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«**

'FEST^ 8N e^^DENIN^

-FOR-

Manitoba & North-West Territories,

— BY -

ROBERT McNEIL.

.^LITTLE SASKATCHEWAN N U R S E H I E S

••'{'he cut at the top of the cover shows the Log House of pioneer
■ stiller in 1879, as it actually appeared, and the cut at the bottom of th«r
'' same page, the comf\:)rtable three story Concrete House occupied by hjm
after 5 years in the country."

Faith in the country, with determination, will leadon to
success and competence in the Canadian Great North- IVest.

'; IlAi^iEL Cab,ey,
% Bar^j^mM^imLi^ fori

; ,WiNNlP£G;IVlANiTOtlA.

-:-f; . -

PUBLISHED BY WILSON BROTHERS.

1884.

h^ 0 (^0

\m.

^JS:i.. t

INTRODUCTION

-• ■♦ •'

The first season in Manitoba, or the North •
West Territories, is often a trying one to the
new settler. He labors under a great disadvant-
age in many ways amongst which perhaps the
greatest is his want of a knowledge of the clim-
ate, and the right time to sow his grain, and plant
his garden, also the right things to grow. Hav-
ing lived for five years in the country, and obtain-
ed from actual experience and close observation
a thorough knowledge of these matters, and feel-
ing that our experience " dearly bought" might
be of benefit to others who are coming to this
great country, we will try to set forth in sim.ple
terms the best method of gardening in Manitoba
and the North-West Territories, the different
varieties of vegetables etc. that succeed best, also
some useful hints on other matters of interest to
the settler.

A "

t *

lNTkOI)U("TI()\,

It must not be su})pose(i that ihc -^rinic style
of gardening- that has succeeded in the luistcrn
Provinces and the Old Country will do here. It
is unreasonable to suppose that it would answer
in this high latitude, and without the milder in-
fluence of the salt water. It might be here re-
marked thai the instructions and suggestions in
these pages hiive especial reference to those
portions of the North-West British possessions
west of Winrn'peg, and north of the 49th parallel
of latitude, along the track through which the
Canada Pacific Railway and its Branches, as well
as the Portage VVcstbourne and-North Western
Railway runs, or what is knowm as the '' Fertile
Belt."

It will be interesting to those who are not
acquainted with our climate to know something
of the way vegetation progresses in the spring.
When the snow leaves us, which event usually
takes place somewhere about the first of April,
it is not necessary to wait till all the frost is out
of the ground before beginning spring work, in-

INTRODUCTION. V

deed, one would not have any garden or crop if
they did. The garden as far as possible should
be prepared in the fall, then as soon as there are
two or three inches of frost out of the ground,
the farrricr may proceed to sow his grain. After
the snow leaves there is seldom much, or any,
rain, until about the twentieth of May, when
what are called the Ju^ie rains set in, and until
about the fifteenth of June it is not safe to count
on afineday. During the time between the^break-
up" and the setting in of the rainy season,
vegetation all depends on the frost that is still
in the ground, and which the sun day by day
as his rays become more and more powerful,
melts, and draws up in moisture to the roots of
the plants. It is indeed an interesting fact that
almost all the moisture at this season of the
year comes from beneath, and not from above.
This subterranean moisture, combined with heat
from an almost vertical sun, long days and short
nights, will account for the amazing rapidity
with which all vegetah'on here reaches maturity.

PRACTICAL TESTS ON GARDENING.

VEGETABLES.

._ To ensure success in gardening in this climate,
some kind of a hot-bed is necessary to secure
. early plants ; although a very good garden can
be had without it, yet the trouble involved in a
small hot-bed is so little, that one is sure to be
amply repaid by the superior variety and
earliness of the supply of vegetables, so welcome
on the table of all. ■

. Some settlers, when they first locate on the
prairie and think of the subject, are ready to
say, " Why, we have no material with which to
make a hot-bed. We are so far from all the
supplies to which we were accustomed at home,
that it does not seem possible to make anything
that will answer for the purpose." But do not
be discouraged. It is not necessary that you
should have expensive frames, made by skilled

rKA( 'iKAi. rr:sT on (;aki>;.mn(;.

mechanics, for the irrowtli of tlie finest of plants.
Somethin^r Hku the followini(, adopted by us five
years aii^o, and which answered very well, will do
in case other materials are not at hand. Well,
at that tim.c j^lass could not be t)btairied- nor
hi m her, - so w: made a cold frame, six feet by
four feet, with l\)plar poles, laid up similar
to a log house, with stakes driven into the
ground at the corners to keep it ste;,dy; this
was placed against the south wall of tiie house,
and nearly filled in with manure, and about six
inches of sandy loam on the top ; this was
allowed to settle and get warm, after which the
seeds were sown, then well watered with warm
water. Instead of glass for a cover, a piece of
white cotton dipped in linseed oil was made use
of; this was stretched tightly over the top of the
frame, fastening it securely at two corners, and
tying it at the other two corners, so that the cover
could be lifted for the purpose of watering with
warm water.

Of course, if you are where glass and boards

vf(;ktaiu.ks.

can he obtained, you can easily make your own
hot-bed frame ^vith a few pieces of ftfcard, and a
few slats to lay the glass on ; make the edges of
the jT^lasj meet, so tliat no frost will get in.
Whatever style of hot-bed you adopt, it will be
necessary to cover the whole bed every night
with old horse bhmkcts, or anything that will
keep it warm, removing the covering in the

mornmg.

About the nn'ddle of April will be the proper
time for sowing such seeds in the hot-bed as
require the plants to be grown there, amongst
which may be mentioned as the most important
--Cabbage, Cauliflower, Celery, Cucumbers, and
Tomatoes.

Now for the garden itself. Select a piece of
ground (sandy loam is best;) if possible, let it
have a southern aspect, and be sheltered on the
west and north by some one of the many groves
of Poplar that dot our plains; or, if this
protection cannot be got, u.se what protection
can be obtained from your farm buildings.

rKACTICAL TESTS ON GARDENING.

And here we would advise that every scttler,*'as
soon as prRticable, should plant a grove or belt
of trees around his buildings and garden, to act
as a shelter and wind-break. For this purpose,
White Willow, Poplar, Balsam or Cotton Wood
will answer well.

Do not be in too great a hurry in sowing
garden seeds in the spring; the first of May is
soon enough for most of the Vegetables you
will need to grow.

A few of the earliest kinds, such as Onions,
Peas, Turnips, Beets, Carrots and Parsnips, can
be sown in the fall. This can be done before
the ground freezes up, and, as there is very little
rain in the fall, the seeds do not germinate, but
remain in the ground uninjured all the winter,
and make an earlier start in the spring than
could be obtained by sprin^:^ sowing.

When it is necessary to use manure for the
garden, use none but that which is thoroughly
decayed, for after it is mixed with the earth,
there is not enough moisture to rot it, and so

tf-i

VEGETABLES.

I I

does more harm than good, as it burns the fibres

of the plants with which it comes in co^itact.

r^or any crop that needs enriching, such as

Squash, Cucumber, Celery, &c., it is much best

to use liquid manure. This is easily obtain^ed by

taking a large barrel and placing it convenient

to the garden ; put five or six buckets of manure

from the horse stable in it, and fill up with

water; let it stand for a day or two, then use

the liquid to water the plants desired morning

."^ or evening, the early morning being the best

,. :; time. ' '^ ':,:r^ ■ :' , .

The following will be found a correct catalogue

of the Vegetables grown in this country, together

with the best time for planting and method of

'culture: — : \. ..,;..,; ^:;'^; - ■'

;...u,..:.. .-,■,.:/'/.:- . Asparagus. ..;..^ :.„. ';■;.,. >:..- ,

This delicious esculent is so hardy, and comes

into use so early in the season, that no ^jarden

'. can be said to be complete without a good sized

bed of it. It can either be raised from seed, or

yearling plants can be obtained from the nursery-

-11 ■ -n*'-ir----r. »-*«■,«"■

TRACTICAL TESTS ON C; ARDKNINCr.

men. If from seed, first soak for 24 hours in
hot water, or many of them will not germinate;
then plant the seed in drills two inches deep
and one foot apart ; drop the seed about three
inches apart in the drills. Kee|) the seed bed
clear of weeds by hoeing* frequently, and when
the plants are a year old they may be removed
to permanent beds of good, rich soil; any soil
that will raise forty bushels of vv^heat to the acre
being good enough to grow good Asparagus.
It is better to give the bed some protection in
winter by scattering litter or long manure over
it and removing in the spring. All things con-
sidered, the old-fashioned "Giant" variety is the
best. Sow the first of May.

Beans.

All the varieties of the early Bush Beans
succeed well; the Early China Red Eye and
the Early Six Weeks being the most certain to
ripen their seed, while for table use the pods of
the Wax or Button Bean are far more delicious ;
but although in favorable seasons w^e have

r.'i

ftA

VEGETAIJLKS.

ripened thein, they cannot he relied on so well
as the first-named varieties. ^^

Plant for first crop, from about the 20th of
May to the 1st of June, in drills thirty inches
apart, dropping- the Beans about three inches
apart in the drills. For a succession, plant
aGiain about the loth of June, and you will have
i^reen beans nearly all the growing season. Save
enough from the earliest planting to mature for
seed, being particular not to pick any green
pods for the table from the rows thus rcser\'cd.

Beets

May l)e sown in the autumn, c-r in tlie spring,

about the 1st of May. wSow in drills thinh^ two
inches deep and thirt\ inches apart ; thin out
the plants to six inches if too thick. Fhis seed
vegetates much more freely if soaked for twenty-
four hours in warm water before i)lanting. The
varieties that succeed best are 77/*' Early Blood
77irnip and the Egyptian 7Uood Turnip.

It will be well to note here that all roots that
are short and of the Turnip style do best here,

^KACTk'AL TESTS ON ( lARI >K\MN( i.

as the i;rounc] is colder as they grow down, and
if the season is cold they are h'able to become
woody.

Mangold Wurzel.

This crop is of course more adapted for field
than garden culture. It does well, however, and
may be treated the same as Beets, being careful,
however, to give it more room to grow in.

»«i , ,-^f .,,n -((., ., ^ I...

«■ *' 14 ■'' '4*'-t*r-'*.", t (( ^* A

VEGETAliLKS.

rlS

•f

CABliACUC
Can be f'rown tiiat will rival those of any other
country for size and firmness of head, The seed
for this crop should be sown in the hot bed, and
not transplanted until the end of May nor later
than the first of June. Have thick, stocky plants,
do not force them too fast before transplanting,
as they then become tender. Keep them* well
hoed after they are set out every few days, until
they have got a good start. If they are eaten
by insects dust them with ashes or lime m the
morning while the dew is on. A brood of young

1 6

I'KACTICAL TESTS ON (;AKl 'iVM N(i.

chickens with the old hen in a coot) set ;;: tlie
Cabbaijc })atch will in\prove matters. 'Yhi: lurr/y
York. Fottlcrs DruuiJiead, an«l the A%y/ Ihttcli
\c>\ picklin^s are the best. The Early Yoi'l: can
be planted very close, sa\- 18 inches apait in the
rows, and the rows about 30 inches from each
other. The Dni)nJiead requires more room —
about 30 inches apart — and the rows three feet

from each other.

Carrots

Succeed vycil, and will grow without any trouble
if you are careful to keep the beds well weeded
until they get strong enough to take care of
themselves. The seed may be sown in the fall
or in the spring, about the 1st May. The drills
should not be more than half an inch deep, and
two feet apart. At the last weeding thin out the
Carrots to about six inclies apart. For the table
the Early Scarlet Horn is the best variety , while
for the purpose of feeding to horses or cattle the
White Belgia?i is to be preferred on account of
its greater productiveness. ,

i^^

.= Si- i^-'*d.-%-f,.:^,^^

VECKTABLES.

'■

i
1

CAUJ.II'J.OVVKR.

Treat the SHme as Cabbcv^e, plantini^ about the
same distance •\\):\xt\\?^ Drum lie ads. This favorite
vegetable [^rows to a remarkable size in thi ,
country, the heads being very solid and firm,
and not being subject to mildew as in other
clir..ates. Almost ev^ery plant will head. They
require to be cut or protected in the fall, as the
first hard frost otherwise would be apt to dis-
color them. Simply breaking the leaves over
the head will usually be sufficient protection.
The Early Paris is the best for this climate.

Celery.

On account of the length of time required by
the seed of this plant to germinate it should be
sown in the hot bed early, say not later than the
middle of April, and unless the spring is very
backward it might be better to sow about the
first of April. Set out the plants the same time
as Cabbage, but not in trenches after the old
style, but on the surface of the ground, as the
farther you get from the surface, as has been

PKACTICAI. TKSTS ON ( .A KDI- NI \(..

mentioned before, the colder tiie -round becomes ;
therefore plant Celery in holes made wfth a
dibble at the top of the [ground, alK)Ut six inches
apart in the rows, and the rows three feet aj)art.
As the plants ^row earth up like potatoes, Ijein^
careful not to get any earth in the heart of the
plants. It must be understood that Celerv will
not stand out in the garden here aU the winter,
as in milder climates, but can be taken up care-
fully before th ground freezes and put in boxes
with dry earth— sand is preferable— and placed
m the cellar, where, if not too warm, it will keep
good and crisj) until sj)ring. A libcnd supply
of liquid manure will be found to imy well for
securing a fine quality of this plant. Crazi[ford\s
Half Dzvarf and Incomparable are the most
suitable varieties.

Corn,

Although too uncertain for a field crop, can al-
ways be relied on to produce w^ell in the garden.
Plant about the 20th May, in hills three feet
apart each way, dropping five kernels of Corn

VEGETABLES.

•S

in each hill, and covering an inch deep with fine
rich earth. Hoe well and frequently: when
about a foot high, thin out the plants to three in
a hill. Should there be any unused ears when
hard frost comes, cut the stalks all up and put
into large stooks and tie at top securely, when
you can thus lengthen the season of green Corn
for a good while. Remember, that for this crop
the ground cannot be too rich. k .;

Naragansett " Improved Evergreen Broom
Corn," the Early Minnesota Siveet Corn, is the
best. ,

.Cress ^ -

Can be either sown in close drills or broadcast ;

if the ground is free from weeds the latter method

will do, but if you fear trouble from weeds it will

be more easily kept clean in drills, made far

enough apart to use the hoe between them. Sow
early. ^ - - -....' v;^; ■•_...,. -..,..,^^ ...■_,,'.,

.*..,..->-.-••. ., :. Cucumber. * ^^■::'^■^ ■-^m../

If very early Cucumbers are wanted, the seed
should be sown early in the hot bed, and not trans-

PRACTICAL TKSTS ON CAkOKMNc;.

I)lanted until they bejT^iii to throw out their run-
ners, or about the first week in June. Take care
to protect them at night for about a week after
setting out. Water them with liquid manure.
To make the fruit set well pinch off the ends of
the runners. Keep well hoed. Set three plants
together in hills four or five feet apart. The
best varieties are the Early Russian and the
Hariy Cluster.

Kale.
Treat the same as Cabbage.

Lettuce.

If wanted early, it is best to sow some seed in
the hot bed. For this purpose the Early Tennis
Ball is best. For the main crop sow in the
garden about the middle of May, and then a^ain
in two weeks. Drills half an inch deep and
twenty inches apart will answer for this crop.
v''our garden varieties may be Ferry s Early
Prize Head and Broivn Curled, It can be sown
late in the fall.

•

VE(iKTABLES. . 21

Mushrooms

May he ^aown in the usual manner by those
who will go to the trouble. *

Onion "

Are a success in the Northwest. Let the ground
he very rich and mellow. Docs well sown in
the fall. When they come up keep them well
hoed and thin out to four inches apart. They
will grow well also from sets, and well grown
Onions always command a high price in the
inarket '

For general crop, the AV^/ Wethersfield is the
best. The writer saw Onions of this variety
grown by the Sioux Indians on their reservation
at Oak River that would have passed muster in
any vegetable market in the world.

For those who prefer a very mild Onion, the
White Portugal will give good satisfaction, al-
though not so heavy a cropper as the former
variety, :^„ i,^^

I For pickling, sow the White Silver Skin,,.

/.i'' ' '"•■

PRACTICAL TESTS ON GARDENING.

. Parsnip >

Does remarkably well. Sow in the fall or early
in the spring, in good mellow ground half an
inch deep and the drills twenty inches apart.
Keep them well hoed and thinned out, and you
will have a good return. This root will remain
safely in the ground all the winter by giving it a
slight protection.

We recommend the Holloiv Crown as most
suitable.

Parsley,
If sown about the tenth of May, in shallow drills

-ft-

eighteen inches apart, will yield well, and what
crop remains at the first frost can be cut up at
the ground and dried for winter use. There is
no variety that can excel the Triple Curled.

Peas '

Do well in the garden, sown either in the fall or
early in the spring, making three different sow-
ings in the spring at intervals of ten days, to
ensure green peas for the table all the season.
Sow in rich ground, in double drills six inches

''^.

' W

VEGETABLES.

apart, thus making one set of pea sticks do for

two rows. When about six inches high, sharpen

a quantity of poplar brush and place it firmly in

the ground between the double drills. If brush

cannot be got it would be better to sow the

Dwarf varieties, which do not require any sup-
port

For crop where the necessary support can be
provided, the Early Kent and Ferry s Early are
to be depended upon. '

Dwarf variety not requiring support, Tom
Thumb, V

Potato. "

For the growing of this king of all the vege-
table tribes this country is the pride of the
world, for in no other country does it thrive so
well as here. When planted in a mellow sandy
loam the size it attains is wonderful, and with
the size it loses none of the other qualities which
go to make up a good Potato, that is to say,
firmness and solidity to the centre, dry and
mealy when cooked. For the earliest, plant the

r>4

PRACTICAL TESTS ON GARDEN I N(;.

hist dF May, about six inches deep, in drills
thirty inches apart. For the main crop, i)lant

in drills four inches deep, about the fifteenth of
Mav. Let these drills be three or four feet

; ,♦)

lis
nt

v..

y VKGETABLES.

apart, to give room to cuitiv^atc them by horse
power, and also to earth them up with the
plough. These drills are best made by your
team and plough, and as you mark out and
plant your drills you can come back and cover
up your Potato sets with the plough, thus dis-
pensing with a great deal of hard hand labor.
For earliest crop, plant Beai^/j of Hebron ; while
for the main crop you can depend on either that
variety or Early Rose and Snow Flake. \

■""'■' -y"-. --■ Radish, - ''-J--- . ■■. .-

Like the Potato, does well in this country, put-
ting to shame the famed Radishes of Petit Cote,
which are the pride of the New York market.
The Radish here grows to an immense size, and
does not get woody. Sow in shallow drills about
the middle of Mav. Drills fifteen or eighteen
inches apart. The Turnip varieties are the best,
although the Long Radish will also succeed.

Rhubarb

Can easily be raised in any quantit}' from the
seed of good varieties. Sow carl}- in the sprin^i;-,

PRACTICAL TESTS ON (iARDENING.

in shallow drills eighteen inches apart, and when
the plants are a year old, select a rich piece of
ground and transplant into rows three or four
feet apart, the plants standing three feet apart
in the rows. Give them protection in the winter
by a thin coat of manure. • ^

Squash.

Any of the early varieties do well. Treat the
same as cucumbers, only giving them about
twice as much room in the garden. They may
be grown without the assistance of a hot bed by
planting them in hills eight feet apart, about the
fifteenth of May. Put four or ?\wq seeds in each
hill, and when they commence to run thin out
the plants to three in a nill, pinching off the
ends of the runners as with cucumbers.

The Early Bush Scallop and the Vegetable
Marrozv will be found good.

Tomato ^

May be raised successfully if care is taken with
them. It is indispensable that the plants be
raised early in a hot bed, and do not transplant

VKCKTABLES.

into the .t^'arcien until about the sixth of June.
The plants should be in flower when set out,
and should be shaded from iL. sun ior a few
(lays, as well as protected during chilly nii^hts.
If such a situation as the south wall of a house

can be had it will be just what they want, and

if planted in good mellow soil and trained to

the wall of th(^ house Ihey will be sure to do

well. Jf the growth of the vines appears to b'^

t'KACTICAL TESTS ON GARDEN INC;.

very rank, cut off the tops down to the first fruit

that is set, and they will bear better. ' ' '

The Early Conqueror is a very i^ood variety,

Turnip
May be sown for garden use in the fall. In the
spring, sow early in mellow ground. About
half an inch deep, in drills tvyo feet apart, is
about the right thin^ Thin out to six inches,
;ind keep clean from weeds. For summer use
the Nimble Dick is the best ; while for the win-
ter supply, the Purple Topped Ruta Baga is not
surpas.sed. ' • . '

' "i

■■■■■ ■ '

- J : ,

•■

. '1 .

'-*'

'■ ' .. ■*.'

»■■ ■.:.''

■ ' ■

-./r:.;^,,.':

, , ■ .JEKIiS.

J ■

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.* ■■" ■' ". .

•

' ■ ' -d'

HRRRS

1 r

A <,^ood many of this class of plants, which
are so necessary for family purposes, can be
easily grown here.

Among those which are hardy and of general
use may be mentioned the following '.—Bahn,
Carazvay, Sage, Savory^ Thyme. Z

The seeds of these may be sown about tlie
tenth of May, in shallow drills fifteen inches
apart, and for winter use may be cut close to
the ground when in full flower, and dried in
bunches. Sage, with some protection, will sur-
vive the winter.

'•-.t: '■ '.

.so

l'KA( TICAL IKSTS ON CAKDIMXC

Dried Flowers.

M.OVVKKS.

: '.'r- .

FLOWERS.

\Vc cannot too earnestly recommend the grow-
ing of flowers. In the push and hurry of the
first years of a settler's life these ornaments of
our homes are apt to be neglected ; but it w ill
not be found wasted time to give a little atten-
tion to these old friends. Their familiar faces
smiling on us from day to day will cheer us and
make us more contented with the new home and
life which opens before us in a new country ,

while the care of them will prove a recreation
after the toils of the day.

If it is desired to have a long succession ol
flowers from June until the frost comes, the
plants of most varieties should be raised in the
hot bed, and the latter part of May and begin-
ning of June should be transplanted into the
flower border at the edges of the vegetable gar-

PRACTICAL TKSTS ON CAKDENING.

den; ur a suitable piece of ground, made very
fine and mellow, may be reserved for the i)ur-
pose. This may be formed into beds of a width
to allow of their being weeded from the paths
dividing the beds, thus doing away with the
necessity of stepping on the prepared ground.

In the border before mentioned, or beds, the
plants of the different varieties may be planted
in small groups, due regard being had to the
judicious mingling of colors and sizes, i .^ ■^. 'f

The following will be found a list of the flow-
ers most suitable for this climate: ^; , , , ,

Antirrhinum, , . - *, -. ,

or Snapdf-agon. Sow early in the spring either
in the hot-bed or garden ; transplant out eight
inches to a foot apart ; they have a very pretty
effect when grown in clusters. Although a
perennial they flower well the first year from
seed, and the plants can be taken up in the fall
and kept in the cellar and replanted in the

garden in the spring. ; . : '

ir.()\vi:us

Aster.

Annuals should be sown in a hot-bed and
transplanted the first week in June>

V :>i . Coreopsis. '

Sow carl}- in the garden where it is to remain
and give them plenty of room> say eighteen
inches apart. Annual

Candytuft. /

Sow early in the garden where you desire the
plants to remain. Looks very fine in masses.
Annuals. Colors — white, purple, carmine ; one
variety is very fragrant

r'kA( TUAI, TKSTS <)N CARDEN f Nci.

Balsam.
Annuals very showy — require the treatment
mentioned lor Asters and, although somewhat
tender, by giving them rich soil and a sheltered
situation will give good satisfaction.

C .NTiiRBURY Bells.

A very handsome and stately biennial, suc-
ceeding best in a rich sandy loam. Sow early
in the spring and when the plants are a good
size transplant to two feet apart where you want
them for the next sea.son's flowering. Blue and
wb^te. . '

ISd.

FLOWKkS.

e treatment
I somewhat
a sheltered

iennial, sue-
So w early
are a good
re you want
Blue and

CllRVSANTlil'MlM.

Annual. Are (julte at home in tins cli;nate

.ind jfsown earl\' in llic hot bc"fl and then trans-
])1 anted two feet af)art, will gixe a lon^]^ succes-
sion of* show) dowers even after the frost has
cut down the rest of the vciTetation in the ear-
ilcu. If the seed is allowed to ri]x:n and fall to
the ground and abundance of [slants will be
found the next sprin<^^ which, if trans})lanted, will
flower (]uite early. Yellow and wln'te.

CoLUMinNK

fTardy i)crennial. A i^eneral favorite. -Flowers
the second year from the seed, which should be
sown early and then the plants removed to their
permanent place. > ■

Convolvulus.

Annual. — Very fine for rock work or hanging-
baskets. Sow about the 15th May in the gar-
den.

'■ '-^ Daisy. , '

All lovers of flo\\ers will be glad to know
that this little favorite vv ill brave our northern

IKA( TICAL TESTS ON (GARDENING.

;i', :'>

climate and not only so, but will thrive under it,
and even, in favorable circumstances, survive
our winter, altliough it is best to lift the plants
before the ground freezes and put them in the
cellar when they will come out in fine condition
for flowering the next spring. If you wish early
flowers sow seed in hot bed early and although
a perennial, the plants will flower freely the first

year ,, . . ^ -. : .,-,,,. :,,:...,,:;:^, ..,,.., • ,, .,■.•". v

Feverfew.
Perennial. — Raise the plants in hot bed--
transplant the first of June — lift the plants in the
fall fi-r safe keeping in the cellar, where put
them in earth for the winter.

Gladiolus.

Bulbs. — .Must be protected carefully from
frost when brought into the country. Plant
early in the spring as soon as the frost will allow
you, about four or five inches deep. When done
flowering take up the bulbs, and when dry pack
them away in a dry place where the frost will
not reach them.

- ■! I' ,' i^» V • >• ' ->

1 LOWERS.

.57

/ ■'■'^^-: ■':.'■ '"'.■ -;' Glo'bk Amaranth. '' ^'"' '' " "" ''^:;:^:

Annual. — A very pretty everlasting. Start
the plants in a hot bed after soaking the ^^cd in
warm vvarter for twelve hours. Cut the flowers
w hen the)^ come into bloom and hang them up
in a dark place, heads down. They w^ill make
very pretty winter bouquets used with dried

gra.ss.

Hollyhock.

This old fashioned stately perennial should
find a place in every garden, especially as it
flourishes and attains a perfection here that is

:-M-

38 IRACTICAL TESTS ON (^.vR|)K\ ING.

seldom seen m any other country, and is indis-
pensible in forming a background for smaller
flowers. Sow the seeds in the garden in May or
June. Take the roots up in the fall, place in a
box of earth in the cellar. Plant out again in
the spring four feet apart. Require rich soil.

Larkspur (Bee).

Perennial.— Makes a valuable addition to the
flower garden. Sown in the summer will ilower
the following year. Protect the roots in the winter.

Love in a Mist.

Annual. -Sow in the spring in the garden
and thin the plants to ten inches apart. ,

Lily of the Valley. ^

Perennial.—Raised either from the seed or
roots. Thrives best in a sheltered shady nook
and should be protected in winter.

Marigold. •

Annual. -Get good seed of the dwarf varieties
double. Sow in hot-bed.— transplant the first
of June. As grown in this country from the

■flowi:rs.

best seed they cannot be excelled, being almost
equal to dahlias.

Mk^nonette.

Fragrant annual.-- -Does remarkably well and
will flower from early summer till late fall Sow
either m hot-bed or garden— thin the plants to
about a foot apart and before the summer is
over you will have a solid mass. Keep the
flowers well cut, not allowing them to go to seed
or they will cease flowering.

Morning Glory.

Climbing annual.— does well.— Sow early in
the spring and place poles or string on which to
climb. ' .

Nasturtium.

A handsome showy annual well known to all
The dw^arf varieties the most desirable here,
where they attain great perfection, flowering
more freely than in warmer climates. Sow the
seed in the garden the middle of May.

PRACTICAL TESTS ON GARDENING.

Pansv, rv" ■• -^ ' ■:^.

Also flowers in perfection here and has out-
lived our winters without protection, but much
better to place the plants in the cellar for the
winter. Sow in the hot-bed early and trans-
plant to garden in May, • 1 *r ^

FLOWERS.

lit-

jch
the
ns-

^ ■"' '■ ' ■ Petunia.

Annual. — Sow in hot-bed or [;^rarden, eeirlv
transplanted a foot apart they make a splendid
show. . ■

POPPV.

An old fashioned annual which takes ver>-
kindly to our northern climate and will tlowei
the first season from seetl if sown early.

. ■ .1 ^

'■•i

PKACriCAL TESTS ON (iARDKX FNC;,

Phlox Drummondi.

One of the most brilliant and desirable of
annuals. — Sow in hot-bed and transolant lO the
garden the end of May, six inches apart.

Sweet William:

This old and favorite perennial is ^\'ell suited
to the climate, reaching its highest perfection
here, and vvlien sown early in the spring will
flower the same season, which it rarelv does in
other countries. It is well to take up the roots
in the Fall for protection in the cellar, as it
flowers more freely the next season by so doing.

'•(■'.■i'- •

\:i:^W'i&:MM^'o

V(;,

, ■ »■ , y

flovvp:rs.

esiraljle of
-^lant to the
tart.

well suited
: perfection
spring wiH
•elv does in
up the roots
cellar, as it
by so doin^^

Pink.

China and Japan succeed well. Sow w^ the
<^^arden. Take up the roots in the Fall and ])Ut
in the cellar. Set them out early in the spring.

PORTULACCA.

Annual. — looks beautiful if grown in masses
of mixed colors. Sow in the garden in Maw

Sunflower.

Annual. -Sow early in spring where they are
to remain, thinning them out to four or five feet
apart. Makes a good background for the gar-
den

PRACTICAL TESTS ON (aRDENTNG.

f«

Sweet Pea.

A climbing annual requiring to be sown in
the garden early. Give them sticks or string on
which to climb. Very fragrant and makes a
pretty show.

DiELYTRA SPECTABILIS.

Fuberous rooted perennial, succeeding well
here, and will stand the winter. The roots can
be obtained from the nurserymen.

Tiger Lily.
Plant the bulbs four to (i\e inches deep and
thev will do well

it ' ' \

MORSES.

" ^^V^K-rf

va;t^(;^^v<^, ,

• HORSES.

So much has been said about Ihe unsuitability

of the Horse for this climate, and its liabiHty to

disease and premature death, and this idea has

become so widespread and is so frequently put

forth by those who are ever ready to find fault

with anything and everything connected with

this country, that it might be well to make a

few statements as to the actual facts of the case,

and which may be relied and acted upon by

the incoming settler, who may be somewhat in

doubt as to what to believe, and what to do, in

reference to bringing horses with him to this
far North- West.

PKACTK/AL TFSTS 0\ (.AkDKMNf;.

The idea that this country is too cold for
Horses to exist is simpl)' ridiculous. The herds
of Horses that live out all the winter and remain
in ^ood condition disproves this. The horses of
Montana and the ponies of the Indians never
see the inside of a stable and do not know
what oats are, and yet not only live but thrive
and multiply. And horses that can brave the
terrors of a winter or Sable Island or Cape Cod,
which it is well known they do, need not fear
a winter in the North- West, where by pawing
the iigh snow, an abundance of well cured grass
'not rotten as it would be in the old Provinces
under similar circumstances or at that time of
the year) can be obtainec*, which furnishes all
the nutriment necessary for their support in good
condition, and where an abundence of ravines
and groves of trees furnish shelter during stormy-
weather , ■,!> . - ., ,i,, • ■■■■>i'-,^'' - \,];U-^

But it is not with this class of horses that
this chapter has to deal with, but with such as
the fiirmer will need to use on his farm for all its

HOkSKS

^r A,'-

varied work, such as breaking', putting in crops,
hauling grain to market, &c., and the question
!nay be asked by the intending settler from the
old Provinces--^' Will it be safe for me to bring
my tearrr to the North-west, or shall I sell them
and purcluiise oxen when I get there?" — We
would say in answer to such questions, that if
you have a team or teams of young horses not
under 4 years old) and can afford to give them
a fair chance the first summer, and not to work
them too much without feeding them plenty of
good sound oats or barley, you may safely bring
them with you, and it will give you much better
satisfaction than working yourself to death while
endeavoring to make the usually stubborn ox
do his share of the work required \\\ settling on
a new farm, '..•••■• ,,,:.»,. •>> .■ '■.:•■' ;.',-;^
The usual plan pursued by settlers has been
to bring their horses to this country early in the
spring, and to reach their future homes these
teams, a^-tached to wagons loaded with their
household goods and supplies, have to haul the

PKACTICAL TESTS ON (.ARDKNINO.

loads though creek, mudhole and slough all day,
and at night simply tied to a wagon on the
prairie, without any shelter -the water given
them to drink perhaps strongly impregnated
with alkali, and owing to the scarcity (ji^expen-
siveness of oats, they have only a limited supply.
When reaching the homestead they have no
stable, are exposed to all the violent rains of the
rainy season, are tormented by mosquitos, pro-
bably set to work either breaking sod, or haul-
ing house and stable logs — all this without suit-
able shelter or the accustomed supply of grain,
and is it any wonder that the weak ones suc-
cumb— they would not endure such treatment
in Ontario. , . , • , . ^^r

But we maintain and know it to be the case
that if instead of this treatment, they are pro-
vided for in a reasonable manner — given grain
in suitable quantities, with pure water, and for
shelter have water-tight stables with dry floors,
there is no more risk of their dying prematurely
here than in any other country. ' '^

HORSES.

There is no doubt but that the horse most
suitable for this country is the short legged
stocky, French Canadian horse. He is less sub-
ject to disease—is kind and tractable— is thick-
skinned enough to withstand the attacks of
mosquitos, &c., endures the cold in the best
manner— and his endurance is such, that he will
do an immense amount of work without fatigue.

This kind of horse is the coming horse of the
country, and to any one who is prepared to put
some capital in the breeding of them, no doubt
a large fortune awaits them.

sA^;!/-

PRACTICAL TESTS ON GAROKNING.

GRASSES.

There are very few, if an>% countries in the
world that can boast of as large a variety of val-^
uable natural gras^ies, as the Province of Mani-
toba and the North-West Territories of the
Dominion of Canada. The pen and tongue of the
scientist, as well as the observant traveller, have
told of their luxuriance and usefulness, and those
persons who were fortunate enough to see the
fine show made by Manitoba, at the different
exhibitions, in the Provinces of Ontario and
Quebec, must have been astonished at the rich
productions there shown, and especially at the
size and marvellous seed producing powers of
the different grasses indigenous to this great
country. For those who wish to obtain full in-
formation on these points we would refer you to
the Deputy Minister of Agriculture for Mani-
toba, Mr. Acton Burrows, who for some years

in the
of val-
Mani-
>f the
: of the
■> have
[ those
ee the
ferent
► and
' rich
t the
Jrs of
great
ill in-
ou to
lani-

'cars

GRASSES.

has identified himself with the progress of Agri-
culture and its kindred pursuits in the North-
West, and whose knowledge of these subjects
cannot be surpassed.

The object of this chapter is to state a few
facts perhaps not so generally known with re-
ference to the cultivated grasses of the older
Provinces.

White Clover.

This fine pasture plant has, after several
years' test, proved itself quite at home and per-
fectlv hardv in the North-West, and when the
time comes that fenced pastures will be the
vogue, then this plant will play an important
part in producing a rich close grass during
the whole^season. It produces seed here in
abundance, and is so aggressive that if left to it-
self will crowd out the natural grasses and mon-
opolize the whole ground.

It can be sown on mellow and moderatel}-
good soil as soon as the ground is thawed suffi-
ciently in the spring, either with or without a

PRACTICAL TESTS ON (iARDKMNC.

grain crop, at the rate of about five pounds of
seed to the acre -^ > , ,

Red Clover.
It is very generally supposed that Red Clover
is not sufficiently hardy for this country, but
this is an error, as the result of a three years'
test proves, and from what is already known of
its habits here wc are impressed with the idea
that it will prove longer lived than it does in the
old Provinces, where two years seems to be the
limit of its profitable existence. We look to
this plant to have a glorious future in the North-
West, and confidently think that it will pr<^ve as
great an addition to the fertilizing plants here
as it has been especially in the Province of Ont-
ario and the State or New York, wh^re the fer-
tility of the best wheat lands is maintained al-
most exclusively by the turning under of crops
of clover. We look to it to be of great benefit
to our immense plains, where it is to be hoped
that the farmers will grow it largely, and al-
though, owing to the great richness of the soil,

V I I I

GRASSES.

joil,

it would be some years before those plains be-
come exhausted, yet it would be a wise policy
for the farmers to maintain their farms in fertil-
ity, and not suffer them to become like the poor
and barren fields that can be found all through
the State of Minnesota. Red Clover seed can
be sown in the spring either on mellow soil alone
or with grain as in Ontario. If the lattet meth-
od be adopted sow at the rate of 8 or lo lbs. of
seed to the acre, after the grain has been har-
rowed for the last time, then passing a light
roller over the crop will ensure its early and even
ijermination. .

Timothy.

Although not so valuable as a fertilizing plant
as Red Clover, yet where one is desirous of
keeping his horses in the best condition, and
when the country becomes so closely settled
that it will be necessary to go a long way to cut
the winter supply of hay. then Timothy will be
resorted to as a chief source of hay supply.

It has been grown here for some years and

PRACTICAL TESTS ON GARDENING.

has proved a great success. Some Ontario
farmers located near Odanah on the Little Sas-
katchewan have grown it largely the past two
years, and from them the information is obtained
that by feeding their horses with Timothy Hay
they can obtain the same results with one half
the quantity of oats that were necessary when
feeding prairie hay. Owing to the freedom with
which the plants stool out here less seed is re-
quired to the acre than in Ontario. Eight
pounds will be found sufficient, .sowing in the
same manner as recommended for red clover
If sown early in the spring alone on mellow soil
it will reach the height of four feet the same
summer, yielding a good crop of hay of two tons
to the acre.

J'OULTRV.

POULTRY.
No book on rural life in the North-West

would be complete without an allusion at least

to the keeping of poultry. And whether it is

desired to keep them for pleasure or profit, no

home should be without a good supply. All

the various kinds of turkeys, geese, ducks and

chicken, usually common on the farms of Ontario

and Britain can be kept here, but we will confine

ourselves to speaking more especially about the

PRAC TICAI. TKSTS ON GAUPENINO.

domestic fovv'l, which fov profit it not for pleasure
is perhaps superior to other kinds of poultry for
this country. As eg^ producers simply it is
doubtful whether any of the different breeds
will surpass the pure white Brahnias. The pul-
lets commence to lay quite young, and by care-
ful feeding and suitable buildings for them the
supply of large fine flavored eggs is almost un in-
termitting. This biced is also very hardy, as
much or more so than any other breed. The
Black Spanish is a good egg producer, as is also
the Plymoth Rock, but in our experience neither
of these last mentioned breeds is as hardy as the
White Bramah. If the object in keeping stock
is the raising of chicken more than the produc-
tion cf eggs, then v/e would recommend a cross
between the full Brahania and good common
stock, as the full Brahma hen.s do not make as
good mothers as when crossed with some other
breeds. The chicken from this cross of Brahmas
w^ith common stock nake a good hardy domes-
tic fowl, goou layers and a large table bird.

I'OULTKV.

ll has been the custom with many in this
country to keep their poulty during the winter
with their cattle and horses, but this, if possible,
should be avoided, it being injurious to both. A
separate building should be provided for the
fowls, the main requisite of which are light and
warmth for winter, and of whatever material
the building may be constructed great care
should be used in making it wind proof for the
winter. With regard to the size — 12 feet square
is not too much room for 25 hens, and^ house
of this dimensions would require for light a win-
dow at least 3 feet by 4 feet, about i foot from
the ground, and facing the south so that the oc-
cupants could get the full benefit of the sun.
During the winter of course fowls will have to
depend altogether on being fed, and it is found,
that in addition to their usual feed, at least once
a day a good teed of boiled grain of some kind
— potatoes or other vegetables will keep them
in good laying condition, provided of course,
that all the other little points with which all

PRACTICAI, TKSTS ON GARDENING.

poultry raisers are familiar, are carefully attend-
ed to — not forgetting, of course, the supplying
daily good pure water in sufficient quantities.

All broods should be hatched by the first of
July, so as to give the young chicks a good
chance to be well feathered and strong before
the cold weather sets in, as late broods, although
apparently doing well, are very apt to succumb
to the cold of winter.

JFXJSIX&.

"?; -^i ';4-:VK:i;.

'livC iif -..*;:'«i*^rTj-/i'!,'i'i

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