mixture of ground alfalfa and dried blood as a substitute for skim-milk. This trial -was made to see if using one grain alone -with the skim-milk substitute -would have any effect on the control pigs. Both pens were fed all they could possibly eat three times a day, and no economy was practised, but with all the results were very similar to all the other work.

In pen IS, lot 9, one pig stiifened up after thirty-six days' feeding, and at sixty days all the pigs were diseased and were very rough-looking in hair and skin. They ■were kept on the remaining forty days, and, -when killed, they were condemned. Pen 19, lot 10, did not miss a meal during the entire period. The pigs got very fat but they were in perfect health until the end.

Although lot 9 had the best balance'd ration, containing rice-meal, which had been fed up until this time, and lot 10 had an absolutely narrow one, the evidence is very much against the rice-meal. Even when the other foods were abused by thus combin- ing them, they failed to produce the disastrous results obtained in lot 9. It must be added that although the meat produced in lot 10 was very tender and sweet, the fat was soft and oily, but of good flavour.

Agassiz.

DiriSIOy OF AyiMAL HUSBAyDRY

469

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Lot 9. — Rice meal, Ground Alfalfa, Dried Blood, and Mangels.

Lot 9— Pen 18.

Number of animals

Ape at beginning of feeding perior] days.

'i'utal weigiit at beginning of feeding period lb.

Xuliitive ratio of ration

Duration of feeding period ..... days.

Amount of meal consumed lb.

Amount of alfalfa consumed n

Amount of drieJ blood consumed n

Amount of mangels con.sumed m

Amount of uieal consumed for lOd pounds gain n

Amount of alfalfa consumed for 100 pounds gain n

Amount (;f dried blood con-iuuiod for 100 pounds gain n

Amount of mangeln consumed for 100 pounds gain t

Cost to produce lOO p<junds gain $

Total live weight at end of feeding period lb.

Total gain in live weight during feeding |iei iod "

Daily pain per pig during feedmg period n

Total riacrrii, ivii'jht of n

Weight of livers ii

Weight of hearts and lungs i

Weight of remainder of \ iscera

4

105

2G3

1:5.6

100

1,181

100

100

1,000

434 19

3G-76

3rt-76

3G7-6

7.76

535

272

•68

1*2 6

10-7

6 2

75 "7

Lot 10. — "Wheat Shorts, Ground Alfalfa, Dried Blood, and Mangels.

Lot 10-Pen 19.

Number of animals

Age at beginning of feeding period days.

Total weight at beginning of feeding period ; lb.

Nutritive ratio of ration

Duration of feeding period .' days .

Amount of shorts consumed lb.

Amount of alfalfa consumed n

Amount of dried blood consumed . . u

Amount of mangels consumed n

Amount of shorts consumed for 100 pounds gain n

Amount of alfalfa consumed for 100 pound.-> gain n

Amount of dried blood consumed for 100 pounds gain i

Amount of mangels consumed for 100 pounds gain h

Cost to firoduce 100 pounds gam S

Total live weight at end of feeding jieriod lb.

Total gain in live weight during feeding jierioiJ n

Daily gain )jcr pig during feeding pe iod i

Total wci'jht of viscera

Weight of livers n

Weight of hearts and lungs

Weight of remainder of viscera ■

4

105

253

1 : 3.3

100

1431

100

100

1000

357 75

25-

25-

250-

6.12

653

400

1-

102-2

12-9

9 5

79-8

Lot 11 vs. Lot 12.

With lots 11 and 12, rice-nieal was used against wheat shorts, both being mixed with boiled potatoes, skim-milk, and mangels.

The pigs were very even in size, type, and condition, at the beginning, and the pens contained two sows and two barrows each; these were grade Yorkshires. With these two lots, there was a repetition of all previous trouble which was caused hy rice-meal. Tlie two rations are probably the most common ones in this section, and, since doing this work, we have learned that other feeders have experienced similar trouble.

Li the rice-meal lot (Xo. 12), pen 21, the pigs showed signs of disease after thirty-four days. One pig took very violent cramps, the same a.s a pig in lot 1, pen 12. In a sliort tim^ tlie three remaining pigs were attacked in the same way. They would

Agassiz.

470

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

get relief and hobble about for a few days and then have a relapse. From the ninetieth to the hundredth day, they were totally disabled. All were condemned and some kept for veterinary examination. Their skins and hair were in very bad condition.

The pigs of lot 11, pen 20, were in show condition from the first. They got fat but ate greedily and never missed a meal nor showed any signs of being uncomfort- able. When killed, the pork was thick but firm, and was an excellent quality of block pork.

Lot 11. — Wheat shorts, Boiled potatoes. Skim-milk, and Mangels.

Number of animals

Age at beginning of feeding period days

Total weight at beginning of feeding period lb.

Nutritive ratio of ration ^ ....

Duration of feeding period days

Amount of shorts consumed lb.

Amount of potatoes consumed n

Amount of milk consumed n

Amount of mangels consumed u

Amount of shorts consumed for 100 pounds gain .... h

Amount of potatoes consumed for 100 pounds gain n

Amount of milk consumed for 100 pounds gain h

Amount of mangels consumed for 100 pounds gain n

Cost to produce 100 pounds gain $

Total live weight at end of feeding period lb.

Total gain in live weight during feeding period »

Daily gain per pig. during feeding period . . »

Total iveight of viscera i

Weight of livers ,,

Weight of hearts and lungs h

Weight of remainder of viscera u

Lot 11.— Pen 20.

4

Its

237

1 : 4 6

100

1,311

876

1,000

1,(300

31G-6

211-5

241-5

241-5

5.18

651

414

1035

111 6

12-7

6-2

927

Lot 12.— Rice-meal, Boiled potatoes. Skim-milk, and Mangels.

Number of animals

Age at beginning of feeding period Days .

Total weight at beginning of feeding period lb.

Nutritive ratio of ration

Duration of feeding period Days .

Amotmt of meal consumed '. , lb.

Amount of boiled potatoes consumed

Amount of milk consumed n

Amount of mangi'ls consumed

Amount of meal consumed for 100 pounds gain u

Amount of potatoes consumed for 100 jiounds gain t

Aiiiount of milk consumed for 100 pounds gain u

Amount of mangels consumed for 100 poimds gain •<

Cost to produce 100 pounds gain _ S

Total li ve weight at end of feeding period . . . .' \ lb.

Total gain in live weight during feeding period n

Daily gain per pig during feeding period n

To'nl wcif/hl of viscera u

Weight of livers n

Weight of hearts and lungs n

Weight of remainder of viscera n

^Weights of viscera are those of 2 pigs only).

Lot 12. Pen. 21 .
4
112
237
1: 81
100
853
790
1,000
1,000
364-5
337-6
427-3
427-3
6.75
471
234
-585
37 3
4-6
3 1
29 6

Agassiz.

DIVISIOX OF I.V/J/IL HUSBAXDRY

471

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Lot 13 and Lot 14.

, These two lots might be classed together aa one, for the same pigs were used in both lots on two different rations. They were started in lot 13, pen 11, and were fed on rice-meal,, skim-milk, and mangels. On this ration they became crippled and the ration was changed to oats, peas, and barley (lot 14, pen 11),

At fifty-one days from the beginning of the period, all of the pigs went off their feed and all but one became very stiff and sore. The three got extremely sore, and squealed vehemently when approached. Thy could not rise, but would drink water when lifted to the trough; their skins were yellow and their hair rough. After work- ing with them in this condition for three weeks, the food was changed, and three days after the change the pigs could rise and make an attempt at walking. The three which were attacked the worst were horrible-looking specimens and were greatly emaciated. As soon as they could walk reasonably well, which took about a week, they began to eat greedily of the oats, peas, and barley ration, results of which are seen in period " B."

Although they were only kept on the oats, peas, and barley ration for twenty-two days, they made a greater daily gain and a cheaper gain than they did in the previous period, and almost completely recovered from the disease. There was not anything in the weather or conditions (outside of the ration), to help out in this change, because at the same time that this pen was recovering, other pens were developing the disease.

Lot 13. — Rice-meal, Skim-milk, and Mangels.

Number of animals

Age at beginning of feeding period Day.s

Total weight at beginning of feeding period lb.

Nutritive ratio of ration

Duration of feeding period Days

Ainoimt of meal consumed lb.

Amount of milk consumed <

Amount of mangols consumed n

Amount of me.il consumed for 100 jwunds gain n

Amount of milk consumed for 100 pounds gain. i

Amount of mangels consumed for 100 pounds gain «

Cost to produce 100 pounds gain $

Total -. 1 ve weight at end of feeding period

Total gain in live weight during feeding period . m

Daily gain per pig during feeding i)eriod "

Lot 13.

Pen 11, (Period "A'

4

70

205

1: 7

78

841

780

780

3.57-87 331-9 331-9

5.78 440 235 -75

56

Agassiz.

472

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

* . 5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

Lot 14. — Peas, Oats and Barley, Skim-milk, and Mangels.

Number of animals

Agp at beginning of feeding period days.

Total weight at beginning of feeding period lb.

Nutritive ratio of ration ,

Duration of feeding period days.

Amount of grain consumed lb.

Amount of milk consumed n

Amount of mangels consumed „

Amount of grain consumed for 100 pounds gain n

Amount of milk consumed for 100 pounds gain n

Amount of niangels consumed for 100 pounds gain >i

Cost to produce 100 pounds gain $

Total live weight at end of feeding period ... ■, lb.

Total gain in live weight during feeding period ' «

Daily gain per pig during feeding period n

Total weuih t of viscera n

Weight of livers m

Weight of hearts and lungs , h

Weight of remainder of viscera n

Lot 14.

Pen 11,	(Period "B").
	4
	148
	4iO
i	1:5 9
	22
	311
	220
	220
	2!S7 ■ 9
	203 7
	203 7
	4 47
	r,48
	108
	1-22.?
	85-8
	10-4
	7 4
	G8

SUMMARY.

This concludes the work finished this year, but at the time of writing there are quite a number of pens still under test. The present condition of these would lead one to think that more evidence is soon to be available. Further work is being done in the feeding of rice-meal, with the object of finding out the cause of the trouble described. There has always been a variation in quality of the different shipments of rice-meal. Thus, though the ill effects of this product varied in intensity and in time of appearance, yet they all eventually resulted in the same condition.

In concluding this report, at the present stage of the work, one is forced to say that rice-meal is not a profitable food for fattening young hogs. Whether used alone or in mixtures, whether bought cheaply or otherwise, it is not as profitable as the grains grown or other common foods that can be obtained in this section. For fattening hogs it was not only unprofitable but caused aiasolute loss. When fed for one hundred days or more, it produced a definite state of malnutrition. More than this, it caused an actual disease, which could be intensified or checked at will by change of diet. It would seem that the ill effects of rice-meal were due to its chemical rather than its physical composition, since control rations of much rougher physical composition were used, and these failed to produce any bad effects.

In the trials made, rice-meal, when fed in mixtures, constituted half the grain. It is of course possible that, when fed in smaller proportions, it would have no ill effects. This, however, awaits proof. A pathological study of the disease produced reveals the fact that the symptoms and lesions are constant, and resemble those of beri-beri in human beings.

Agassiz.

Pl.ATK L.

Ag:issiz. Lot (), Teti 1'."). Kfil Wlirat Shorts, Mixed Chop, Ground Alfalfa and Mangels.

IG— 1915— p. 472.

Plate LT.

Agassiz : Four ])igs from one litter and eqvial weight at beginning of period. Two pigs on left were fed shorts and chop ; two pigs on right were fed rice meal and chop. The two l)est pigs from their rcs])ective pens.

Plate LII.

1!

•I

Lot 5, Pen 13. Fed Rice Meal, Ground Alfalfa and Mangels. The best pen fed on Rice Meal.

Pig on right crippled ; others only slightlj' .so. On being let out they ate eaith so fast that

it was ditticnlt to get even a snap shot of their heads. Note rough coats and dark colour.

Agassiz : Four pigs on left, lot 5, pen 13. Note unevenness in size and condition as compared lo pigs on right, lot 6, pen 25.

16— 1915— p. 472.

DiriSIOy OF AyiMAL EUSBAyDRY 473

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 A DISEASE SIMULATING BERI-BERI IN PIGS FED ON RICE-MEAL.

Seymour Hadiven, D.V.Sci.,

Veterinary Research Laboratory^ Experimental Farm, Agassiz, B.C.

During the course of the experiment, which ^fr. MooTe describes above, I was requested by him to undertake the pathological study of a disease in pigs produced by the feeding of rice-meal. This was sanctioned by Dr. F. Torrance, Veterinary Director General, and by Mr. J. 11. Grisdale, Director of Experimental Farms, and the results of the work are here briefly given. The conditions of housing, feeding, wat'ering, etc., are fully described in Mr. Moore's report, and I need concern myself only with the strictly pathological side of the question.

First, it seems necessary to say a word about the general health of the animals used in the feeding experiment. The stock came from perfectly healthy sires and dams. In addition, no disease of a contagious nature has appeared on the Farm since this laboratory was established, a period of three years. Breeding is carried on extensively here, and pigs are shipped to all parts of the province. No complaints on the score of ill-health have been received from any of the purchasers, a proof of- the soundness of the stock. This proof is very necessary, since the disease I am about to describe might be mistaken for other affections. I was struck at first with the resem- blance of the symptoms to those described for beri-beri in human beings, and all the evidence which has since come out strengthens this theory. I leave the reader to judge for himself the facts which have been gathered.

SYMPTOMS.

Mr. Moore had mentioned on several occasions that rice-meal was not a profitable food, and that his pigs were actually showing ill effects from its use. The first case I was called to examine was a young pig which the herdsman had just been weighing. In backing out of its crate it seemed to stumble or take a cramp. At least this was what the man in charge thought it was. He had been rubbing its leg to take the stiffness out, which seemed to cause it exquisite pain, as its squeals could be heard all over the Farm. At first it looked as though it might be a case of articular rheumatism, but later several more pigs s-howed similar symptoms. Most of these appeared suddenly, but a few were gradual in developing. They could be described as very painful lame- nesses occurring almost invariably in the hind-legs. The pigs resented any attempt to handle them, an unusual occurrence in gentle pigs, which previously allowed one to do so with evident pleasure.

These painful lamenesses, together with a wild-staring expression are the first signs. Later a growing unthriftiness is noted. The animals lie buried in the straw and, after a time, are scarcely able to hobble to their trough. The skin and hair assumes a dirty colour. At first it was thought that this wa« simply a result of their Ivinc ?o continuously, but this is not the case, because when a change of food is made the skin clears up rapidly. Emaciation appears in about two months and in some cases is very marked. In a few instances, though the pigs have not grown, they have not become actually thin. In some of the pigs heart-attacks have been quite common. They usually followed some slight exertion, such as walking over to the trough. The affected animal would give a cough or two and begin to breathe very heavily; its eyes would start out of its head and then it seemed to lose its breath; facial respiration continued. Then it would stiffen all its limbs and look as though it were going to die. After a time breathing would begin again. Some of the pigs have heart-attacks of this sort two or three times a day.

Agassiz. .

474 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

5 GEORGE v., A. 1915

In advanced stages the gait became most uncertain and staggery. As one would expect in poorly-nourished young animals, the bones became soft and rachitic. It is well to make an explanation here, that according to authorities on the subject, rickets is a non-painful affection, which fact separates it from the disease in question. Osier says that if there ever is pain it must be quite exceptional, that the " ricketty " symp- toms which we have observed must be secondary, and the final and conclusive proof of tliis is that none of the controls ever showed any of these symptoms, though they were fed, housed, and cared' for in exactly the same way, with the one exception that instead of rice-meal they were given other grains.

Again, as has been stated before, the attacks of lameness were for the most part sudden. A pig which had been quite active in the evening woiild be lame on the following morning. In rickets, on the other hand the symptoms, according to Moussu, are invariably insidious (" absolument insidieux.")-

In the foregoing experim3nts the stiffness took, on an average, fifty days to appear; in two cases it was seen at about thirty days. The lameness is usually in the hind legs, just as beri-beri in human beings produces neuritis of the feet and legs. It is said that beri-beri is not so common in children as in adults; as all the pigs used were youn^, Mr. Moore intends to do some further experiments on older animals.

All possibility that the disease might be contagious was eliminated early in the course of the experiment. Healthy control pigs were moved into pens which had lately . been occupied by the diseased animals, no attempt at disinfection being made. None of these pigs ever showed any symptoms or ill effects.

It is important to emphasize the fact' that when rice-meal was discontinued, and other grains substituted, the pigs recovered.

PATHOLOGY.

The pathological findings confirmed the resemblance of the disease to beri-beri. Temperature records of both healthy and control pigs have been kept and no important rises of temperature have ever been recorded. The average temperature of control pigs for a 43-day period, commencing in the middle of a test, was 102-5* F., that of rice-meal pigs for the same period, 101-4:° F. The lower average in the case of the rice-meal fed pigs was due to the temperatures becoming sub-normal in the latter part of the experiment, when they fell as low as 99° F.

The pathological changes seen in the pigs fed for one hundred days were as a rule insignificant. There was, however, one lesion which was almost constant, a congestion of the duodenum, and a catarrhal, bile-stained condition of the lower end of the stomach. Thirteen pigs were kept over the hundred-day period; post mortem examina- tions were made on them and in thc~e the lesions were much more marked. Four of these showed well-marked pericarditis and adhesions. In nearly all cases there was a considerable amount of fluid in the pericardial sac. The hearts were soft and flabby. Accompanying the heart lesions an oedematous condition of the lungs was seen. In one case gastric or peptic ulcers were encountered, and all but two showed congestion of the duodenum and a catarrhal condition of the stomach. Though other lesions were looked for in the viscera, none was encountered.

The bones were very soft, with the exception of four cases, where shorts had been substituted for rice-meal for about a fortnight. In these it was noticeable that the bone was getting harder. In the other cases the bone could be readily cut with a knife.

The blood was thin in the advanced cases, but in the differential count no varia- tion from the normal was observed. The urine, removed from the bladders of three pigs after death, in one showed no albumen and in the other two small amounts. The muscles of the affected pigs were soft The fat was slow in setting and in some did not set at all well.

Agassiz.

DIVISION OF AM.UAL HUSBAMHiY 475

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

According to Manson and Osier, the most characteristic lesions of beri-beri in man are: Hydroporioardium, oedema of the lunj^s, and inflammation of the duodenum, degeneration of the nerves, and atrophy of the muscles. So that it seems evident that we are dealing with a very closely allied disease.

ETIOLOGY.

It is well-known that certain rice products produce beri-beri. It was evident that the different lots of pigs under experiment took the disease after a longer or shorter period of feeding. As different shipments of rice-meal were used, it appeared that there was a variation in its toxic properties. The exact nature of this harmful pro- perty remains to be proved. Caspari and Mozkowski (E.S.R. vol. xxx., No. 1, Jan. 19, 1914) adhere to this theory of a toxic substance in the diet leading to an intoxication. Chamberlain. Wedder and Williams (E.S.R. vol. xxviii.. May 1913, No. 6) believe that beri-beri and polyneuritis of chickens result from some deficiency of substance in phosphorus in the diet. Many other authors have various theories concerning the deleterious substances in rice. The general opinion is that polished rice is harmful ; these experiments tend to prove that rice-meal also either possesses the toxic quality or else is lacking in some necessary constituent. Personally, I incline to the theory that a toxic is the cause of the trouble. The strongest argument in favour of this theory is that immediately the rice— meal is stopped the pigs improve. Also it was found that after a purgative there was immediate improvement.

ACASSIZ.

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N«w York Botanical Garden Librar

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