'X<»». «%: mi' . J « * < < < 4 < <^ < < 4 * < i <>:<>:' S^ '■^. NE W ^C^ K DIEECTOR "WM. SAUNDERS. AGRICULTURIST JAS. W. ROBERTSOK. HORTICULTURIST JOHN CRAIG. CHEMIST F. T. SHUTT, M.A. ENTOMOLOGIST and BOTANIST - - - JAS. FLETCHER. POULTRY MANAGER A. G. GILBERT, SUPT. EXPERIMENTAL FARM, Nappan, N.S. - WM. M. BLAIR. do do Brandon, Manitoba. S. A. BEDFORD. do do Indian Head, N.-W.T. ANGUS MACKAY. do do Agassiz, B.C. THOS. A. SHARPE. FOR 1891 PIUNTET) BY ORDER OF PARLIAMENT OTTAWA: PRINTED BY S. E. DAWSON, PRINTER TO THE QUEEN'S MOST EXCELLENT M A.J EST Y 1892 (No. 7f— 1892.] Price 25 cents. 1x. APPENDIX TO THE Report of the Minister of Agriculture ON EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. Ottawa, 20th March, 1892. Sib, — ^I have the honour to submit for your approval my fifth annual report of the work done and in progress at the several experimental farms, which have, under your instruction, been established in different parts of the Dominion. You will also find appended reports from the following ofiicers of the Central Experimental Farm: From the Agriculturist, Mr. James W. Robertson; from the Horticulturist, Mi-. John Craig; from the Chemist, Mr, Frank T. Shutt, and from the Entomologist and Botanist, Mr. James Fletcher. A report is also submitted from the Poultry Manager, Mr. A. Gr. Gilbert. From the branch experimental farms there are reports from Mr. Wm. M. Blair, superintendent of the experimental farm for the Maritime Provinces, at Nappan, Nova Scotia; from Mi-. S. A. Bedford, superintendent of the experimental farm for Mani- toba, at Bi-andon ; from Mr. Angus Mackay, superintendent of the experimental farm for the North-West Territories, at Indian Head; and from Mr. Thos. A. Sharpe, superintendent of the experimental farm for British Columbia, at Agussiz. These reports will be found to cover experimental work and carefully con- ducted observations in almost every department of agriculture and horticulture. They also contain much information relating to those branches of chemical work which have a direct bearing on agriculture, and to those departments of entomology and botany which are of practical importance to the farmers of this country. It is hoped that the facts submitted, and the results of the experimental work recorded in this report, may be helpful to all those engaged in cultivating the soil, and that they may thus aid in furthering the agricultural and horticultural interests of the Dominion. I have the honour to be, Sir, Your obedient servant, WM. SAUNDEES. Tlie Honourable The Minister of Agriculture, Ottawa. itf...i;ii;e'^*T Figure 1. Office Building, Museum and Chemical Laboratory of the Central Experimental Farm. ANNUAL REPORT ON THE ^ o EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. ^. 1^- RErORT OF THE DIRECTOR. During the season of 1891 farmers in almost every part of the Dominion of Canada have been blessed with bountiful crops. With few exceptions favourable weather for seeding, growth and harvesting has prevailed fiom the Atlantic to the Pacific, and the results have been such as to provoke a general spirit of thankful- ness among those engaged in agricultural pursuits. Compared with the average of the past nine years, the statistics of Ontario show an increase for the past year in that province in fall wheat of 5*7 bushels per acre ; in spring wheat, 5*4 bushels ; barley, 3*2 ; oats, 5*7 ; peas, 3*6, and of corn in the ear of 9*8 bushels per acre. In turnips the crop has been increased above the average for the period named by 136 bushels per acre; mangels, 76 bushels; carrots, 36 bushels; and potatoes, 28-9 bushels, the only items where t.here has been any falling off being in beans and hay. The former is less than the average by 1"3 bushels per acre, and the latter by about four-tenths of a ton per acre. This last has no doubt been due to the very drj'- weather which prevailed generally during the month of June. Farmers have also had favourable results in the Maritime Provinces. In Manitoba and the North- West Territories, notwithstanding the strong winds which prev;uled in the spring and the early frosts in autumn, the returns on the whole have been most bountiful. The stores of fertility laid up by nature with so liberal a hand in the soil of those fertile plains promise food and plenty in the future to in-coming multitudes. In British Columbia also almost every sort of crop is said to have been above the aver- age. The outlook from an agricultural standpoint is most encouraging for Canada, for it will be found that associated with the favourable season there have been improvements in the preparation of the soil, in the selection of the seed and in the general management of the crops, showing that increased intelligence is being brought to bear on farm work. The stores of fertility in the soil are being more carefully husbanded by a judicious succession of crops, and grcatei' pains are taken to replace the elements which repeated cropping has removed. The mental inac- tivity of the past is fast being replaced by a spirit of enquiry which augurs well for the future. That much may still be done by the farmer to improve his condition and add to his profits will scarcely admit of a doubt, and while there are some conditions which affect his crops which are beyond his control, the intelligent application of improved methods will enable him to make the very best of every favourable cir- cumstance which may arise. One of the most important means of improvement within his reach is the selection of good seed, and it is worth while to pause to consider how much may be involved in this one point, hitherto so often neglected. Every seed has an individuality of its own impressed on it by nature, which, under favouring conditions, will manifest itself. Each is provided with a gern\ wherein lies this impress of individuality, and this germ is imbedded in a store of such food as is best suited to stimulate the growth of the young plant. When the seed is plump that food supply is bountiful, and the infant plant so nourished makes rapid head- way, but where the seed i8 shrunken and imperfectly dovelojicd the store of nourish- ment is much lessened. After the young plant has begun to grow a period of com- parative rest is needed, during which growth above is scarcely perceptible, until the roots are sufficiently extended to gather food for further development ; the rapidity with which this progress is made depends very much on the plumpness and inherent vigour of the seed. Crops are thus often enfeebled at the start and delayed in ripening by the use of poor seed, or they ripen unevenly and lack that vigour so necessarj^ to a liberal return. As an illustration we may take the oat crop. How often it has occurred that farmers have held over for seed such oats as were too poor in quality to sell to advan- tage, thinking that any sort was good enough for this purpose, and how frequently has the yield been poor and the grain of light weight. It is not unusual for good farmers who provide good seed of fertile sorts to have crops of this grain of from 50 to 60 bushels per acre, while the average is about 35 bushels; by the exercise of greater care in this respect the average production may be materially increased, and every additional bushel per acre would in Ontario alone add to the returns of the farming community nearly $625,000 a year. Or, taking the improve- ment in another line, it is well known that some farmers by the selection of good plump seed and thorough preparation of the soil grow oats from four to eight pounds heavier per bushel than many of their neighbours. It should not be forgotten that with an equal yield in measured bushels per acre an average increase in the single province of Ontario of one pound per bushel in weight in the entire crop would be a gain to the farmers, basing the estimate on the crop of last year, of $750,000 per annum. An addition of one bushel per acre on the wheat crop of Ontario, including both fall and spring wheat, would in like manner add to the gains of the farmers over $1,300,000 in a single season. These statements respecting wheat and oats will apply with more or less foi-ce to every other crop. Good varieties of grain sometimes deteriorate by long and careless cultivation to such an extent as to make them unprofitable, when they are usually replaced by other sorts. Judicious selection and change of seed would no doubt conserve this fertility and add greatly to the length of life of such varieties. New sorts are obtained either by careful selection and cultivation, by the preservation of occasional sports which occur in nature or by artificial crossing. The watchful farmer may do much to improve his own grain, and furnish good seed to his less thoughtful neigh- bours by the first method, and occasionally secure new varieties by the second, but the third requires much more skill and care and is usually practised only by the expert in such matters. On the experimental farms all these methods are in operation, and in a very few years a large number of nevs^ sorts which have been originated in this climate will be available for test in different parts of the Dominion. DISTRIBUTION OF SEED GRAIN. In view of the importance of placing within the reach of Canadian farmers the best varieties of seed grain obtainable, all the most promising sorts are yearly brought together and tested at the experimental fiirms. The crops of such sorts as are likely to be generally useful are preserved, and under instruction of the Minister of Agriculture distributed the following season to those who apply for them as long as the supply lasts. The character of this free distribution is sometimes misunderstood. Some farmers think they have the right to demand samples of the seed of every sort of grain and crop grown on the farm, and lists are often received covering several pages of a letter enumerating all sorts of grain, vegetable seeds, bulbs, flowers, &c., which they desire to have sent them ; others, again, will ask for seed sufficient for from 10 to 50 acres of land. It is not intended that this branch of the work of the experimental farms should in any way interfere with the business of the seedsmen, but to limit the distribution mainly to such varieties of seed grain as are not easily obtainable in the ordinary channels of commerce. The weight of each sample is limited to three pounds, and the number sent to each farmer is usually two or at most three, so that the supply available may be made to cover every year a large area in the country. The saiuplcs sunt out iu the early months of 1891 were distributed atsloliows Prince Edward Island. Oats 107 Barley 50 Wheat 64 Peas 18 Indian corn 225 Potatoes 4 468 Number of applicants supplied, 256. JVova Scotia. Oats 343 Barley 285 Wheat -m Peas 63 Indian corn 695 Spring rye 27 Potatoes 31 1,744 Number of applicants supplied, 1,000. Wew Brunswick. Oats 174 Barley 51 Wheat 88 Peas 55 Potatoes 1 369 Number of applicants supplied, 244. Quebec. Oats 1,380 Barley 960 Wheat 296 Peas 280 Spring rye 1^9 ^Potatoes 89 Indian corn 2 •^ 116 o Number of applicants supplied, 1,205. Ontario. Oats 1,880 Spring wheat 950 Barley 860 Peas 440 Spring rye 4 Indian com 10 Potatoes 105 4,249 Number of applicants supplied, 1,575. Manitoba. Oats 468 Wheat 251 Barley 159 Peas 154 Indian corn 21 Potatoes 2 1,055 Number of applicants supplied, 406. North- West Territories. Oats 267 Barley 260 Wheat 210 Peas 149 Indian corn 6 Potatoes 3 895 Number of applicants supplied, 313. British Columbia. Oats 109 Barley 179 Wheat 62 Peas 30 Spring rye 9 Potatoes 1 ^0 Number of applicants supplied, 141. The following list shows the number of 3-lb. packages of the different varieties which have been distributed : — Oats. Prize Cluster 2,801 Victoria Prize 540 Flying Scotchman 531 Bonanza 383 Banner 3Y8 American Triumph 71 Egyptian 24 Total 4,728 Barley — Two-roioed. Carter's Prize Prolific 801 Danish Chevalier 650 Golden Melon 399 Webb's Kinver Chevalier 359 Carter's Goldthorpe 275 Saale 190 Beardless 46 Large Two-rowed Naked 20 ^ Total 2,740 Barley — Six-rowed. Baxter's Six-rowed 40 Indian from Spiti valley 24 Total 64 Spring Wheat. Campbell's White Chaff. 988 Ladoga 956 Eed Fife 268 Johnston's Defiance 9 Total 2,221 Peas. Multiplier ; 1,189 Indian Corn. Pearce's Prolific ~) Eed Cob Ensilage.... V 885 Canada Yellow )red Total 959 Thoroughbred White Flint 74 10 Rye. Spring rye 149 % Potatoes. Chicago Market 96 Early Ohio YO Early Sunrise 68 EuralBlush 1 Total 235 Total number of samples distributed, 12,285. Number of applicants supplied, 5,140. REPORTS RECEIVED FROM: SAMPLES DISTRIBUTED, WITH SOME RESULTS OF FIELD CROPS. Prize Cluster Oats. This variety of oats has again given good returns. At the Central Experi- mental Farm the yield has varied on different soils from 84 bushels and 4 lbs. to 28 bushels 28 lbs., weighing about 42 lbs. per bushel. A large field averaged 48 bushels 24lb8., and it was considered that one-fourth of the grain was beaten out by a hail storm, which occurred a^ter cutting and while the grain was in stook. On the experimental farm at Nappan, N. S., the yield in plot culture has been quite phe- nomenal, having reached 104 bushels 19 lbs. per acre, weighing 38|- lbs. per bushel. At Brandon, Man., these oats have given 54 bushels 15 lbs. per acre, weighing 39 lbs. per bushel, and at Indian Head, N.W.T., 82 to 86 bushels per acre, the grain having reached the extraordinary weight of 47 to 48^ lbs. per bushel. At Agassiz, B. C, the return has been smaller, being 28 bushels 28 lbs. per acre. These oats maintain their character for earliness, ripening usually from two or three days to a week earlier than many other sorts. In the following series of results by provinces, a summary is first given, followed by extracts from a few of the reports received from those farmers who have had the largest yields from the 3-lb. samples : — PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND. Number of reports received, 16; average yield from 3 lbs., 63ff lbs.; average weight per bushel, 43Jjr lbs. The heaviest sample weighed 45 lbs. per bushel, and was grown by Robert Wood, of Mount Herbert, who reports a yield of 60 lbs. John Clark, of Alberton, had 85 lbs. from the 3 lbs. sown, and says: " Sown broadcast on heavy clay land 29th April ; harvested 25th August; no rust or smut; straw very strong and white. This grain ripens ten days earlier than any other." The sample returned weighed 42J lbs. per bushel. Robert Shaw, of Piusville, reports a yield of 70 lbs. He says: "Sown broad- cast 2nd June on heavy land newly burnt ; harvested 5th September ; no rust or smut; straw bright; ripens earlier than any other oats sown and gives double the yield. Would like you to favour me with some more samples." This grain weighed 44 lbs. per bushel. NOVA SCOTIA. Number of reports received, 50 , average yield, 63^ lbs,; average weight per bushel, 40:| lbs. The heaviest sample was grown by Andrew McFarlane, of Anti- gonish; it weighed AA\ lbs. and the yield was 55 lbs. James Northrup, of Haiboui-ville, reports a yield of 155 lbs. from a sowing of Jths of 3 lbs. of seed, and says: "Sown in drills 25th May on dry, loamy soil; bar- 11 vested 14th September ; there was no rust, but some smut ; straw very stout ; several days earlier than the Banner or any other kind that I sowed, and heavier. I con- eider them very fine oats." The sample returned weighed 39 lbs. per bushel. H. Sabean, of New Tusket, harvested 150 lbs. from 3 lbs. sown, and reports as follows : " Sown broadcast 3rd May on gravelly loam ; harvested 12th August ; no rust or smut; straw very stout ; ripens early; heavier than any other sort sown." Sample returned weighed 42|- lbs. per bushel. Jabez McLennan, of North Brookfield, reports a yield of 143 lbs. from 3 lbs. sown, and says: "Sown broadcast 10th May on rich, dry, loamy soil, top dressed with ashes; harvested 15th August; no smut or rust; straw very bright; stood up well ; ripened about as other grain alongside ; weighed much heavier, the heaviest oats I have ever seen." The sample returned weighed 42f lbs. per bushel. NEW BRUNSWICK. Number of reports received, 31. The average yield was 63^ lbs. and the aver- age weight 40 lbs. per bushel. The heaviest sample weighed 43| lbs. This was grown by H. V. Price, of Eogersville, who had a yield of 59 lbs. J. E. Babineau, of Eobichaud, reports a yield of 163 lbs. from 3 lbs. sown. He says : — Sown with the hand on heavy damp soil on the 27th of May ; harvested 2nd September; no rust or smut; straw very large; ripens a little sooner than other oats, and much heavier." The weight of the sample returned was 40 lbs. per bushel. William McCullough, of Manners Sutton, had 111 lbs. from 3 lbs. sown, and says: "Sown broadcast 24th May on light loam, top dressed ; harvested 25th September; no rust; a little smut; straw very coarse; not as early as other grain, but ripened even." Weight of sample returned, 38|- lbs. per bushel. David Cunningham, of Hauwell, had a crop of 90 lbs., and reports as follows : — ''Sown broadcast 12th May, on black loam; harvested 21st August; no rust or smut; straw very stout ; as early as other sorts, with a better yield. I think them a good oat for this place." Weight of sample returned, 40 lbs. per bushel. QUEBEC. Number of reports received, lYl ; average yield, 70^ lbs.; average weight per bushel, 39A- lbs. The heaviest sample weighed 44|- lbs. per bushel, and was grown by Joseph Guay, of Piopolis, who reports a yield of 85 lbs. M. Godmer, of Ste. Addle, reports a yield of 297 lbs. from 3 lbs. sown. He says : "Sown broadcast 8th May, on sandy loam, 86 x 86^ feet; harvested 29th August; no rust or smut ; straw much the same as others; grain heavier and earlier." The sam- ple returned weighed 40^ lbs. per bushel. S. Audette, of St. Ubalde, had a yield of 220 lbs., and reports as follows : " Sown broadcast 20th May, on clay soil ; harvested 10th September ; there was much rust but no smut ; earlier than other sorts and heavier also. If straw had kept siraight up think I would have had 100 lbs. more." The sample returned weighed 34j lbs. per bushel. George Maynard, of St. Foy, reports a yield of 162 lbs. from 3 lbs. of seed. He says : " Sown broadcast 8th May, on sandy soil, which grew oats last year ; har- vested 24th August; no rust or smut; straw of good quality; grain heavier and earlier than other sorts." The sample returned weighed 42J lbs. per bushel. ONTARIO. Number of reports received, 183; average yield, 89H-lb8. ; average weight per bushel, 38f lbs. The heaviest sample weighed 45i- lbs. per bushel and was grown by P. Meiklejohn, of Sargison, who reports a yield of 129 lbs. P. Generaux, of Nosbonsing, reports a yield from 3 lbs. sown of 6 bushels and 17 lbs. (221 lbs.) He says : "Sown 14th May on heavy sandy loam, 64 x 64 feet; harvested 25th August." The sample he returned weighed 39^ lbs. per bushel. John Edwards, of Eockland, had 190 lbs., and says : "Sown 29th April on clay loam, spring ploughed and top dressed with manure; plot 24 x 180 feet; harvested 12 5th August; no rust or smut; straw grew about 3 feet high and stood well. This grain is better than any ever raised on the farm." The weight of the sample retui-ned was 36| lbs. per bushel. Wm. Dunn, Sweet's Corners, had 170 lbs. from 3 lbs. sown, and says: " Sown in drills 1st May, on clay loam; sod ploughed in the fall; plot33 x 154 feet; harvested 14lh August; no rust; no smut; nice bright straw, 3 feet high. I think they are very fine oats. I will have enough to sow two acres next year." The sample returned weighed 37 lbs. per bushel. John Wiley, of Foye's Hill, had Vi8 lbs. of oats, after cleaning, from 3 lbs. sown. He says : " Sown 12th May, on clay loam, top dressed ; harvested 18th August ; no rust; no smut; straw very long and stiff, clean and bright; ripened ten days earlier than our other oats and are heavier. They are the best oats grown in this section ; took first prize at two of our township fairs." The weight of the sample returned by Mr. Wiley was 42^ lbs. per bushel. MANITOBA. Number of reports received, 25 ; average yield, 88J lbs. ; average weight per bushel, 37^ lbs. The heaviest sample weighed 44|- lbs., and was grown by A. Malcolm, of Oak Lake, who reports a yield of 20 lbs., and says that blackbirds destroyed most of the crop. George Forbes, of Eothwell, reports a yield of 200 lbs. from 8 lbs. He says: " Sown 27th April, on rich black loam; size of plot, 30 rods, and the width of a Patterson drill, every second cup stopped, and set at 1 bushel per acre; afterwards hoed between the rows. Harvested 1st September; had eleven stooks; badly rusted; no smut; straw very strong, over 6 feet long ; think I would have had 400 or 500 lbs. only for rust and blackbirds. Am very proud of these oats; will give them a better chance next year and report again." The sample leturncd weighed 36^ lbs. per bushel. , Chas. E. Ivens, of Virden, had a yield of 192 lbs. He says : " Sown 7th May, in drills 14 inches apart, on black loam 2 feet deep ; 624 square yards; harvested 27th August; no smut or rust; straw long and soft. Ten daj^s later than Bonanza, but the Bonanza was sown much thicker." Weight of sample returned, 40J lbs. per bushel. E. Grun, of Emerald Hill, had 180 lbs. from 3 lbs. sown, and says : " Sown 8th May in drills, with press drill, on 9 square rods, on sandy loam; harvestei 19th August; a little rust, nothing to hurt; no smut; straw very heavy and rank ; ripened twenty days earlier than our other oats ; they appear to be just what we want." The sample returned weighed 39 lbs, per bushel. NORTH-WEST TERRITORIES. Number of reports received, 21; average yield, 70^ lbs; average weight per bushel, 38f lbs. The heaviest sample, which weighed 44|- lbs. per bushel, was grown by T. G. Cooney, of Wascana, who reports a crop of 230 lbs. T. G. Cooney, of Wascana, reports a yield of 230 lbs. from 3 lbs. of seed. He Bays : " Sown in drills 27th April, on very heavy clay soil ; plot about 1 rod wide and 16 rods long; harvested 25th August; no rust or smut; straw from 5 to 6 feet high; leaves measured 1^ inches in width ; it partly lay down ; ripens eaily and compares favourably with other varieties." The sample returned weighed 44^ lbs. per bushel. Chas. Gilroy, of Eegina, had a yield of 128 lbs., and says: " Sown broadcast 16th April on heavy clay soil ; size of plot, 16^ x 130 feet ; harvested 22nd August ; no rust; no smut; straw coarse, 44 inches long." The sample Mr. Gilroy returned weighed 42 lbs. per bushel. J. J. Porter, of Boharm, had 104 lbs. from 3 lbs. of seed, and says : " Sown with drill 24th April on rich loam; size of plot, 3 x 100 yards ; harvested 5th September ; some rust; no smut; ripened very uneven ; lodged some; yield would have been much heavier had it ripened evenly ; some of it was shelled before the balance was ripe." The sample i-eturned weighed 42^ lbs. per bushel. 13 BRITISH COLUMBIA. Number of reports received, 2 ; average yield, 79 lbs. ; average weight per bushel, 41^ lbs. The heaviest sample was grown by Hector Ferguson, of Port Haney, who reports a yield of 90 lbs., weighing 41|^ lbs. per bushel. Hector Ferguson, of Port Haney, had a yield of 90 lbs. from 3 lbs. of seed, and Bays: " Sown broadcast 8th May on an alluvial deposit of sand and clay ; size of plot about 50 square yards ; harvested 9th September ; no rust or smut ; sti-awgood ; ripens about the same time as the Bonanza, and is a first-class oat." The sample returned weighed 41^ lbs. per bushel. Hugh Nichol, of Mission, had a crop of 68 lbs. He says: "Sown broadcast 10th April on sandy loam; size of plot, *J yards by 12; harvested 8th August; no rust or smut; straw strong; ripens early; crop good. I am very well pleased with these oats." The sample returned weighed 40f lbs. per bushel. Victoria Prize. This is a short, plump, white oat, much like the Prize Cluster, but is not uni- formly so good a cropper. On the Central Experimental Farm a yield of six aci-es averaged 26 bushels 29 lbs. per acre, weighing 39f lbs. per bushel. At the branch farm at Nappan, N.S., the experimental plots yielded 88 bushels 8 lbs. per acre, and at Agassiz, B.C., 25 bushels 30 lbs. per acre. J). Collins, of Mink Eiver road, P.E.I., had a crop of 67 lbs. from 3 lbs. of seed, and says : "Sown broadcast 5th May on light soil ; size of plot, 20 square yards ; harvested 19th August ; no rust or smut; bright, clean straw; ripens about the same as our common black oats." The sample returned weighed 42^ lbs. per bushel. V. Penny, of Murray Harbour S., P.B.I., had 45 lbs. He says : "Sown broad- cast 12th May on light soil; size of plot, 10 x 15; harvested 25th August; no rust or smut; straw soft; about six days earlier than other varieties." The weight of the sample returned was also 42^ lbs. per bushel. Hedly V. Price, of Eogersvile, N.B., had a yield of 83 lbs. from 3 lbs. of seed. He reports as follows : " Sown broadcast 27th May on sandy loam ; size of plot, 12 x 100 feet; harvested 25th August; no rust; no smut; straw strong and stout; earlier than our black oats." The sample returned weighed 40^ lbs. per bushel. Harvey Nesbit, of Manners Sutton, N.B., had 67 lbs. He says : " Sown broad- cast 12th May, on heavy soil; size of plot, 6 x 30 yards; harvested 21st August; no rust; some smut; straw very coarse; is earlier than the other sorts we had." Weight of sample returned, 42 J lbs. per bushel. J. B. Hamblen, of Pictou, N.S., had a yield of 127 lbs., and says: " Sown broad- cast 7th May on sandy loam; size of plot, 30 x 80 feet; harvested 26th August; no smut; no rust; straw tall, 5 feet high ; very stout; it became so heavy that it lay down; not any earlier than other sorts." The weight of sample returned was 38^ lbs. per bushel. W. B. Wallace, of Avondale, N.S., had 122 lbs. He says : " Sown broadcast about the last of May on clay loam ; size of plot, 12 x 200 feet ; do not know date of h.arvesting ; no rust; no smut; straw remarkably strong; stood up well, better than Prize Cluster ; think very favourably of these oats." Weight per bushel, 40 lbs. A. E. Guerin, of St. Isidore, Quebec, had a yield of 87 lbs. from 3 lbs. of seed. He says : " Sown in drills 30th April, on sticky black soil ; size of plot, 5 perches ; harvested 10th August ; no rust ; some heads of smut ; straw very strong and good ; earlier and heavier than our other oats ; a very useful sort for farmers." The sam- ple returned weighed 39^ lbs. per bushel. D. Leclair, of Ste. Thdr^sedeBlainvillo, Que., had 82 lbs., and reports as follows: "Sown broadcast 1st May on rich clay soil ; size of plot, 12 x 108 feet; harvested 3rd August; no rust; some heads of smut; straw long, strong and hard." The weight of sample returned was 41^ lbs. per bushel. Simeon Roberts, of Columbus, Out., reports a yield of 205 lbs. He says : " Sown broadcast 21st April on clay loam; size of plot, 20 x 230 feet; harvested 17th August; 14 no rust; no smut; a good stiff straw; two days earlier than the Egyptian." The weight of the sample returned was 41^ lbs. per bushel. J. D. Wager, of Enterprise, Ont., had 190 lbs., and says : "Sown broadcast 20th April on clay loam ; size of plot, 15 x 35 yards; harvested 3rd August; no rust; no smut; big straw ; about a week earlier than the Banner sown same date." Weight of sample returned, 39 lbs. per bushel, L. Cameron, of Elder's Mills, Ont., had 162 lbs. He says: "Sown broadcast 2l8t April on clay loam; size of plot, 2|- x 4 rods; harvested first week in August; no rust; no smut; the best straw and oats that I ever had, and as early as any; I have been farming 35 years." Weight of sample returned was 39| lbs. per bushel. A. Hobson, of Killarney, Man.,had a yield of 170 lbs. He says: "Sown in drills 27th April on sandy loam ; size of plot, ^^j^th of an acre ; harvested 10th August ; there was some rust ; no smut ; straw very strong and tall, and lodged badly." No sample received. John Fizell, of Holmfield, Man., had 136 lbs., and says: "Sown by hand 23rd April on heavy black loam ; size of plot, 25 x 72 feet ; harvested 15th August ; rusted badly; no smut; straw very heavy, about 6 feet high. I believe it was the heaviest crop cut in Manitoba ; ripened a week earlier than Egyptian." No sample received. J. J. Porte, of Boharm, N.W.T., had a crop of 98 lbs. He says : " Sown in drills 24th April, on loamy soil ; size of plot, 3x100 yards ; rusted a little ; a few heads of smut; straw stout, 4^ feet long." Weight of sample returned, 41f lbs. per bushel. C. Elton, Pincher Creek, N'.W.T.,had ayield of 91 lbs., and says : " Sown broad- cast 24th April on sandy loam ; size of plot, 39x39 feet; harvested 23rd September ; very little rust and a little smut; straw strong, 4^ feet high." Weight of sample returned, 37 J lbs. per bushel. Thomas James, of Spulmacheen, B.C., had a crop of 289 lbs. from 3 lbs. of seed. He says : " Sown broadcast 30th April on saudy loam; size of plot about ^ih of an acre; harvested 11th August; no rust ; a little smut; straw very good ; about one week earlier than White Cave." The weight of the sample returned was 37^ lbs. per bushel. Flying Scotchman. This is a white oat, a little longer in the kernel than Prize Cluster or Victoria Prize, which has made a good record for itself, having proven generally prolific, healthy and vigorous. At the Central Experimental Farm it has varied from 48 bushels and 26 lbs. per acre to 29 bushels and 7 lbs. At Nappan, N.S., the experi- mental plots have returned at the rate of 95 bushels 10 lbs. per acre, and at Agassiz, B.C., 58 bushels 8 lbs. per acre. John Clark, of Alberton, P.E.I., had a jneld of 118 lbs. from 3 lbs. of seed. He says : " Sown broadcast 29th April on heavy clay soil; size of plot, 12^ x 15 yards ; harvested 25th August ; no rust; no smut; straw large and bright; much earlier than any other sort." The sample returned weighed 38|- lbs. per bushel. J. B. E. Lea, of Victoria, P.E.I., had 89 lbs., and reports as follows: "Sown broadcast 23rd May on sandy loam at the rate of 2^ bushels to the acre ; harvested 29th August; no rust; no smut; straw a fine growth, but broke down a week before harvest; earlier than most other sorts." The sample returned weighed 44^ lbs. per bushel. Josiah Wood, M.P., of Sackville, N.B., had a crop of 78 lbs., and says : "Sown broadcast 16th May on sandy loam; size of plot, 13 x 120 feet; harvested 10th September; a little rust; no smut; straw tall and very stout; ripens earlier than other sorts we have been sowing. Our neighbours' hens and geese got in to this grain, otherwii^e we should have had a much larger yield." The sample returned weighed 36 lbs. per bushel. H. Sabean, of New Tusket, N.S., had a yield of 125 lbs., and writes thus : " Sown broadcast 3rd May on gravelly loam ; size of plot, 20 x 33 paces; harvested 12tb 15 August; no rust ; a little smut; straw stout; think very favourably of this oat, but it is not so heavy as Prize Cluster," The weight of the sample returned was 36^ lbs. per bushel. F. Beaton, of Alexander, N. S., had 86 lbs., and says : " Sown broadcast 12th May on dry, loose soil ; size of plot, 5 square rods; harvested 4th September ; no rust; no smut ; straw heavy and perfectly sound ; a week later than Prize Cluster. The samples of Prize Cluster and Flying Scotchman are the best oats I ever raised." The weight of the sample returned was 39 lbs. per bushel. Julien Beauvais, of Ste. Ad^le, Que., had a crop of 138 lbs. from 3 lbs. of seed, and says : " Sown broadcast 10th May, on yellow soil ; size of plot, 20 x 90 feet ; harvested 27th August ; no rust or smut ; straw good and clean ; is earlier and heavier than other varieties." The sample returned weighed 41J lbs. per bushel. Isidore Plouffe, of Ste. Agathe, Que., had a yield of 129 lbs. He says : " Sown broadcast 15th May, on yellow soil ; size of plot, 20 x 40 feet ; harvested 20th August ; no rust; no smut; straw long, fine and strong ; ripened 15 days sooner than our other sorts; I counted 220 grains in one head." The weight of the sample returned was 38|- lbs. per bushel. Eevd. S. A. Moreau, of Ste. Agathe, had a crop of 100 lbs. and says : " Sown broadcast 12th May, on yellow soil, well manured ; size of plot, 18 x 40 feet ; har- vested 13th August; no rust or smut; straw long and very good; earlier than ordinarj'" sorts. Farmers here preserve their yield from the bamples as something very precious, and thank the experimental farm, as I do myself." The weight of the sample returned was 37^ lbs. per bushel. A. R McTavish, of Loch Garry, Ont., had a yield of 190 lbs. He writes thus : " Sown broadcast 29th April ; on sandy soil, mixed with gravel ; size of plot, 27 x 210 feet ; harvested 14th August; no rust; no smut ; straw bright and stands well ; ripens earlier than any other sort I had. I am very well pleased with the oats." The weight of the sample returned was 38^ lbs. per bus-hel. John Lawrence, of Mandamin, Ont., had 166 lbs,, and says : " Sown broadcast 22nd April, on sandy loam ; size of plot, 360 square yards ; harvested 8th August ; no rust ; no smut ; straw very heavy, half lying down ; four or five days later than Prize Cluster." The weight of the sample returned was 38|- lbs. Jas. Callagher, of Bethany, Ont., had 135 lbs. He says : " Sown broadcast 25th April, on clay loam; size of plot, 5x50 yards; harvested 10th August; no rust; no smut ; straw bright and strong; ripens six to eight days earlier than my other oats, and heavier in crop and weight of grain ; a remarkably fine variety of oats for this part; I think they will prove to be the leading oat here." The weight of the sample returned was 39f lbs. per bushel. John Clarkson, of Elkhorn, Man., had a yield of 170 lbs. He says : " Sown broadcast 13th April, on black sandy soil ; size of plot, 480 square yards ; harvested 20th August ; no rust; no smut ; straw 4 feet long, medium thickness ; compares favourably with other oats, and yields better than any other sort I have." The weight of the sample returned was 34 lbs. per bushel. Charles Gilroy, of Eegina, N.-W.T., had a yield of 93 lbs., and says : " Sown broadcast 16th April, on heavy clay soil; size of plot, 16^ x 130 feet; harvested 24th August; no rust; no smut; straw coarse, and about 44 inches long." The weight of the sample returned was 38f lbs. per bushel. Bonanza. This is another white oat of fair promise, but closely resembles Prize Cluster and Victoria Prize. On the Central Experimental Farm it gave a crop in 1891 of 23 bushels and 30 lbs. per acre; at Nappan, N.S., 77 bushels 32 lbs.; at Indian Head. 72 bushels 22 lbs., and at Agassiz, B.C., 37 bushels 12 lbs. Wm.G.Taylor, of North Bedeque, P.E.I., had a crop of 84 lbs., and says: "Sown broadcast 11th May, on light soil ; size of plot, 210 square yards; harvested 20th August; no rust; no smut; straw coarse and bright; ripens about same time as Prize Cluster, and about ten days earlier than Egyptian. 1 consider the Bonanza to be 16 far superior to any other kind of white oats I have ever sown. I took first prize for sample at exhibition in October last." The sample returned was an excellent one, weighing 44f lbs. per bushel. George E. Baxter, of Perth Centre, N.B., had a yield of 82 lbs., and says: " Sown broadcast 26th May, on a light loam; harvested the 4th September; no rust or smut; straw large and bright; very early; good yield." The sample returned weighed 38^ lbs. per bushel. J. E. Taylor, of Eockland, N.B., had 77^ lbs., and reports as follows: "Sown broadcast 23i-d May, on rather heavy loam; size of plot, 195 square yards; harvested 8th September ; no rust or smut ; straw stout and strong ; about the same as others as regards eai'liuess of ripening, but the grain is much heavier than what we usually raise here." The sample leturned was very fine and weighed 43J lbs. per bushel. John R. McKenzie, of Millsville, Piciou, N.S., had a yield of 74 lbs., and says: " Sown in drills 15th May, on gravelly loam; size of plot, about 40 feet square ; harvested 25th August; no smut or rust ; straw strong ; did not lodge; the earliest I have ever sown, and never had such a yield before. If these oats do not run out they will be a great acquisition." The sample returned was an excellent one, weigh- ing 43^ lbs. per bushel. Henry C. Sabean, NewTusket, N.S., had 70 lbs., and says : " Sown broadcast Ist May, on gravelly loam ; size of plot, 35 x 48 feet; harvested 18tb August; some rust; no smut; straw stout, and stood up well." No sample was received in this instance. E. Laferri^re, of St. Sebastien, Quebec, had a yield of 92 lbs., and says: " Sown broadcast 13th May, oi: a mixed grey and yellow soil; size of plot, 18 x 126 feet; harvested 13th August ; no rust ; no smut ; straw fairly good ; ripened earlier than other varieties." The weight of this sample was also 43^ lbs. per bushel. William Worden, of St. Paul's Station, Quebec, had 80 lbs., and writes: "Sown broadcast 25th April, on loamy clay soil ; size of plot, 7 square rods; harvested 8th August; slightly rusted ; no smut; straw coarse; among the earliest, and heavy." The weight of the sample returned was 39J lbs. per bushel. L. Cameron, of Elder's Mills, Ont., had a crop of 152 lbs. from 3 lbs. of seed, and says: " Sown broadcast 21st April on clay loam ; size of plot, 2Jx 4 rods ; no rust; no smut ; straw good and clean ; I never had a finer yield." The weight of sample returned was 40 lbs. per bushel. James Calwell, of Yarna, Ont., had a yield of 122 lbs. He says : " Sown broad- coast 23rd April, on clay loam; size of plot, 540 square yards; date of harvesting not given ; no rust or smut ; straw a fair length ; a little earlier than others." The sample returned in this instance also weighed 40 lbs. per bushel. Allj'n Hobson, of Killarney, Man., had a crop of 170 lbs., and says : " Sown in drills 27 th April, on sandy loam; size of plot, -^ of an acre; harvested 10th August; plenty of rust; no smut ; straw very strong and tall, but badly broken down." The sample returned weighed 39 lbs. to the bushel. James Eeid. of Carman, Man., had 71 lbs., and says : " Sown in drills 8th May, on black loam ; size of plot, 7 rods ; no rust; no smut; straw strong and stifl^; ripened two weeks earlier than black oats and as early as Prize Cluster. They are the best oats I ever sowed." The sample returned weighed 41 lbs. per bushel. C. Eaton, of Pincher Creek, N.W.T., had a crop of 89 lbs., and writes : " Sown broadcast 24th April on sandy loam ; size of plot, 39 x 39 ; harvested 22nd Septem- ber; about 10 per cent slightly rusted; a few heads of smut; straw strong and bright, 5 ft. 3 in. in height ; ripens about same date as the Banner and gives about same weight of crop." The sample returned weighed 37^ lbs. per bushel. . L. Zuichon, Port Guichon, B.C., had a yield of 164 lbs. from 3 lbs. of seed, and says : " Sown broadcast 29th April on delta lands ; size of plot, 15 x 49 ft. ; harvested 15th August; no rust or smut; average weight, good; first class seed." The sam- ple returned was an excellent one, weighing 44|- lbs. per bushel. J. M. Sweetman, of Chilliwack, B.C., had 85 lbs. He says : " Sown broadcast 17th April on sandy clay soil; harvested 10th August; no smut or rust; straw long 17 and heavy; ten days earlier than the Banner." The sample returned in thia instance was also first-class, weighing 43| lbs. per bushel. Banner, This very promising variety has made a good record for itself during the past season. It is a braachiug oat, with a loag kernel, not very plump or heavy, but very vigorous and productive ; on the Central Experimental Farm it has varied in yield on difFeient soils from 87 bushels 22 lbs. to 37 bu.shels 13 lbs. per acre. At the branch farm at Nappan, N.S., it has given on expej-iraental plots at the rate of 94 bushels 4 lbs. per acre; at Brandon, Manitoba^ 81 bushels 33 lbs.; at Indian Head, N.W.T., 86 bushels 24 lbs., and at Agassiz, B.C., 73 bushels 32 lbs. per acre. A. A. Moore, of Pownal, P.E.I., reports a yield of 136 lbs. from a 3-lb. bag of $eed. He says: "Sown broadcast 11th May, on clay loam; size of plot, 12 x 18 yards; harvested 30th August ; no rust or smut; straw strong and bright." The weight of the sample returned was 36| lbs. per bushel. O. J. McLean, of Little Sands, P.E.I., had 102| lbs., and says : "Sown broadcast 23rd May on good soil; size of plot, 15 x 125 feet; harvested 9th September; no rust or smut; straw stout and clean. I find these oats to be the best of all I havegrown." The sample returned weighed 35 lbs. per bushel. Walter Piercy, of Manners Sutton, N.B.. had a yield of 158 lbs. from 3 lbs. sown. He reports as follows : "Sown 11th May, broadcast, on sandy loam; size of plot, .500 square yards ; no rust; some smut; straw 5 feet long; bi'ight yellow. I like the oats well." The sample returned weighed 35J lbs. per bushel. A. T. Fawcett, of Sackville, harvested 86 lbs., and says : " Sown broadcast 27th April, on sandy loam ; size of plot, 5 x 35 yds. ; harvested 24th August ; no rust or smut ; straw 3 feet long, rather inclined to go down." The weight of the sample returned was 34^ lbs. per bushel. John Lacey, of West Caledonia, N.S., had 119 lbs. from 3 lbs. of seed, and says: "Sown broadcast 4th May on sandy loam; size of plot 2 rods by 4; harvested 17th August; no rust or smut ; straw tall and bright. Not quite so early as some other varieties, but somewhat heavier." No sample was received with this return. John McBride, of Whitburn, N.S., had a yield of 74 lbs., and says : " Sown broad- cast 9th May; 'size of plot, 1 rod by 8; harvested 9th September; no rust or smut; straw good, heavy and tali. I am pleased with the Banner oats." The sample r^ turned weighed 34^ lbs. per bushel. Narcisse Barry, of Ste. Anne de la Parade, Quebec, reports a yield of 202 lbs. He says : " Sown broadcast 20th May ; size of plot, 30 x 20 feet ; harvested 25th August ; no rust or smut ; straw good, and notwithstanding it is coarse the animals eat it well ; the yield is extraordinary, and in two or three years I can sow my farm with this variety alone." The weight of the sample returned was 31f lbs. per bushel. H. Newham, of Upper Thorn Centre, Quebec, had a yield of 100 lbs., and says : '* Sown broadcast 5th May on sandy loam ; size of plot, 6 x 55 yards ; harvested 29th August; no rust; no smut; straw long and white; ripened about the same time as other sorts." The weight of the sample returned was 34f lbs. per bushel. B, Bouck, of Inkerman, Ont., reports a yield of 130 lbs. He says : " Sown broadcast 9th May, on gravelly soil ; size of plot, 1 rod by 10 ; harvested 22nd August ; no rust or smut ; straw coarse." The weight of the sample returned was 35^ lbs per bushel. Thos. Grant, of Sheffield, Ont., had 127^ lbs., and says : " Sown in drills 4th May, on sandy loam ; size of plot, 2 x 62 yards ; harvested 14th August ; very little rust; no smut; straw pretty strong, 3J to 4 feet high ; about six days later than Flying Scotchman; would hate been much heavier if they had not been so much lodged." Weight of sample returned, 34 lbs per bushel. Geo. Barclay, of Morris, Man.,, had 103 lbs. He says: "Sown 5th May, on black loam, with press drill; size of plot, 2 x 99 yards; harvested 20 August; no rust or smut; straw strong and stiff; three days later than Prize Cluster, 4 days 7f— 2 18 earlier than Egyptian; good yielder; stood up well." Weight of sample returned, 36 lbs. per bushel. A. Hobson, of Killarnej, Man., reports a yield of 100 lbs., and says : " Sown broadcast 15th May, on sandy loam; harvested 4th September; no rust or smut; 6tra?v strong and clean." Weight of sample returned, 34 lbs. per bushel. American Triumph. A few reports have been received, giving the results of the test of samples of this grain. They nearly all speak of the variety as being late, and this agrees with our experience in Ottawa. The largest yield reported from Quebec is 60 lbs., the lowest 33 lbs. ; the largest yield from Ontario, 110 lbs., and the lowest 24 lbs. ; all the samples returned were deficient in weight. At the Central Experimental Farm it has given a crop of 37 bushels 16 lbs. per acre. At the branch farm, atNappan, at the rate of 77 bushels 22 lbs. ; at, Brandon, Man., 59 bushels 26 lbs., and at Agassiz, B.C., 39 bushels 24 lbs. As there are many earlier-ripening varieties which have given on the average much better results, there seems no special reason for continuing the distribution of the American Triumph. No reports haye yet been received relating t« the few samples of Egyptian oats distributed. TWO-EOWED BaHLET. Prize Prolific (Garter's.) This useful variety has been widely distributed, and the reports of the past season are on the whole very favourable. In some localities thfi straw is reported to be weak, a failing which in wet seasons seems to be common to all the two-rowed barleys of the Chevalier type, not because the straw is less stout than other sorts, but because the ^enn this account I'ipened prematurely. Triumph American. — On soil partly sandy and part clay loam ; no manure ; fourth crop; ploughed in the autumn of 1890; disc harrowed in the spring of 1891 ; 6 acres ; sown 16tb May, 2 bushels per acre; ripe 23rd August ; time to mature, 99 days; yield per acre, 37 bushels 16 lbs.; weight per bushel, '6^\ lbs.; oat short, fairly plum]) and white; length of panicle, 7 to 8 inches, branching; straw 4 feet long; slightly rusted ; lodged. Tartarian Prolific Black (^Webb's). — On clay loam, manured in the spring of 1891; ploughed in the autumn of 1890 and ploughed again and harrowed in the spring of 1891; two thirds of an acre; sown 29th April, 2 bushels per acie; ripe 11th August; time to mature, 104 days; yield per acre, 38 bushels 3 lbs.; weight per bushel, 33f lbs. ; oat long, not plump, tawny colour ; length of panicle, 7 to 8 inches, sided ; straw 4 to 4|- feet long, very weak ; much bi-oken about one foot from base ; partly lodged ; very much rusted. Tartarian Black. — On light sand}^ soil, manured in the spring of 1890; ploughed in the autumn of 1890 and disc harrowed in the spring of 1891 ; 1-|^ acres; sown 6th May, If bushels per acre ; ripe 15th August; time to mature, 101 days; yield per acre, 38 bushels 26 lbs.; weight per bushel, 33f lbs.; oat long, tawny to black; length of panicle, 6 to 7 inches, sided ; straw 3 to Z\ feet long, standing well ; no rust; grain partly threshed out by hail. Victoria Prize White. — On sandy loam mixed with clay, manured in the spring of 1890; ploughed in the autumn ol"l890; disc harrowed in the spring of 1891; 6 acres; sown 2nd May, If bushels per acre; ripe 7th August; time to mature, 97 days; yield per acre, 26 bushels 29 lbs.; weight per bushel, 39f lbs.; oat short, plump and white, closely resembling Prize Cluster ; length of panicle, 8 inches, branching ; straw 3^ feet long, standing fairly well ; one end of field lodged ; very little rust. Welcome. — On soil part sandy and part peaty ; no manure ; fourth crop from clear- ing ; ploughed in the autumn of 1890 ; disc harrowed in the spring of 1891 ; \\ acres ; eown 4th May^ If bushels per acre ; ripe 5th August ; time to mature, 93 days ; yield per acre, 53 bu^hel8 9 lbs.; weight per bushel, 37 lbs.; oat short, plump, white; length of panicle, 8 lo 8^ inches, branching; straw 3J to 3^ feet long; more or less rusted ; standing well. White Russian. — Soil and preparation same as Welcome; 3 acres; sown 4lh May, If bushels per acre; ripe 19th August; time to mature, 107 days; yield per acie, 37 bushels 31 lbs.; weight per bushel, 38 lbs.; oat long, fairly plump, whitish yellow ; length of panicle. 8 to 9 inches, sided ; straw 3 to 4 feet long, partly lodged and slightly rusted. 7f— 3 34 ADDITIONAL SMALL PLOTS OF OATS. The seed of the following varieties was obtained in the spring of 1891 from Vilmorin, Andrieux hols 22 lbs.; weight per bushel 30 lbs.; oat medium to long, not very plump, black; length of j^anicle, 8 inches, branching; mixed with a considerable pi-oportion of sided oats ; straw 3^ to 4 feet long, thin and weak; considerably lodged ; slightly rusted. Gaiifornian Prolific Black. — Size of plot, 43 x 132 feet; sown 6th Ma}', If bushels pel- acre; ripe 25th August; time to mature, 111 days; yield per acre, 44 bushels 31 lbs. ; considerably threshed out by hail storm ; weight per bushel, 26^ lbs, ; oat medium length, slender, tawny; length of panicle, 11 inches, sided; straw coarse, considerably lodged and more or less rusted, but ])romising. Black Goulommiers. — Size of plot, 37 x 132 feet ; sown 6th May, If bushels per acre; ripe 25th August; time to mature, 111 days; yield per acre, 48 bushels 27 lbs. ; oat short, i)lump, black; panicle branching. Joanetfe. — Size of plot. G0xl32 feet. Sown 6th May, If bushels per acre; ripe 25th August; time to mature, 111 days; yield per acre, 56 bushels 26 lbs.; weight per bushel, 31^ lbs.; oat medium to long, lawny to black ; length of jjanicle, 7 to 8 inches, branching; straw 4 to 4|- feet long, rather thin ; badly lodged and slightly rusted. Abundance. — Size of plot, 12x590 feet. Sown 6th May, If bushels per acre ; ripe 18th August; time to mature, 104 days ; yield per acie, 64 bushels 27 lbs. ; weight per bushel, 30|-lbs.; oat long, rather slender, yellowish white; length of panicle, Sh lo 9 inches, branching ; straw 4|- feet long, strong ; stands well ; slightly lodged at one end ; very slightly rusted. Black Brie. — Size of plot, 12 x 590 feet. Sown 6ih May, If bushels per acre ; ripe 25lh August; time to mature. 111 days; ^'■ield per acre, 45 bushels ;-i3 lbs.; weight per bushel, 2\h lbs. ; oat medium to long, slender, tawny to black; length of panicle, 12 inches, branching; sti-aw 5 feet long; consideiably rusted. Improved Ligoivo. — Size of plot, 24 x 590 feet. Sown 6th May, If bushels per acre ; ripe 19th August; time to mature, 105 days; yield per acre, 55 bushels 10 lbs.; weight ])er bushel, 34| lbs.; oat medium to long, plump, white; length of panicle, 8^ inches, branching; straw 4^ feet long, standing well, but considei'ably rusted. Giant Cluster. — Size of plot, 12 x 490 feet. Sown 6th May, If bushels per acre; ripe 24th August; time to mature, 110 days; yield per acre, 62 bushels 33 lbs.; weight pei" bushel, 23^ lbs. ; oat long, rather slender, deep yellow ; length of panicle, 11^ inches, sided; straw 4 feet long, stiff; did not lodge ; ver}' little rust. Small quantities of the following varieties were also tested : — Early Gothland. — Two pounds of these oats sent by Steele Bros., of Toronto, for test, were sown on 30th April, on sandy loam ; size of plot, 22 x60 feet. Shortly after sowing a considerable portion of the seed was blown out by a heavy wind, which will probabl}^ account for the light crop; ripe 27th August; time to matui't\ 119 days; yield, 24 lbs.; oat short to medium, white; length of panicle, 9 to 10 inches, sided ; straw 3 feet 8 inches to 4 feet 10 inches long; considerably rusted, but standing well. Black Bourbonnaire, from P. Delorme, Ohien, N.W.T. ; 1| lbs. was sown 1st Ma}-; ripe 27th August; lime to mature, 118 daj's ; yield, 52 lbs. ; oat medium length, slender, tawny to black; length of panicle, 7 to 8 inch3S, branching; straw 3 feet 9 inches to 4 feet long, thin; slightly lodged and slightly rusted. Scottish Chief. — Seven ounces of these oats were received from Mr, W. T. Hymau, of London, Ont. ; they were sown 30th April; i-ipe 9th August; time to mature, 101 days; yield. 20 lbs.; weight per bushel, 39^ lbs.; oat short to medium, plump, white ; length of panicle, 10 inches, branching; straw 4 to 4i feet long; lodged badly, and considerably rusted. 35 EXPERIMENTS WITH BARLEY. TWO-ROWED VARIETIES. Adjoining the one-twentieth acre plots of oats was a similar series of plots of barley, all sown the same day. The particulars as to the character of the soil and its preparation are given under " Experiments with Oats." The barley plots consisted of 26 two-rowed varieties and 19 six-rowed ; in rotation of crop thev followed oats. Test of Varieties of Barley, all sown same day. Varieties. Beardless Besthorns Duckbill Danish Chevalier Danish Printice Chevalier Dutch Early Minting Goldthorpe (resembles Duckbill) . Golden Melon Italian (resembles Duckbill) Kinver Chevalier Golden Grains (Webb) New Zealand Odessa (twc-rowed) Prize Prolific Peacock (resembles Duckbill) . . . . Peerless White Prolific Phoenix Von Thalen Rice or Fan Saale (Selected Chevalier Sharpe's Improved Chevalier . . . Swedish Thanet Large Two-rowed Naked Date of Sowing. April do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do 28. 28. 28. 28. 28. 28. 28. 28. 28. 28. 28. 28. 28. 28. 28. 28. 28. 28. 28. 28. 28. 28. 28. 28. 28. 28. Date of Ripening. Aug. 11. do 12. 11. 12. do do do do 7. do 10. do 13. do do do 11. 5. 12. do 12. do 6. July 31 ..'Aug. 12. ..i do 9. . ! do 11. . .! do ..' do .. do 6. 4. 4. do 12. do 8 do do do do 9. 10. 9 3 Number of Days Matiu'ing. 105 106 100 105 106 101 104 107 105 99 106 106 100 94 106 103 105 100 98 98 106 102 103 104 103 97 Yield per Acre. Bush. Lbs. 34 46 41 49 41 42 49 43 49 42 32 42 31 33 43 37 38 54 34 47 41 43 48 41 27 28 28 40 30 44 24 28 40 36 36 32 04 10 18 20 2 10 32 20 20 24 16 16 40 26 Weight per Bushel. Lbs. 53 52i 52 52i 52 52 52^ 51J 52^ 53| 52§ 53;}: 53 .52i 52| 53i 53i 492 51 52i 52i 53i 52i 60^ The Duckbill hai'ley was, unfortunately, lost after threshing, before it was weighed ; hence we have no record of the j'ield of that variety. The Duckbill, Gold- thorpe, Italian and Peacock resemble each other very much. They have the headt^ nearly erect, like wheat, and usually stand up well. The Rice or Fan has a similar habit, but the head is short and spreading. All the other sorts are of the Chevalier type, with long pendant heads, for which reason they are more liable to lodge. Larger Field Plots. .*> Danish Chevalier. — On sandy loam mixed with olay ; manured in the spring of 1890; sown with peas and ploughed under in 1890; ploughed again in the autumn of 1890, and disc harrowed in the spring of 1891 ; 2| acres; sown 1st May, 2 bushels per acre ; ripe 12th August; time to mature, 103 days; yield per acre, 43 bushels 41 lbs. ; weight per bushel, 49^ lbs.; length of liead, .3| to 4 inches ; straw 2^ to 3 feet long, standing fairl}' Avell. Danish Printice Chevalier. — On sandy loam mixed with peat; manured in the spring of 1890; ploughed in the autumn of 1890 and disc harrowed in the spring of 1891 ; -I acre ; sown 1st May, 2 bushels per acre ; ripe 18th August ; time 1 TF-3i 36 to mature, 109 days; yield per acre, 29 bushels 10 lbs. ; weight per bushel, 48f lbs. ; length of head, 4 inches; straw 2f to 3 feet, all standing very well. This plot was rather low in spots and was badly injured by frost in the spring. Duckbill. — On sandy loam ; manured in the spring of 1888 ; ^ acre ; sown 21st April, If bushels per acre; ripe 6th August; time of maiuriiig. 107 days; j'\e\d per acre, 69 bushels 27 lbs. ; weight per bushel, 51 lbs.; length of head, 2f to 3 inches; straw 3 to 4 feet; stands well; slightly lodged in one corner; leaves considei-ably rusted ; stem clean. Early Minling. — On sandy loam ; manured in the spring of 1890; ploughed in the autumn of 1890 and disc harrowed in the spring of 1891 ; ^ acre ; sown Ist May; 2 bushels per acre; ripe 14th August; time to mature, 105 days ; yield per acre, 39 bushels 10 lbs. ; weight per bushel, 49^ lbs. ; length of head, 3^ inches; straw 2^ to 3 feet long, standing fairly well ; no rust. GoLdthorpe. — On ^andy loam, mixed with clay ; a small part of this field manured in the spring of 1890; larger part unraanured ; fourth crop; 4^ acres ; sown 1st May, 2 bushels per acre; ripe 18th August; time to mature, 109 days ; yield per acre, 29 bushels 6 lbs. Land \qvj poor, which will account for small wop. Weight of grain per bushel, 50|- lbs. ; length of head, 3J inches; straw 2^ to 2^ feet long, good and strong ; only one spot lodged, all the rest standing ; very little rust. A second plot of \ acre, on a better quality of sandy loam, manured in the spring of 1888, was sown 22ud April; ripe 9th August; time to mature, 109 days; yield per acre, 73 bushels 14 lbs. ; weight per bushel, 49f lbs. (rolden Melon. — On sandy loam mixed with clay, adjoining Goldthorpe ; no ma- nure; 4th crop ; ploughed in the autumn of 1890 and disc harrowed in the spring of 1891; 1-^ acres; sown 1st May; 2 bushels per acre; ripe 10th August; time to mature, 101 days; yield per acre, 21 bushels 9 lbs.; weight per bushel, 49 lbs. ; length of head, 3J to 4 inches ; straw 3J to S^ feet long; considerably broken down but not lodged; very little rust. Golden Grains ( Webb). — On sandy loam mixed with clay. About J of this field was manured in the spring of 1889, remainder no manure; 4th crop; ploughed in the autumn of 1890; disc harrowed in the spring of 1891; f acres ; sown 7th May, If bushels per acre ; ripe 10th August; time to mature, 95 days; yield per acre, 28 bushels 40 lbs. ; weight per bushel, 47|- lbs, ; length of head, 4 inches; straw 3 to 3|^ feet long, standing fairly well; slightly rusted. Kinver Chevalier (Webb). — On sandy loam ; had a light coating of manure in the spring of 1891, after which it was ploughed and harrowed; 2 acres; sown 24th April, 1^ bushels per acre; ripe 8th August; time to mature, 105 days; yield per acre, 58 bushels 2 lbs,; weight per bushel, 52^ lbs.; length of head, 4 to 5 inches; straw 3^ feet long; bright, but badly lodged. A second field of this variety was sown adjoining Golden Grains, to which the reader is referred for particulars as to soil and preparation ; 1^ acres ; sown 7th May, If bushels per aci'e ; ripe 12th August; time to mature, 97 days; yield per acre, 41 bushels 23 lbs. ; weight per bushel, 51^ lbs.; length of head, 3 to 4 inches; straw 2f to 3 feet long, standing fairly well ; lodged in spots ; slightly rusted. Two acres of similar land adjoining was sown on the same date Avith the same variety of grain. To this there was applied 400 lbs. per acre of the Eoyal Canadian fertilizer made by the Nichols Chemical Co.,of Capelton, Que. The yield of this field was 56 bushels 10 lbs, per acre; weight per bushel, 51| lbs. Prize Prolific. — On clay loam mixed with sand; manured in the autumn of 1887, ploughed in the autumn of 1890, disc harrowed in the spring of 1891 ; 7i acres; sown 15th May, 2 bushels per acre , ripe 20th August; time to mature, 97 days ; yield per ac/e, 41 bushels 39 lbs, ; weight per bushel, 40|- lbs,; length of head, 4 to 4^ inches; straw 3 to 3|- feet long; standing fairly well, but slightly rusted, A second field of this variety was sown on heavy sandy loam mixed with peat; 2| acres; no manure; 4th crop with similar cultivation. The yield in this instance was 34 bushels 36 lbs. per acre. 37 Selected Chevalier. — On sandy loam; manured in the spring of 1890, ploua;hed in the autumn of 1890, disc harrowed in the spring of 1891 ; f acre ; sown 1st May, 2 bushels per acre ; ripe 14th August ; time to mature, 105 days; yield per acre, 38 bushels 7 lbs. ; weight per bushel, 50 lbs. ; length of head, ^\ to 3| inches; straw 2\ "no rust. to 3 feet long, standing well SIX-ROWED VARIETIES. The following were sown on one-twentieth acre plots adjoining those of the two-rowed oats: — Date of Sowing. Baxter's six-rowed April 28. Common six-rowed do 28. , Guymalaye (hulless) do Greek six-rowed do Hulless Black (hulless) do Kangra Valley do Lahoul (hulless) do Mensury do ]SIoultan ' do Mardan [ do Oderbruch I do Odessa six-rowed j do Palampur \ do Petschora Kennie's Improved . . . Spiti Valley (hulless). Sialkot Simla Seoraj do do do do do do 28.. 28.. 28.. 28.. 28.. 28.. 28.. 28.. 28.. 28.. 28 . 28.. 28,. 28.. 28.. 28. 28.. Date of Ripening July 26. do 25. Aug. 6 do 3. July .31. do 26. Aug. 10. July 29. do 25. do 25. do 27. Aug. 1 . July 31. do 23 do 27. do 24. do 25. Aug. 1. Number of Days Maturing. 89 88 100 97 94 89 104 92 88 88 90 95 94 86 90 87 88 95 Yield per Acre. Bush. lbs. 41) 00 46 26 45 12 24 44 34 22 29 30 25 04 45 36 26 40 30 26 51 32 43 24 38 42 32 14 41 32 22 14 34 26 34 22 34 26 Weight per Bushel. Lbs. 51J 53i 59i 47| 62^ 504 58| oOi 50| 51i 53i 49| 49f 471 53 58i 49i 47i 46i Larger Field Plots. Baxter's Six-rowed. — On good sandy loam ; had a light coat of manure in the spring of 1891, when it was ploughed and harrowed before seeding; If acres; sown 24th April, 1^ bushels per acre;"ripe 28th July; time to mature, 95 daj^s; yield per acre, 51 bushels 35 lbs.; weight per bushel, 51|- lbs,; length of head, 2| to 2f inches; straw 3 to 3J feet long, considerably lodged. This barley was much affected with smut. A second plot of ^^^ of an acre, on sandy loam, was sown 2l8t April, If bushels per acre; ripe 29th July; time of maturing, 99 days; yield per acre, 30 bushels 28 lbs.; weight per bushel, 51 lbs. Rennie's Improved. — Adjoining Baxter's; \ of an acre ; sown 24lh April, 1^ bushels mature, 95 days ; yield per acre, 77 bushels 24 lbs length of head, 3 to 4 inches ; straw 3 feet long ; a strong, even growth ; slightly lodged at one end. A second plot of ^ acre on sandy loam ; was sown 22nd April, If bushels per acre; ripe 29th July; time of maturing, 98 days; yield per acre, 38 bushels 22 lbs. Norway House Barley — On sandy loam ; ^ acre. Sown 22nd April, If bushels per acre; ripe 23rd July; time of maturing, 92 days; yield per acre. 49 bushels 10 lbs. ; weight per bushel, 50|^ lbs. ; length of head, 2^ inches; straw 3 feet 1 in. ; stands well but slightly rusted. similar soil and similar treatment; per acre; ripe 28th July; time to per weight bushel, 52 lbs. 38 EXPEEIMENTS WITH SPEING WHEAT. Adjoininaj the ^^^ acre plots of oats and barley there was a similar group of plots of spring wheat, all sown on the same day. The particulars as to the character of the soil and its preparation are given under experiments with oats. The wheat plots, which consisted of 38 varieties, followed barley. Test of Varieties of Spring Wheat, all sown same day. Date of Sowing. Date of Ripening. NumVjerof Days Maturing. Yield per Acre. Weight per Bushel. Australian Anglo Canadian. Bearded Red April 29.... do 29... do 29... do 29.... do 29... do 29. .. do 29.... do 29 .... do 29 ... do 29 ... do 29.... do 2i) .. do 29.... do 29.... do 29... do 29..., do 29 ... do 29.... do 29... do 29.... do 29.... do 29.... do 29... do 29.... do 29 ... do 29 ... do 29... do 29 ... do 29 .. do 29.. . do 29.... do 29.... do 29.... do 29 ... do 29.... do 29... do 29 ... do 29... Aug. 13 . . , do 13... do 10.... do 4.... do 3.... do 13. .. do 14 ... do 10.... do 14 ... do 11.... do 18... do 20.. . do 14.... do 16.... do 15.... do 9.... do 20.... do 10.... do 14 . . . do 17... do 13.... do 14.... do 13... do 16.... do 10.... do 10.... do 5.... do 6.... do 12.... do 4 ... do 17.... do 13.... do 17.... do 11.... do 9.... do 18... do 9.... do 13.... 100 100 103 97 96 106 107 103 107 104 111 113 107 109 108 102 113 109 107 110 lOG 107 106 109 103 • 103 98 99 10.5 97 110 106 110 104 102 111 102 106 Bush. lbs. 13 22 15 27 28 54 15 12 13 06 30 16 26 39 27 34 18 00 13 41 19 17 32 19 22 35 26 07 27 07 13 30 33 35 29 57 19 19 24 30 15 48 24 06 25 27 25 46 8 20 6 25 21 07 18 47 31 59 18 05 35 07 30 05 35 30 19 13 15 35 19 33 25 13 27 59 Lbs. 50 543 56| Calcutta Club (Indian) Calcutta Hard (Indian) 59i 585 Connell White Connell Red Colorado California White 58 58i 58i 56 Delhi White Defiance (Johnston's) Democrat Spring .... Fife Red Fife White Fife (Wellmans) Gehun (Indian) Goose ..... Great Western 59 573 odi 55| 57i 57i 57i 57:: 59 Green Mountain Galician Summer 53i 50i 54 59 Herison's Beardless Hungarian Mountain Huestons Judket Karachi (Indian) Kangra Valley (Indian) Ladoga 56i 57J 545 55^ 57* Lahoul (Indian) Pringle's Champlain Palampur (Indian) Rio (Grande . .521 59 59i Russian Hard Tag mh Red Fern Saxonka Triumph (Camphell's) 58i .55| 56i Trimenian Sicilian White Chaff (Campbell's) 53.^ 50| White Russian 57^ The weight of Ihe grain in these plots, and in some instances the yield also, was lessened by the prevalence of rust, from which nearly all the varieties sutfered more or less. Larger Field Plots. Anglo Canadian. — On sandy loam mixed with peat; no manure; fourth crop; ploughed in the autumn of 1890, disc harrowed in the autumn of 1891 ; ^ acre. Sown 2nd May, 1^ bushels per acre; ripe 19th August ; time to mature, 109 days. Yield per acre, 20 bushels 42 lbs.; weight per bushel, 57|- lbs. Length of head, 3^ inches; bearded; straw 3^ to 3f feet long, all standing well ; slightly rusted. 39 Judket. — On clay loam; no manure ; fifth crop; ploughed in tbe autumn of 1890, disc harrowed in the spcing of 1891 ; f acre. Sown 25lh April, 1^ bushels per acre; ripe 15th August ; time to mature, 112 daj'S ; yield per acre, 31 bushels 22 lbs.; Aveight per bushel, 59 lbs. Length of head, 8 to 3^ inches ; beardless; straw 3| feet long, standing well ; slightly rusted. Johnston's Defiance. — Soil and ti-eatment the same as Judket; | acre. Sown 25th April, 1^ bushels per acre; ripe 14th August; time to mature. 111 days; yield per acre, 45 bushels 21 lbs.; weight per bushel, 59 lbs. Length of head, 3 inches; beardless; straw 3^ feet long, all standing; slightly rusted ; a promising variety. Ladoga. — Soil and treatment the same as Judket; -f- acre. Sown 25th April. 1| bushels per acre; ripe 7th August; time to mature, 104 days ; yield per acre, 28 bu-hels 32 lbs. ; weight per bushel, 59f lbs. Length of head, 3 to 3^ inches, bearded ; straw 3J feet long, standing fairly well; lodged in one spot only; slightly rusted. Red Connell. — Soil and treatment the same as Judket; -| acre. Sown 25th April, 1| bushels per acre; ripe 14th August; time to mature, 111 days; yield per acre, 28 bu>hels 47 lbs. ; weight per buahel, 58^ lbs. Length of head, about 3 inches, beard- less; straw 3 feet long, standing well; slightly rusted. Rio Grande. — Soil and treatment the same as Judket; 1|^ acres. Sown 25th April; 1|- bushels per acre; ripe 15th August; time to mature, 112 days; yield per acre, 26 bushels 20" lbs. ; weight per bushel, 59^ lbs. Length Of head, 3^ to 4 inches, bearded; straw 3| to 4 feet long; strong bright; all standing well; slightly rusted; a promising variety. Triumph {Campbell's.') — Soil and ti-eatment the same as Judket; li acres. Sown 25th April, 1^ bushels per acre; ripe lOth August; lime to mature, 107 days; yield per acre, 23 bushels 58 lbs.; weight per bushel, 55^ lbs. Length of head, 2| to 3^ inches, beardless; straw 3 feet long; considerably rusted. TF/u^e C/icf/ (Campbell's.) — Soil and treatment the same as Judket; 3 acres. Sown 24th April, 1^ bushels per acre; ripe 9th August; time to mature, 107 days; yield per acre, 28 bushels 51 lbs. ; weight per bushel, 58 lbs. Length of head, 3J to 3| inches, beardless; straw 3 to 3^ feet; fairly stiff and standing well; considerably rusted. White Fife. — Soil and treatment the same as Judket; J acre. Sown 25th April ; 1^ bushels per acre; ripe 14th August; tinie to mature, 111 days; yield per acre, 29 bushels 30 lbs.; weight per bushel, 58f lbs. Length of head, about 3 inches, beardless ; straw 3^ to3J feet long; all standing; slightly rusted. White Connell. — Soil and treatment the same as Anglo Canadian; \ acre. Sown 2nd May, 1^ bushels per acre; ripe 20th August; time to mature, 110 days; yield per acre, 21 bushels 39 lbs.; weight per bushel, 57^ lbs. Length of head, about 3 inches, beardless; straw 3 to 3|- feet long; all standing well; very slightly rusted. Hard Calcutta (from India). — Soil and treatment the same as Judket; J acre. Sown 25th April, U bushels jjer acre; ripe 5th August; time to mature, 102days; yield per acre, 14 bushels 33 lbs. ; weight per bushel, 60f lbs. ; length of head, 2 to 2'^ inches, bearded; straw 2 to 2\ feet long; slender, weak growth. EXPERIMENTS WITH PEAS. Ten varieties of ))eas were sown in field plots, all on sandy loam. Black-eyed Marrowfat. — On sandy loam mixed with clay; manured in the spring of 1890; ploughed in the autumn of 1890; disc harrowed in the spring of 1891; f acre; sown 23rd April, 4 bushels per acre; ripe 17th August; time to mature, 116 days; yield per acre, 39 bushels 21 lbs.; weight per bushel, 61^ lbs.; vines made a ver}' strong growth. A second plot of this variety on sandy loam ; no manure; 4thc7'op; ploughed in the autumn of 1890; disc harrowed in the spring of 1891; f acre; sown 27th April; 3^ bushels per acre; when about 3 inches high the plants were entirely eaten 40 off 24th to 26th May, by cut-worras, but they very soon started a second growth ; were ripe 19th August ; time to mature, 114 days. This plot yielded 29 bushels 59 lbs. per acre, weighing 6lh lbs. per bushel ; strong growth. Crown. — Soil and treatment the same as second ])lot ol" Black-eyed Marrowfats ; ^ acre. Sown 27th April, 2i bushels per acre. This plot also was partly eaten off by cut-worms, 2-lrth to 26th May, but the plants soon started a vigorous second growth ; the peas were i-ipe 16th August ; time to mature, 111 days; yield per acre, 47 bushels II lbs. ; weight pei" bushel, 02 lbs. ; very strong growth. Daniel O'Rourke. — Soil and treatment the same as second plot of Black-eyed Marrowfat; i acre. Sown 27th April, 2^ bushels per acre; ripe 3rd August; time to mature, 98 days; yield per acre, 38 bushels 54 lbs,; weight per bushel, 62 lbs.; fair giowth. Mummy. — Soil and treatment the same as second plot of Black-eyed Marrowfat^ ; § acre. Sown 27th April, 2h bushels per acre; eaten off by cut-worms, 24th to 26th May; soon started a vigorous second growth ; ripe 17th August; time to mature, 111 days ; yield per acre, 39 bushels 13 lbs. ; weight per bushel, 62^ lbs.; a very strong growing variety. Multiplier. — Soil of same character and treatment as second plot of Black-eyed Marrowfats, but a poorer piece of land; 3f acres. Sown 27th April, 2^ bushels per acre; ripe 16lh August; time to matuie, 110 days; yield per acre, 27 bushels 12 lbs. ; weight per bushel, 62^ lbs.; a fairly strong-growing sort. Pride. — Soil and treatment the same as second plot of Black-eyed Marrowfats ; f acre. Sown 27th April, 2^ bushels per acre; completely eaten off by cutworms, 24th to 26th May ; a vigorous second growth soon started and the peas were ripe 15lh August; time to mature, 109 days; yield per acre, 31 bushrels 55 lbs.; weight per bushel. 64|- lbs.; a strong-gi-owing and promising variety. Prussian Blue. — Soil and treatment the same as Pride; J acre. Sown 27th April, 2^ bushels per acre; also eaten off by cutworms ; staited a good second growth and ripened 20th August; time to mature, 114 da^'s; yield per acre, 28 bushels 20 lbs.; weight per bushel, 63 lbs. Prince Albert. — Soil and treatment the same as Pi-ide ; \ acre. Sown 27th April, 2^ bushels per acre; yield per acre, 40 bushels 2 lbs.; not injured by cutworms; ripe, 17th August; time to mature. 111 days; weight per bushel, 62 lbs.; a stx-ong growing .^ort. White Marrowfat. — Soil and treatment the same as Pride; •§ acre. Sown 27th April; '6\ bushels per acre; eaten off by cut-worms, 24th to 26th May; ripe 20th August; time to mature, 114 days; ^Meld per acre, 18 bushels 54 lbs., weighing 59 lbs. ])er bushel ; a very strong-gi'owing variety. Golden Vine. — Soil and treatment the same as Pride; J acre. Sown 27th April, 2-|^ bushels per acre; not injured by cut-worms ; ripe 17th August; time to mature, III days ; yield per acre, 44 bushels 7 lbs. ; weight per bushel, 631^ lbs. EXPERIMENTS WITH TUENIPS. The turnips grown on the experimental plots dui-ing 1891 were very much injured by a species of rot, which was very prevalent in the neighbourhood of Ottawa. Some varieties were affected more than others, but the injuiy was very general and resulted in the destruction of a lai'ge proportion of the crop. As it is impossible, under such circumstances, to give correct returns of the relative yield of the different sorts, the results of this crop are omitted as far as the experiniental plots a)-e concerned. Some particulars will be found regarding the crop obtained on some of the field plots in the 40 acres reported on by the agriculturist. EXPERIMENTS WITH MANGELS. Fifteen varieties of mangels wei-e sown in i-ows 2^ feet apart, and cultivated with a hoi'se cultivator. The Koil was sandy loam, manured in 1888, dressed w'ith a coating of unleached ashes; 150 bushels to the acre,, in 1889, and 400 lbs. per acre. 41 in 1891, of Eoj-al Canadian fertilizer. There were two series of plots; the first was sown on the 8th of May, the second on the 18th, and both were pulled on 15th and 16th October, The yield per acre has been calculated from the crop of three rows, each 66 feet long. As stated in the report for 1891, estimates based on the returns from small plots usually show a relatively greater yield than when founded on the results of larger areas, but since all the varieties were treated alike and the soil was very similar throughout, these figures form a fair basis for the comparison of varie- ties. In this instance, quite a number of the plots were injured, and some of them entirely desti-oyed by cut-worms. On this account the records are incomplete; only two of the varieties named in the second series are found in the first. First Series of Plots, Sown 8th May. Mammoth Yellow Intermediate. . Mammoth Long Tied or Gatepost. Mammoth Longf Red Kinver Yellow Globe Mammoth Long Red Yellow P"']esh Tanlcard Golden Flesh Tankard Giant Yellow Globe Yellow Intermediate or Ovoid New Giant Yellow Intermediate. . Mammoth Long Red Selected Second Series of Plots, Soivn Sth May. Yellow Intermediate Mammoth Long Red Champion Yellow Globe Golden Tankard Kinver Yellow Globe New Giant Yellow Intermediate. Golden Tankard Golden Tankard Crimson Tankard Yield per Acre. Yield per Acre. Tons. lbs. Bush. Ibts. 32 20 1,067 30 720 1,012 30 324 1,005 24 28 496 941 36 27 252 904 12 26 1,328 888 48 22 1,672 761 12 21 1,560 726 21 1.296 721 36 20 1,712 695 12 20 392 673 12 29 1,796 996 36 26 8 866 43 25 1,612 860 12 25 1,612 860 12 23 1,652 704 12 22 1,804 763 24 22 1,540 759 22 1,276 754 36 21 768 712 48 EXPEEIMENTS WITH SUGAE BEETS. Ten varieties of sugar beets have been tested. They were sown in rows 18 inches apart, with the Planet Junior seed drill, adjoining the experimental plots of man- gels. The character of the soil and its treatment will be found under that heading. The yield per acre has been calculated fiom two rows, each 66 feet long, a basis of estimation which is fairly reliable for the purpose of comparing varieties, but one which usually figures up a larger yield than can be got where such roots are grown by the acre. The proportion of sugar contained in each sort has been determined by the Chemist of the Experimental Farms, and the particulars will be found in his report appended. Two of the varieties were kindly supplied by Alfred Musy, Esq., manager of the beet sugar factory at Farnham. 42 The seed was sown at two different periods, the first set of plots on the 9th and the second on the 19th May. They were all pulled lUth October. On some of the plots the 3'oung plants were devoui-ed by cut-worms as soon as they appeared above ground ; for this reason the rccoj-ds are not complete. First Series of Plots, Sown 9th May. Vaurica Yellow Giant (Vilmoriii). "I. B."froin A. Musj% Farnhaiu. Green Necked Brabant (Vihnorin). " C._ H." from A. j\iusy, Farnhain. Klein Wanzleben Second Series of Plots, Sotcn 19th May, Uij^pe's Klein Wanzleben Bulteau Desprez, from United States Department uf A^ Vaurica Yellow Giant " I. B." from A. Musy, Farnbam Vilmorin No. 1 (Vilmorin) " B. D. " from A. Musy, Farnham Large Sugar (W. Skaife) Klein Wanzleben Vilmorin's Improved White (Vilmorin) Green Necked Brabant (Vilmorin) liculti Yield per Acie. Tons. lbs. 31 27 25 21 18 .39 37 30 L'5 23 22 22 19 18 18 920 5U0 1,480 1,340 080 1,640 1,020 280 820 420 1,7G0 1.100 280 1,840 080 Yield per Acre. Bush. lbs. 1,048 909 858 722 601 1,327 1,2.50 1,004 847 773 762 751 638 630 601 40 20 20 20 20 20 40 40 40 40 40 20 43 EXPERIMENTS WITH CARROTS. The carrots were also sown in rows 18 inches apart, with the Planet Junior seed drill, and were cultivated by hand with the Planet Junior cultivator. The character of the soil and its treatment was the same as that for mangels. The 3'ield per acre has been calculated from three rows, each 66 feet long The first series of plots was sown on the 8th May, the second on the 18th May, and all were pulled on the 30th and 31st of October. These plots were less injured by cut-worms than any of the other roots, hence the record'is more complete. First Scries of Plots, Sown Stk May. Half Long Ked Obtuse Half Long White Lisse Early Gem or Guerande Long Red Obtuse Yellow Intermediate Giant White Belgian Half Long Red Chantenay Half Long Chantenay Large Gretn Top White Vosge«. James' Intermediate Large White Vosges Long Red St. Valery Long Red Long Orange Belgian Second Scries of Plots, Sown ISth May. Guerande or Ox Heart Large Green Top White Vosges. Early Gem or Guerande GiaTit White Belgian Half Long Red Obtuse Improved Short White James' Intermediate Yellow Intermediate Long Red St. Valery New Intermediate Large White Vosges White Vosges Half Long Red Nantais Half Long Chantenay Lurge White Vosges Long Orange Belgian Orange ( 7 iant Scarlet Perfection Selected Altringham Yield per Acre. Yield per Acre. ons. lbs. Bush. lbs. 28 1,34G 955 46 27 1,880 931 20 23 1,226 783 06 23 200 770 23 •53 767 33 22 1,320 755 20 20 1,.3G0 689 20 20 040 667 20 19 573 642 53 19 280 638 18 080 601 20 17 1,640 594 16 560 542 40 14 1,626 493 46 32 973 1,082 53 28 466 941 06 27 1,440 924 27 1,440 924 27 1,000 916 40 20 506 875 06 23 346 772 26 23 053 767 33 22 1,906 765 22 1,173 752 53 22 880 748 21 386 706 26 20 1,946 699 06 20 1,360 689 20 19 1,453 657 33 18 666 611 17 1,760 579 20 11 613 576 53 14 746 479 06 44 EXPEEIMENTS WITH POTATOES. One hundred and eleven named varieties have been tested during 1891, and 153 seedlings. The boil and treatment was the same as that described under mangels. They were planted in rows 2^ feet apart. The dates of planting and harvesting are given in the tables, the hize of the plots, the yield per acre in bushels and pounds, the proportion of marketable and unmarketable potatoes — all those of 2 inches in diameter and upwards being i-egarded as marketable. The total yield is given, also the weight of the diseased tubers. The results obtained from the named varieties only are submitted in the tables. The yield per acre in most cases has been calcu- lated from the product of two rows, each 86 feet in length : — Variety. Daisy State of Maine Gleason's Late , Chas. Downing Frame Early Summit Sharpe's Seedling Delaware Lee's Favourite (Mrs. Foster). Early Puritan Algoma No. 1 liarpee's Seedling, ( ireen Mountain. Halton Seedling Early Sunrise Alexander Prolific Late Goodrich Early Ohio Pearl of Savoy Pootaluck Select Magnum Bonum. . . Lee's Favourite Wonder of the World Early Albino Rural Blush Holbom Abundance Burpee's Extra Early White Star from Dewar Rennie's Stray Beauty May Queen Early Dakota Red Clarke's No. 1 Empire State i Vermont Thorburn Sukreta Ohio Gunner Dumfries Early White Burj^e's Surprise Algoma No 2 Crown Jewel Beauty of Hebron Flower of Eden Prairie Seedling Early Eating , Gov. H. Foralcer Vangiiard Blue Bell Early Rose Date of Planting. When Harvested Size of Plot. 1891. 1891. Feet. May 11.. Oct. 5.. 172 X 2i do 9.. Sept. 9.. do do 9.. do 10 . do do 8 . do 8.. do do 9.. Oct. 5.. do do 11.. Sept. 8.. 180 X 2^ do 12. do 10.. 28x2i do 8.. do 7.. 172 X 2| do 11.. Oct. 5.. 86x2i do 9.. Sept. 9.. 172 X 2i do 7.. do 7.. do do S.. do 10.. do do 8.. do 11 . do do 9.. do 10.. do do 11.. do 11.. do do 9.. do 9.. do do 8.. do 11.. do do 11.. Oct. 5.. do do 9.. Sept. 8.. do do 15.. Oct. 7.. do do 11.. Sept. 9,. do' do 7.. do 7.. do do 9.. Oct. 5.. do do 8.. Sept. 10.. do do 8.. do 10.. do do 9.. Oct. 5.. do do 15.. do 7.. do do 9.. Sept. 10.. do do 11.. Oct. 5.. do do 11. Sept. 10.. do do 1 ■ . do 7.. do do S.. do 11.. do do 11.. do 8.. do do 8.. do 11.. do do IS.. Oct. — 86 X 21 do 11.. Sept. 8.. 172 X 2| do 8.. do 9.. do do 11.. do 9 . do do 11.. do 9.. do do 8.. do 9.. do do 9.. Sept. 10.. do do 11.. Oct. 5.. do do 8.. Sept. 10.. do do 11.. do 8.. do do 11.. do 11.. do do 9.. do 10.. do do n 1 . . do 7.. do do 9.. do 9.. do do 11.. do 9.. do Total Yield i>er Acre. Bush. lbs. 534 22 471 3 470 10 464 18 460 5 450 8 445 58 441 31 440 40 432 14 428 425 29 423 47 422 56 422 6 415 21 403 31 400 59 397 36 395 56 391 42 389 10 382 25 379 2 375 40 375 39 374 49 373 59 366 22 364 42 362 9 360 44 360 28 358 47 357 56 357 6 354 34 .%3 42 352 52 349 29 347 48 347 48 .S47 48 341 3 339 22 326 42 323 20 321 38 315 44 Yield per Acre of Market- able Potatoes. Bush. lbs. 476 7 454 10 406 54 396 46 413 39 414 38 "334"i8' 391 42 373 8 392 33 388 20 366 23 350 20 366 23 356 15 348 39 373 8 330 55 315 44 3.34 18 301 22 360 28 .319 6 346 58 332 36 333 27 308 8 325 51 315 44 303 54 339 22 281 .57 298 51 327 33 313 12 298 51 290 41 300 32 289 33 295 28 295 28 307 17 300 32 279 26 286 11 240 36 Yield per Acre of Unmar- ketable Potatoes. 297 9 273 31 Bush. lbs. 58 15 16 53 63 19 67 32 46 26 35 30 107 i3 48 58 59 6 35 27 37 9 57 24 72 38 55 43 59 6 54 .52 27 51 66 41 80 12 57 24 87 48 21 57 59 56 28 42 43 3 41 22 65 51 40 31 48 58 58 15 21 22 78 31 59 56 30 23 43 54 .55 43 54 2 52 20 .59 56 52 20 .52 20 40 31 40 31 59 56 40 31 82 44 24 29 42 13 Weight of Diseased Tubers in lbs. per Plot. Lbs. 8 7 2i 3h 7i 22 1 6 4i 11 164 15| 9i 17| 2i lOi 3' 2 5i 8 4 n J 7 is! 24" 20 5 184 14i 29 1 2 1 16i 10 2 3i 2i 45 Eesults obtained from named varieties of potatoes, &c. — Concluded. Variety. Emperor William Algoma No. 3 Chicago Market Compton's Surprise Rose's New Giant ■. Rosy Morn , Ricnter's Improved St. Patrick White Star Carter's Sukreta Loudon Brownell's Winner Melntyre Rui al No 2 Prime Minister Minister Corona Beauty Beauty of Beauties Cosmopolitan International Seed Co Rose's New Invincible Sugar Richter's Schneerose Carter's Delight Early Calko Earl J' Maine Carter's Surprise Carter's First Crop, Ash Leaf. Thor burn's Paragon Ruby Brownell's Best Great Eastern Snowflake King of the Earlies Ruper Eating Crane Bliss' Triumph Date of Planting. 1889. May 8. do 15. do do do do do do do do do do 11. 9. 11. 11. 11. 9. 8. 7. 9. 9. When Harvested do 15. do 15. do 11 do 8 do 8 do 8 do 7 do 8 do 8 do 11 do 11 do 7 do 9 do 9 do 11 do 11 do 8 do 11 do 8 do 11 do 8 do 9 do 8 do 8 1889. Sept. 8 . Oct. 7 . Sept. 9. do 10. do 8. do 11. do 10., Oct. 5. Sept. 10., do 8., do 10.. do 9., Oct. 7.. do 7.. Sept. 8.. do 8.. do 8.. do 11.. do 7.. do 9.. do 7.. do 10.. do 11.. do 8.. Oct. 5.. Sept. 8.. do 11.. do 10.. do 8.. do 10. . do 9.. do do do do do 8. 9. 9. 8. 9. Size of Plot. Feet. 172 X 2i do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do Total Yield per Acre. Bush. lbs. 302 54 302 13 301 23 301 22 296 18 295 28 293 47 284 30 276 3 274 21 271 50 270 59 269 18 262 32 260 51 260 254 57 254 57 254 57 253 15 250 43 248 12 247 21 246 30 244 48 240 36 235 32 228 46 225 23 223 42 216 5 205 59 193 19 193 19 192 28 168 Yield per Acre of Market- able Potatoes. Bush. lbs. 271 50 255 47 252 25 251 34 282 48 244 49 256 38 189 57 207 40 224 33 222 52 235 32 230 28 241 26 210 12 224 33 211 3 195 51 189 57 233 50 200 55 204 18 193 19 189 6 211 53 215 16 167* 9 195 51 175 35 158 42 172 13 182 21 140 59 163 46 156 10 155 20 Yield per Acre of Unmar- ketable Potatoe.s. Bush. lbs. 31 4 46 26 48 58 49 48 13 30 50 39 37 9 94 33 68 23 49 48 48 58 35 27 38 50 21 6 50 39 35 27 43 54 59 6 65 19 25 49 48 43 54 54 2 57 24 32 55 25 20 68 23 32 55 49 48 65 43 52 23 38 52 20 29 33 36 18 12 40 Weight of Diseased Tubers in lbs. per Plot. Lbs. 46 SEED TESTING. The testing of the vitality or germinating power of samples of seed grain sent by farmers from all parts of the Dominion has been continued. Dui-ing the season 2,957 samples were tested, which is more than double the number which was tested in 1890. Among these there were more than 1,200 samples of two-rowed barley, chiefly from Ontario, which showed an excellent average of about 95 per cent. The house, which was built partly for this purpose, is shown in Fig. 2; it is commodious and Flo. 2. — Building for seed testing and seed grain distribution. well adapted for the work. The hinder portion consists of tvvo glass structures, each about 75 feet long, one of which is devoted to seed testing and propagating; the other contains a most instructive collection of named plants and shrubs from all parts of the world. The front part is used for storing seed grain, and it is from this building that the lai-ge annual distribution of seed grain is made to applicants from every part of the country, from the Atlantic to the Pacific. 47 Eesults of grain tests, 1890-91. Kind of Seed. Xumber of Tests. Highest Percentage. Lowest Percentage. Average Vitality. Wheat Barley Oats 561 1,556 262 82 9 2 10 29 28 37 26 9 18 16 15 2 2 3 3 5 4 23 5 8 2 7 2 2 100 100 100 100 91 75 100 98 100 100 84 87 100 68 94 38 41 29 80 95 85 92 71 93 42 91 18 84 87 1 4 6 66 75 60 20 57 2 18 12 19 8 75 45 2 ^ 33 31 23 31 1 60 82- 92 88 66 81 75 84 .45 78 79 44 66 59 37 61 19 30 15 45 88 60 51 51 67 32 56 9 72 42 94 96 92 80 68 4 6 5 3 3 8 Corn Rv.» 1 Millet Buckwheat . . 6 Grass Turnips 6 8 Peas Carrots 9 6 Clover ■. Beans 6 Beet Mangel Chana ... 1 8 Sugar cane Rhubarb 6 Onions Flax 6 Parsnips '. . Cabbage Caxiliflower 5 6 4 lladish Spinach 5 Tomato Celery Lettuce Flower seeds Tares . 4 5 FT 1 Canary seed Hemp Asparagus Pumpkin Cress Parsley. . Sage Thyme Ash Maple Fir •n Total number of samples tested, highest and lowest percentage, and average vitality . . 2,757 100 85-6 TWO-ROWED BAELEY. In the annual report of the expeiimental farms for 1890 reference is made to the importation from England by the Government of a large lot of one of the best varieties of two-rowed barley for seed, which was sold to farmers at less than the cost of importation, in order to thoroughly test the value of this grain in all pans of the Dominion. It is there stated that a shipment of 50 quarters, 400 English bushels, of the barley grown from that seed, weighing about 52 lbs. per bushel had been forwarded to London, England, to be malted and brewed by one of the leading brewei'S there. This barley consisted of five or six lots, grown in different parts of Ontario. It was all forwarded to Ottawa, where the barley was thoroughly cleaned and mixed under my supervision, and the small kernels and as much as possible of the broken grain removed by passing it through a Sizer or Boby machine, so that the sample was fairly uniform in character. 48 The following report was received in October last by the High Cominissioner of Canada, through Mr, A. F. Dale. IL contains the result of the brewing of this barley conducted at the brewery of J. Flinn, Esq., of Bishops Stortford, England, and the report is signed by Mr. Arthur O. Stopes, of Colchester : — " In compliance with your request, I have pleasure in stating to you my opinion of the sample of malt sent me on 23rd May last, which I understand was made ex- clusively from Canadian barley sent you by the Dominion G-overnment. " From careful examination of this malt, and from information furnished me by brewers well acquainted with the use of Canadian malt in the Dominion, and also from suggestions made by the well-known brewery export, Mr. Frank Faulkner, I felt justified in using this malt exclusively without any mixture of other malts. I therefore proved its brewing qualities entirely upon its own merits, and, to test it as severely as possible, I brewed a pale ale from it, although I fear the colour is a little higher than I generally get from malt made from English or European barleys. " The brewing worked easily, and I liked the handling of the goods in tun and the way they spent, indicating from the initial stages the quality of the malt. Bach successive stage followed in proper sequence in exceedingly good form; the fer- mentation was practically perfect, and the condition of the beer at racking was ex- ceedingly good. The final attenuation also was just as I wished, and, as a conse- quence, I think the brewing operations were those well adapted to the malt, and it must have been of good quality to have given such satisfactory results at every stage. "The stability I have proved to be exceedingly good, indicating soundness of material. " The extract was equivalent to 87 lbs. per quarter; and, coupling all the pre- ceding facts with the judgment I formed of the malt, irrespective of its use, I assay its value 35s. to 36s. per quarter, 1 may say that had I wished to obtain a greater extract, so as to attain the maximum amount possible, I could readily have increased it, but I deemed it under the circumstances preferable to secure quality rather than quantity. " The beer after racking has remained entirely satisfactory, and the Yevy numei-ous people who have tasted it have been almost without exception of opinion that it is exceedingly good. "Should you wish to have fuller and more complete notes of a more technical class, either as to the nature of the water employed in the brewing and of the malt itself, I shall be happy to place them at your disposal. I assume the above report is BufiScient for your present purposes, and I have much pleasure in testifying, as a practical brewer, to the value that good malt of this class would prove to the brewers who understood it use. " October, 1891." This report is highly satisfactory and shows that good two-rowed barley, such as will meet the approval of the English brewer, can be grown in Canada, and many 6am))les, much better in quality and heavier than this shipment referi'ed to, have been received of late at the Experimental Farm from farmers in Ontario, the growth of 1891. Favourable reports as to the yield of the barley have been received from every band, and it is the geneial opinion that the ciop of the two-rowed has averaged much better than the six-rowed. Many repoits of yields of 40 to 50 bushels per acre have been received from different points in Ontario, although some of the samples sent in have been light in weight and much discoloured. The buyers in the barley districts in Ontario paid up to the close of navigation from 8 to 12 cents more per bu.^hel for the two-rowed than was offered for the six-rowed; but in many instances no care seems to have been taken to grade the purchases, butlight and heavy, bright and discoloured lots, were all mixed together, making a very uneven sample. Much broken grain was also found in some lots. The returns received for ^orae of the shipments are said to have been very unsatisfactory, having resulted in loss to the shippers. This disappointment, however, is clearly traceable to want of care in 49 threshing, cleaning and grading the grain. The fault lies partly with the farmer, who must exercise more care in handling this crop if it is to bring him its full value. In a letter written by a practical Canadian maltster who recently visited England in connection with the barley business of his firm, he says, when referring to the dis- appointing sales : " Shippers have not kept faith with the bi-okers or purchasers as to quality, the bulk was not equal to the sample." Again, "All brewers who saw the Government farm samples at the brewers' exhibition were charmed with them, and millions could have been sold, but the general crop did not equal the samples. I may say that unless the Canadian barley can be threshed so as to avoid the large proportion of half and broken grains, which cause excessive mould on the floors, the trade won't materialize. All English maltsters agree on this point." This gen- tleman speaks quite hopefully of the Canadian six-rowed barley for the English market, and says it is beginning to find favour with several maltsters who have tried it. Other Canadian dealers speak more hopefully of the two-rowed barley trade. One says : " The two-rowed barley we have handled this season, grown from Eng- lish seed, has given us the best of satisfaction, and I believe that all that has gone forward to the old country would have done likewise had it not been badly mixed." Another buyer who visited England in connection with his barley business writes : " In November sales were made in Great Britain by sample to arrive of both two-rowed and six-rowed. The former was received with much favour by maltsters ; the latter did not attract much attention. I am not, however, surprised that the demand for expoit has fallen oS, for many sales were filled with shipments quite inferior to the sample ; the result was disappointment and resentment on the part of the receivers." He says, further : " It is a mistake to suppose that the Eng- lish maltster does not require colour; he does, and the bright sample will in every case take the market there, as in the United States. I desire to impress strongly on farmers the necessity of growing from pure seed, and in harvesting and thresh- ing to carefully avoid mixing. I found a very kindly feeling expressed towards Canada, and a marked desire to trade with her. I am convinced that if we can grow as good barley as we have done this year, and if it is kept pure, we will work into a good trade with the English maltsters." Enough has, I think, been said to show that if the Canadian farmer will exercise the requisite care in the selection of good, clean seed and in the cultivation of this grain, also in threshing and cleaning it for the market, avoiding all mixing ; and if the shipper will see that the bulk of the grain he sends is equal to the samples for- warded, there seems no reason to doubt that a satisfactory trade in two-rowed barley can be established. The maltster in Great Bi-itain is willing to pay a good price for a first-class article. EESULTS OF EARLY, MEDIUM AND LATE SOWING. Experiments in this important line of work have been continued, but the same varieties of grain have not been used in every instance. In the experiments con- ducted in 1890 the Eed Fife and Ladoga were the sorts of spring wheat chosen ; in 1891 the varieties were Campbell's White Chaff and White Connell. The oats in 1890 were Prize Cluster and Early Race Horse, in 1891 Prize Cluster and Banner, and the barleys which, in 1890, were two varieties of two-rowed, the Prize Prolitic and Danish Chevalier, were changed in 1891 to one of two- rowed, the Prize Prolific, and one of six-rowed, the Baxter. The method adopted in 1890 of six successive sowings a week apart was repeated in 1891, the first sowing in each case being made as soon as the land was fit to receive the seed. The same land was used in both instances, but the arrangement of the plots was changed, so that the oats followed wheat, barley followed oats and wheat followed barley. The land was ploughed in the autumn of 1890, and received a coating of manure of from 20 to 24 tons to the acre in the spring of 1891, which was promptly covered after spreading by a light ploughing. 7f — 4 50 In the following table the results are presented in a form convenient for com- parison : Sown, April 21. Sown, April 28. Sown, May 5. Sown, May 12. Sown, May 19. Sown, May 26. Yield, per Acre. Yield, per Acre. Yield, per Acre. Yield, per Acre. Yield, per Acre. Yield, per Acre. Spring Wheat. Bush. lbs. Bush. lbs. Bush. lbs. Bush. lbs. Bush. lbs. Bush. lbs. Campbell's VVhite UhaH. . . White Connell 47 50 35 50 32 50 26 40 27 30 30 00 29 30 23 20 28 30 23 40 19 10 27 10 Oats. Prize Clvister Banner 59 24 76 01 84 04 79 24 54 24 86 26 33 OS 87 22 53 03 78 18 40 00 55 30 Barley. Pri2» Prolific . 65 10 55 35 55 35 67 04 50 20 56 32 51 37 42 39 40 40 34 08 37 It Baxter's Six-rowed 35 30 The crops on the plots for 1891 were much heavier than those gathered in 1890 ; the difference may be partly accounted for by the liberal dressing of manure which the land received, but probably a greater allowar::e should be made for the charac- ter of the season, which was very favourable in 1891 and very unfavourable in 1890. There are some seeming contradictions in the results for 1891 which can be explained and others for which at present no full and satisfactory explanation can be offered. The plots of Prize Cluster oats and Baxter's barley which were sown the first week were at the northern end of the series, and were exposed to the full force of a storm of wind, which carried much sand with it, and which swept over the part where these plots were situated a few days after the grain was up. This cut the tender blades almost to the ground and permanently injured the plots. The Prize Prolific barley. Banner oats and the two varieties of wheat were partly sheltered by a slight depression in the land, and thus escaped much injury. From the results of the tests for both years it is evident that the oat crop is less influenced by delay in sowing than either wheat or barley. Some of the other apparent irregularities were partly due to the results of a hailstorm which passed over the farm when the grain from some of these plots was standing, and a part of it was beaten out and lost. This will account for the difference between the crops from the fourth and fifth sowings of the Prize Cluster oats. Taking the retux-ns of the two years together, the average falling off from week to week in the yield of the four varieties of wheat as compared with the crop from the first sowing is, for the first week 27 per cent., for the second 30, third 43, fourth 45, and for the fifth 52 per cent. Calculating the average loss on the barley in the same manner we fiiid it to be as follows: First week 13 per cent, second 26, third 36, fourth 51, and for the fifth 52 per cent. Leaving out of consideration the first series of oat plots on account of their abnormal character in 1891 and their partial character in 1890, and taking the crop from the second sowing as the basis for com- parison, we find the falling off in the successive weeks to be 12 per cent, 24, 26, and for the last sowing 43 per cent, showing that even with the oat crop delay in sow- ing cannot be practised without loss. When we consider that the value of the spring wheat crop for the past year, of Ontario alone, taking it at 85 cents per bushel, was 89,104,807 ; that of barley at 45 <5ent8 per bushel, $7,263,856; and that of oats at 30 cents per bushel, $22,502,862 — or putting these three together, nearly thirty-nine millions of dollars — the percentage 51 of loss which occurs between the first and second, or first and third sowings, represents a sum so large that the importance of early seeding cannot be too strongly urged. FOEESTET. Tree-planting in the forest belts on the Central Experimental Farm has been continued, and about 3,100 trees have been set out along the northern boundary of the farm. It is proposed to continue this planting until the whole length of this side of the farm is furnished with a continuous shelter belt. This will eventually prove a very attractive feature, and also furnish important data in regard to the relative growth of the more important trees of economic value in this country, so that information may be available to those who may need in the future to plant trees either for shelter, ornament, fuel or timber. The belts already planted are making good growth ; the avenues and hedges are also doing well. The clumps of ornamental trees and shrubs about the buildings and along the roads have become well established, and already add much to the appearance of the place. In this connection I desire to acknowledge the kindness of Prof. Sargent, of the Arnold Arboretum, Jamaica Plains, Mass., who has generously donated to the experi- mental farms 81 species of trees and shrubs, many of them rare sorts. A part of these are suitable for planting at Ottawa; the more tender sorts have been forwarded for test to the experimental farm at Agassiz, British Columbia. To Mr. L. Jackson Dawson, the efficient superintendent of the arboretum, my thanks are also due for his kindness in making the selection, comprising varieties so well adapted to our needs. The distribution of forest trees and forest-tree seeds to settlers on the North- West plains has been continued. In the report of the Horticulturist particulars will be found of the distribution of about 2,000 mail packages of seedling forest trees, also of 4,053 packages of tree seeds, chiefly those of the box elder, Manitoba ash, oak and cherry. This part of the experimental farm work has awakened in the Canadian North-West a very general interest in tree-planting. From the large number of young gi-oves which are thus being established at different points on the great plains, belts and plantations of trees will shortly be planted about dwellings and farm buildings which, in process of time, will afford desirable shelter for man and beast and much improve the general appearance of the country. In a very few years many of these young groves will produce seed, and with tree seeds in plenty, avail- able at so many points, tree culture on the plains will no doubt make rapid advance- ment. BUILDINGS. The extension to the poultry building mentioned in the last annual report has been completed, and will furnish pens for both breeding and laying, as well as some for experiments with cross breeds. The necessary buildings for carrying on the work on the Central Experimental Farm are now nearly completed. They consist of a barn about 145 x 50 feet, with a wing on either side of 100 x 25 feet, one of which is u^ed for the farm horses; the other is fitted up for bulls. This commodious build- ing is shown in Fig. 3 : 7f— 4 52 The silos are attached to one end of this ; also an engine-house, from which shafting is run the full length of the barn. There is also an implement house, granary, root-house and piggery. The poultry building has been already referred to; the building for seed testing and the distribution of seed grain is shown on page Fig. 3. — Bam and Stables, Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa. 46, Fig. 2. That containing the oflSces and chemical laboratoiy forms the frontis- piece. Fig. 1. The dairy building is represented on page 88, Fig. 4. The only other building for which there is now a pressing need is one for sheep, which should also have some additional accommodation for young stock. ANNUAL YISITS TO THE EEANCH EXPEEIMENTAL FARMS. NAPPAN. The experimental farm for the the Maritime Provinces, located at Nappan, N.S., was twice visited during the year. The first visit was during the planting season, in the spring, when opportunity was afforded for arranging the various clumps of trees and shrubs which are to serve the purposes of ornament and shelter about the build- ings, altio the avenues and shelter belts along the boundaries of the farm. These will greatly help in beautifying the place, and in a very few years, from the shelter they will afford, prove usefal as well as ornamental. The second visit was paid in the autumn. The grain crops were all gathered before my arrival, and they were un- usually good, as will be seen from the report of the superintendent. I had the privi- lege of inspecting the crop of roots, of which there were about five a<;res. They were all good, the turnips especially so ; these latter averaged over 1,000 bushels to the acre. The farm is improving in appearance and fertility from year to year, and that part of the land which atthetimeof purchase was believed by the neighbours to be almost worthless from exhaustion, has, with proper working and manuring, become quite fertile, and produces now some of the best crops grown on the farm. BRANDON. The journey westward was begun on the 11th of August, and Brandon was reached on the 16th. As viewed from the hotel in the city, it was evident that the 53 young avenues had made good progress and that the trees and shrubs generally wfere making satisfactory growth. One of the most striking features from this distant view was a field of Ladoga wheat, which extended from the base of one of the gradually-rising blufiB on the valley bank some distance up its side. Part of it was cut, and that which was standing was of that warm brown colour which indi- cated ripeness, while the other varieties on either side appeared comparatively green. On closer inspection everything was found to be progressing satisfactorily. The grain crops were nearly all more or less lodged, as the result of a severe rain and wind storm which had occurred a day or two previous. The straw was long and the heads heavy, which prevented most of the grain from rising again, and thus somewhat lessened the yield. The returns, notwithstanding, are exceedingly good. The forest belts and young fruit trees were carefully examined and notes taken of the most promising sorts. The barn and stable was completed and ready for occu- pation. Several of the most useful breeds of stock have since been supplied, which makes this now one of the most interesting and instructive features of the farm work. The superintendent's residence was also finished, and was occupied shortly after. A constantly increasing interest is manifested by the farmers of Manitoba in the operations going on at this farm, and the number of visitors who go there to gain information and experience each year is now very large. The experimental work carried on under Mr. Bedford's superintendence is favourably spoken of on all hands, and the experiments tried from year to year are proving a valuable guide to the farming community. VISIT TO MELITA. The day after my arrival in Brandon, the Souris section of the western division of the Canadian Pacific Railway was opened, and by kind invitation of the assistant superintendent, Mr. J. Murray, I was privileged to travel with the first regular train as far as Melita, 66^ miles from Brandon. For the first 8 miles to Kenmay the train runs over the main line, then turning south 16 miles brings the traveller to the Souris river, whose wooded banks lend a charm to the scenery. Another 14 miles brought us to Hartney, one of the new towns recently started, and after journeying 26 miles further, Melita, the present terminus, was reached. This town, which was said to be only one year old, had a population of about 300, and seemed to be growing rapidly. Through the courtesy of one of its enterprising residents, Mr. G. L. Dodds, I was driven to see several of the neighbouring farms, where the crops gave promise of an excellent yield. The country looked well the whole length of the route ; most of the land seemed to be good, and settlement was progressing rapidly. Several new towns seen along the line, from two weeks to two or three months old, were struggling rapidly through theii- babyhood ; most of them could boast of an elevator built or building, and one or more stores, surrounded by dwellings of that diversified character so general in the newly -established towns of the west. INDIAN HEAD. On the 20 th of August the farm for the North- West Territories was reached, where the field and garden crops, the forest trees and fruits were examined, and their con- dition and progress recorded. The grain was all standing well, and gave promise of an abundant harvest, but in consequence of the moisture of the soil, resulting from an unusual rainfall and cool damp weather, the grain was from a week to ten days later than usual. For this reason some of the crops did not ripen early enough to entirely escape the frost, although it did not reach this district until about two weeks after it had occurred in Manitoba. A very large proportion, however, of the grain ripened here before frost. The forest trees planted in blocks and shelter belts are making good progress, but are not growing so rapidly as those at Brandon, The results of the tests of fruit trees have not thus far been very encouraging ; but most varieties of small fruits grow well in the rich soil found here, and many of them are proving hardy. 54 The herd of cattle is increasing, and the animals doing well. The use of the bulla is a great advantage to the farmers of the district. On the 22nd some of the neighbouring farms wete visited and the crops exam- ined. Several miles of luxuriant wheat fields were seen on the Bell farm and on the recently established farm of Lord Brassey. The crops on many smaller places were also inspected. Everywhere the wheat looked well, and the growth was luxuriant, but it was noticed here as well as in Manitoba, that wheat on summer fallow where the land was heavy and had been well farmed was much later than that growing on lighter and poorly worked soil. This was a result of the unusual rainfall, and should not lessen confidence in summer fallowing, as such a condition may not occur again to the same extent for years. Leaving Indian Head on the 23rd, a day was spent in the Eegina district, where the crops were also very pi-omising ; a drive of about 40 miles enabled us to see many of the neighbouring farms, on most of which the fai-mers subsequently reaped a rich harvest. ' VISIT TO PRINCE ALBEET. On the 25th an early start was made for Prince Albert. After leaving the Qu'Appelle valley the land along the line of railway seemed light and gravelly, but after crossing the river near Saskatoon the soil looked much more fertile. Soon the appearance of the country was entirely changed as we entered on what is called the fertile belt, which extends from south of Duck Lake to a long distance beyond Prince Albert. This district is in many parts well wooded and intersected with lakes and streams, and most of the soil is a rich, black, sandy loam. Prince Albert was reached about dusk. The next day a drive of about 40 miles was taken, covering part of the country on either side of the town. A number of farms were visited, among the rest those of Mr. T. Mackay, Mr. T. Miller Mr. Wm. Plaxton and Mr. T. Scott. Much of the Ladoga wheat grown in this section had been cut and some of the Red Fife was nearly ready. Nearly all the wheat was subsequently harvested without injury from frost. The country is remarkably prett}' and park-like, undulating, and intersected at many points by groves of woodland and belts of timber, consisting of spruce, jack pine, tamarack, poplar, birch and other trees. The Saskatchewan here is a fine navigable river. In the evening a gathering of townspeople and farmers assembled to listen to a talk on the work of the experimental farms. The opportunity was also improved by pointing out the advantages of mixed farming, for which, from the presence of abundant shelter, the luxuriant growth of grasses, and a plentiful supply of water for stock, this part of the country seems specially adapted. Returning the next day, Moose Jaw was reached on the 28th, where another drive of about 30 miles was taken among the neighbouring farms. The crops here, as at Regina and Indian Head, were excellent, but they were later than those at Prince Albert. THE SPULMACHEEN AND OKANAQON VALLEYS. Journeying westward, the next point of divergence was Sicamous, B.C., from which point entrance can be made to the fertile Spulmacheen and Okanagon valleys. The conveyance for the first part of the journey, which was begun on the 3rd of September, was a steam hand-car, which made a daily trip to Enderby over the new line of railway then under construction to Vernon. This was an open conveyance with two seats, capable of accommodating six passengers and the engine driver, wko stood behind to feed the little engine with fuel and regulate the speed of travel. Such a conveyance afforded a full view of the scenery, which was very fine. Lake, woodland, mountain and valley in rapid succession, or combined in endless variety of form, made up the ever-changing panorama. Smoke from some burning woods in the neighbourhood sometimes interfered with the view ; but for this, the bright sunny day would have been perfect. A ride of 25 miles in the steam hand-car 55 brought us to Enderbj, a thriving village in the Spulmacheen valley, where there is a large milling industry which supplies the greater part of the flour used on the Pacific coast. Here a vehicle was waiting to take us to Lansdowne, another village six miles distant, where another conveyance and driver was engaged for the whole journey to Mission and return to Enderby. From Enderby to Lansdowne the road passes through a beautiful part of the valley, where there are some very fine farms, on some of which the grain had been harvested and stacked ; on others the goJden sheaves were still stooked in thickly-set groups over the fields. A visit was paid to the farm of M. Lumby, Esq., who has a very fine estate of 1,200 acres. Most of his grain was housed, but from the appearance of the bright and thickly-set stubble on his fields it was evident that he had gathered a bountiful harvest. His crops are all grown without irrigation. Near his residence, which is prettily situated near the bank of a small stream, are some groups of magnificent specimens of the " bull pine" {Finns ponder osa), a variety with very long needle-like leaves, one of the most useful of all the trees found here in the valleys and on the hill sides. They grow to a great height and large size, and an average tree when felled will make several large logs for the lumberman. At Lansdowne sevei*al small orchards were seen. The apples, pears and plums were making thrifty growth, and some of the young trees were bearing fruit. On the journey from Enderby to Yernon a team was passed drawing a large waggon loaded with watermelons which had been raised on a ranch near by, and which were being taken to Enderby for shipment to distant points. Vernon, the terminus of the new line of railway, was reached about 7 p.m., after a delightful drive through a charming country. Many new buildings were going up in this thriving town, which promises in the near future to be an important place in the Okanagon valley. It is well situated, on a level plain, well watered by a mountain stream which affords facilities for irrigation, without which fruit-growing or gardening is somewhat uncertain here. On the morning of the 4th a journey to Mission was undertaken. The first part of the I'oad lay over the hills, which rise to the height of 600 or 700 feet, from the summit of which a lovely view is had of a charming sheet of water known as Long Lake, and for many miles the road lay very near its banks. About three miles north of Mission a halt was made to inspect a promising young orchard on the ranch of Mr. Whelan, in which was found many varieties of apples, pears, plums and cherries, all making very thrifty growth. Many of the apple, pear and plum trees were well laden with fruit. Several peach trees were seen on this place, but no peaches, excepting on one ti-ee, where there were several small speci- mens, which looked like a seedling fruit. There was an almond tree also here with a few almonds growing on it. On arrival at Mission early in the evening a visit was paid to the ranch recently purchased by Lord Aberdeen. This is a fine piece of valley land, nearly level and well watered by Mission creek, so that iriigation is practicable over the greater part of it. Several acres were already planted with large and small fruits, and we were informed that it was intended to plant much more largely during the coming season. That part of the Okanagon valley of which Mission is the centre is *aid to be about 16 miles long and 5 or 6 miles wide. There is a small orchard on the property adjoining Lord Aberdeen's, on which there was some very fine apples and Bartlett pears. There were also a few trees fruiting well in the garden worked by the Brothers at the Mission. A limited amount of grain is grown, stock-raising being the principal industry. Much of the soil in these valleys is a rich black loam with a clay subsoil ; most of that along the hill-sides is lighter. Heavy crops can be grown wherever water for irri- gation is available, and it is said that grain and other farm crops can be grown as far as Vernon without irrigation; but south of this the returns are very uncertain where no water is at command. Returning to Vernon the following day we found a very fine collection of young bearing fruit trees in the garden of Price Ellison, Esq., a gentleman who kindly volunteered to go with us to Mission. To this genial companion we owe a 56 debt of gratitude ; but for his guidance and thorough knowledge of the country, we should have missed many an important fact and had a much less enjoyable time. AQASSIZ. This most westerly of the experimental farms is improving rapidly. More than one hundred acres are now under cultivation, several large orchards have been planted, and many fruit trees and vines have been put out on the bench land, about the base of the mountains. Many additions have been made to the list of fruit trees, vines, forest and ornamental trees and shrubs — the collection now includes nearly all the varieties at present obtainable, which pi'omise to be useful to the country. The value of this farm as a testing ground for that part of the province lying within the coast climate will be very great, and the information which will soon be available will be highly prized both by old residents and incoming settlers. A commodious and conveniently-situated dwelling has been erected for the superintendent, and a barn and stable contracted for which, it is expected, will be completed in July next. SUMMARY OF EEPORTS OF OFFICERS. REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURIST. The important topics discussed in the report of the Agriculturist are presented in five divisions, each of which contains much valuable information. In the first division, headed " cattle," the value of different sorts of food for the economic feed- ing of cows and the fattening of steers is treated of, and the relative cost of the different rations. The results of experiments in varying the quantity of meal in the rations are also given. The information gained points clearly to the great value of corn ensilage as a cheap and nutritious food, of that succulent character most desir- able for winter feeding. Part 2 contains valuable data in reference to the fattening of swine, with such particulars as to the cost of producing pork, from certain kinds and mixtures of food, as will make this section of the report very serviceable to farmers in all parts of the Dominion. The great stimulus which has been given to the production of pork during the past year will make this information most timely and useful. The results of the experimental dairy work embodied in Part 3 point to the most economical methods of treating milk for the manufacture of butter. The vary- ing conditions brought about by different sorts and combinations of food, by advance- ment in the period of lactation, and the variations in the quantity and quality of these products arising from treatment by different methods, from peculiarities of consti- tution in the cow or from other factors not yet fully understood, make this chapter most interesting and useful to all those who are engaged in the dairy industry. The setting aside of forty acres of land for a special line of work, with the view of showing how many cows can be maintained, with the crops which that acreage will pi'oduce, forms the subject of Part 4. Judging from the experience thus far gained, it would appear that on most farms a larger number of cattle than are now kept might be maintained, bringing increased gain to the farmer. In the 5th division, which treats of fodder corn and the silos, the results of the many tests which have been made during the past year are given. There will also be found the yields of the different varieties under different methods of cultivation, experiments in making ensilage, with particulars as to the character of the products obtained, with much other useful information on this very important subject. REPORT OF THE HORTICULTURIST. The report prepared by Mr. John Craig, the Horticulturist of the Central Experi- mental Farm, contains a large fund of useful information related to the growing of 57 fruit and vegetables. The results of the experience gained during the past few years, both in Canada and the United States, with the hardier foi-ms of Russian apples, and the particulars regarding the quality and relative hardiness of the diffex*ent sorts, will be read with much interest by those who desire to cultivate apples in the more northern portions of the Dominion. The remarks on hardy sorts of plums, pears and cherries will also repay a careful perusal. The veiy full notes given by Mr. Craig on the many varieties of grapes which ■were ripened on the Central Farm last year will be very valuable to those engaged in growing this fruit for market, as well as to amateurs, and to many readers it wil^no doubt be a revelation to learn that so many fine sorts of this refreshing fruit can be ripened at Ottawa. That portion of the report which treats of the different varieties of small fruits will, it is hoped, be acceptable also to a large class of readers. The comparative tests of varieties of beets, cabbage, celery, pease, peppers and tomatoes, as well as the results of the influence of certain fertilizers on the latter vegetable, will be a valuable guide to many. Details concerning the distribution of seedling forest trees to the settlers on the North-West plains and to some other remote points for test will also be found in this report, with a brief summary of the results as far as they have yet been reported. Reference is also made to a fui-ther distribution of tree seeds and of small fruits for test in the raoi-e remote districts, where they are less easily obtainable through the ordinary commercial channels. A report is also given of further experiments which have been carried on during the past year, with the use of fungicides, in the treatment of apple scab and grape and gooseberry mildews ; also on the effect of using Paris green for the apple worm, mixed with the fluids to be used for the scab. Plain instructions, which any intelli- gent fruit-grower can follow, are given for the preparation of the various mix- tures recommended. REPORT OF THE CHEMIST. The first division of this report gives the results of the analyses of 24 samples of soil from differents parts of the Dominion, many of them representing large areas in the localities from whence they were taken. One represents that part of the alluvial soil in the valley of the Fraser, in British Columbia, known as the delta lands Two analyses are reported on from the North-West Territories, one of black sandy loam, which is a sample of the black soil in what is commonly designated the fertile belt, the other the underljnng subsoil. This formation is more or less con- tinuous over a wide area of country from the western part of Lake Manitoba, through Prince Albert and Edmonton to the foot-hills of the R)cky Mountains. These samples are from Yorkton,Assa. Three others are alkaline soils from Manitoba and the North-West Territories. There are also included in the list soils from Ontario, Quebec and Nova Scotia, Swamp mucks, muds and peats are referred to in Part 2, where the results of the analyses of twenty-one samples are given. These show that both muck and peat are usually of considerable value as fertilizers, and especially is this the case when they are composted with manure from the stable or barn yard. An analysis of gas liquor is also submitted, and its probable value as a fertilizer discussed. A considerable number of analyses of roots used as food for cattle are reported on, viz., of carrots, turnips, mangels and sugar beets. The results of some further work on corn are also given, showing its comparative value at diftercntj stages of growth ; samples of ensilage have likewise been examined and their constituents determined. The component parts of several samples of "condensed milk" of the most popular brands have also been ascertained. Tests have been made of the character and rela- tive purity of twenty-nine samples of well water from farmers in different parts of the Dominion and information of much value furnished. Practical tests have also been made with mixtures of solution of soap and Paris green, with the view of determining whether a combination of this sort would lessen the poisonous eff'ects of 58 the Paris green. The results show that this useful insecticide may be mixed with Boap solutions without materially interfering with its strength. REPORT OP THE ENTOMOLOGIST AND BOTANIST. In the entomological part of this report attention is called again to the import- ance of spraying with Paris green and water for certain insect pests, and evidence is given of the fallacy of some statements lately made in an English paper as to the danger of using fruit from trees so sprayed. The facts cited by Mr. Fletcher show that no injury whatever can arise from such use. Eeference is made to damage during the past year caused by several injurfbus insects, among others, the Eye-spotted Bud Moth, which injures the apple trea; the Pear Leaf Blister, a small gall on the leaf of the pear produced by a very tiny mite; the Clover Eoot Borer, an insect not recorded as occurring in Canada before; and the Pea Weevil, which is said to be on the increase in some parts of the country. An account is also given of the occurrence of the Eed Turnip Beetle, which attacks turnips and radishes in different parts of the North- West Territories. The botanical portion contains an article on smut in grain with details of the most useful remedies. This will commend itself especially to the farmers of the North- West, where the "bunt" or "stinking smut" has of late been so prevalent and so detrimental to the crop. In the experience given of the tests of native and foreign grasses at Ottawa during the past season, Mr. Fletcher has presented many useful facts. Some of the experiences of settlers in Manitoba who have tried some of these varieties is also related. This subject is deserving of careful attention and study. A most important chapter to farmers is that on weeds. The necessity for information as to the proper treatment of these pests, with a view to their eradica- tion, must be generally admitted. A weedy crop seldom gives satisfactory returns ; the loss which arises depends partly on the fact that weeds take from the soil some of the elements of fertility which the growing crop requires, and also for the reasou that the presence of numerous and thrifty-growing weeds prevents the free access of air and sunlight, so necessary to vigorous growth. REPORT OP THE POULTRY MANAGER. This report opens with a discussion of the subject of the winter laying of fowls, where some useful data is given with reference to the effects of different methods of feeding in the production of eggs. The breeds of fowls which have been found to lay best at the Central Experimental Farm during the winter are enumerated, and the proportion of eggs hatched from sittings of eggs of the various sorts of fowls is also given, with the most successful methods of treatment of the young chickens after they are hatched. Particulars are given with regard to the dates at which the young pullets in the poultry house began to lay, showing that the White Leghorns, Wyandottes and Plymouth Rocks are among the earliest in this respect. The diseases of poultry are also discussed and remedies suggested. Further details are given of the exam- ination of eggs long kept, which, with the results of the tests made last yeai-, go to show that eggs when kept under the conditions described are not so perishable as is commonly supposed. These experiments have not as yet thrown much light on the question as to how eggs become offensive and putrid. The important subject of the weight of eggs is dealt with at some length, and par- ticulars are given of the weights per dozen of those from the fowls of all the leading breeds. EXPERIMENTAL FARM, NAPPAN, N.8. In the report of the superintendent of the experimental farm for the Maritime Provinces, the results of some instructive tests are given of varieties of wheat, many of which have yielded good returns. The crops which have been gathered from thi 59 experimental plots of oats are exceptionally large, showing that the season has been very favourable at Nappan for this grain. Some large yields of barley have also been obtained, although most of the samples are deficient in weight. The tests conducted with a number of different sorts of corn indicate that the growth of this useful crop for ensilage purposes in the Maritime Provinces is likely to be attended with success. The experiments with mangels, turnips and carrots have also been very successful. The advantage resulting from the draining of so large a part of the land under cultivation begins now to be apparent in the increased crops. The useful breeds of daiiy cattle which have been provided at this experimen- tal farm for the Maritime Provinces will, it is hoped, aid in the improvement of the stock of these provinces for dairy purposes, and will doubtless prove of special value to those farmers who are near enough to Nappan to avail themselves of the facilities for improvement which the presence of these animals will give. EXPERIMENTAL FARM, BRANDON, MANITOBA. In the report of the superintendent of this farm, Mr. S. A. Bedford, there will be found a large array of useful facts, the results of much careful work, which will be valuable to the settlers in Manitoba. The many tests with wheat, oats and barley, showing the length of time required to mature the different sorts, the varying results obtained by sowing on different classes of soil, by cutting the grain at different periods of ripeness; comparisons of the results of the use of the disc harrow with spring ploughing; of different methods of treating summer fallowed land ; the use of different quantities of seed per acre; the relative returns from the use of the ordinary drill, the press drill and the broadcast seeder, and the yields from fall and spring ploughing, will all be read with much interest by tbe farmers of that province, as well as by those of the North-West generally. The results of experiments with smudges are also given in this report. One of the most important series of results which Mr. Bedford has reported on relates to the growing of mixed grain, and cutting and curing it in the green state as hay for the winter feeding of cattle. The problem of supplying a sufficient quantity of winter food for the rapidly increasing herds of stock in the North- West was a pressing one, and the practical way in which it has been solved by the tests made at the experimental farms will have an important bearing on the stock and dairy interests of the future in these fertile portions of the Dominion. Mr. Bedford has shown that by sowing a mixture of oats and tares more than five tons per acre of nutritious hay can be produced in a favourable season, that such a crop can be sown after the grain is all in, and hai'vested before the grain harvest begins, and thus ample provision may be made by the use of comparatively few acres of land for the winter sustenance of a large herd of cattle. The successful growing of fodder corn and the making of ensilage therefrom will prove another useful factor in developing the dairy interests of Manitoba, while the experiments with native and hardy imported grasses and clovers promise eventually to provide improved pasturage for the summer months. The satisfactory crops reported of mangels, carrots and turnips indicate that there need be no lack of variety in the food which can be stored for the winter feeding of cattle if farmers will only avail themselves of the advantages which the country offers. The strains of dairy and beefing breeds of cattle which have been introduced during the past year at the Brandon experimental farm will it is believed ofler good facilities for improving the stock in that part of the province. The use of frozen wheat and the coarser grains for feeding pigs and steers will also it is hoped show a more profitable way of disposing of these low-priced products at home than by ship- ping them out of the country. Further reports on the tests of large and small fruits are also given, which are on the whole encouraging; so also are the results of further experiments with forest 60 and ornamental trees and shrubs. The preliminary lists which Mr. Bedford has pre- pared of the hardy, half hardy and tender sorts, as a guide to settlers who desire to ornament their homes or provide wind-breaks for their dwellings and out-buildings, are deserving of careful perusal by all who take an interest in this subject. EXPERIMENTAL FARM, INDIAN HEAD. N.W.T. The report of the experimental work carried on at the farm for the North- West Territories contains much that will be ut^eful to the settlers who are farming in that part of the country. There are so many variations in climate on those vast plains that the results of tests made in eastern Assiniboia cannot always be repeated to the same advantage in Saskatchewan or Alberta, while other classes of experi- ments may be carried on with greater success. Nevertheless, much of the more important work which is being done at Indian Head under the superintendence of Mr. A. Mackay may be followed with advantage by the farmers in most parts of the Territories. Much of the experimental work with grain which has been referred to when speaking of the farm at Brandon is being conducted on very similar lines at Indian Head. All the more promising varieties of cereals are being tested here, also the ditferent systems of treatment and methods of cultivation, with the view of ascertain- ing what sorts of grain and what plan of procedure promises the best results. In addition to what has been referred to, experiments have been made in sowing wheat at different depths in the soil, to ascertain the results of sowing different grades of frozen wheat as seed, comparing the returns from grain grown on land which has been fall ploughed with those from summer fallow, also the results of sowing after roots as against summer fallow. Smudges have also been tried as a protective measure against autumn frosts, and evidence submitted which shows that when a sudden drop in temperature of 8 or 9 degrees of frost takes place, as was the case at Indian Head, smudges are of no avail. Whether they will prove useful or not when the frosts are less severe has not yet been fully determined. One of the most important series of experiments conducted at Indian Head during the past year is that with smutted grain. The " bunt" smut has been a very serious pest for many years past and has been more prevalent than usual during 1891, The wheat grown by many fiarmers which would otherwise have realized the best prices has, from this cause, been much depreciated in value, and in some instances become quite unsaleable. The total annual loss to the farming community in the North- West from smut is immense, and would be difficult to estimate, Mr. Mackay selected for his test one of the worst samples of smutty wheat to be found, and in sowing this untreated, about one-half of the crop consisted of smutted ears. By the use of blue stone (sulphate of copper) dissolved in water and applied to the grain in the proportion of one pound of the chemical to ten bushels of seed, the proportion of smutted heads was reduced to less than 15 per cent, and by using the same quantity in the treatment of five bushels the proportion was reduced to less than one per cent. Eesults very similar to these were obtained last year by Mr, Bedford at the Brandon experimental farm, and this disease may now be regarded as one which the farmer can himself control by taking the precautions referred to. The fact that smutty ears often occur in grain grown from seed believed to be quite free from smut would indicate that smut spores in the soil may attack the grain and bring on the disease. Seed treated with the sulphate of copper would in all probability be able to resist attack in this direction also. As no farmer would think of sowing seed so very smutty as that which was used in the experiment referred to, it is probable that the use of one pound of the sulphate of copper to ten bushels of seed grain would be sufficient to ensure almost entire freedom from this trouble. Indian corn has not been found so satisfactory a crop at Indian Head as at Brandon ; it has not attained the same weight of growth or degi-ee of advancement. Excellent results have, however, been obtained by growing different mixtures of 61 grain to be cut green and cured for winter fodder; and this part ©f the report will be read with great interest by the farming community-. The tests with garden vegetables, fruits, forest trees and flowers, will prove a comparatively safe guide to those who desire to enter there on any of these branches of work. The stock department at the Indian Head farm is already beginning t« demonstrate its usefulness, and has become an attractive feature in connection with the general experimental work. EXPERIMENTAL FARM, AQASSIZ, B.C. The report of the progress made at this farm is also very gratifying. Since the work was begun in August, 1889, 105 acres have been cleared of brush and stumps and brought under cultivation, 26 acres of which have been planted with fruit. Taking into consideration the condition of the land, the crops reported may be considered as very good. The yield of wheat, barley and oats, sown in successive crops a week apart, for six weeks, seems to show that, as far as these cereals are concerned, there is no Bpecial advantage in early sowing in that part of British Columbia. During the early part of last year, when the weather was cold and wet, much of the seed early sown was injured by these unfavourable conditions; a repetition, however, will be needed of such experiments for several years, before any general conclusions can be drawn from them. There being more than the usual amount of summer heat last year, the season was favourable for corn, and the crop of the heavier-yielding sorts ranged from 20 to 28 tons per acre. It is worthy of notice that the corn planted in hills, in nearly every instance, exceeded in weight of crop that sown in rows, showing the great advantage to the plants of plenty of air and light. The yield of the plots of pease was quite phenomenal. The heaviest crop was given by the Mummy pea, 128 bushels 51 J lbs. per acre ; next in order was the Crown, with 116 bushels 15 lbs. per acre, closely followed by the Prince Albert, with 115 bushels and 25 lbs. per acre. A new fodder plant which has been largely advertised, Lathyrus Sylvestris Wagneri, has produced seed quite freely at Agassiz, while at Ottawa it was almost an entire failure in this respect. The vines also made a very strong and vigorous growth, but Mr. Sharpe was unable to induce either the cattle or horses to eat any of it. The crops of turnips, mangels, carrots and sugar beets have been excellent, and the heavy weights produced per acre of these succulent nutritive roots, and the ease with which they can be preserved in that mild climate, is a most encouraging indi- cation of the future possibilities of dairying and stock-raising in British Columbia. The experimental plots of potatoes have also yielded remarkably well. The preva- lence of rot in some of the varieties shows the importance of thoroughly testing the sulphate of copper as a remedy, which is now being so extensively used in Europe for this disease. The results of the planting of fruits have been most encouraging. The growth of the trees has been very luxuriant, and it is expected that a large number of the varieties planted will bear fruit during the coming season. The future prospects for fruit production in that province are very ])right, and no effort will be spared in the endeavour to made the testing grounds at the experimental farm as useful as possible to the settlers. From the particulars given by the superintendent in his report, it will be seen that examples of every promising sort which could be obtained are under trial there. EXHIBITIONS. Extensive collections of the products of the experimental farms were shown at several of the larger exhibitions. At Montreal an excellent display was made; so also at Toronto, London and Ottawa. These collections do not compete in any way with other exhibitors, and are so arranged as to make them as instructive as possible. In this way many farmers who visit these fairs become familiar 62 with the work of the experimental farms, and the opportunity is afforded them of seeing many new and useful varieties of farm products. For the preparation of these exhibits and the successful carrying out of the arduous task of putting them in place, and of giving information at the fairs to all enquirers, wo are indebted mainly to the farm loremsvi, Mr. John Fixter, to my assistant in the experimental department, Mr. W. T. Macoun, and to the accountant, Mr. W. H. Hay. These officers have been untiring in their devotion to this work, and much of the success which has attended these exhibits has been due to their persistent efforts and to the taste and skill which they have shown in the arrangement of the displays. Similar work has been carried on by the superintendents of the several branch farms, references to which will be found in their reports. COEEESPONDBNCB. The following is a summary of the mail matter received and despatched at the Central Experimental Farm during the year 1891 : — Director .... Agriculturist and Dairy Commissioner . Horticulturist. Chemist Entomolo^t and Botanist Poultry Manager Accountant Total Bulletins, reports, fee, sent out 203,353. Letters Letters Received. Sent. 7,544 5,256 2,752 2,349 891 1,307 592 771 1,894 1,727 363 356 1,191 1,082 15,227 12,848 This work is particularly heavy on all the officers during the early spring months, when the mails frequently bring to the office from 150 to 200 letters a day. Many of these require time and research to obtain the information asked, and it is not possible, with the limited staff available for the work, to answer every letter promptly, but answers are forwarded as fast as the work can be overtaken. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS. Before closing this report for the year, I take much pleasure in acknowledging my indebtedness to all the officers of the Central and branch experimental farms for the zeal they have manifested and the care they have exercised in bringing to a successful issue the different branches of work which have engaged their attention. To the foremen and employes acknowledgements are also due for faithful services. The valuable services rendered by the farm foreman, Mr. John Fixter, and my assistant in the experimental work, Mr. W. T. Macoun, deserves special commenda- tion. To their constant vigilance and careful records I am again indebted for most of the particulars relating to the experimental work at the Central Farm. I desire also to again bear testimony to the useful service rendered by Mr. Wm. Ellis, who has had charge of the seed-testing house, also the care and propagation of the economic and other plants which are under cultivation, all of which has been man- aged with skill and has had much careful attention. WM. SAUNDEES, Director Experimental Farms. HEPORT OF THE AGRICULTURIST. (Jas. W. Eobeetson.) To Wm, Saunders, Esq., Director Dominion Experimental Farms, Ottawa. Sir, — I have the honour to report upon the progress of the work which has been under mj charge at the Central Experimental Farm during 1891. The duties of my office, as Dairy Commissioner for the Dominion, engrossed the major share of my attention, and occupied the most of my time during the year. Attendance at conventions of farmers and dairymen — many of them of provincial nature and scope — in the several provinces of Canada, took me from home very frequently. Upon the recommendation of the Honourable the Minister of Agriculture, the Government approved of the establishment of Experimental Dairy Stations, (1) for the purpose of investigating, by carefully conducted and repeated experiments, the methods and treatments in the manufacture of cheese during the summer, which yield the finest quality and the greatest quantity of cheese from the milk which is furnished by the patrons of factories, and (2) for the purpose of carrying on the manufacture of creamery butter at the same stations, during the other months of the year, in order to encourage farmers to obtain an income from their cows during every month, by supplying cream or milk to a creamery and by the raising of calves and pigs during the winter season. Parliament made provision for that undertaking in the appropriation for the work of the Dairy Commissioner. Fi-om March, 1891, preparatory arrangements in the different provinces were made. Supervision was given to the work of itinerant instructors in the provinces, where the dairy industry was not developed sufficiently to call for the establishment of Experimental Dairy Stations in 1891; and the management of two Experimental Dairy Stations in Ontario, and some experimental work in Quebec, were undertaken. These tasks and duties, together with lectures at conventions of dairymen and farmers' institutes, required my absence from Ottawa for some part of every month, and for the greater part of all the months, except February and November. In all, 49 conventions or meetings, of from two to five sessions each, were attended during the year. They were distributed : Ontario, 19 ; Quebec, 8 ; New Brunswick, 2 ; Nova Scotia, 4; Prince Edward Island, 3; Manitoba, 3; North- West Territories, 1; Bi-itish Columbia, 9. My assistants in the Dairy Commissioner's branch of the work attended and gave addresses at 242 meetings. The report of the Dairy Commissioner for 1891 (which can be obtained upon application by farmers and all others who are interested in agriculture), will present a brief yet fairly complete statement of progress. The remainder of ray time was available for the Central Experimental Farm, and was given to planning for and superintending experiments in (1) the feeding of steers for beef; (2) the economical feeding of milking cows; (3) the fattening of swine; (4) investigations in the experimental dairy; (5) the management of 40 acres of land, to determine how many cattle could be kept economically on that area; and (6) the growth of fodder corn and the making and feeding of ensilage. Permit me to refer farmers, and others who may be seeking information on the other branches of the agricultural work — grain-growing, root-growing and general farm management — to your own report. For the sake of clearness, and the convenience of those who may be seeking in- formation and guidance from its pages, the matter to be presented has been grouped under the following heads : — 64 I. Cattle. — New purchases; general management; report on the feeding of steers ; expei-imental tests in progress on the feeding and fattening of steers ; inves- tigations in the economical feeding of milking cows; short test to compare mangels with sugar-beets ; and directions for the feeding of calves. II. Swine. — New purchases; reports on the fattening of swine on steamed us. cold, raw feed; on the feeding of pease ensila^ to pigs; on the quantities of grain consumed per pound of gain in weight, at different stages of the feeding periods ; and feeding tests in progress with skim-milk and frozen wheat. III. Experimental Dairy. — Equipment of the building; tests in the separation of cieam by different methods and treatments; experiments in the churning of cream at different stages of ripeness; experiments in the setting of milk and the making of butter from cows at different stages of lactation; the sterilizing of cream i and disposal of the dairy products. IV. Forty-acre Lot. — Areas of different crops ; yields of mixed crops and corn, Y. Fodder Corn and the Silos. — Varieties of corn ; yields from different methods of planting; ensilage from corn; ensilage from mixed crops of cereals; ensilage from pease, rye and clover; the construction and filling of silos. I have received indispensable assistance in carrying on the work and investiga- tions, which are reported upon herein, from those who have attended to the details from day to day. Much of the thoroughness and reliability of experimental work, such as has been undertaken here, depends upon the faithfulness, watchfulness and care of those servants of the public whose names are seldom brought to its notice, to receive the due recognition and appreciation which the value of their services merits. For the work of so many hours per day, every man has received fair wages ; but for that special quality of service and concern for the success of the work, which money cannot buy, I take this opportunity of making mention of Mr. John Fixter, Farm foreman ; Mr. E. H. Elliott, Herdsman ; and Mr. Chr. Marker, Buttei'-maker. I have the honour to be, Sir, Your obedient servant, JAS. W. EOBBRTSON, Agriculturist. PAET I.— CATTLE. To the herd of cattle, only a few thoroughbred animals were added by purchase during the year. They were almost immediately thereafter shipped to the branch experimental farm at Brandon, Man. Shorthorn. From Mr. W. S. Hawkshaw, Glanworth, Ont. : One bull calf, General H. =14574=; red; calved 15th December, 1890; bred by "W". S. Hawkshaw, Glanworth, Ont. ; got by Aberdeen Hero (Imp.)= =; — dam, Countess of Hawkhurst=8752= ; by 3rd Duke of Eutland=559=; Countess 2nd =:784= ; by Lord Eam8den=794=. Holsteins. From Messrs. A. C. Hallman & Co., New Dundee, Ont.: One cow, Queen of Waterloo, No. 14666, H.F.H.B., No. 153, H.F.H.B.C; calved 12th April, 1888; bred by A. C. Hallman & Co., New Dundee, Ont.; sire, African Prince, No. 1270, H.F.H.B. ; dam, Mina Eooker 2nd, No. 3742, H.F.H.B. One cow. Princess Leda 2nd, No. 18510, H.F.H.B., No. 141, H.F.H.B.C; calved 6th January, 1889 ; bred by A. C. Hallman & Co., New Dundee, Ont. ; sire. Nether- land Monk, No. 4424, H.H.B. ; dam, Princess Lcda, No. 7130, H.F.H.B. 65 Ayr shires. From Messrs. Kains Bros., Byron, Ont. One bull, Middlesex — 1216 — ; red and white; calved 10th September, 1890 ; bred by Kains Bros., Byron, Ont. ; sire. Prince of Byron — 583 — ; dam, Jeanie of Auchen- brain, (Imp.) — 129 — ; by Duke 3rd — 647 — ; Paisley, by Wallace of Drumlunrig — 61 — . From Messrs. David Morton & Sons, Hamilton, Ont. One heifer, Dandy 2nd fimported in dam; — 2004 — ; brown and white; calved 6th April, 1889 ; bred by Hugh Jack (Little Shewalton), Irvine, Scotland, imported by David Morton & Sons, Hamilton, Ont. ; sire. Dandy Jim (1579) ; dam, Dandy Ist (5502), by Ked Prince (1000). One heifer, Jewel — 2003 — ; white and brown; calved 14th June, 1889; bred by Hugh Jack (Little Shewalton), Irvine, Scotland; imported by David Morton & Sons, Hamilton, Ont. ; Sire, Dandy Jim (1579) ; dam, Judy (Imp.) (5505) ; by Eed Prince (1000). \ Galloways. We exchanged a bull calf which we had received in 1890 from Mi-. Thomas McCrae, Guelph, Ont., for one bull, Chester (4472) 6760 ; calved March, 1887; bred by D. McCrae, Guelph, Ont. ; sire, Stanley III of Drumlanrig (Imp.) (1793) 2833 ; dam, Chrissy (Imp.) (7099) 2587 ; by Chipperkyle (2332). The four animals of the Galloway breed, which we had at the Central Experi- mental Farm, were sent to the Brandon farm, together with four Shorthorns and one young Holstein bull. Grade Steers. In October, 1891, sixteen grade steers were purchased for the carrj'ing on of investigations into the effects of different rations for the feeding and fattening of cattle. General Management. Summer. — The hours of the stablemen were from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., and four hands were employed. The assistant from the experimental dairy fed the calves. The bulls, part of the cows and the calves, were kept in the stables and fed on green fod- ders. The area of pasture land has been small for the number of cattle which have been kept. The animals not in the stables were inspected, and fed allowances of green fodder every day during the greater part of the season. The same hands looked after the experimental piggery and fed from 20 to 40 pigs. Winter. — The hours of the stablemen are from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m., and six hands are employed. Experiments in feeding are in progress, with 25 cows, 21 steers and 36 swine. Nine diffei*ent rations are fed daily to cows, steers, bulls and calves. The quantity of feed consumed daily, by each animal, or group of animals, is weighed and recorded. The stalls and gutters in the main stable are cleaned out twice daily ; the box stalls are cleaned out every second day. The cattle are curried daily, with a few exceptions ; and the udders of the milking cows are brushed care- fully before each milking. All the breeding and other animals — which are not weighed oftener in some special test — are weighed once every month. Abortions. During 1890 the disease of epidemic abortion was reported as prevailing in the herd. The method of treatment, which was then adopted, was described : — I. The stables wei-e thorough!}' fumigated by the burning of sulphur, saturated with alcohol, with the doors and windows closed for three hours. Of course, all the cattle were out. II. A wash was made up of 1 part of bichloride of mercury to 4,000 parts of water, into which solution were put 8 ounces of common salt; once a day the bare skin around the vulva, the anus and the root of the tail of the cows in calf, and also of those which had aborted, were sponged with the solution. 7f— 5 66 III. After several weeks of that treatment, the following was adopted as being preferable : 2^ drachms of bichloride of mercury were dissolved in 3^ ounces of glycerine and 3J ounces of alcohol ; after these had united, 4| gallons of rain water were added. (The mixture should be kept in a wooden vessel, out of the reach of irresponsible persons, and animals). The bare skin under the tail and around that part was moistened once a day with the solution. TV. The cows, which formerly had been turned out into a large yard every day for water, were watered from troughs in front of their stalls. V. When a pregnant cow showed any sysmptoms of approaching abortion — and these are, slight relaxation of the muscles surrounding the vulva, restlessness and a continuous slight elevation of the tail — she was at once put into a box stall, where she was free from disturbance or causes of excitement. One-ounce doses of tincture of opium were given in the feed — even three times a day for one or two days until a quiet and slightly sluggish condition prevailed. Drenching with medicine was avoided. The result is — and it is mentioned with hesitation and fear, lest the dread abor- tions should occur again — that since the system of treatment has been adopted 13 cows have given safe delivery to calves at the natural time, and only one case of abortion has occurred, and that could be accounted for satisfactorily. That covers a period of three and ahalf months. During the preceding ten months there were 13 births at the natural time, and 14 piematurely, at from four and a-half to eight months. The preceding six paragraphs have been copied from my report of 1890. During 1891 the number of births at the natural time was 34. There were 3 cases of abortion ; one of these was that of a cow which had a similar misfortune last season ; another of the cases could be accounted for afterwards, in so far as it was discovered that The cow was affected with an incurable disease, which had a tendency to provoke uterine disorders ; the third case was that of a grade heifer, and for it no satisfac- tory reason could be assigned. Ther« were also two cases of still-born calves. Lice an Cattle. Government property has no greater immunity from the attacks of parasites than that of private individuals, and during the winter of 1890-91 some of the cattle became infested with lice. That fact is mentioned for the purpose of stating that a most effective, safe and simple treatment can be given by applying a kerosene emulsion. The method of preparation is described thus in Bulletin No. 11, prepared by Mr. Fletcher, Entomologist: — Kerosene (coal oil) 2 gallons Eain water 1 do Soap , , ^ pound " Boil the soap in the water till all is dissolved ; then, while boiling hot, turn it into the kerosene, and churn it constantly and forcibly with a syringe or force pump for five minutes, when it will be of a smooth, creamy nature. If the emulsion be perfect it will adhere to the surface of glass without oiliness. As it cools it thickens into a jelly-like mass. This gives the stock emulsion." For use on the cattle it was diluted with 18 times its measure of water. Besides killing the lice, it seemed to have a beneficial action on the hair and skin. One- quarter of the quantity mentioned above is sufficient for a large hejd. Dehorning. On 3rd December the operation of dehorning was performed on 4 three-year old steers, and on one Jersey bull five years old. Through questions which have been asked at conventions and farmers' insti tutes, and by letters which have been received, an opinion has been asked repeatedly during the past two years upon the subject of dehorning cattle. Farmers who have sufficient open-shed or closed-in-shed convenience for the fattening of steers if they could be allowed to run loose with safely, have made frequent applications for information. The practice has become common in many of the States of the Union. 67 The references which have been made to it in the columun of the agricultural press pro- voked further curiosity and interest on the part of Canadian farmers, to learn from some authoritative source in Canada what effect the operation would have. The mode of procedure was to put each steer into the sling which we use for lifting the bulls when the hoofs are to be trimmed. The neck was fastened securely between two upright pieces of scantling, one of which was movable at the top, after the style of the common old-fashioned stable stanchion. The head was then tied to one side. The hair around the base of each horn was clipped off, to permit the cutting to be effected in such a way as to remove a narrow ring of skin with the horn. Leavitt's dehorning machine was used on two horns. It is constructed in such a way as to clip the horn off at one snap. In the case of three-year-old steers, the horns were too hard and tough for one man to use the machine with sufficient quickness of motion. For the other horns, a common fine-toothed carpenter's saw was used. The operation on each horn lasted from one quarter to one half of a minute. In the case of two of the steers, the saw cut through an artery, from which a small jet of blood spurted. The wounds on the heads of two of the steers, appeared to be acutely painful for nearly a week; the other two animals did not appear to suffer any inconvenience after the operation was ended. It was not expected that blood would flow so freely from the wounds as it did in the two cases mentioned, and no particular preparation had been made to staunch the flow at once. A cloth covered with coal-tar, is probably one of the most accessible and suitable applications which can be made on the ordinary farm. The steers have been fed in box stalls, running loose in pairs, and they seem to be most healthy and gentle since the wounds healed. In the case of the Jersey bull, he had become so vicious that the attendants went into his box-stall only at the jeopardy of their lives. Instructions had been given several months previously that no one was to go into his box-stall until after he had been securely tied. For the dehorning operation, the bull was tied in a similar manner to the steers. His horns were sawn off as close to the skull as pos- sible. Not a thimbleful of blood altogether was shed ; and when he was turned loose in his box-stall he acted as mildly as a sheep. A full report on the feeding of the dehorned steers will appear after the com- pletion of the experiment, which is expected to last until after April, 1892. The Feeding of Six Steers. Six steers were purchased for feeding purposes in November, 1890. They were a fairly even lot of two-year-olds, and apparently were grades of Shorthorns. On Ist December, 1890, the average weight was 1,135 lb. each. They were weighed every week, and all the feed which they consumed was weighed every day. They had free access to water in a trough in front of the stalls, and a supply of salt was provided at one side of each manger. The following Table shows the weight of each steer on Ist December, 1890, and every four weeks thereafter until 18th May, 1891. Dec. 1. Dec. 29. Jan. 26. Feb. 23. Mar. 23. April 20. May 18. Total Gain Steer No. 1 1,220 1,305 1,355 1,390 1,420 1,486 1,493 273 " No. 2 1,120 1,195 1,200 1,256 1,255 1,350 1,374 254 " No. 3 1,037 1,096 1,102 1,188 1,199 1,235 1,317 280 " No. 4 1,170 1,230 1,263 1,310 1,336 1,385 1,442 272 " No. 5 1,225 1,302 1,308 1,361 1,386 1,396 1,430 1 20.1 «' No. 6 1,040 1,081 1,108 1,175 1,207 1,257 1,263 1 aa."^ 1 7p — 5^ 68 The rate of increase in weight was not nearly so rapid as it might have been if all the animals had been fed in a stable, where they could feed and lie undisturbed. In our stable there is such a succession of visitors that the animals are disturbed, I suppose, a dozen times daily. The disturbances and consequent unfavourable con- ditions were alike for all the animals, and did not interfere with the fairness of the comparison, although they did hinder the rapidity of the fattening. The six steers were fed on the same ration until 29th December. They were divided into thi-ee lots of nearly equal age and weight, and evidently of similar breeding. The main object of the test was to discover the value of corn ensilage as compared with common hay. One lot of steers were fed on a ration composed of hay, roots and meal ; another lot of steers were fed on a ration of corn ensilage, with the same kind and quantity of meal; and the third lot of steers were fed on a ration consisting of corn ensilage, hay and roots, and an equal quantity of meal of the same quality as the other two rations contained. The compositions of the rations were as follows : — First Lot op Steers, Nos. 1 and 2 : Lb. Hay 20 Turnip- 40 'Straw 5 Chopped barley 2 ■{ do pease 2 Ground oil-cake 1 1 Cotton-seed meal 1 71 For a period of five weeks, from llth March to 20th April, one pound each of oil-cake and cotton-seed meal were added to the i-ation. For the whole period of 20 weeks, from 29th December to 18th May, each steer consumed an average of 55*5 lb. per day. Second Lot op Steers, Nos. 3 and 4 : Lb. Corn ensilage 50 r Straw 5 Chopped barley 2 do pease v 2 Ground oil-cake ... 1 Cotton-seed meal 1 61 For a period of five weeks, from 17th March to 20th April, one pound each of oil-cake and cotton-seed meal were added to the ration. For the whole period of 20 weeks, from 29th December to 18th May, each steer consumed an average of 60 lb. per day. Third Lot op Steers, Nos. 5 and 6 : Lb. Corn ensilage 20 Turnips..... 20 Hay * 10 Straw 5 Chopped barloy 2 do pease 2 Ground oil-cake 1 Cotton-seed meal 1 61 r: < A 69 For a period of five weeks, from 17th March to 20th April, one pound each of oil-cake and cotton-seed meal were added to the ration. For the whole period of 20 weeks, from 29th December to 18th May, each steer consumed an average of 528 lb. per day. For the purpose of making a comparison between the actual cost of feeding steers on the three different rations, a market value was estimuted for the component fodders in each. The hay was valued at $8 per ton ; roots (turnips or mangels) at $4 per ton ; straw at $4 per ton ; pease and barley at $20 per ton ;^and cotton-seed meal and oil-cake at $30 per ton. The corn ensilage cost $1.40 per ton, as per statement in Bulletin No. 12, issued by Prof. Saunders in June, 1891. It will be observed that the corn ensilage was placed at cost, and the other fodders at an estimated market price; but it will not be considered by farmers, in many districts in Canada, that they can produce hay at a cost below $8 per ton, or roots below $4 per ton. The following Table shows (1) the increase in weight of the steers in 20 weeks ; (2) the quantity of feed consumed per day, and (3) the cost per head per day for feed : — Table II. First lot.. {g°;l; ^^'^ i°* Ino: 6.- Ration. Hay, roots and meal do do Second lot|^°- f Corn ensilage and meal. (_iNo. 4 do do Hay, roots, corn ensilage and meal, do do do . . Increase in Weight. Lb. 188 179 221 212 128 182 Average feed con- sumed per day. Lb. 55-5 60- 52-8 Average cost of feed per day. Cents. 19-23 11-90 15-58 All the steers were allowed as much feed ab they could eat up clean ; and the quantity was varied from time to time, as they would eat more or less. It may be mentioned, in exjilanation of the small increase in weight of steer No. 5, that he did not thrive well, part of the time. That could not be accounted for satisfactorily. He seemed to be healthy, but, as everyone who has fed cattle knows, an animal "will go off his feed" occasionally and will not thrive. It will be observed that the steers fed on the corn ensilage and meal ration gained an average of 33 lb. each more than those on the ration of hay, roots and meal, during the 20 weeks. During the last month of the testing period steers No. 3 and 4, on corn ensilage and meal, gained in weight much faster than the othei-s ; and when the experiment was finished they were in more attractive condition for handling and selling. 70 Table III shows the quantities of the digestible constituents in the feed, con- sumed by the several lot of steers, as calculated from the following table, which is reproduced from the report of 1890 : — Quantities of Digestible Protein, Carbo-hydrates and Fat, in each pound. of certain Feeds, from tests with ruminants — (Oxen and Cows.) Wheat lib. Barley do Oats do Pease do Oil-cake do Cotton-seed meal do Wheat bran do Mixed straw (wheat, barley, oat) do Mixed hay do Com ensilage do Com stover do Tumi ps . ; . . . do Mangels do Carrots do Sugar beets do Total Dry Organic Matter. Lb, ■89 •89 •87 •87 •92 •92 •87 •85 •86 •25 •48 •085 •120 •141 •185 Digestible Protein. Lb. 095 094 080 201 283 336 117 035 051 016 033 010 ou 013 010 Digestible Carbo- hydrates. Lb. •588 •600 •440 •534 •368 •264 •453 •330 •430 •230 ■480 ■075 •100 •115 •167 Digestible Fat. Lb. •014 •026 044 •029 •050 •070 •027 •004 •012 ■006 ■008 ■001 ■001 ■002 ■001 Table III, showing the average quantities consumed, per day, by the two Steers in each lot. — Rations. Total Dry Organic Matter. Digestible Protein. Digestible Carbo- hydrates. Digestible Fat. First lot, Bteer No. 1..^ do No. 2../ Hay, roots and meal Lb. 4764 Lb. 4 60 . Lb. 25 34 Lb, •87 Second lot, steer No. ZA do No. 4. J Com ensilage and meal.. . . 44 04 4 65 3165 1 13 Third lot, steer No. 5..'j do No. 6../ Hay, roots, corn ensilage and meal 4362 4 41 2598 93 71 Experiments in PRoaRESs. At the present time, experiments are in progress with twenty steers : Three- YEAR-OLDS. — Two steers which were dehorned are being fed in a loose box (where the temperature is almost as low as in a shed with single board sides) on a ration of — Lb. Corn ensilage. 50 Straw 5 55 Two steers of the same age and similar quality, also dehorned, are being fed in a like manner, on a ration of — Lb. Corn ensilage 50 Straw 5 Oil-cake..... 2 Ground pease 2 do barley 2 61 Two-TEAR-OLDS. — Two steers are being fed upon each of the following rations No. 1. Lb. No. 2. Lb. No. 3. 1 Lb. No. 4. Lb. Com ensilage. . . 20 Corn ensilage.. . . 50 Corn ensilage.. 50 Hay 10 Hay 20 Roots 20 Roots 40 Straw 5 2 Straw Oil-cake 5 2 Straw .. . . 5 2 Straw Frozen wheat.. 5 Oil-cake Oil-cake 6 Ground pease . . . 2 Ground pease . . 2 Ground pease . . 2 do barley . . 2 do barley . 2 do barley . 2 61 71 61 61 Yearlings. — Two yearling steers are being fed in a loose box, similar to those used for the three-year olds, on ration No. 3 ; and two other sceere of equal age are being fed on the same ration in the ordinary stable. Calves. — Two steer calves — one Shorthorn grade and one Quebec Jersey grade — are being fed on ration No. 2 ; and two steers of an equal age, and similar breeding, are being fed on ration No. 3. Those experiments will furnish data, also, upon the number of pounds gained iu •weight, and the quantity of feed consumed per pound of increase in live weight, by three-year-old, two-year-old, yearling and calf steers, respectively, when fed upon the same ration. 72 The Feeding or Milking Cows. The object of this test was to discover the eftect of substituting corn ensilage for hay and roots, and also the effect of substituting hay and roots for corn ensilage in the ration of milking cows. A study was also made of the economic effect of feeding different quantities of ground grain and meal in the rations. Eighteen milking cows were selected. For one week they were all fed upon a ration com- posed of — Lb. •Jorn ensilage 25 Roots (carrots, mangels) 20 •Straw (oat and barley) 1j Bran 3 Meal (pease, barley, oats) 2 Cotton-seed meal 2 62 Each animal was allowed as much of the mixture as it would eat every day. Twelve of the cows (afterwards Lots 1, 2, 3 and 4) were fed twice a day ; and six of the cows (afterwards Lots 5 and 6) were fed three times daily. The eighteen cows were divided into three groups of six cows each. The six cows of each group were again divided into two lots of three cows each. The cows in each lot were arranged in such a way that the cows in the one lot of each group, were of nearly equal weights, milking capacity and period of lactation, with the cows of the other lot in the same group. For the first four weeks of the experiment eight tests of the morning and eight tests of the evening milk of each cow, were made with the Babcock milk tester, to determine the percentage of fat. Only four tests of the morning milk and four tests of the evening milk of each cow, were made during the second feeding period, after which the testing apparatus was unexpectedly required for the work of the travelling dairy instructors. The tests, which had been made, twice of morn- ing milk and twice of evening milk, of each cow, every week, had shown such wide variations and unaccountable fluctuations in the quality of the milk of the same cows that it was decided that the data on the percentage of fat in the milk could not be considered reliable unless the milk were tested everyday. A series of experiments to discover the effect of the quality of the feed upon the percentage of the solid constituents in the milk of 25 cows has been undertaken since, and will be reported upon when it is concluded. At the time of writing, enough information has been secured to warrant the statement that a progressive increase in the richness of the ration, by the addition of one pound of meal per cow per day, every fortnight, does not appear to have any appreciable effect towards increasing the percentage of solids in the milk, within three months. The Cows OP Group 1., Lot 1 (Daisy, Pinkie, Blossom) wore grade Shorthorns, and at the commencement of the test — 23rd March, 1891 — had been milking for an average period of 46 days. The average weight of the cows was 1,195 lb. each. First Period. rom 23rd March to 19th April the three cows of Group 1, Lot 1, were fed on ration 1, which was composed as follows : — Lb. Corn ensilage. (iO Wheat bran 2 Chopped pease 2 Oilcake.. 2 . Cotton-seed meal 2 69> 73 Of that mixture each cow consumed an average of 92*7 lb. per day. The 92'7 lb. of the mixture contained 10'9 lb. of the mixture of bran, chopped pease, oil-cake and cotton-seed meal. The cost per day was calculated on the same basis of valua- tion as was used in the tests in the feeding of steers, viz. : — hay at $8 per ton ; roots at $4 per ton ; wheat, bran, pease and barley at $20 per ton ; and cotton-seed meal and oil-cake at $30 per ton. Corn ensilage cost $1.40 per ton, as per statement in Bulletin No. 12, issued by Prof. Saunders in June, 1891. Upon that scale of values, the cost per day was 19-37 cents per cow for feed. The average quantity of milk, which had been yielded by the three cows during the weeks which preceded this test — 1st March to 22nd March — was 28*3 lb. each per day. From 23rd March to 19th April the average quantity of milk was 28-94 lb. per cow per day. The average quality of the milk, as determined by eight tests of morning milk and eight tests of evening milk of each cow, showed 3-52 per cent of fat. The animals weighed an average of 1,195 lb. each at the commencement, and an average of 1,207 lb. each at the end of the four weeks. Second Period. After the feeding of the ration 1, for four weeks, the quantity of corn ensilage was increased to 90 lb., with the same quantity of meal as before. The ration as then arranged was : — Corn ensilage 90 Wheat bran C 2 Chopped pease 1 Oil-cake 2 Cotton-seed meal 2 _98 Of that mixture each cow consumed an average of 95 lb. per day, which contained 7-7 lb. of the meal mixture — bran, chopped pease, oil-cake and cotton-seed meal. The cost per ria,y was 15-77 cents per cow, or 3-6 cents per cow less than in the former case. The average quantity of milk was 26 lb. per cow per day. The animals weighed an average of 1,200 lb. each at the end of the four weeks. Third Period. Daring the third period of foi weeks the ration was : — Lb. Corn ensilage 40 Hay 20 Bran 2 Chopped pease 2 Oil-cake 2 Cotton-seed meal ' 2 _68 Of that mixture each cow consumed an average of 53*6 lb. per day, which contained 6-3 lb. of the meal mixture — bran, chopped pease, oil-cake and cotton-seed meal. The cost per day was 16-4 cents per cow. The average quantity of milk was 21-7 lb. per cow per day. The animals weighed an average of 1,234 Id. each at the end of the four week? 74 The extended explanations which have been given in presenting the facte of feeding the cows of Lot 1, for the three periods of four weeks each, apply to the other lots of cows. The following Tables present the facts for convenient comparisons : — Table I. — Group I, Lot 1, (Daisy, Pinkie, Blossom). — Three grade Shorthorn cows. At 23rd March, when the first period of the test began, the average length of time from the commencement of their milking period was 46 days. Composition of Ration. Preparatory Period of one week. First Period of four weeks. Second Period of four weeks. Third Period of four weeks. Corn ensilage Lb. Hay " 60 90 40- 20 Root (mangels or carrots) ... " Meal (equal parts by weight of wheat bran, ground pease, oil-cake and cotton-seed luealj.. " 8 8 8 • 68 98 68 57- (For composition of ration for preparatory period, see page 72). Quantity consumed per cow, per day Lb. do of meal, per cow, per day " Value of feed consumed, per cow, per day Cents. 927 10 9 19-37 28-94 3-52 1,195 1,207 66-93 95- 7-7 15 77 26 06 53-6 6-3 16-40 Average quantity of milk, per cow, per day . . Lb. do percentage of fat in milk p.c. 28-3 1,175 1,195 51-74 do live weight per cow at beginning .... Lb. Value of feed consumed per 100 lb. of milk pro- 1,207 1,200 60 51 1,200 1,234 75-43 75 Tablb II. — GroujD I, Lot 2 (Blue-Bell, Buttercup, Pansy). — Three grade Shorthorn cows. At 23rd March, when the first period of the test began, the average length of time from the commencement of their milking period was 45 days. Composition of Ration. Preparatory Period of one week. First Period of four weeks. Second Period of four weeks. Third Period of four weeks. Com ensilaore Lb. 30 40 90 Hay " 15 20 Roots (mangels or carrots) " Meal (equal parts by weight of wheat, bran, ground pease, oil-cake and cottou-seed meal. ) ' ' 8 8 8 53 68 98 (For composition of ration for preparatoiy period, see page 72. ) Quantity consumed per cow, per day " 57 68 53 90 do meal per cow, per day " Value of feed consimied per cow, per day Cents. 102 6-2 7-3 2319 16-22 14-94 Average quantity of milk per cow, per day " 26-8 28-47 27-1 23-87 do percentage of fat in milk p.c. do live weight per cow at beginning Lb. 350 1,211 1,214 1,247 1,25C do do end " 1.214 1,247 1,250 1,249 Value of feed consumed per 100 !b. of milk pro- flnppd . Cents. 81-45 59-85 62 -.5S 76 Table III. — Group TI, Lot 3 (Barberry, Clenna Eex, Countess). — Two Jerf^ey and one Aj^rshire cows. At 23rd March, when the first period of the test began, the average length of time from the commencement of their milking period was 151 days. Composition of Ration. Preparatory Period of one week. First Period of four weeks. Second Period of four weeks. Third Period of four weeks. Com ensilage Lb. Hay 60 90 90 Roots (mangels or carrots) " Meal (equal parts by weight of wheat bran, ground pease, oil-cake and cotton-seed meal).. " 4 8 1 60 94 98 (For composition of ration for preparatory period, see page 72. ) Quantity consumed per cow, per day " do of meal per cow, per day " 44- 60- 66-3 2-9 7-95 11-32 65 5-3 Value of feed consumed per cow, per day Cents. 4-2 10-75 4-65 854 827 39-06 10-79 Average quantity of milk per cow, per day Lb. do percentage of fat in milk p.c. do live weight per cow at beginning Lb. do do end " Value of feed consumed for 100 lb. of mUk pro- duced Cents. 13-9 856 854 12-58 827 812 70-22 812 856 85-77 / 77 Table IY. — Group II, Lot 4 (Maggie B., Clenna Eex II). — One Ayrshire and one Jersey cow. (The other Jersey cow was taken sick and was dropped out.) At 23rd March, when the first period of the test began, the average length of time from the commencement of their milking period was 172 days. Composition of Ration. Preparatory Period of one week. First Period of four weeks. Second Period of four weeks. Third Period of four weeks. Corn ensilage Lb. Hay " Roots (mangels or carrots). . . " Meal (equal parts by weight of wheat bran, groimd pease, oil-cake and cotton-seed meal) . . " 60 90 90 8 8 4 68 98 94 (For composition of ration for preparatory period, see page 72.) Quantity consumed per cow, per day " do of meal per cow, per day " Value of feed consumed per cow, per day Cents. 47 74-5 8-7 15-57 18 18 4-58 833 869 85-64 70-8 5-7 11-75 18-49 66-7 2-8 8 Average quantity of milk per cow, per day Lb. do percentage of fat in milk p.c. do live weight per cow at beginning Lb. do do At end " Value of feed consumed per 100 lb. of milk produced Cents. 17-6 846 833 14 12 869 881 63-54 881 898 56-62 78 Table V.— Group ITT, Lot 5 fDorinda II, Dorinda III, Aaggie's Cornelia). Three Holstein cows. At 23rd March, when the first period of the test began, the average length of time from the commencement of their milking period, was 150 days. Composition of Ration. Com ensxlage Lb. Hay " Roots (mangels or carrots) " Meal (eqjal parts by weight of wheat bran, ground pease, barley, oil-cake and cotton-seed meal) - " (For composition of ration for preparatory period, see page 72.) Quantity consumed per cow, per day Lb. Quantity of meal per cow, per day " Value of feed consumed per cow, per day Cents Average quantity of milk per cow, per day Lb. do percentage of fat in milk p.c. do live weight per cow at beginning . . . Lb. do do at end " Value of feed consumed per 100 lb. of milk Preparatory Period of one week. produced . Cents. First Period of four weeks. 54 28-6 1,175 1,094 40 .Second Period of four weeks. 30 10 80 134-6 16-8 34-99 31-76 3-56 1,094 1,255 110-17 Third Period of four weeks. 100 30 10 140 122-3 8-7 21-89 29-30 1,255 1,220 74-70 40 30 Id 80 48-3 60 20-53 25-12 1,220 1,204 81-72 79 Tablk TL — Group III., Lot 6 (Miss Elgins, Fashion Book, Cherry Constance). Three Shorthorn cows. At 23rd March, when the first period of the test • began, the average length of time from the commencement of their milking period was 121 days. Composition of Ration. Preparatory Period of one week. First Period of four weeks. Second Period of four weeks. Third Period of four weeks. Corn ensilage Lb. Hay " Boots (mangels or carrots) " 100 20 40 30 30 SO Meal (equal parts by weight of wheat bran, ground pease, barley, oil-cake and cotton-seed meal) " 10 10 10 60 80 140 (For composition of ration for preparatory period, see page 72.) Quantity consumed ^er cow, per day •' 57- 67-2 46-6 101- Quantity of meal per cow, per day " Value ^f feed consumed per cow, per day Cents. 11-2 5-8 7-2 291 19-8 IS- Average quantity of milk per cow, per day Lb. 23 5 25-6;i 20-76 IS -14 do percentage of fat in milk p.c. 3-75 •• 1,300 1,295 1,342 1,.342 do do at end " 1,295 1,342 1,342 1,290 produced Cents. 113-53 95-37 99-22 The teaching of the experiment points to the economy of: — (1) Providing for milking cows a ration of succulent quality; (2) Feeding as large a quantity of the feed as the animals will eat up clean ; and (3) Making the ration of such a gross and bulky composition that not more than from 6 to 8 pounds of meal — the concentrated and expensive part of the feed — will be consumed by the ordinary cow per day. Corn ensilage of such quality as came from our silos was not in itself a com- plete or suitable feed for milking cows. During the period when it was fed alone the hair of the cows seemed dry, there was an absence of thrifty appearance, and the yield of milk fell off in the first period of four weeks by 22*6 per cent. There was an average gain in the yield of milk during the first period of four weeks, from the cows in each of the other five lots, of 6-5 per cent. Feeding Mangels vs. Sugar-beets for a Short Period. An experiment to last for three weeks was undertaken on 7th December, to discover if any immediate and perceptible influence on the quantity and quality of the milk resulted from feeding sugar-beets in a ration, in place of mangels. 8l» » Twenty-three milking cows were in thi'ee groups, according to their periods of lactation, for the experimental dairy tests reported upon in Tables V to X of the dairy experiments recorded in Part III of this report. The ration fed from 7th to 13th December was composed of: — I Lb. Corn ensilage 40 Mangels 35 Straw 5. Meal (barley, pease, oats) 5 85 The ration fed from 14th to 27th December was composed of : — Lb. Corn ensilage 40 Sugar beets 35 Straw 5 Meal (barley, pease, oats) 5 85 The milk was carefully weighed, the specific gravity was taken by the lacto- densimeter, and the percentage of fat was ascertained by the Babcock milk tester. The following Table shows the average results : — Table VII. Avoiage quantity of milk Lb. do specific gravity do per cent of fat in milk p.c. From Mangels. Morning MUk. 8-29 1,033 08 413 Evening Milk. 6-48 1,032 91 476 From Sugar Beets. Morning Milk. :-72 1,033 27 41G Evening Milk. 542 1,033-54 4 -7.5 This experiment does not indicate that there was any appreciable ditference in the quantity or richness of the milk, due to the substitution of sugar-beets for mangels. An examination of the butter which was made revealed the fact that the butter made during the period when sugar-beets were fed had a firmer body and a finer flavour than that which was made during the period when mangels were being fed. Feeding Calves. Yevy many enquiries have come to the office by mail, asking for information and advice on the feeding and raising of calves for the dairy. At my suggestion one of my assistants in the Dairy Commissioner's branch, Mr. J. W. Hart, prepared the following short article on that subject. Mr. Hart has proven by his work that he has special aptitude and ability in the care of dairy stock; and I consider the matters of advice contained in his article to be so much to the point, and capable of so much service to the stock-raisers of Canada, that I introduce it here in his own bright language. 81 (Written by J. W. Hart). A knowledge of the principles which underlie the science of feeding will materially aid any one who essays to raise dairy stock; and no class of stock upon the farm will more fully respond to judicious, intelligent and generous treatment than will the calves. No saving can be effected by stinting calves in their feed. The man who starves his young stock through greed of gain, and in accordance with his false notions of economy, is not a capable stock-raiser or feeder. Aside from a humanitarian standpoint, what shall it profit a man if he feed a calf twelve months to attain a weight that could have been laid on in one-half the time? A stunted, dejected-looking calf, and the loss of the food necessary to maintain its miserable existence for six months is the ordinary result. Nor is this all. If the calf be raised for the dairy it will seldom outlive the effects of its early treatment. The differ- ence between what such a cow is, and what she might have been — extending over a period of years, and to her offspring — will keep hundreds of dollars out of the stock- raiser's pocket. The feeding of a calf commences before the calf is dropped. Before calving, the cow should be fed liberally with suitable food, that the calf may be strong and vigoui- ous, and the flow of milk large. "Milk is the natural food of the young of all mammalia," But, except in a few instances (and they are rarer than many of our breeders of thoroughbred stock suppose), milk — the model and perfect food — is too expensive a diet for the calves. Therefore, some owners of cows knock the calves on the head; but others prefer to raise them. The object of this article is to show how this may be accomplished with profit. I would not advise any one to raise all the calves dropped in his herd. It matters not how excellent the herd may be, there will be some weakly calves, and calves from the poorest milkers, that cannot be raised with profit or advantage. Milk being a perfect food, supplying all the elements necessary for the growth of bone, muscle, nerve and sinew, for repairing waste and maintaining the animal heat, "it must follow as the night the day," that the more closely we can get our substitutes to resemble milk, in character and composition, the more rational and correspondingly successful will our practice be. The foHotving is an average of a number of analyses of milk : — Water 87-25 percent. Fat 3-50 do Albuminoids '.. 3-90 do Sugar 4-60 do Ash . -75 do In this article I shall not attempt a description of these constituents and their functions in the animal economy. If the fat be taken from the milk in the form of butter it should be replaced by a cheaper food, rich in fat. Flax-seed is such a food, and its mucilaginous character when cooked specially adapts it to the tender mucous coat of the alimentary tract of the young animal. If flax-seed be difficult to obtain, linseed-meal, oatmeal, pease-meal or cotton-seed meal may be used. If whey be used as the basis of a ration, it should be fed sweet. Owing to its watery character, more grain should be fed with it than with skim- milk. Whatever meal is fed in milk or whey should be cooked. I think it best to let the calf get its fill two or three times from the dam in nature's own way. Then feed it twice a day on whole milk, warm from the cow, until it is a week old. A gallon at a feed will be as much as an ordinarj^ calf can assimilate. To teach a calf to drink, back it into a corner, get astride of its neck, and set the pail containing the milk down in front of it; place the first two fingers of the right hand in its mouth, keeping the palm of the hand over its nose. As soon as the calf commences to suck, lower its nose into the pail of milk ; the calf will continue to suck, drawing the milk through the canal formed by the fingers ; gently remove the fingers, keeping the calf's nose — not its nostrils — below the surface. If it keeps on drinking, the victory is won; but if objecting to this — to it unnatural 7p— 6 82 treatment — it ducks its head to the bottom of the pail and jerks it up again, spouting the milk all over you, don't swear and maul the innocent little strangei- with a milking stool. Two or three lessons will usually be successful in teaching the most obstinate calf to drink. It becomes more difficult to teach calves to drink as they get older, but it can be done by persistence, patience and gentleness. After the first week, one-half of the new milk may be replaced by sweet skim-milk, with the addi- tion of half a teacupful of flax-seed jelly. Instead of fl*ax-seed, oil-cake, oil-meal, oat-meal, middlings or pease-meal may be fed — the last named sparingly, as it is con- stipating in tendency. The flax-seed may be gradually increased to half a pound a day for a calf of three months. Keep some clean, bright hay and chopped grain where the calf can i each it, and it will soon learn to eat. Don't be afraid that it will eat too much of these things. In feeding calves there is a danger that the milk will be swallowed too rapidly, and thus produce indigestion and scouring. For young calves a nipple is often used, which obviates that difficulty. Half a teaspoonful of rennet-extract in the milk will correct the tendency to scours, and will prove an excellent promoter of diges- tion. If scouring be noticed, don't dose the calf with powerful astringents, but decrease the ration of milk, and to it add a teacupful of boiled flour. Where two or more calves are fed together, keep them tied up while feeding, and for a short time afterwards, so that they cannot suck each other. Feed regularly twice or three times a day, and have the milk at blood heat. Kever feed cold milk to a young calf. It is better that the same person should attend the calves regulai-ly. Calves should be allowed access to pure water and salt. Don't miss the effects of good feeding, by allowing them to suffei- for these prime necessaries. After the calf is four months old, if milk be scarce, gradually lessen the quan- tity fed, until at the age of six or seven months it may be dispensed with entirely. Exercise is beneficial, especially to calves intended for the dairy. The run of a gi-ass plot should be given where convenient. The calf pen should be kept dry and clean. Study the nature of the animal; respect its preferences; anticipate its wants; treat it kindly; be a watchful, intelligent feeder; and verily thou shalt not fail to raise good calves. PART II.— SWINE. Of thoroughbred swine there were purchased during the year: Berkshire. One boar, from J\]r. Thomas Teasdale, Concord, Ont. Tamworths. One boar and one sow, from Messrs. J". L. Grant & Co., Ingersoll, Ont. Poland Chinas. Two sows (pure bred, but not now eligible for registration), from Messrs. W. M. & J. C. Smith, Fairfield Plains, Ont. A number of grade pigs were purchased, with which to carry on experiments, of which some are still in progress. Provision has been made for crossing some of the longer and leaner breeds, Buch as the Improved Large Yorkshires and Tamworths, on the shorter and more hardy breeds, such as the Essex, Berkshire, &c. The ultimate object will bo to dis- cover what cross or pure-bred swine will give the largest yield in weight, and the best quality of meat fcr every pound of feed consumed. A few feeding tests for a comparison of the cross-bred pigs are in progress at this writing. 83 EXPERIMBNTS IN THE FATTENING OF SwiNE. In November, 1890, 24 grade pigs were purchased. Eight of them were white, and apparently grades of Chester whites; 16 of them were nearly all black, and were evidently grades of Bei'kshires. They were divided into six lots of four pigs in each. The eight white pigs were put into pens Nos. 1 and 2, and the two lots of four each were, as nearly as possible, alike in weight and appearance. Both lots were fed on a mixture of grain, consisting of equal parts of ground pease, bai'ley and rye. The object of this experiment was two-fold — (1) to discover the difference, if any, in the quantity of grain required to produce every pound of increase in the live weight of the swine, when/e5 in O 1 o < i .a -^ CO 1-1 Totals Pen 3 — Four Swine — Fed on a mixture of ground pease, bar- ley and i-ye, ;fcd steamed and warmed, and pease ensilage — Lb. Lb. Lb. Lb. Lb. Lb. Lb. Lb. Live weight 254 267 414 *379 442 494 548 * Three swine only. Gain in weight l.S (-,.3 147 474 f)8? 74 .335 345 03 287 52 2G0 54 243 403 gain in weight. ■1.^ 4 J r Grain 1,662 grain consumed. >eed consumed {p^^^g ensilage. . . . I'ease ensilage left uneaten (wet). . . 100 fi-^T .319 Grain consumed per lb. of gain in live weight 4 12 grain. Pen 4— Four Swine — Ted on pease ensilage only until 2nd March- Live weight 25G 237 19 '^35 223 14 1401 205 IS Loss in weight 51 loss in weight. Pease ensilage fed do left uneaten (wet) 1,^0 o;-!S 1400 After 2nd March, fed on a mixture of gi-ound pease, barley and rye, fed raio and cold — Live weight 205 3051 512| 117 388 3 -,31 571 584 327 5 -.59 Gain in weight 1904 443 366 gain in weight. 1,158 grain consumed. 3 16 grain. Feed consumed do per lb. of gain in live weight Pens 3 and 4 — Average feed consumed per lb. of gain in li\e weight 4-84 3-22 4-52 2-8S 383 5-OG The other eight blagk pigs — Berkshire grades — wei-e put into Pens Nos. 5 and 6, and the two lots were as nearly similar in appearance and weight as possible. The objects of this experiment were the same as those in the experiment with the Bwine in Pens 1 and 2, The method of conducting it was similar, with the difference of sugar beets being fed to the swine iu both pens, with the grain mixture. 86 Table III shows the weights of the bwiiie, the gains in weight, and the quanti- ties of feed consumed. Table III. l^ca ii — Four Hwinc — Fed on a mixture of ground peasp. barley and rye, fed steamed a ml warmed, and sugar beets — g ID O U a c« Live weight ... Gain in weight Feedconsumedl^,;^;- l^^:^. Feed consumed per lb. of gain in live weight Pen 6 — Four Stvine — Fed on a mixture of ground pease, barley and rye, fed raw and cold, and sugar beets — Live weight . . . . Gain in weight Feed consumed I g'^'^;';.^;;,,:- Feed consumed per lb. of gain in live weight Pens 5 and 6 — Average feed consumed "j q™;- weight °^ °^'"'"^^'7Sugar beets. ^Percentage of increase in feed con- sumed per lb. of gain in live weight. *1 lb. grain equal to 5 lb. sugar beets. Lb. 1S7 Lb. 258 71 333 44i IS T) Lb. o o CO Lb. i-2b 581 167 412 330 2011 272 71 225 60 415 143 396 320 156 540 313 547 132 503 307 Lb. 669 88 IM Lb. Lb. 744i 812 75^ 475369 320 308 692,731 145 458 310 3-93 2-61 3-02 72|210 2-15 4 00 2-73 39 371 322 671 282 224 41 270 244 21 per ct. 6-50 4-33 5-525 11 90 per ct. Totals. Lb. 625 gain in weight. 2,411 grain consumed. 1,538 sugar beets consumed . 3 • 86 grain. 2 ■ 46 sugar beets. 571 gain in weight. 2,223 grain consumed. 1,563 sugar beets consumed. { 3 -89 grain. 2 73 tugar beets. 87 The following Table shows the quantities of feed consumed per pound of gain in live weight, during each of the six feeding periods. The duration of each feeding period was four weeks, with the exception of the first period for Pens 4 and 5, and the last period for all the Pens, which was three weeks. The grain fed in each case was a mixture of equal paits of ground pease, barley and rye. No notice is taken in this Table of the pease ensilage fed to Pens 4 and 5,*as it did not appear to have any appreciable feeding value in these cases. Table IV. — Pounds of Feed consumed per pound of gain in the live weight of swine. Penl, 4 Swine ; Grain, Fed Steamed and Warm. Pen 2, 4 Swine ; Grain, Fed Raw and Cold. Pen 3, 4 Swine ; Grain, Fed Steamed and Warm. Pen 4, 4 Swine ; Grain, Fed Raw and Cold. Pen 5, 4 Swine ; Grain, Fed Steamed and Warm, and Sugar Beets. Pen 6, 4 Swine ; Grain, Fed Raw and Cold, and Sugar Beets. "" ' Feeding Periods. 1' Grain, Lb. Grain, Lb. Grain, Lb. Grain. Lb. Grain, Lb. Sugar Beets, Lb. Grain, Lb. Sugar Beets, Lb. First 3-31 307 3-79 500 706 8-53 3 30 307 4 43 707 5-68 5-71 4-84 3-22 4-52 4-55 500 4-50 4-69 2-46 3-40 540 4'88 4-17 0-61 2-00 2-00 3-63 408 3-31 317 2-7G 3-81 315 9-51 6-58 0-84 Second. 2-23 Third .. 2-32 Fourth 2-32 3 31 5-59 213 Fifth Sixth 8-25 600 Average 416 4-25 412 316 3-86 2-46 3-89 2-73 Conclusions. — The teaching of these three sets of experiments is to the effect that : — (1.) There is no appreciable difference in the number of pounds of grain required to produce every pound of increase in the live weight of swine, when fed steamed and warm, as against fed raw and cold; (2.) On the average there is a gradual increase in the quantity of feed con- sumed, for every pound of gain in live weight of swine, after the second month of their feeding period and after the average live weight exceeds 100 lb. ; (3.) It is economical to market swine for slaughtering when they weigh from 180 to 200 lb. alive ; (4.) The largest consumption of feed per day by swine is at or near the period of their feeding, when the number of pounds of feed consumed, per pound of increase in weight, is lowest ; (5.) For the increase of weight by 3,231^ lb. in 24 swine, 4-14 lb. of a mixture of ground pease, barley and rye were required for every pound of increase in live weight. Several series of feeding tests are in progress, mainly for the purpose of deter- mining the relative values of (1) ground grain and whole grain; (2) of grain and skim milk; and (3) of frozen wheat from Manitoba and North-West Territories. At this writing, the quantity of ground fi-ozen wheat consume') pei- pound ofinci-ease in live weight has been 5-30 lb., with swine weighing from 185 lb. to 275 lb. live weight each, and 3-93 lb. of ground frozen wheat per pound of increase in live weight with swine weighing from 70 lb. to 105 lb. each. 88 PART HI.— EXPERIMENTAL DAIRY WORK. The experimental dairy building on the farm, which was described in the annual report for 1890, was completed early in 1891. A cut of it appears underneath. The machinery and apparatus are adequatefor the present needs of thefarm, and enable us to carry on investigations which are considered to be capable of rendering the most immediate and practicable service to the dairymen of the country. An 8 h. p. boiler and 6 h. p. steam engine were purchased from Mr, Geo. Low, of Ottawa, who also fitted up the steom pipes and shafting throughout the building. A hand-power centrifugal cream separator, manufactured by Burmeinster & Wain, of Copenhagen; A Xo. 4 " Alexandi-a" centrifugal cream separator, and a No. 8 "Alexandra" centrifugal cream separator for operation by hand-power, manufactured by R. A. Lister & Co., Dursley, England ; One No. 5 Daisy revolving barrel churn of fourteen gallons' capacity, and two No. 2 Daisy churns of four gallons capacity each ; A Boj'd ci-eam ripening vat, and fermentation starter vat; A lever butter worker for hand use; , Several Babcock milk-testers ; * Two pairs of weighing scales ; and the usual outfit of small dairy utensils, such as deep-setting milk pails, 20" x 8^" diam., shallow milk pans, strainer, skimmer, butter printer, thermometers, water pails, hot water and cold water tanks, washing sink, brushes, etc., furnish the dairy with conveniences for carrying on its work. Fig. IV.— Dairy Building, Central Experimental Farm. Besides these, there are several tables, and a milk-setting tank which merits particular description for the information of farmers. The tank is constructed of 2-inch pine lumber; its length is 7 ft. 6 in. ; its width 2 feet, and its depth 2 feet. These are inside measurements. It is divided into four compartments, each 21 x 24 X 24 inches. That size gives sufficient space for the setting of four deep-setting milk pails in each. Cold water is led into each compartment b}^ means of a pipe which runs down to within 1 inch from the bottom. The overflow of water — when it has been slightly warmed by contact with the milk-pails — is carried off by a pipe at its surface. Where the supply of cold water is limited, this method of leading the cold water to near the bottom of the tank, and conducting the water which has been waimed from the surface to the overflow pipe or drain, will enable the cooling power of the water to be used most economicall3\ The overflow watei" may be in excellent condition for the watering of stock, where and when water for both pur- poses is scarce. 89 PARTICULARS OF EXPERIMENTS. In the course of the experimental work of the year a great mass of valuable data has been accumulated in the records. As far as experiments have been com- pleted, or even advanced suflSciently to furnish useful guidance for dairymen in their practice, they will be reported upon. The tests for comparison between the centri- fugal cream sepai-ators and the setting methods are not ready to be reported on in full, as it is considered desirable to make a record of the results which are found during every month of the year before any definite conclusion is announced. Instead of burdening the pages of the report with the details of single tests only, a statement of the average results of from 4 to 12 tests will be presented in most of the different experiments. Our herd of milking cows contains animals of seven different breeds, beside grade milch cows. When not otherwise specified, the milk used in the experiment was mixed herd milk. Experiments in Deep-setting of Milk at different Temperatures. The test was conducted for six days — 28th May to 4th June — and included six settings of morning milk and six settings of evening milk in each case. The whole quantity of milk used was herd milk, and was thoroughly mixed in a large vessel befoi e it was divided into three lots. The setting period was 22 hours. Table I shows the average results from the 12 tests: — Table 1. Temperature of Milk when set. Quantity of milk set Lb. Per cent of butter-fat in milk Temperature of water Fahr. Quantity of skim-malk Lb. Per cent of butter-fat in skim-milk Quantity of fat in whole milk. Lb. do left in skim-milk Percentage unrecovered 98° Fahr. 88° Fahr. 35 35 3-48 3-48 49° 49» 29-6 29-8 0-62 0G4 1 22 1-22 0.18S 190 15 04 15 03 78° Fahr. 35 3-48 49° 30-25 0-71 1-22 0-214 17-60 This experiment shows that the loss of butter-fat — unrecovered from the skim- milk — was only -59 of 1 per cent greater, when milk was set 88° Fahi-., than when it was set 98° Fahr.; and that the loss of unrecovered butter-fat was 2*53 percent greater when milk was set at 78° Fahr, than when it was set at 98° Fahr. Experiment in Immediate vs. Delayed Setting of Milk. This test was conducted for six days — from 27th July to 2nd August — and included six settings of morning milk and six settings of evening milk in each case. The milk was herd milk, and was mixed immediate Ij' after milking, before it was divided into two lots. One lot was set at once in a deep-setting pail, in ice water, of a tem- perature of 38° Fahr. ; another lot was left in a pail in the dairy room for one hour, and was then set in ice water, under conditions precisely similar. The following Table shows the average results from the morning and evening tests : — 90 Table II. Morning Milk. Evening Milk. Immediate setting. Delayed one hour. Immediate setting. Delayed one hour. Quantity of milk set Lb. Per cent of butter-fat in JuiUc Temperature when set Fahr. Per cent of butter-fat in skim-iai'.!c Highest per cent of butter-fat in skim-milk Lowest do do do Setting period in hours .... Quantity of fat in whole m'.'ih Lb. do left in skim-null: " Percentage unrecovered 3-53 98° •fl •4 22 1-2" o-i:;.) 11-31 35 3-53 88° ■V.'i 1-2 . ^ — 21 1-2.'; 0-27S 22 GO 35 35 3.93 3 93 98° 88° •05 1-20 •!) IS •4 •7 22 21 1-37 1-37 01S> 0-34S 13 -TG 25-40 This experimentshows that the loss of unieuovei'ed buiter-luL — wiiiuh was left in the skim-milk — was 11'48 per cent greater, when the setting of milk in deep-setting pails in ice water was delayed one hour, than it was when the milk was set immediately. Experiment in Beep-setting of iWJkfor 11 Hours vs. 22 Hours. This test was continued for six days — from 12th August to 18th August — and comprised six settings of morning milk and six settings of evening milk in each case. The milk was mixed herd milk, and was set immediately after it reached the dairy building in deep-setting pails, in ice water of a temperature of 38° to 40° Fahr. Table III shows the average results from the 24 settings of milk. Table III. Setting Period. . . Morning Milk. Evening Milk. 11 Hours. 22 Hours. 11 Hours. 22 Hours. Quantity of milk set Lb. Per cent of butter-fat in mill: Temperature when set Fahr Per cent of butter-fat in skim-mil!; Highest per cent of butter-fat in skim-niiik Lowest do do do Quantity of fat in whole milk Lb. do left in skim-miPx " Percentage unrecovered 35 3-61 96° •9S 1 1 22 20 284 55 35 3G1 90° ■55 •8 •3 1-20 0'15:) 12-65 ;i5 4-27 95° •97 10 •8 1-49 0-281 18-87 35 4-27 94° •05 •8 ■4 1-49 188 12-65 91 This experiment shows that the loss of unrecovered butter-fat was 9-9 per cent greater for the morning milk, and 6*22 per cent greater for the evening milk, when the milk was set in deep pails for 11 hours, than it was when the milk was set for 22 hours. Mxjteriment on the effect of adding Water to Milk in Deep-setting. The test was carried on for six days — from 24th September to Ist October — and included six settings of morning milk and six settings of evening milk, or 36 settings in all. The milk used was herd milk, and was mixed in one vessel, before any difference of treatment was given. To one lot, 25 per cent o( water at a tempera- ture of 160° Fahr. was added ; to another lot, 25 per cent of water at a temperature of 60° Fahr. was added ; and the third lot was set under similar conditions with the others, and without the addition of any water. The following Table shows the average results from 12 settings in each case; the setting period was 22 hours : — Table IV. Quantity of uiiUv si t Lb. Percentage of butter-fat m u;iik Temperature of milk when mixed Fahr, do milk when set do water in tank Percentage of fat left in skim-iuil':v Quantity of fat in whole milk Lb. do left in skim-milk '• Percentage unrecovered 25 per cent of Water at 160° Fahr. added. 25 per cent of Water at 60° Fahr. added. No Water added. 25 3-52 02° 82° 38° •60 088 124 14 11 35 3-52 92° 92° 38° 58 1-23 168 13-67 ThiB experiment chows that there was practically no appreciable ditferenco (1*15 per cent) between the percentages of unrecovered fat left in the skim-milk, when 25 per cent of water at 160'' Fahr., 25 per cent of water at 60° Fahr., and no water added, were the differences of treatment in the setting oi milk, in deep-setting pails in ice water. Four Experiments in the Creaming of Milk from Cows at different stages of Lactation, hy the JDeep-setting method. For these tests, which were conducted in November, the cows of the herd were divided into three groups, according to the length of time during which they had been milking since the last calving. Group I contained the cows which had been milking for periods ranging from 8 to 11 months, and was made up of 1 Shorthorn, 1 Shorthorn ^rade, 2 Jerseys, 1 Holstein, 1 Devon and 1 Quebec Jersey. 92 Group II contained the cow8 which had been milking for periods ranging from 5 to 7 months, and was made up of 6 Quebec Jersey.s, 2 Shorthorn grades and 1 Devon. Group III contained the cows which had been milliingfor periods ranging from 1 to 3 months, and was made up of 3 Ayrshires, 3 Holsteins, 2 Shorthorns, 1 Short- hoi-n grade and 1 Polled Angus. The setting period in all cases was 22 hours. The First Experiment was conducted for five days. The milk was set in cold water, in which no ice was used, of a temperature of 47° Fahr. Table V shows the average results from five tests of the setting of morning milk and five tests of the setting from evening milk of each group, or 30 settings in all : — Table Y. Group L Group II. Group III. Morning Milk. Evening Milk. Morning Milk. Evening Milk. Morning Milk. Evening Milk. Quantity of milk set Lb . Per cent of butter-fat in whole milk. . . . Temperature when set Fahr. Per cent of butter-fat left in skim -milk .. Quantity of fat in whole milk Lb. do left in skim-milk ** Percentage unrecovered 33 3 -80 87" 114 1-27 0-311 24-54 31 4-26 88° 1-55 1-32 0-398 30 15 34 3-80 89° 1-84 1-29 0-518 40 18 30 4-17 87" 1-5 1-25 0-372 29-82 35 2-86 91° ■65 1-00 0.188 18-85 35 3-6 91° 113 1-26 0-327 26 00 The Second Experiment in this series was continued for four days. The milk was set immediately after it reached the dairy building from the stables, in ice water, which "was maintained at a temperature of 38° Fahr. Table VI shows the results from the four settings of morning milk and the four settings of evening milk, from each group, or 24 settings in all : — Table VI. Group I. Groi •pTL Group III. i'.Iorning Milk. Evening Milk. ^Morning Milk. Livening Milk. ^loniing Milk.^ Evening Milk. Quantity of milk set Lb. .35 27 35 31 35 34 Per cent of butter-fat in whole milk 3 95 4-42 3-9 4 17 2-8 3-15 Temperature when set Fahr. 89° 92° 92° 94° 93° 95° Per cent of fat left in skim-milk 12 1-7 1-05 1-05 -45 •55 Quantity of fat in whole milk Lb. 1.^8 1-19 1-36 1-29 98 1-07 do left in skim-milk. . . " 0-348 o-;^o 0-304 269 130 154 Percentage unrecovered 25 22 31-95 22-39 20-85 13-26 14-48 93 The Third Experiment in the series lasted for four days. The milk was re-heated to 98° Fahr. after it reached the dairy building, and was set immediately thereafter in ice water, which was maintained at a temperature of 38° Fahr. Table VII shows the results from the four settings of morning milk and the four settings of evening milk, from each group, or 24 settings in all : — Table VII. Group I. Group IL Group IIL Morning Milk. Evening Milk. Morning Milk. Evening Milk. Morning Milk. Evening Milk. Quantity of milk set Lb. Per Gent of butter-fat in whole niilk. . . •Temperature when set Fahr. Per cent of fat left in skim-milk Quantity of fat in whole milk. Lb. do in skim -milk " Percentage unrecovered 32 3-71 98° 1-5 119 0-397 33-40 26 3-9 98° 1-65 101 0-356 35 19 34 3-8 98° 1-15 1-29 0-324 25 11 31 4-2 98° 102 1-30 0-308 23-70 35 3-1 98° -45 1-08 130 1208 34 3-6 98" •52 1-22 0-146 12 -00 The Fourth Experiment in the series extended over five days. To the milk from Groups I and II, 10 per cent of water was added before it was set; the milk from Group III was delayed in setting for half an hour, then reheated to 98° Fahr., and set immediately afterwards, without the addition of water. Table VIII shows the results from the five settings of morning milk and the five settings of evening milk from each group, or 30 settings in all : — Table VIII. Group I. Group II. Group IIL Morning Milk. Evening Milk. Morning Milk. Evening Milk. Morning Milk. Evening Milk. Quantity of milk set Lb. Per cent of butter-fat in whole milk . . . do water added - - - - 33 3-70 10 08° 1-75 1-22 0-478 39-22 25 3-96 10. 98° 1-40 0-99 0-290 29-29 34 3-52 10 98° 1-25 1-20 0-352 29-34 31 3-8 10 98° 1-26 1-18 0-324 27-43 35 3- 98° •54 105 0-156 14-91 35 3-24 Temperature when set Ppv ppnt of fat in skim-milk. . . . .Fahr. 98° •62 Quantity of fat in whole milk . . do skim-milk . . . Percentaffe unrecovered ...Lb. (1 113 180 15^91 94 The next Table has been arranged to show the relative cfl&cieney of the creaming which resulted from the different treatments of the milk, in each of the four experi- ments of the series. The comparison between the ditferent treatments requii-es this explanation: The different treatments were given to the milk of the same cows upon four consecutive weeks. That did not afford a basis, for a comparison of the effects of different setting conditions on milk, as sufficient or as reliable as when different portions of herd milk, from the same cows on the same day, are subjected to different setting conditions for creaming. This experiment provided for treating the milk from the different groups alike on the same days, as the comparison was between the milks of the different groups, and not between the different methods of setting. Table IX shows the percentage of unrecovered fat, which was left in the skim milk in the case of each of the three groups of cows, during each of the four experi- ments: — Table IX. Group I. Group II. Group III. First Expekimext. — Milk set in water of a temperature of 47° Fahr 27-34 35-00 22-42 Second Experiment. — Milk set in ice -water of a temperature of 38° Fahr 28-58 21-62 13-87 Third Experiment. — Milk re-heated to 98° and set in ice water of a temijerature of 38° Fahr 34-29 24-40 12 04 Fourth Experiment.-- 10 per cent of water added to milk of Groups I and II ; milk of Group TIT delayed half an hour, tliou re-heated to 98° Fahr 34-25 28-38 15-41 AveragTf- of four experiments 31-11 27-35 15-93 These four experiments in the setting of milk in deep-setting pails, with 36 set- ting tests for the milk of each of three groups of cows, show : — (1.) That 31-11 per cent of the butter-fat was not recovered from the skim- milk, in the case of the group of cows which had been milking for periods of from 8 to 11 months each. (2.) That 2*7"35 per cent of the butter-fat was not recovered from the skim- milk, in the case of the group of cows which had been milking for periods of from 5 to 7 months each. (3.) That 15-93 per cent of the butter-fat was not recovered from the skim- milk, in the case of the group of cows which had been milking for periods of from 1 to 3 months each. Experiment in Deep-setting, as compared with Shallow-pan Setting, with the Milk from Cows of Groups I and II. The cows which composed Groups I and II were the same as those described for the series of experiments which have been recorded in Tables V to IX. A por- tion in each case was set in an ordinary shot-gun, deep-setting pail, of 8^ inches diameter, set in water without ice, of a temperature of 45" Fahr,; another portion of the mixed milk was set in shallow-pans to a depth of 2^ inches. The milk was set in each case for a period of 22 hours. The test was continued for five days — 8th to 12th December, 1891, 95 The following Table shows the results: — Table X. Group I (Milking 9 to 12 months). Gkodp II (Milking 6 to 8 months). Method of Setting. . . Deep setting. Shallow-pan. Deep-setting. Shallow-pan. Morn- Even- Morn- Even- Morn- Even- Morn- Even- ing Milk. ing Milk. ing Milk. ing Milk. ing Milk. ing Milk. 24 ing IVIilk. ing Milk. Quantity of milk set Lb. 19 8 8 24 8 8 Per cent of butter- fat in milk . . . 41 4-1 4-8 41 4-6 41 4-6 Temperature of milk when skimmed Fahr, 45° 55' 55' 45» 45' 55» 55° Quantity of cream obtained. . . Lb. 3-5 1-5 1-5 4- 4- 1-5 1-5 io of skim-milk " 15 -5 6-5 r)-5 20 20 6-5 6-5 Per cent of fat left in skim-milk. . 21 •27 •21 2-3 2-6 •25 •35 Quantity of fat in whole milk.. Lb. •779 •328 •384 •984 1-104 •328 •368 do of fat left in skim- milk " .325 •017 •014 ■460 •520 •016 •022 Percentage unrecovered 41-72 518 3-65 46-75 47 10 4-88 5^98 This experiment shows that the loss of unrecovered butter-fat left in. the skim- milk, from the milk of cows at the milking periods of from 6 to 12 months since calving, was 40^27 per cent greater when the milk was set in deep-setting pails, in wuter at a temperature of 45° Fahr., than when it was set in shallow-pans to a depth of 2^ inches. During the winter season, as well as during the summer, it seems necessary, in order to obtain efficient creaming by means of deep-setting pails, to use ice-water of a temperature at or below 40° Fahr. That appears to be particularly essential in the setting of milk from cows which have been milking for periods of more than 6 months. To prevent any one from inferring a misleading conclusion from Table X, the following Table has been prepared to show the results from the testing of the mixed milk from the whole herd, for a period of three months. The trials of the* different methods of separating the cream, of which the average lesults appear in Table XI, lasted for one week in every month in each case. The full report of this experiment, which is not yet completed, will appear in the next annual report. Table XT. Per cent of butter-fat in whole milk Quantity of milk per lb. of butter Lb. do butter obtained per lb. of butter-fat in whole milk " Centrifugal Cream Separator. 382 23-71 1104 Deep-setting in Ice-water at 38°. 3-81 25-97 1005 Shallow-pan setting to depth of 2i in. 3-82 24-91 1051 96 The results of these experiments, and of the series of experiments recorded from Tables V to X, seem to indicate: — (1.) That by the deep-setting of milk from cows which have been milking for periods of 5 to 12 months in cold water of a temperature of 45* or 48*^ Fahr., with- out the use of ice, about 37 per cent of the butter-fat was left in the skim-milk ; and by setting in ice water of a temperature of 38° Fahr. about 28 per cent of the butter-fat was left in the skim-milk. (2.) That during the fall and Avinter, particularly, the use of shallow-pans for the setting of milk from cows, Avhich have been milking for periods of from 5 to 12 months, will permit the recovery iu the cream of about 95 per cent of the butter- fat in the whole milk. (3.) That the use of the centrifugal cream separator will enable the dairyman to recover practically the whole of the butter-fot into the cream, from the milk of coAvs at all stages of lactation, and during all seasons of the year. Experiment in the Setting of Milk in a Cheese-factory Milk-can, 15 inches in diameter, and in a Shot-gun Can, S^ inches in diameter. Among the patrons of cheese factories, the practice of using the cheese-factory milk-cans for the setting of milk for cream, after the close of the cheese-factory season, is a common one. A comparison between setting milk in a milk-cau 15 inches in diameter and an ordinary shot-gun can 8^ inches in diameter, was made by setting morning milk for three days, and evening milk for three days, between 9th and 14th November. A quantity of herd milk was mixed before it was divided into two portions. It was put into the two cans, to an equal depth — about 19 inches. Both lots were set in icfe- water, at 38° Fahr., for 22 hours. The following Table shows the result : — Table XII. Milk-can, 15 inches diameter. Shot-gun Pail, 8J inches diameter. Morning Milk. Evening Milk. Morning Milk. Evening Milk. Quantity of milk in three settings Lb. 315 315 105 105 Per cent of butter-fat in milk 3-36 •71 3-46 •73 3-36 •45 3-46 do fat left in skim-milk •47 Quantitj' of fat in whole milk . Lb. 10-58 10-90 3-53 3-63 do left in skim-milk (( 1.83 1-88 -39 •40 Percentage unrecovered 17-32 17.27 11 05 11 13 This experiment shows that the loss of unrecovered fat — left in the skim-railk — was 6-2 per cent greater, b\- the use of a milk-can 15 inches in diameter, than by the Ube of u deep setting pail 8h inches in diameter. Experiments in the Churning of Cream. The first series of experiments was undertaken to discover what difference, if an}', in the product of butter, resulted fi'om the churning of cream obtained by the deep-setting method, from the milk of three groups of cows at different stages of 97 lactation. The cows which composed the three groups were the same as those described in Tables V to IX, viz. : — Group I contained cows which had been milking for periods ranging from 8 to 11 months. Group II contained cows which had been milking for periods ranging from 5 to 7 months. Group III contained cows which had been milking foi- periods ranging from 1 to 3 months. The First Trial was made on i!8th November. A portion of the milk of two days was used from the cows of each group. The milk was set immediately after it reached the dairy building, at a temper- ature of 96° Fahr., in deep-setting pails, in ice-water of a temperature of 38° Fahr. The setting period was 22 hours. In each case 5 per cent of fermentation starter was added, and the cream of the three lots was ripened to as nearly the same stage of acidity as possible. The ripening period in this trial was 12 hours. Table XIII shows the result of the first trial of churning cream from the milk from each of the three groups. Table XIII. Quantity of milk set Lb. Per cent of butter-fat in milk Creaming — Quantity of cream Lb. Per cent of fat left in skim-milk. Churning — Churning temperature Fahr. Minutes churned Revolutions of churn per minute Quantity of butter obtained Lb. do buttermilk " Per cent of fat left in buttermilk Results — Quantity of fat in whole milk Lb. do do left in skim-milk and buttermilk " do of milk per lb. of butter " Percentage of fat unrecovered. . Milk from Group L 121 4 3 26 1-20 64° 150 65 475 21 •20 5-20 118 25-5 22 69 Group II. Group III, 138 248 4 1 31 27 38 1-00 •65 64° 62" 100 40 65 66 5-75 800 21 30 •30 •20 5-66 7-69 117 1-42 24- al- 20 67 ia 46 7f— 7 98 The Second Trial was made on 30th November. A portion of the milk of two days was used from the cows of each group. The milk was re-heated to a tem- perature of 98° after it reached the dairy building, and was set immediately there- after in deep-setting paiis, in ice-water of a temperature of 38° Fahr. The setting period was 22 hours. In each case 5 per cent of fermentation starter was added, and the cream of the three lots was ripened to as nearly the same stage of acidity as possible. The ripening period in this trial was 15 hours. Table XIV shows the result of the second trial of churning cream from the milk from each of the three groups. Tablk XIV. Quantity of milk set Lb. Per cent of butter-fat in milk Creaming — Quantity of cream Lb. Per cent of fat left in skim-milk . . Churning — Churning teinperature Fahr. . Minutes churned Revolutions of churn per minute Quantity of butter obtained Lb. do buttermilk " Per cent of fat left in buttermilk Results — Quantity of fat in whole milk Lb. do left in skim-milk and buttermilk '* Quantity of milk per pound of butter " Percentage of fat unrecovered Milk from Group I. Group II. Group III. 114 137 279 4 ■ 41 31 22 27 51 1-35 100 0-55 64° 64' 62' 180 100 50 00 65 66 412 5-25 9-75 17 21 41 •45 ■35 •30 4 -.56 5-62 8*65 1 31 117 1-37 27-6 26-1 28-6 28-73 20 82 15-84 The Third Trial was made on 4th December. A portion of the milk of two days was used from the cows of each group. The milk was re-heated to a tempera- ture of 95° after it reached the dairy building. To the milk fiom Groups I and II, 10 per cent of water was added, before it was set; the milk from Group III was delayed in setting for half an hour; it was re-heated to 98° and set without the addition of water. The three lots were set in deep-setting pails, in ice-water of a temperature of 38° Fahr. The setting period was 22 hours. In each case 5 per cent of fermentation starter was added to the cream, and each lot was ripened to as nearly the same stage of acidity as possible. The ripening period in this trial was 16 hours. 99 Table XV shows the result of the third trial of churning the cream from the milk, from each of the three groups. Table XV. Quantity of milk set Lb. Per cent of butter-fat in millc Creaming — Quantity of cream Lb, Per cent of fat left in skim-milk Churning — Churning temperature Fahr, Minutes churned Revolutions of churn per minute Quantity of butter obtained Lb. Quantity of buttermilk " Per cent of fat left in buttermilk Results — Quantity of fat in whole milk Lb. Quantity of fat left in skim -milk and buttermilk " Quantity of milk per lb. of butter " Percentage of fat unrecovered Milk fiom Group I. Group II. 116 121 3 6 3-8 23 •24 1-60 1-30 70° 64° 49 85 65 65 3-25 19 •35 4-18 1.55 31 37-79 475 19 15 4-60 1.28 25-5 27 -82 Group III. 308 3.8 62 •50 62<> 49 66 1200- 50 •20 11-70 1-33 25-6 11 37 7F-7i 100 Table XVI shows the length of time required for churning, and the percentage of buttor-fut left in the buttermilk, from the throe trials in each case. Table XVI. Group ] • Group II. Group IIL No. of Trial First. Second. Third. First. Second. Third. First. Second. Third. Churning temperature, Fahr. . . 64° 64° 70° 64" 64° 64° 02° 62° 62° Minutes churned 150 180 49 100 100 85 40 50 49 Revolutions of churn per minute 65 60 65 65 65 65 60 66 66 Percentage of fat left in butter- milk •20 •45 ■35 •30 •35 •15 ■20 ■.SO •20 The conclusions which were indicated by these churning experiments were : — (1) That the cream from the milk of cows, which have been milking for periods ' of from tive to eleven months, should be churned at a temperature of from 66° to 70° Fahr., in order to obtain butter in from one hour to three-quarters of one hour. (2) That the loss of fat unrecovered from the buttermilk, was practically the same, viz., -33, '26, -23 of 1 per cent of fat, left in the buttermilk, from Groups I, II and III, respectively. (3) An examination of the butter showed a decided absence of rosy and delicate flavour in the butter obtained from the milk of cows which had been milking for longer than five months. The second series of experiments in the churning of cream was made to determine the effect on the quantity of butter which could be obtained by chui-ning cream at different stages of ripeness or acidity. The First Trial was conducted on the 29th August; 120 lb. of cream were taken from 676 lb. of milk. The whole quantity of cream was mixed thoi-oughly, and afterwards divided into two equal lots. One lot was ripened by the addition of fermentation starter, and by being kept at a temperature of 64°; the other lot was cooled to 40° and kept sweet until the following day. Both lots were then divided into equal portions of 30 lb. each; 30 lb. of the sour ripened cream was then mixed with 30 lb. of the sweet cream, leaving three lots for churning, as shown in the following : — C 30 lb., sour, in churn No. 1. Lot 1, sour cream -< ( 30 lb. ■) [•mixed, in churn No. 2, r 30 lb. 3 Lot 2, sweet cream < ( 30 lb. sweet, in churn No. 3. , A Second Trial was made on the 10th September, when 120 lb. of cream were taken from 774 lb. of milk. The whole quantity of cream was treated in the manner which has been described in the first trial. 101 The followins^ Table shows the results from the two trials of churning cream at different stages of ripeness. Table XVII. First Trial. No. of churn. Daisy churn Size. Quantity of milk Lb. do cream " Stage of ripeness Churning temperature Fahr. Minutes churned Kevolutions of churn per minute Quantity of butter obtained Lb. do milk per lb. of butter " Per cent of fat left in buttermilk No. 1 No. 2 169 30 Sour. m° 63 6G 6-5 26- ■20 No. 2 No. 5 338 60 Mixed. 60° 35 62 12-7 266 •50 No. 3 No. 2 169 30 Sweet. 60° 65 68 6- 281 1-30 Second Trial. No. 1 No. 2 194 30 Sour. 62° 40 66 7'25 26-7 •15 No. 2 No. 5 387 60 Mixed. 62° 30 64 13-75 28-1 •90 No. 3 No. 2 194 30 Sweet. 62° 65 68 6- 32-3 200 These trials showed : — (1.) A longer churning period for the sweet cream than the sour ; (the mixed cream was churned in shortest time, because the revolving barrel churn, size No. 5, was a larger size than No. 2) ; (2.) 14-6 per cent more milk or cream of equal quality, required to yield each pound of butter, when the cream was churned sweet, than when it was churned sour; (3.) The buttermilk from sweet cream to contain 165 per cent of fat, as com- pared with -It of 1 per cent of fat in the buttermilk from sour cream. Other experiments on this matter are in progress. Experiments on the Heating of Milk to 150° Fahr. The heating of milk and cream to the scalding point — 150° Fahr. — has been undertaken in some places, to sterilize them for keeping qualities and for whole- Romeness in table use. Cream has been sterilized also for the purpose of regulating the degree of acidity which would be developed in a given time by the addition of a percentage of fermentation starter of known strength or acidity. Before under- taking a series of tiials in the sterilizing of milk and cream, for the purposes which have been mentioned, a few tests were made to discover the effect of scalding milk and cream to 150° Fahr., upon the quantity, odour and flavour of the butter. The First Trial was made on 10th October. 350 lb. of milk were mixed, after which 190 lb. were heated to 150° Fahr. Both lots were then set in deep- setting pails, in ice-water of a temperature of 88° Fahr. The setting period was 22 hours. A Second "Trial was made on 12th October, when 360 lb. of milk were used. The treatment was similar to that of the first trial. 102 Table XVII E shows the lesults of heating milk to 150° Fahr., before setting in deep-setling pails in ice-water, from both tiials. Table XVIII. First trial. Secon i trial. Quantity of milk set Lb. 190 160 195 165 Per cent of butter-fat in milk 3-40 150° 3-40 90" 3 40 150° 340 Temperature when set Fahr. 96° Creaming — Quantity of cream Lb. 31 30 31 5 30 Per cent of fat left in skim-milk 100 •35 •90 •40 Ripening cream — Temperature Fahr. 67° 10 07° 10 64° 5 64° Per cent of fermentation starter added 5 Ripening period Hrs. 10 11 16 16 Churning— Churning temperature Fahr. M" 64° 64° 64° Minutes churned 60 65 5 75 100 65 5-50 60 65 5-80 90 Revolutions of chum per minute 68 Quantity of butter obtained Lb. 5 75 Per cent of fat left in buttermilk ■15 •15 •3 -3 Results— , Quantity of fat in whole milk Lb. 6-46 5-44 663 561 do do left in skim-milk and butter milk (( 1-64 •49 1^55 •01 do of milk per lb. of butter (( 33-4 25-38 29-1 901 33-6 23-38 29 • Percentage of fat unrecovered 10^87 These two trials point to the conclusions : — (1.) When the milk was heated to 150° Fahr., before being set in deep-setting pails, 4^ lb. or 15^5 ])er cent more of milk was required to yield each pound of butter, than when the milk was set at a temperature of 96° Fahr. (2.) When the milk was heated to 150" Fahr., 14"4 per cent more of the fat in the whole milk was not recovered from the skim-milk and butter milk, than when the milk was set at 96° Fahr. (3.) In both trials the butter from the milk, which was not heated to 150^, was decidedly better in flavour and odour than the other lots. Experiments in the heating of Cream to 150° Fahr. The two trials in this experiment were conducted on 2l8t and 26th October. The main object was to discover the effect of scalding cream to a temperature of ISO'' Fahr., upon the odour and flavour, which are introduced into the milk and its products 103 from the feeding of turnips to cows. The cows were fed lightly upon turnips at first ; and at the time when the milk was obtained for the second trial they were consuming 90 lb. of turnips per head per day in their ration. That excessive quantity was fed to make the trial of a treatment for expelling the turnip odour and flavour more emphatic one way or the other. For the First Trial the milk of two days, weighing 758 lb., was set each day at a temperature of 96° in deep-setting pails, in ice-water of a temperature of 38°. From the two days' milk 140 lb. of cream were obtained. That quantity was divided into tAvo equal portions, one of which was heated to 150° Fahr. For the Second Trial the milk of one day, weighing 387 lb., was set at a tem- perature of 96°, in deep-setting pails, in ice-water of a temperature of 38°. From the milk, 70 lb. of cream were obtained. That quantity was divided into two por- tions, one of which was heated to 150° Fahr. Table XIX shows the details of treatment afterwards, and also the results in the quantity of the butter and the percentage of loss of the fat. Table XIX. Quantity of milk set Lb. Percentage of butter-fat in mUk Temperature when set Fahr. Creaming — Quantity of cream Lb. Percentage of fat left in skini-milk Cream heated to Fahr. Cream cooled to " Ripening Cream — Temperature Fahr. Percentage of fermentation starter added Ripening period Hours Churning— Churning temperature Fahr. Minutes churned Resolutions of churn per minute Quantity of butter obtained Lb. Percentage of fat left in buttermilk. . ..j Results — Quantity of fat in whole milk Lb. Quantity of fat left in skim-milk and buttermilk. Quantity of njilk per lb. of butter Percentage of fat unrecovered First trial. . 380 3-6 96° 70 ■45 150° 50° 65° 6 14 61" 35 65 14 •4 13 GS ■78 271 13 01 378 35 96<> 70 •55 65° 65° 6 14 64° 40 66 1.35 3 13^23 ■70 28- 12 85 Second trial. 191 196 3 6 36 90° 96° 35 35 ■51 ■60 150° 68° 50° 65° 68° 6 6 14 16 64° 64' 45 50 66 60 t 7-2 1 •3 G 88 7 06 •86 •98 27-3 28- 125 13-88 These two trials point to the conclusions : — (1.) When the cieam was heated to 150° Fahr., before being Y^^ of 1 lb. less milk was required to yield each pound of butter was not heated above 68° Fahr. i-ipened for churning, than when the cream 104 (2.) The percentage of fat unrecovered from the buttermilk, was practically the same in both cases. (3.) In both trials, the butter obtained from the cream, which was heated to 150® Fahr., had no flavour or odour of turnips, and was decidedly better in every respect than the other two lots. (4 ) In both trials, the butter obtained from the cream, which was not heated above 68° Fahr., had a distinct odour and flavour of turnips, the lot from the last trial on 26th October giving a particularly strong smell and taste of turnips. (5.) In both trials, thebutter obtained fi-om the cream, which was heated to 150° Fahr., was excellent in flavour and grain. It was rated at 37 and 36 for flavour out of a possible 40 (perfection) ; and at 30 (perfection) for grain. (6.) In both trials, the butter obtained from the cream, which was not heated above 68° Fahr., was rated lower than the other lots. The points awarded to it were: — flavour, 35 and 25, out of a possible 40 (perfection); — and grain, 30 and 29, out of a possible 30 (perfection). Note. — The butter was re-examined in glass jars, on 8th March, 1892, when the previous judgment was confirmed. Disposal of Dairy Products. The record of the quantities of milk received at the experimental dairy build- ing from May — when the work there commenced — until Decmber, and the disposition which was made of the same, is submitted herewith. Milk received at the dairy for experimental work: Lb. May 12,795 June 11,522 July 10,428 August 7,502 September 7,352 October 11,322 November 8,936 December 6.501 76.358 Lb. Butter in lb. prints, sold at 22c. and 25c. per lb 1,939| Butter in tubs and experimental jars, sold 321 d(J do do on hand 210 2^70^ Quarts. Cream sold to residents on the farm at 20c. per quart.... 127^ Quarts. Buttermilk sold at 2c. per quart 404 The skim-milk and the remainder of the buttermilk were fed to calves and pigs. Quai'ts. Milk sold to residents on the farm at 4c. and 5c. per quart. 6,634|- PART IV.— FORTY-ACEE LOT. In the spring of the j^ear it was arranged that about 40 acres of land should be set apart for the particular object of growing feed for cattle, in order to ascertain and illustrate how many catiie could bo fed for the whole year upon the product of that area. In many parts of Canada an impression has prevailed that farmers 105 cannot keep or feed at a profit large herds of cattle unless tbe}^ have large farms. In most instances the estimate is that six full-grown cattle, and an equal number of young growing stock, are as many as can be fed conveniently on the fodder and coarse grain crop of a farm of representative size, of say 55 acres of cleared land. As a matter of fact, the average number of horned cattle kept per farm is about four head of full grown animals, and an equal number of growing young stock. It appears to me that the numbers of cattle might be doubled, with increasing profit to the farmers, and decided gain to the fertility of the fields. A further extension and improvement in mixed farming, which will cause more cattle to be fed on fewer acres, is capable of great service to the whole agricultural interest of the Dominion. This experiment has been in progress for only six months of the year. The full report can be made with satisfaction only at the close of each twelve months. The following report of progress will show the areas of land under different crops, and the yields of each which were obtained. In a general way, it may be said that the yield of crops did not reach my anticipations. The corn crop was the lightest per acre which has been gathered for three years, and a disastrous hail storm on 13th August beat down the grain crops and battered the leaves of the corn to a very seri- ous extent. The recurrence of an injury from that cause is unlikely in coming years, as it has been infrequent in past years. Continued i-ains during the harvest season caused further losses in the grain crops. Notwithstanding these drawbacks, the experience of the year points to the probability that 25 milch cows will be fed, wholly or nearly so, on the product of the 40-acre lot for eleven months. On 2nd July 25 cows were put in one herd, to be fed from its crops. The milk from them furnishes a supply for experimental dairy work ; and feeding experiments are being conducted with them, on different rations, as described in Parts I and III of this report : — Total Yield op Crops f^om 40-acre Lot. Ripened Crops. Lb. of Straw. Lb. of Grain. 8 acres, mixed crop, as in Table I. 26,454 13.245 C Golden Vine Pease 905 o J Goose Wheat 1,003 437 "^ ^^^^M Beardless Barley 3,102 1,373 [BannerOats 2,790 2,060 3 acres, in 5 plots of mixed crop, similar to plots 1 to 5 in Table i 10,442 4,345 14 Totals 4:^,791 22,365 Root Crops. Lb. 1 acre. Carrots 26,785 ., ,, 1 jm • (Mangels , 8,110 1 acre, Mangels and Turnips j ,j^^^^.-jpg ;^;^55 1 acre, Turnips 29,584 ^ Total 74,134 iacre. Cabbage and Kohl Eabi •• 15,296 106 Cured Fodder Crops. 2 acres, Spring Eye, wilted 12 hours and put in silo, 14.080 lb. Mixed crop, cereuls, second cutting, 1,825 lb. llj acres, Corn, wilted on an average two days, and put in silo, 130 tons 1,750 lb» (That is equal to 183 tons 450 lb., green weight.) 1 acre, Corn, stooked in field to cure, 11,940 lb., as weighed February, 1892. 14i IJ acres, Corn, fed green to the cattle (from 7th August), with mixed crop. 4^ acres, pastured. 3f acres, mixed crop, as in plots 1 to 5, fed green ; nearly IJ acres of this was used in erecting paddocks for the bulls, and the crop on it was partially spoiled by the traffic incident to the work. The following Table and explanatory notes present the details of the different crops : — Ripened Crops. Eight Acres Mixed Crops. — The land had no manure applied for at least five years; it was cropped every year; it was ploughed in the fall of 1890; it was disc-harrowed twice in spring of 1891 ; the smoothing harrows were used on it twice. It was divided into eight plots, each one acre in size. A different mixture of grain was sown on each plot. Table I. Number of Plot. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Mixture sown — Goose Wheat Ijiish. 1 1 2 3 1 1 1 2 3 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 2 I5 Danish Chevalier Barley. " Banner Oats " H H Golden Vine Pease " Flax LI). H H H Total per acre Bnsli. 3 3 3 3 3 3 Date sown April 30 April So'Auril 30 April .30 May 12 Aug. 17 du IS April 30 May 12 Aug. 17 do 17 April 30 May 12 Aug. 22 do 25 1 April .30 April 30 Came up Date when ripe . do cut May 12 Aug. 24 d(j 2C May 12 Aug. 17 do 18 1 May 12 Aug. 17 do 17 May 12 Aug. 22 do 25 May 12 Aug. 22 do 25 Quantity of straw and grain . . Lb. Grain from thresher " 4,945 1,728 4,860 1,595 4,975 1,.518 5,180 1,795 4,864 1,808 5,175 1,871 4,870 1,435 4,S3(/ 1,4U5 Notes.— The mixtures were all sown on 30th April, and oame up on 12th May.'.Two pounds of flaxseed were sown with the mixtures on plots 1 to 5. It ripened, and was ground with the grain for the feeding of cattle. I think at least 3 pounds per acre will give better returns. The crop from plot 6— wheat and pease— gave the largest yield of grain per acre. That mixture of grain is also the most valuable for feeding in combination with corn ensilage. The second largest yield of grain was on plot 5, from a crop of wheat, barley and oats. I do not recommend this mixture, as I con- sider that every mixture should contain either pease or vetches. These latter grains do not require to obtain their supply of nitrogen from the nitrates in the soil as the other grains of the mixture do. 107 Owing to a severe hail storm ou 13th August, and rains before and during harvest time, the crops on all the plots were very badly broken down and lodged. In consequence, a large percentage of grain was shelled on the field. Plot 1. — Mixture of wheat, barley, oats and pease; all ripened together fairly well, excepting the wheat, which was in the doughy state when the other grains were ripe ; cut with the mower, because too badly lodged to be cut with the reaping machine. Plot 2. — Mixture of wheat, barley and pease ; w heat in doughy state when other grains were ripe, ITth August; badly broken down and lodged ; cut with mower. Plot 3. — Mixture of wheat, oats and pease ; wheat in doughy state when other grains were lipe ; badly lodged ; cut with mower, 18th August. Plot 4. — Mixture of barley, oats and pease; badly lodged; cut with mower, 18th August. Plot 5. — Mixture of wheat, barley and oats; wheat in doughy state when other grains were ripe ; cut Hth August. Plots 6, 7 and 8. — Mixture of wheat and pease, barley and pease, and oats and pease; all badly lodged, and cut with the mower, 25th August. Three Acres op Grain. — The land, whereon were grown the pease, wheat and barley, was manured in the spring at the rate of from 18 to 20 tons to the acre ; it was ploughed, and harrowed twice; part of the pease and wheat crops were taken in, and parts were injured by the enclosing of the bull paddocks which have been mentioned ; part of the acre of barley was injured and part of the crop was killed by water standing on it; that was owing to unusually heavy rains and the failure of a drain to work etficiently ; the land for the Banner oats adjoined plot 8, and received treatment similar to plots 1 to 8. Three Acres op Mixed Crop. — The soil was of a peaty character ; it received a coating of manure at the rate of from 18 to 20 tons per acre ; it was ploughed in spring, and harrowed twice ; the mixtures were the same as ou plots 1 to 5 ; they were sown on 9th May and came up on 16th May; parts from the ends of each plot were cut and fed green, as mentioned in the summary of the yield of crops ; three acres were left to ripen. Root Crops. Three acres were prepared for sowing, one acre each of carrots, mangels and turnips. The land received a coating of manure at the rate of from 18 to 20 tons to the acre. It was ploughed in the spring, harrowed twice, and set up in drills 2^ feet apart. Carrots. — Five varieties were sown for comparison, but owing to the wet sea- son, and water standing ou part of the plot for several days, the crops were not grown under sufficiently uniform conditions to make any fiiir comparison of the yield per acre of the different varieties. ''Steele's Improved Short White," " Giant Short White," or "White Vosges," "Green Top Orthe," "Improved Half-long White," and "Early Gem," or "Guerande," wore the varieties which were sown. Notes. — Sown 13ih May; came up 26th May; pulled 30th October. Total weight of the five varieties, 26,785 lb. from one acie. Mangels. — Five varieties were sown on 13th May and came up on 26th May. The names of the five varieties were " Pearce's Canadian Giant," "Golden Fleshed Tankard," Giant Yellow Intermediate," "Mammoth Yellow Intermediate," and "Giant Yellow Globe." From 10th June to l-±th June cut-worms destroyed about two-thirds of the young plants. The spaces were sown with turnip seed on 15th June. The yield of mangels was 8,110 lb., and of turnips 9,655 lb. from one acre. Turnips. — Five varieties of turnips were sown on 4th June. The names of the varieties were, "Improved Purple Top Mammoth," "Laidlaw's Improved," "Ele- phant Swede," " Hartley Bronze," and " Rennie's Prize Purple Top." They all came up 10th June. They were pulled 24th October. There was a large percentage of the turnips in one part of the plot diseased. The inside of the roots turned to a jelly-like mass, before there was any easily recognizable evidence on the outside 103 that decay had set in. A similar disease pi-evailed in the turnips on other parts of the farm, and in the vicinity of Ottawa on other farms. The total yield of the five varieties was 29,584 lb. from one acre. Cabbage and Kohl Eabi. — Half an acre of the land, prepared in the same manner as for the roots, was sown with cabbages and kohl rabi. The cabbages were put in rows 3 feet apart, and the plants were left 2 feet apart in the rows. Four vai-ieties were sown, viz.: "Early Drumhead," "Drumhead Savoy," "Giant Drumhead," and "Thousand Headed, or Kale." They were sown on 14th May and came up on 23rd May. Two-thirds of each variety were eaten by the turnip-flea beetle and cut-worms. The same varieties were sown in their place on 5Lh June and came up on 12th June. The kohl rabi suffered in a similar manner, and a re-sowing was made on 6th June. The second crop came up on 12th and 13th June. The total weight from the cabbage and kohl rabi was 15,296 lb. from half an acre. Cured Fodder Crops. Two Acres Spring Eye. — The land received a dressing of manure, about 18 or 20 tons to the acre ; it was ploughed in the spring and harrowed twice with smoothing harrow; sown Ist May; came up 11th May; cut 15th July. When the heads were filled with grain in the doughy or late milk state it was allowed to wilt in the field for twelve hours and then put into the silo; total weight, 7 tons 80 lb. (For remarks on rye ensilage, see report on silos.) The same land was ploughed 17th July, and sown with a mixture of Hungarian grass and millet; this second ci"op did not come to anything worth mentioning for feed. Fourteen Acres of Fodder Corn. — Ten acres of the land were in one block; an oat crop had been taken off in 1890. In the spring of 1891 a dressing of manure, at the rate of about 18 tons to the acre, was given ; it was ploughed under, and the land harrowed twice. The soil was very uneven in its character: a part of it was a mellow, sandy loam, with streaks and patches of clay soil of a whitish colour. These patches, in some cases, were 50 feet across; about two acres of it were of a peaty character, with interruptions of loam and patches of clay. Parts of the land had been a swamp four years ago, and portions of it had been burned during the clearing. For these reasons, the yields per acre in that portion of the block did not give results which could be relied upon as guiding to a knowledge of the best practice in planting or in selecting varieties. Four and One-half Acres were devoted to the planting of the varieties of Red Cob, Pearce's Prolific, Longfellow and Thoroughbred White Flint, (1) at rates of 2, 4, 6 and 12 grains respectively to the lineal foot, in rows 3 feet apart, and (2) in rows 3, 4 and 5 feet apart, with about 3 grains to the foot, planted by a seed-drill. The corn was planted on 23rd May, and was cut on 16th and 17th September. It was left to wilt in bunches on the field for an average of two days before being put into the silo. The total weight after wilting, from the 4^ acres, was 49 tons 1,740 lb. From a test made on another plot, coj-n was found to have lost 28*5 pei- cent in weight by wilting in small bunches in bright sunshiny weather for two daj^s. At that rate of shrinkage, the green weight of corn on the 4^ acres would be calculated as G9f tons. One Acre of Red Cob and Longfellow was planted in rows 3 feet apart, two rows of each alternately, 18 lb. of seed per acre; cut 16th September; wilted two days; weight, 10 tons 785 lb. One Acre of Thoroughbred White Flint and Pearce's Prolific was planted in a similar way; cut 16th September; wilted two days; weighed 12 tons 350 lb. One Acre of Red Cob and Longfellow was planted in rows 3 foet apart, with the seed mixed before planting; 18 lb. of seed per acre; cut 14th September; wilted two days; weighed 11 tons 1,685 lb. One Acre of Thoroughbred White Flint and Pearce's Prolific was planted in a similar wa}-; cut 14th September; wilted two days; weighed 11 tons 1,600 lb. One Acre of Thoroughbred White Flint and Longfellow was planted in a similar way; cut 14th September; wilted two days; weighed 10 tons 1,745 lb. 109 Half an Acre Eed Cob (corn, 5 lb. and pease 5 lb.) was planted in rows 3 feet apart. The mixture was not a buccch.s; Uie corn wua a guud crop, hut the peabC came up too soon and did not use the corn stalks as a trellis. The crop was fed to the cattle green. Twenty Feet by width of block, 562 feet, Red Cob corn and pea>.e, were sown by ordinary beed drill with spouts 7 inches apart; corn and pease in alternate drill rows; the corn was of a variety too late in maturing to be mixed with pease; a heavy ciop was obtained ; fed green ; this mixture of corn and pease, in same order of sowing, pro- mises to be useful in obtaining a more complete ration for cattle than corn is in itself. Four Acres sandy loam ; size of the plot, 562 x 310 feet; of it, 562 x 210 feet received a dressing of manure, at the rate of about 18 tons per acre ; ploughed in spring; harrowed three times; planted in four lots, one each of Eed Cob, Thoroughbred White Flint, Pearce's Prolific, Thorougbred White Flint and Longfellow; about one acre was fed green ; the remainder was cut 18th September; wilted for two days and put into silo ; the remainder was stocked in the field, to be used as dried and cured fodder corn. The cutting of corn to be fed green to the cows commenced on 7th August. Particulars and Tables, showing the comparative yields, stages of maturity, number of ears pei- 100 feet, and condition of the corn ensilage, will be found in Part V of this report. Three and one-fifth acres of fall rye have been sown for feeding in the spring of 1892, and for use as ensilage during the early part of summer. PAET v.— FODDER CORN AND THE SILOS. It is not too much to say that no single subject closely related to successfu agriculture is receiving so much attention from the agricultural press of Canada, or is creating so much discussion at conventions and meetings of farmers, as that of the growing of fodder corn and the making of ensilage. The economical feeding of cattle in stables, and the increasing of the number of cattle which are kept per farm, are matters peculiarly important to the farmers of Ontario and the provinces that lie eastward of it. The economic possibilities of fodder corn and the silo have been mentioned in connection with the fattening of steers for beef and the feeding of cows for milk, in Part II of this report. This brief chapter is presented for the purpose of indicating how the farmers in every district may obtain the largest service from this crop. No specific rule or direction will be found applicable to all soils, districts or seasons; but in all districts, in nearly all soils, and in every season, the corn crop will yield the farmers in the provinces which 1 have mentioned feeding material for their cattle during the winter, with more profit and advantage than any other single crop which can be grown with as little labour and exhaustion to the fertility of the land, and which can be saved in a cured condition as conveniently. On one plot on the farm, 68 varieties of corn were planted in rows 3 feet apart — two rows of each — to a length of 90 feet. They were planted on the 21st of May and came up from Ist June to 4th June. They were all cut on 12th September. The average yield, weighed green, was 17 tons and 47 lb. per acre. Particulars on the comparison of varieties for one season only are apt to be rather misleading. Some of the varieties, which gave excellent results on the farm during the two previous years, and did equally well on other parts of the farm in 1891, did not turn out so well on this experimental plot; but, taking the plots on the whole farm, the results as published in Bulletin No. 12, prepared by Prof Saunders, can be taken as agreeing with the results for the season of 1891. The following short extract is taken from that bulletin : — » " From the results given, it would appear that the Thorouy^ibred White Flint, Long White Flint, Long Yellow Flint, Yellow Dutton, Large White Flint, Pearce's Prolific and Longfellow, are the most productive of the Flint varieties, ranging in no yield in the order named, and all of them, excepting the Long "White Flint, attained a sufficient degree of maturity to make excellent ensilage. " Among the different sorts of Dent corn, none of which, however, mature as well as the Flint varieties, the following have been found to yield the greatest weight of crop: — Yii-ginia Horse-tooth, Golden Beauty, Golden Dent, Blunt's Prolific, Mammoth Southern Sweet and Eed Cob Ensilage. " Many sorts of sweet corn have given a large yield, the most prolific being Mammoth Sugar, Crosby, Eight-rowed Sugai-, Egyptian Sugar and Asylum Sweet. The earliest ripening among these is the Crosby." On a plot adjoining the one where the 68 varieties were planted, Thoroughbied White Flint was planted in hills 3 feet apart. Two rows of it of an equal length, from the hill method of cultivation, gave at the rate of 4 tons 250 lb. per acre larger yield than two rows under the drill method of cultivation, grown close by. It would not be prudent to base a general conclusion on the result of this one comparison. Tbe method of cultivation in hills seems to permit of the formation of a larger number of ears on the stalks, and a rather earlier maturing of the crop. From the corn which was grown on the 40-acre plot, already reported ujwn, some information bearing upon the comparative value of the crop of corn at different stages of maturity has been obtained. The stage of maturity reached has been recorded at the " tasselling," "silking," "early milk," " late milk " and "glazing" stages of growth. The following Table illustrates the number of ears and nubbins, obtained from planting in rows 3 ft., 4 ft. and 5 ft. apart, with from 3 to 4 grains per lineal foot in the rows : — Table I. ]>rumber of Ears and Nubbins, in rows 100 feet long, on 15th September. Varieties. Distance of Rows apart. Three Feet. Four Feet. Five Feet. Red Cob , Ears. 20 102 87 13 Nubbins. 49 22 23 51 Ears. 16 91 121 45 Nubbins. 95 20 30 48 ]':ll'.s. 22 143 134 63 Nubbins. 109 Pearce's Prolific Longfellow Thoroughbred White Flint 39 34 59 Average 50 36 68 4S 90 60 While the rows 5 feet apart showed the largest number of ears and nubbins per lineal foot in the rows, the three different methods of planting gave nearly the same numbers each per acre. Information on the comparative percentages of water, dry matter, yields per acre, dry matter ^er ton, and dry matter per acre, at the different stages of growth of the four varieties, "Longfellow," "Pearce's Prolific," "Thoroughbred White Flint," and " Eed Cob," are found in the following Table:— Ill Table II. Name of Variety. Planted. Tasselling. Silking. Early Milk. Late Milk. Glazing. Longfellow Pearce's Prolific May 23 do 23 do 23 do 23 Aug. 1 ... do 3. . do 18.... do 22.... Aug. 11.... do 13 . . do 25.... Sept. 2.... Aug. 27.... do 29.... Sept. 22.... Oct 3 Sept. 10.... do 12.... Oct 3 Sept. 21.... do 22.... Thoroughbred White Flint Red Cob Per cent of water in green plants do dry matter in green plants. . Yield per acre (gi'een weight) Lb. Dry matter, per ton of green corn . . do do per acre do 85-73 14-27 4.5,329 285 6,468 83-8 16-17 48,052 323 7,770 80-0 19-95 45,806 399 9,138 77-8 22-14 42,759 443 9,467 73-8 26-18 43,154 524 11,298 These figures point to a very large increase in the -weight of dry matter per acre as the corn approaches the ripe condition. The analyses of these varieties of corn and the calculations have been made by Mr. F. T. Shutt, Chief Chemist. A more extended analysis of the corns will doubt- less appear in his Eeportfor 1891 or 1892. Corn of the same four varieties was also gi*own under a method of cultivation with from three to four grains to the lineal foot, in rows of 3 feet, 4 feet and 5 feet apart, respectively, in each case. The following Table shows the average yields per acre which were obtained from the different methods of planting : — Table III. Weights of four varieties of Indian Corn sown in rows 562 feet long. Four rows of each variety were sown at the distances of 3 feet, 4 feet and 5 feet apart, respectively. The corn was wilted two days before weighing. Varieties. Red Cob Pearce's Prolific Longfellow Thoroughbred White Flint. Average per acre. Distance of Rows apart. 3 feet. 4 feet. 5 feet. Lb. Lb. Lb. 2,970 5,330 5,305 2,568 2,800 4,470 2,464 3,430 4,110 3,058 4,270 5,190 17,857 19,154 18,479 112 Taking into account the convenience of cultivation, the keeping down of weeds, and the quality of the stalks, it appears that the best results are obtained from plant- ing in rows 3 feet or 3^ feet apart, or, better still, in hills 3 feet apart each way. The same four varieties of corn were also planted in rows 3 feet apart, at the rates of 2, 4, 6 and 12 grains per lineal foot in each row. The land on which they were grown was so irregular in character that no fair comparison of the yields that may be obtained per acre from these different methods of planting could be made. A brief report of the quality of the ensilage from these methods of planting the corn will be made. These four varieties of corn were also planted in different combinations (1) two rows of each alternately, and (2) two of the varieties mixed in each row. The fol- lowing Table shows the results obtained from these investigations : — Table IV. Method. Varieties. Two rows alternately < Two rows alternately I Seed mixed before planting . . . I do do do do •■{ Red Cob... Longfellow Stage of Growth. Silking. . . Late milk. Thoroughbred White Flint Pearces Prolific Red Cob... Longfellow Thoroughbred White Flint.. Pearce's Prolific Thoroughbred White Flint . Longfellow Early milk. Late milk. . Silking. . . Late milk. Early milk. Late milk. . Early milk. Late milk. . Weight per Acre, wilted. Lb. •20,7 lio } ■«• 350 23,685 23,600 745 } -. Green Weight per Acre. ( Calculated ) Lb. 29,090 34,090 33,159 33,040 30,443 These five acres were all planted on 23rd May, cut on 12th September, and wilted for two days. The green weights per acre would be about 40 per cent more than the wilted weights. There does not appear to be any advantage from the planting of different varie- ties in alternate rows, nor from the mixing of varieties in the same rows. The heaviest yield on a single acre of corn was one acre of Thoroughbred White Flint, which weighed, after two and a-half days' wilting, 12 tons 900 lb. Condition of Ensilage. In silo No. 1 there were 116 tons and 1,259 lb. of mixed varieties, odd plots, and Thoroughbred White Flint. The silo was opened on 10th October. It had been covered with a layer of straw to a depth of about 18 inches. On the top it was spoiled to a depth of about 2 inches, and there was of spoiled and mouldy ensilage 3,333 pounds. The total weight of waste ensilage from this silo, besides that found on the top, was 100 pounds. The corn for this silo was cut in lengths fully 1 inch long. The cattle refused to eat portions of the lai-ger stalks, and also portions of the cobs. In silo No. 2 there were 95 tons 1,135 lb. It also was covered with a layer of straw. There was spoiled and mouldy ensilage on top for a depth of 2 inches, which weighed 2,694 pounds. The surface area in both silos was 18 feet x 16 feet. Dilferent 113 lots of corn, according to the method of planting under which they were grown, weie put in separate layers. They were divided from each otherby a layer of uncut corn stalks. The first layer was one of ensilage from Eed Cob corn, grown in rows 3 feet, 4 feel and 5 feet apart It had barely reached the " early milk " stage when cut. The sample was in only medium condition as to preservation. The next layer was that of the four varieties of corn planted in rows 3 feet apart, with 12 grains to the lineal foot in each row. It had been allowed to wilt in the field until it had become rather dry. "When it was taken from the silo it was in fairly good condition, but so dry that the meal of the ration would not adhere to it. The next layer of ensilage was from the four varieties of corn planted in rows 3 feet apart, wiih 6 grains to the lineal foot in each row. This layer was found to be in an excellent condition as to preservation, but was rather dry from too much willing. The fourth layer of corn in this silo was from four varieties of corn planted in rows 3 feet apart, with 4 grains to the lineal foot. The ensilage was in an ex- cellent state of preservation, and was not quite so dry in condition as the two layers above it. This silo was then closed for several weeks. Before this writing (February) it has been reopened. On the top was found a layer of mouldy ensilage, which weighed 2,840 pounds. The fifth layer of the silo was from the corn of four varieties, planted in rows 3 feet apart, with 2 grains to the lineal foot in each row. This sample was of better quality, and m better condition as to preservation, than the ensilage from the same varieties of corn, planted with 4, 6 and 12 grains to the lineal foot in each row, respectively. The contents of silo No. 2 are being fed at this writing. Silo No. 3 was coiistructed on the barn floor. Like the other silos, it is lined inside with two plies of lumber with paper between. The ensilage in it also was covered with straw; and there was of spoiled ensilage on the top a weight of 2,130 pounds. Its area is 15 feet by 15 feet. lu a comparison between the con- dition ol the ensilage in this silo, from the three varieties of corn, each grown in rows 3 feet apart, 4 feet apart and 5 feet apart, that from the corn grown in rows 4 feet and 5 feet apait, respectively, was found to be in the best condition. That appeared to be attributable to the fact that the stalks were rather more matured, and, as shown in Table I, carried a larger number of ears each. ' This silo is located over the stable, on a stout, 3-inch plank floor. A considerable quantity of ensilage was spoiled in the bottom of the silo. Ensilage from Mixed Crops. — Some ensilage was made from a crop of mixed grain (oats, barley and pea-^e) — giown in the summer of 1890. It was put into the bottom of the silo, and about 100 tons of green corn were put on top of it. After the corn was fed, the mixed crop ensilage came out in most excellent condition, and was fed to the cattle and calves as late as May and June. Pease Ensilage. — In the autumn of 1890 part of a crop of pease was cut, when the pods were tilled but not ripe, and put into the silo, to determine the value of such ensilage for the feeding of young pigs. The results are recorded in Table 2, in Part II of this re])ort. The pease ensilage was fairly well preserved; but it gave otf a very strong smell of ammonia whenevei- the surface was disturbed. Eye Ensilage. — A crop of rye from two acres, weighing 7 tons 80 pounds, was put into 'he >ilo on 16th July, 1891. Feeding was commenced immediately. It had been allowed to ripen and wilt rather too much; in consequence, a portion of it became quite dry, and was not relished by the cattle. For the making of rye ensilage, the crop should be cut decidedl}'' on the green side, and put into the silo withou' very much wilting. Clover Ensilage. — A quantity of second crop clover was cut and put into th© Bilo. It was put into the silo without being run through a cutting-box; in conse~ quence, it packed rather loosely and unevenl}'-, with holes and spaces in places. These bec.i me slightly mouldy. The bulk of the clover, however, is well preserved and is relished by ttie cattle. 7p— 8 114 Conclusions. — In the making of ensilage from mixed crops, rye or clover, it ia desirable to put the crops into the eilo in a green and succulent condition. They should be lun through a cutting-box, to provide for even distribution and close packing. They must be weighted heavily, either by the application of artificial pressure, or by being put into the bottom of a silo, which will be filled shortly after- wards with corn ensilage. The interstitial spaces between the fine stalks of sui-h crops as oats, pease, rye, clover and grass, hold sufficient air to cause them to mould or decay, unless pressure be applied to expel it. The silo offers a convenient place for the saving of such crops, when the weather is unfavourable, but the lighter yield which can be obtained of them per acre hinders them from being as profitable to grow for ensilage as a crop of corn, wherever that can be grown to the " late milk" or "glazing " stage of maturity. The experience of the season points to the following conclusions in regard to the growth of corn, the construction of silos, and the filling of the same : Soil. — If a field with a loose, warm, loamy soil be convenient to the silo, and can be used, it should be selected in preference to heavy claj'-, or cold soils. Sod may be ploughed under, shortly before the crop is planted, with the probability of good results from that method of preparation. In all cases, the land should receive a libei-al dressing of barnyard manure, be ploughed in the spring, and be harrowed to a state of fine tilth before the corn is planted. Seed. — The vitality and vigour of growth of the variety of corn which has been selected should be tested. The putting of a few grains in a flower pot in a wai-m place in the house will enable any farmer to verify for himselfthese qualities in his seed grain. Frequent disappointment results from neglect in testing the vitality of corn before planting it. Asa general rule, the variety which will yield the largest weight per acre, and reach the "glazing" stage of maturity before the frosts come, is the one to select for any district. The "glazing" siage may be otherwise described as the stage when the corn is just past its best condition for boiling in the ear for table use. It is better to err on the side of selecting a variety of a habit of small growth, which certainly will reach the glazing stage, than a variety of large growing habits, which may not come to the desired stage of maturity. The maximum quantity of seed per acre may be put at 25 pounds; excellent results have been obtained from the planting of 18 to 20 pounds per acre. Manner op Planting. — Planting in hills, 3 feet apart, both ways, appears to afford the corn a better chance for maturing earl}^ and for producing a large num- ber of ears. A hand corn-planter may be used to dibble in the corn. From 4 to 6 grains per hill should be planted. Corn may also be planted by the use of a hoe, and covered to a depth of at least 2 inches. In that case the foot should be pi-essed on the soil over the corn. -For small areas, furrows 3 inches deep may be ploughed 3 feet apart. A marker (which may be constructed by driving wooden pins or harrow-teeth through a plank at distances of 3 feet from each other), may be drawn across the furrows. From 4 to 6 grains may be dropped at the points of inter- section. They can be covered quickly and well by the planter's foot. Foi- large areas, a single or double horse corn-planter may be used with advantage. The plant- ing of corn in hills affords an opportunity for the effective cleaning of land from weeds, without much hand labour, bj'' permitting cultivation in both directions. If planted in rows, the rows should be from 3 to 3^ feet apart, and the grains ijiay be put in at rates of 3 to 4 grains per lineal foot. For small plots, a convenient method is to open a furrow with a plough ; the seed may be diopped in at the rate already mentioned, when it may be covered. For large areas, a single or double corn-planter will be found a serviceable implement. Depth. — Corn seed should be planted to a depth of from 2 to 3 inches. Cultivation. — In cases where a crust forms on the land, before or immediately after the corn comes through, a light harrowing will prove very helpful to the vigour anil growth of the crop. Harrowing of the corn until it is 6 inches high will increase the rapidity of growth and the yield per acre. The cultivation l)elween the rows, when the plants are small, should be close to them, and deep. When the 115 plants have grown to a height of more than 3 feet the cultivation should be more distant and shallow, in order to avoid injuring the side roots of the plants. Silos. — The main features that are required in a silo are strength to resist the outward pressure of its contents, exclusion of air by the construction of the sides, and a fair depth of holding capacity, in order to permit the ensilage to settle into a compact mass. Sufficient strength of sides can be obtained in most silos by the use of 2 X 10-inch or 2 x 12-inch studs, placed from 18 inches to 2 feet apart. A clay or earthen floor is most economical, and as good as any that can be put in. The inside of the walls of the silo may be finished by a single lining of lumber, nailed to the studs horizontally. The lumber should be tongued and grooved and dressed on the inside. If each alternate board be allowed to extend at the corners, so as to make a lock-joint, that will give additional strength to the structure. The corners of the silo, on the inside, should be filled by the use of a board or plank 10 inches wide, set on end. The triangular space behind it should be filled with sand or sawdust. I con- sider that studs 2 x 10-inch or 2 x 12-inch, with one pl}^ of sound tongued and grooved lumber, nailed horizontally on the inside, are sufficient for an efficient preservation of the ensilage. Additions to that method of construction may be advantageous, in a, few cases, for convenience. If a portion of the ensilage around the sides becomes frozen, that is more an inconvenience than a loss. It should be mixed with the warm ensilage, from the middle of the silo, before it is offered or fed to the cattle. Cutting the Corn. — The cutting of fodder corn by hand has been found the most economical of the methods which we have tried. If the crop be allowed to wilt in the fields, until it loses from 15 to 20 per cent of its moisture, a pleasant aromatic odour will be developed, which leaves the ensilage with a more agre cable smell. From an examination which was conducted with two tons of corn, left to wilt in the fields, in small heaps of about twenty-five or thirty stalks each, it was found that, with two days' exposure during bright sunshiny weather, the corn lost 28-5 per cent of its weight; and with four days' exposure, 36-8 per cent. After twenty- eight days standing in "stooks " it had lost 52 per cent; and after five months it had lost 58'8 per cent of its original green weight. Filling the Silo. — It is advantageous to cut into the silo those varieties of corn which have thick stalks, in lengths of from |- to f of an inch. Cut into such lengths there is no waste, and the stalks and cobs are all eaten up clean by the animals. Provision should be made for a fairly even distribution of the corn in the fiilo, while it is being filled, and for tramping the sides and corners most thoroughly. The weighting of the corn does not appear to be necessary or advantageous. After the silo is filled the surface should be levelled and thoroughly tramped ; and after the lapse of not more than one day it should be covered to a depth of 6 inches with cut straw. If a foot of cut straw be put on top of that a few days later, probably no loss at all from waste ensilage will be found on the opening of the silo for feeding. The feeding should be effected from the top of the ensilage, and a quantity of the exposed ensilage should be raked from the top daily. 7f— 8^ ANNUAL REPORT OF THE HORTICULTURIST. (John Craig.) To Wm. Saunders, Esq., Director Dominion Experimental Farms, Ottawa. Sir, — I have the honour to submit herewith a report of the work carried on in the hoiticultural department, for the year 1891. The season while on the whole unfavourable to nursery work and transplant- ing operations, will long be remembered throughout the Dominion as a year marked by a fair ciop of fruit of first quality, the dryness of early spring being unfavour- able to the development of apple scab and other fungous diseases. The unusual heat of September had the effect of hastening the maturity of late summer and autumn varieties, which lead to a lowering of market prices, by the consequent haste on the part of growers to get rid of this class of fruit. To provide against such contingencies, more attention will need to be paid by growers to the produc- tion of a commodity of higher quality, placed upon the market in the neatest, m.ost convenient and attractive way. This in part may be accomplished by closer atten- tion being jiaid to cultivation and spraying of trees, thinning, grading and packing of fruit; and as our fruit interests develop, cold storage will undoubtedly play an important part in the profitable disposal of the different orchard products. In drawing up this report, which has been done in as concise and brief a form as possible consistent with clearness, I have followed the plan adopted last year — that of dividing the work and placing it under different heads. I. Large Fruits. — Gives notes on orchaid culture with special reference to the needs of northern planters, together with suggestions, preventive and lernedial, for the treatment of trees injured by mice or rabbits during winter. Particular atten- tion has been given during the year to collecting information in regard to the most valuable varieties of the Russian apples, so far as experience up to this point can guide. The varieties mentioned have been carefully selected, and are commended to the attenion of northein orchardists. II. Small Fruits. — Under this head will be found some conclusions i-eached in regard to methods of planting; facts conceining winter protection, and relative pro- fitableness of varieties. Consideiable space is given to grapes, covering tabular information, as to time of colouring and ripening ; also descriptive notes of varieties. III. Vegetables. — Giving the names and descriptions of vaiieties in the follow- ing classes, which succeeded best in the experimental plots: Beets, cabbage, cauli- flower, celery, pease, peppers and tomatoes; also some results from the use oS> ferti- lizers upon the latter. IV. Forestry. — A report upon the work of distributing young seedlings, and tree feeds to the piairie provinces. V. Fungicides. — Giving results of experiments in spraying to prevent ** apple scab," " grape " and •' gooseberry mildew." acknowledgements. I beg gratefully to acknowledge the following donations : — Mr. W. W. Dunlop, Montreal— -^mall fruit plants, plum trees and scions ; seeds of East India plants. Stay man & Black, Leavenworth, Kans. — Ten new varieties of grapes for trial, six Slayman raspberry plants. W. P. Eupert & Son, Seneca, N.Y. — Two trees of Vermont Beauty Pear. 117 Mr. "W. H. Phillips, Staunton, Ind. — One dozen Phillips' No. 1 strawberry. Mr. A. M. Smith, St, Catharines, Ont. — Smith's G-iant Raspberry. Mr. W. W. Hilborn, Leamington, Ont.— Greenfield Red Currant. Rev. Robt. Hamilton, Grenville, Que. — Apple scions. Fitz-james Pear Co., Himrods, N.Y. — Two Fitz-james pear trees. Mr. R. B. White, Ottawa. — Seedling plums. Mr. J. P. Cockburn, Gravenhurst, Ont. — Seeds and roots of Witch-hazel and Muskoka June berries. Chase Bros. & Co., Rochester, N.Y. — Two trees of North Star apple. Prof. J. L. Budd, Ames, la.— Scions of Russian apples and pears. Linus Woolverton, Esq., M.A., Grimsby, Ont. — Small fruit plants, and much valuable assistance in various lines. I have also to acknowledge with thanks valuable assistance from Mr. Wm. Ciaig, jun., and Mr. J. M. Fisk, of Abbotsford, Que., in conducting experiments for the treatment of " apple scab." MEETINGS ATTENDED. ' During the winter I had the opportunity of meeting farmers at institute work in various places throughout the Province of Ontario, and was pleased to note the growing interest in fruit culture, manifested by their efforts to gain all informa- tion possible in regard to newer varieties and improved methods of cultivation. By courtesy of the Hon. Minister of Agriculture I had the privilege of attend- ing the twenty-third biennial session of the American Pomological Society, held in Washington last December. The work of revising fruit lists for the whole union, and passing on the continuous stream of new varieties being pressed upon the public, are among the functions of this society. Three days were spent very profitably in session with the Ontario Fruit Growers' Association, at their winter meeting in Hamilton in December. The important part this society is taking in furthering the fruit interests of the Dominion, as well as the Province of Ontario, is very meritorious, and should receive the hearty co-operation of all interested in fruit-growing, wherever located. I have the honour to be. Sir, Your obedient servant, JOHN CRAIG, Horticulturist. I.— LARGE FRUITS. APPLES. ^he winter of 1890-91, though not remarkably severe on the whole, was yet unusually trying on trees and plants having terminal wood not well ripened, par- ticularly young nursery stock. The sudden fall of temperature in the latter half of December, 1890, to 15° below zero, and this at a time when there was no protecting blanket of enow, caused root-killing to a considerable extent in the case of one and two-year-old nursery stock, especially in light soils. In many instances, with root grafts, the lower root section was entirely killed ; the young tree when not killed, being supported by the upper and hardier roots emitted from the scion. This state of affairs was particularly noticeable with many of the Russian varieties in nursery here. As a consequence, quite a percentage of one-year-olds was killed. Nursery stock on heavier soil did not suffer to the same extent. Planting Season. — With practically no rainfall during the month of May and up to the last half of June, the spring season, with its drought and cold winds, was extremely unfavourable to planting and transplanting of all kinds, as well as to the best returns from small fruit plantations. The heavy rains of July and August 118 induced a later growth than usual in trees and shrubs, more especially affecting root grafts and young nursery stock not previously well rooted. Cultivation. — The same system of cultivation in orchard management has been continued as that outlined in my report for 1890. INJURIES PROM MICE. Owing to the great amount of damage sustained by young orchards throughout the countiy during the past winter, many questions have come in relating to the best and cheapest means of repelling the attacks of field mice. As varying conditions often call for different treatment, the following preventives and remedies are suggested :— Preventives. — 1. Eemove all rubbish that may lie about the orchard affording hiding places for mice. 2. Trjimp the snow firmly about the trees after each snow storm. 3. In the autumn, befoie the ground freezes, bank each tree with earth to the height of fiom 12 to 15 inches. This was done the past season to the 1,700 trees m the orchard of the Central Experimental Farm, at a cost of "53 cents per tree, or a little over a half of 1 cent. 4. Tarred paper, which has been allowed to dry for a few days after being cut into squares of the required size, is also very serviceable. It may be fastened round the stem of the tree with twine, or may be held in place by a single carpet tack^ pressed through the over-lapping edges into the bark. Washes. — 5. Portland cement of the consistency of common paint, to which i» added Paris green in the proportion of 3 or 4 oz. to 3 gallons of the former. Apply with a brush, as a paint. 6. Slake 1 peck of fresh lime and make to the consistency of paint, adding half a gallon of soft soap, half a gallon crude carbolic acid, and 3 or 4 pounds of sulphur. Remedial. — 1. In all cases with a sharp knife pare the wound smoothly. If the wound is 18 inches or more from the ground, cover completely with a thin coating of grafting wax, and wrap with a cloth to prevent wax melting, and to assist in excluding the air. 2. When the wound is near the base of the tree, cover with grafting wax or green cow-dung, held in place by rough sacking ; or the tree may be banked with earth to a point above the wound, which is preferable. The main idea is to prevent evaporation by excluding the air, and keeping the tissues in a normally moist condition. Under such circumstances, when taken in time, trees will frequently recover, though completely girdled. I wish to again impiess the importance of keeping the bark on the stems and branches of the young trees in a clean and healthy condition, by the application of alkaline washes. Apart from preventing injury from scale insects, such washes repel the inj-oads of borers to an extent not generally appreciated. In looking through an orchard of 100 acres, chiefly made up of Duchess, the property of Messrs. Bard well and Haviland, of Fort Dodge, Iowa, I could not, after the most careful examination, find a single tree injured by borer, or affected with sun-scald This result Mr. Haviland attributes entirely to the systematic and regular application of such a wash as is recommended in my report of last year. The cost will vary from 30 to 50 cents per bundled trees for the season. Low Heads. — Another point which I wish to emphasize in connection with orchard- ing at the north is the importance of heading the trees low and growing somewhat in bush form. The experience of Messrs. Bedford and Mackay, of Brandon and Indian Head, bears strong and unmistakable evidence on this point — a larger percentage in every case of standards of the same vai-ieties failing than those planted as one-year- olds and allowed to branch low. In climates subject to sudden extremes, long- unprotected stems are very liable to suffer injury from sun-scald and bark-bursting. Again, the low head, from its proximity to the ground, assists in collecting snow, which does valuable service to the object covered in protecting it from extremes of 119 temperature. To intending planters in northern Ontario and Manitoba I would saj, purchase one-year-old root-grafted trees, selecting varieties as hardy or hardier than Duchess, cut them back and set in nursery row, for two years, then sot out in per- manent orchard situation, and train in low bush form. More lasting benefit will be gained from this class of tree than from the much finer looking standards, which may have been forced in nursery. NEW VARIETIES. Among the many new varieties which are being constantly heralded from different points, it is often diflficnlt to discriminate between the useful and useless. Of the many aspirants for public recognition I think none more worthy than that known as " McMahon's White." The fruit of thia was exhibited at the last meeting of the American Pomological Society in Washington, grown both in Wis- consin and Minnesota. A large oblong waxy yellow apple, with a light blush on one side, flesh white, juicy and of fair quality. A dozen trees of this on the experi- mental farm are among the most vigorous and healthy in orchard. Mr. A. L. Hatch, of Ithaca, Wisconsin, writes me as follows: "A seedling from Alexander introduced here about 20 years ago, and is proving more valuable than any other. It will grow and bear apples ' next year ' when other varieties are tired out. I had 80 ban-els of it this year — sold higher in Chicago and St. Paul than any other of its season." STANDARD VARIETIES ADDED, 1891. Arkansas. Kinnaird's Seedling. do Black. Lankford do do Beauty. Mason's Orange. Crawford. Nero. Clayton. Osceola. Cotfelt Beauty. Eainbow. CuUin's Keeper. Eebel, Dickinson, Shackelford. Dr. Walker. Spencer. Early Colton. Stuart's Golden. Family Favourite, York Imperial. Huntsman . North Star. Ivanhoe. Gauo. As the majority of the varieties mentioned above are from points considerably to the south of Ottawa, it is not expected that they will in all cases prove hardy, but opportunities are not wanting whereby their usefulness for southern Ontario can be detei'mined. In the accompanying tabular statement a classification of varieties now in the standard orchard is made on the basis of relative immunity from injury, during the ■wintei- of 1890-91. Those in column 2 "slightly injured," lost in most cases only a few inches of the terminal growth. In column 3 the injury was more severe, and was often accompanied by sun-scald and stem injury. In column 4 will be found varieties which seem to have died from unadaptability to soil and climate — the latter particularly — and which in this and similiar localities should only be tried as top- grafts in a limited way, if at all. 120 Table showing effect of Winter of 1890-91 on Standard Apple Orchard. 1. Uninjured. Slightly Injured- .3. Considerably Injured, 4. Killed. Baxter. Ben Davis American Beauty Belle de Boskoop Brewington Baldwin (American) Bottle Greening Cooper's Market, King (3 out of 5). Bombarger Canada Baldwin Cranberry Pippin Early Harvest Gravenstein Hurlbut Lady Henniker. Benoni. Nonpareil. Duke of Connaught Beauty of the Worid .... Chenango Strawberry Dominie ... Fallawater Perry Russet. Duchess . R. I. Greening. Fameuse '. . . Fanny ... . Missouri Pippin. Nodhead , Red Russet. Swayzie Pomme-grisc G-olden Russet Lord Suffield Rome Beauty Shannon Sweet Bough Winter Bough. Gideon (riant Swaar Magog Red Streak Northern Spy Primate ... Ribston Pippin RoLfe... . Red Beitigheimer. ... Roxbury Russet Stump Seek-no-further Haas. Sutton's Beauty Keswick Codlin Utter's Red Vandevere Wagener Lawver McMahon Whita Mcintosh Red Wine Sap Mann Orange Winter Princess Louise Winter Pippin Sharpe's Russet Spitzenberg ... . .Sops of Wine Wolf River Peach Plumb's Cider R^ed Astrachan Richards' Graft St. Lawrence Snyder. . . Shiawassie Beauty Saxton Scott's Winter Talman's Sweet Walbridge Winter St. Lawrence McMahon 's White BussiAN Apples, The work of testing the merits and studying the habits of this race of apples has been carried on during the year, as much as opportunity and time afforded. To more rapidly advance this line of investigation, a visit by the writer was made last autumn, to the western States, by instruction of the Honourable the Minister of Agri- culture. Some of the information gained from this visit, as well as the combined experience of the most careful experimenters are here given, in such form as may serve as a guide to propagators. Conclusions reached are (1) that the northern limits of apple culture can be materially extended by planting the hardiest of these varieties. 2. That all fruit-growing districts of Canada may be benefited by adding a judicious selection of the best kinds. 3. That among them are many valuable summer varieties. 4. That experience seems to indicate that among them are winter apples of fair quality and superior hardiness. 5. That in the milder portions of Ontario, these winter apples are not yet BuflSciently tested to be recommended for more than trial, in a limited way. 6. That nursery men supplying the needs of northern planters should propagate varieties mentioned hereafter, taking special care to send them out true to name. 121 SUMMER. Anisovka (No. 185 .Dept.) — A large fine looking apple of the Duchess type, but about two weeks later. The tree is extremely hardy, and is recommended for trial where the Duchess fails. It is spoken of in Minnesota as an early fall apple of great promise. Yellow Tiiansparent (No. 334 Dept.^ — This has now become so widely and so favourably known, that it is almost superfluous to insert it in this list. It has been mentioned as one of the leading apples in almost every list received, from Minnesota to Vermont. Its weak point in the western States is its liability to suffer from blight. Of its hardiness, quality of fj-uit, and eai-ly heavy-bearing habits, theie is no question ; in fact, this latter characteristic has been the means of bringing it thus rapidly before the public. Experience teaches that this variety needs high cultiva- tion and careful thinning of fruit, in order to maintain a product of first quality, and perfect vigour of tree. Breskovka (152 M.) — One of the Moscow importation by Prof. Budd. This fruited as a top gi-aft last year in the Niagara district, but was past its season when I saw it early in September; and in speaking of it, I do so principally on the recommendation of others with whom it has fruited. The tree is hardy at Ottawa, as it is in Iowa and Minnesota. As a dessert fruit, a week or two later than Yellow Trans- parent, it is highly spoken of. English Borovinka (9 M). — Imported by Prof. Budd. Fruited at Abbotsford the past two years. Medium to large ; flat conical; yellow ground ; nearly coveied with splashes and redwLripes. Calyx partly open; basin large, wrinkled ; stem three- quarters to an inch long ; cavity narrow, deep and russeted. Flesh white, with sometimes a purplish tinge, sub-acid, fair quality. Season, September; keeps till November. A handsome early fall apple. Haidy in Minnesota. This is quite different from Borovinka, No. 245 of the Dept., which is not included in this list, as its place seems to be filled by Anisovka (No. 185 Dept.) Charlamopp (2t)2 Dept.) — A hardy tree, of which favourable reports came from Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin. It is also doing well io various parts of the Pro- vince of Quebec, and at Ottawa. Fruit large, rather handsome ; of the Duchess type in appearance, quality and season. White Naliv (No. 157 Dept.) — This fruit answers the description of Dr. Kegel, as translated by the late Chas. Gibb. He says: " It stands our severest winters at St. Petersburg, and bears every year; at any rate, heavily every second year." Mr. Tuttle says: "A most valuable tree in orchard, hardy and free from blight." Good repoits come from various points in Iowa as well. Fruit about medium size, yellow ground, sometimes quite highly coloured ; fair quality. Eipens here about the middle of August. Blushed Calville (22 M). — Hardy at Ottawa. Eecommended from Minnesota ■and Iowa as a summer apple; a little later than Yellow Transparent, and a better tree. Mr. Peterson, of Minnesota, says : " Hardy, free from blight ; better than Duchess." LuBSKllEiNETTE(444-De^.) — "Is a summer apple, having juicy white flesh; fair to good in quality ; fine-grained and good size; round in shape ; suffused with carmine red over a white waxj' ground ; far more beautiful than any other apple I ever saw of any kind. For two seasons I sent them in barrels to 6t. Paul, Minn., and they sold at a higher price than any other kind and more were asked for each time. The tree is as good. a grower as Duchess, not very fine in nursery, but good in oi'chard, though in some instances it blights slightly, not more, however, than Fameuse ; also has scabbed, but veiy little when compared to Fameuse. For an early, fancy, high- priced apple, for a gilt-edged market, it is sure to be satisfactory and liked ; it can be well grown in j'-our climate, where the summer heat is probably not so intense as here." — A. L. Hatch, Ithaca, Wis. This has not fruited in Canada that I am aware of, but the tree is doing well at Ottawa and Abbotsford, Que., and should be more generally tested. 122 Thaler (^JHo. 342 Dep.) — This is thought by a few growers to be identical with Yellow Transparent, Mi-. Tuttle, of Wisconsin, clainaing the fruit to be the same, but the tree less liable to blight. Mr. Speer, of Iowa, thinks the tree more productive, but we in Canada have no fault to find with the Yellow Transparent in that respect. In my opinion, for Canadian planters, one is as good as the other, the fruit being so nearly alike, and the trees being equally hardy. LiVLAND Raspberry (No. 340 Dep.) — This bears an attractive-looking fruit of fair quality, ripening about 1st September. The tree ranks with Wealthy in hardiness, but is not as thrifty in growth. It has been recommended in Wisconsin, and suc- ceeds well in the Province of Quebec. PALL. White Pigeon (317 Dep.) — Tree undoubtedly hardy. The wood of this variety is among the brightest and clearest in a string of nearly two hundred specimens, made up of cross sections of the stems of three-year-old nursery trees, taken at the critical point — the terminal bud of the first year's growth — presented to the Iowa Horticultural Society, after a recent test winter, by Mr. W. C. Haviland, of Fort Dodge. Mr. Webster, of Vermont, briefly describes the fruit as "a good substitute for the banana." Emphatic statements come from Minnesota in regard to its hardi- ness, and Mr. R. W. Shepherd has the following to say in regard to quality: — " The quality is best. It is the best dessert Russian I have yet seen or tasted ; flesh firm and juicy, with delicious pear-like flavour. I consider White Pigeon equal to Early Joe in quality — than which nothing can be better; being a hardy tree, whereas Early Joe is only half hardy, it is the best fall dessert apple for this province for home use." Juicy Naliv (544 Dep.) — What I have seen of this tree and fruit, has impressed me with the belief that it will prove valuable, along northern limits of fruit-growing in Canada. Messrs. Perry, of Beaver Dam, Wis., and R. P. Speer, of Cedar Falls, la., both speak highly of this as a hardy fall variety. Mr. Speer classes it with those of the Hibernal type. Fruit, medium to large, handsomely coloured ; fair quality. At Ottawa the tree is a vigorous upright grower, quite hardy. White Pelikanofp (980 Dep.) — This has been favourably noticed by several growers in Minnesota, on account of hardiness and almost entire freedom from blight. The fruit, as I saw it, is about the size of Duchess and better in quality, keeping into early winter. Golden White (978 Dep.) — This has already been somewhat widely disseminated in the Province of Quebec, and last year was among the fruits distributed by the Fruit Growers' Association of Ontario. Specimens of the fruit received from Mr. R. Brodie, of St. Henri de Montreal, were large to very large, oblong ribbed and slightly irregular ; colour, a rich yellow ground, covered with carmine splashings towards the stem end ; calyx open, basin small, in some specimens almost absent; flesh white, crisp, tender and juicy ; sub-acid ; very good. Season, September and October. At Abbotsford, Que., it has shown some tendency to scab and crack. ZoLOTOREPF (275 Dep.) — This may be classed with Titovka, 2 Dept. 430, Ribbed Naliv, 285, and Basil the Great, 971, all large coarse fall apples which seem to be intermediate between the Duchess and Alexander families. The trees are all hardy, and were among the first to fruit at Abbotsford. The Zolotoreff" tree has given greatest satisfaction and is recommended for the colder districts. Described in the report for 1890. SwiTZER (304 Dep.) — "Has made larger full-branched trees than any other Russian. Three trees about 18 years old yielded 40 bushels for me this last season, and were very good apples ; somewhat inclined to scab, but is one of the best of all the Russians where quantity is an object, and if it can be grown free from scab, as I think it can be with you. Late summer here." — A. L. Hatch, Wis. " A fall apple, which may possibly keep as long as Fameuse under favourable circumstances. Has fruited at Como for the last four or five seasons. It is of Fameuse 123 type and quality. It must become a favorite dessert apple, as its appearance and excellent quality place it in the front rank. The aromatic odour of the Switzer when ripe is more powerful than any other apple I know of. The tree is a heavy bearer, but its weak point is a tendency to drop the fruit considerably 8ome seasons. Taking it altogether, the Switzer is a great acquisition, and could no doubt be grown successfully in unfavourable localities where the Fameuse does not succeed." — E. W. Shepherd. I do not think we can rank this among the hardiest, as at Mr. Haviland's place, northern Iowa, the wood was badly coloured; also at points in Minnesota it did not exhibit the same power to resist extremes as did many others. Tet, where Wealthy succeeds, I think it can be safely planted. In regard to quality, it is not overrated by Messrs. Hatch and Shepherd. WINTER. OsTREKOPF (4 m.) — One of Prof. Budd's importation from Moscow. A perfect tree at Ottawa, giving a few specimens of fruit last year — the second from planting. The tree is doing well in Minnesota and Iowa, where it is looked upon as a decided acquisition. The fruit is medium to large, round waxy yellow, with bright blush on sunny side, flesh white, sub-acid, juicy, melting, good. Mr. Peterson, of Minn., says " keeps till March." I was very much pleased with this as seen in barrels at the Iowa Agricultural College last summer, and was impressed with the idea that it would make an atti*active and saleable market apple. OsTREKOFP (472 Dep.) — Is also a winter apple and a hardy tree. I have been Tinable to compare the fruit of these two, but Mr. Peterson, of Minnesota, can see no diflference between this and Lieby, or Hibernal. Antonovka (236 Dep. 26 m.) — Although received from several sources, all appear true to name. This has proved valuable in the west, only in locations more or less free from blight. The tree is unquestionably hardy, and I have every hope of it being very serviceable at the north. Fruit medium to large, nearly round, yellow, without much colour ; flesh white, breaking, briskly acid, but pleasant. I should like to see it widely tested. This will prove fell and early winter in many sections. Hibernal (378 Dep.) — This has been fruiting for a number of years over wide areas. Two points are thoroughly established : 1. That it is one of the hardiest of all the Eussian apples. 2. That it has no value as a dessert fruit, but as winter cooking apple is very useful. In the many reports which I have received, in no case has this or Lieby, which is almost identical, been omitted from the autumn or winter list. Growers in Iowa, Minnesota, Dakota, Montana, Wisconsin, Vermont and the Province of Quebec, all testify to its value for the north. In districts where Wealthy, Pewaukee and Scott's Winter succeed, there is little room for apples of this quality, except as stocks for top grafting; but for points farther north its value has become generally recognized. Lonqfield (161 Dep.) — Eather better known than the majority of theEussians, on account of its habit of bearing j'oung and heavily. The tree is very distinctive in appearance, a poor grower in nursery, shaping itself in orchard into a conical form, with the lower branches quite drooping; leaves silvery on the lower side. The size of the fruit depends much on care and cultivation; being a tremendous annual bearer, if not well manured and thinned, the fruit soon deteriorates and becomes email. Quality is first-class. For home use this should be encouraged. Ordinarily its season is that of Fameuse, or a little later in the Province of Quebec. Eed Eeinette (316 Dep.) — This tree is reported by Mr. Hatch, of Wisconsin, as not being very hardy, yet it is succeeding well with Mr. Somerville of Minnesota, and Mr. Havi and, of Iowa. Hardy, at Ottawa and at various points where tried in Quebec. Fruit medium to large, round, approaching conical in form ; green ground, coveied on one side with a dark red blush ; texture of flesh very firm, veiy pleasant 8ub-acid, a good keeper. Cross (413 Dep.) — This is a fruit of medium size, flat, sometimes ribbed ; green,, with light red splashes on the sunny side ; calyx closed, basin irregular, wrinkled ; 124 Btem thick, set in a deep wide cavity; flesh white, mild, sub-acid; season, early winter. Ti-ee a strong grower, perfectly hai-dy here and at Abbotsford. It is suc- ceeding admirably in Minnesota and Northern Iowa. GiPSEY (1,227 -De/?.) — This was noted in the report of la«t year, and is repeated heie to emphasize its value. About the season of Fameuse. Silken Leap (32*7 Z>ep., 75 m.) — A very hardy tree, bearing large, coarse-fleshed apples, of value only for culinary purposes. As in the case of Hibernal, the planting of this should be confined exclusively to extreme northern situations. Valuable as atop-working stock. Arabka (257 JDep. Imported by Elwanger & Barry, Rochester, N.T.) — This was also mentioned in my report for 1890, and should have a place with planters in northern Ontario. (No. 315 Dep. Herren, as fruited at Abbotsford, seems to be identical with the above.) EoYAL Table (5 m.) — See report for 1890. Zusopp (585 Dep.') — Prof. Budd reports this not quite hardy at Ames, but Messrs. Somerville and Harris, of Minnesota, pronounce it satisfactory, and Mr. Tuttle, of Wisconsin, gives it three stars, and says it is equal to Fameuse in quality. It is certainly one of the handsomest large winter apples I have seen. I cannot speak of its hardiness at Ottawa, as it was only added to the collection last year. I feel jutisfied in saying, however, that where the Fameuse is hardy it can be safely planted. Fruit large, round and symmetrical, almost entirely covered with a rich tember 30. Chase Bros. (New) October 2. Ives Amber Queen do 2. do 2. September 30. do 30. Elsinburg Burnet do i do I October 1 do 1 do 1 do 2 do 5 do 5 do 5 do 5 do 5 do 7 do 7 do 7 do 7 do 10 do 10 50.... 50.... October 1. do 7. do 7. do 2. do 3. August Giant do 2. Cambridge do 7. do 5. Canada Arnold do 5. do 10. do 6. Alvey September 21 . . . do 21... do 4... do 24... do 24... do 25... do 20... do 26... October 1 September 26... do 7. Cle vener do 7. do 7. Rogers No. 2 Oct. 7 partly ripe, do 10. do 12 not ripe. Cunningham do 12 do Isabella do 12 do Senasqua do 12 do do 12 partly rip* 127 Eed Grapes. Name. Delaware Meyer . . . , Dracut Amber • . . . Mary . Northern Muscadine . . Rogers No. 30 Gaertner Poughkeepsie Brighton Rogers No. 13 Lindley Rogers No. 24 Maxatawney Owasso , . . Salem , Massasoit Norwood Victoria Berckmans Rogers No. 5 WoodruEE Agawam . .' , Rogers No. 39 Jefferson Requa, Rogers No. 2S Vergennes Oriental Highland Uiana Ulster Prolific Catawba Beauty Rogers No. 32 Challenge , lona Date of Colouring. September 5 do 8 do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do 16. 6, 14 11. 14. 12. 12. 12. 14. 20. 14. 16. 9. 16. 18. 21. 24. 16. 16. 16. 22. 21. 26. 20 24. 24. 24. 24. 21. 25. 20. 25. 30. Date of Ripening. September 16 do 17 do do do do do do do do do do do do October 1 . do do do do do do do do do do do do 10 October 10 do 10 • Date of Gathering. October do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do Oct. 7, do 10, do 10, do 10, do 12, do 10, do 10, do 10, 1 1 1 1 3 3 2 2 2 3 1 1 1 1 3 1 2 2 7 5 7 5 10 10 6 6 10 not ripe do partly rip« do not ripe do partly ripe do 128 White Grapes. • Name. Date of changins Colour. Date of Ripening. Date of Gathering. Hayes September 15 . . . do 8... do «... do 4... do 12... do 20... do 18... do 18... do 19... do 18... do 20. . do 15... do T8. . do 20... do 22... do 15... September 24 . . . do 24... do 25... do 25... do 25... do 25... do 26... do 26 .. do 27... do 28... do 28... do 30... do 30... October 1 . . . . do 4 .... do 5 do 5 do 7 do 7 do 10 do 10 do 10 do 10... do 10.. October 2 El Dorado September 30 Lady October 1 Jessica Empire State . do 3 do 3 Roger's Na 34 Allen's Hybrid September 30 October 3 Duchess Moore's Diamond Perkins do 6 do 2 do 4 Kensington Niagara Grem's No. 7 do 4 ds 4 do 1 Irving Elvira do 4 do 7 Martha Wilding do 5 Ladv Washinsrton . . ... Prentiss September 20 . . . do 19... do 21... do 21... do 21... do 20. . . October 1 do 10 Grein's Golden Amber Noah ... do 5 do. 10 do 10 do 10 do 5 Oct. 10, not T'np» TransDarent. . . do 10, do do 10, do Imperial . Eva September 30 . . . do 10, do do 10, do Pearl . .... do 10, do do 12, do Missouri Reisling. September 21 . . . do 5, do NOTES OF VARIETIES. In considering the following opinions, it must be borne in mind that of all edible fruited plants, gi-ape vines are among the most variable as to constitution of vine, quality, and quantity of fruit. Slight differences in soil and exposure often cause •jreat variability in the nature of the product. In the main, the information given 18 bashed on the behaviour of each variety on the grounds of the Central Expeiimental Farm, supplemented in some instances by outside observation and experience. I am indebted to the excellent Grape Manual published by Messrs. Bush & Son & Meissner, of Bushberg, Mo., U.S., for the nomenclature and origin of many of the varieties mentioned. To elucidate future reference, it may be well to say that all our cultivated grape vines east of the Rocky Mountains are derived from a few wild species, by crossing or hybridization between our natives, or with representatives of the European species, Vitis Vinifera. 1. ViTis Labrusca or Northern Fox Grape, native of the south New England and middle States. The Rogers' varieties are largely derived from ihis source. 2. YiTis EiPARiA is what is known in northern sections as the Frost Grape ; distri- buted throughout Canada and the north-western States. Clinton] Brant and Bacchus are prominent examples of this class. 3. ViTis Aestivaeis; the wine grape of the middleor southern States ; very few varieties of this species ripen as far north as any portion of Canada. 4. Vitis Vlnifera ; European or old-world species. Hybrids have been produced between this and a number of our natives, with many failures and some successes. 129 BLACK VARIETIES. Amber Queen (Labruscaf). — A hybrid introduced by EUwanger & Barry, some- times classed with red grapes. Bunch medium to large ; berries large oval ; amber at first, turning black when fully ripe; good quality; usually three or four days earlier than Concord ; keeps well. This is not the Amber Queen grown by a number of amateurs, proprietors of city gardens in Ottawa. This is a puie amber- coloured grape. Alma (liiparia.) — This was erroneously described as a white grape in the report of 1890. 1 should have said small black, of the Clinton type. May be of value in districts south of this as a wine grape. August Giant (Hybrid.) — A cross between Black Hamburg and Marion, retain- ing the characteristics of bunch and berry of the former. Does not attain full per- fection of maturity here, although it colours well. Vine a rampant grower, but subject to winter killing. As an amateur variety for points south of this it is to be commended. Alvey (Aestivalis.) — Originated in Maryland. Vine a short-jointed slow grower. Bunch medium, berries small, not promising. Ariadne (Biparia.) — Seedling of Clinton. Bunch and berry small, black, and with present experience, apparently worthless. Brant (Biparia hybr.) — A seedling of the Riparia type, produced from Clinton seed. Bunch. long narrow shouldered ; berrj'- small, with purple bloom. Flavour a sprightly vinous acid, much liked by some. Vine a rampant grower and heavy bearer, but the foliage is frequently injured by powdery mildew. It makes wine of a high quality; ripening early, it is probably the most valuable of Mr. Arnold's seedlings for northern sections. Barry (Rogers No. 43.) — Vine, like most of the Rogers varieties, a strong grower, but on these grounds has the defect of drojiping its leaves before the fruit matures. Bunch medium to large, shouldered, compact; beriy large round, covered with bloom. Mildewed slightly the past twoyeai's. Keeps till the middle of December, as ripened here. Belvidere (Labrusc.a.) — Vine closely resembles Moore's Early. Bunch medium to small ; berry small, fair quality. Further trial is needed before an opinion can be offered. Burnet (Hybrid.) — A cross between Hartford Pi-olific and Black Hamburg produced by P. C. Dempsey, of Prince Edward Co., Ont. Vine a fair grower; bunch large ; beriy medium ; size oval ; reddish black in colour ; fine quality, but does not ripensufficientlyearlyforouraverage seasons; apoor keeper; desirable for home use. Bacchus (Riparia.) — Like its parent, the Clinton, in many respects very produci tivc, but the vine is not so vigorous. Bunch and berry small, ripening unevenly ; sharp acid. Too late and uncertain for this locality or points northward. Champion (Labrusca.) — The hardiness, productiveness, and early ripening habits of this grape have given it popularity in sections where it should be replaced by varieties of better quality, as it is a question whether the cultivation of such vai-ieties trends to develop grape-growing or not. In the colder sections it has much value. Canada (Biparia hybi.) — A seedling of Clinton, crossed with one of the Euro- pen n ''grapes, produced by the late Charles Arnold, of Paris, Ont. Bunch medium, berry small, round, with a pleasant acid sprigthtliness of flavour. It ripens among the earliest; keeps only a short time. Recommended for gardens at the north. Cottage (Labrusca.) — This was given to the public by Mr. W. B. Bull, of Massa- chusetts, who originated the Concord, of which the Cottage is a seedling, and to which its foliage bears a striking resemblance. Bunch medium to large, berries larger than Concord, perfectly round; not equal to Concord in quality. In this locality the berries ■separate from the bunch immediately it ripens; but in this condition kept last year into November. Conquerer (Labrusca?) — Parentage obscure. Vine a strong grower. Bunch long, loose; berry medium size; with the summer heat of Ottawa it does not become sweet enough to be palatable. 7f— 9 130 Crevelino (Labrusca.) — Does not attain perfec'ion in this vicinity. Vine a fair grower; bunch loose; berries oval, good quality. Subject to mildew and anthracnose. A vine surrounded by Clintons has set better bunches and borne lai-ger crops than others of the same variety in the vineyai'd, showing the advantage of foreign pollen towards attaining the best results. Chase Bros' Seedling. — Fruit and vine of the Concord type. No apparent improvement. Cambridge {Labrusca.) — Closely resembling Concoi-d. No improvement. Clevener. — No record of the origin of this variety. A small black wine grape without special value. CuNNix\GHAM (Aestivalis). — Quite too late for this locality; in fact it is doubtful whether it will i-ipen in any part of Canada. Essentially a southern grape. Early Victor (Labrusca.) — Originated with John Burr, of Leavenworth, Kans., nearly twenty years ago. It belongs to the Labrusca division ; a strong grower and a heavy beai er. Bunch above medium size, very compact ; berry medium, round, with purplish bloom. Like Florence as grow.; here, it is particularly perishable, the berries shrivelling and dropping within a few days of gathering. Eipened last year 16th September, this year 20th September. In other grape-growing districts it is often spoken of as a fair keeper and shipper. Eumelan (Aestivalis.) — Supposed to be a variation of the wild grape ( Vitis Aestivalis) of Texas and Arkansas, and the earliest variety from this stock. Bunch medium size, well shouldeied; berries medium; skin thin, pulp fairly tender; ripening with Early Victor ; keeps with care up to Ist January. The vine is a short- [ointed slow grower. rLvTON (Labrusca.) — From Concord seed ; fruited for the first time on these grounds this year. A very large bunch and berry. Berries larger than any of the Black Eoger hybrids, rather pulpy. Eipens a few days earlier than Concord. Klsinburq, of Vitis Aestivalis extraction. — Vine a weak grower, with small deeply cut leaves. Fruited this year only; bunch and berry small, the latter quite seedy. Not promising. Florence (Labrusca) ? — Said to be of Lubrusca pai-entage. Vine a short-jointed, slow grower ; leaves small ; very pubescent. Bunch and berry medium to small, ripening with or before Champion. This year it matured nearly a week ahead of any other variety in the vineyard. Quality only medium. The fruit is very perish- able, shrivelling on the vine soon after maturing. As a grape for garden culture in the colder sections it is valuable. Not a market variety in nuy respect. Herbert (Hybr.) (Rogers 44.) — The product of across between Black Hamburg and Vitis Labrusca. Vine a strong grower, occas.ionally subject to mildew. Bunch and berry among the largest, very handsome and quality good. Keeps easily to the middle of January. Where this variety succeeds, it is one of the most profitable of the Eoger hybrids. Hartford Prolific (Labrusca). — An old and well known variety, especially in the eastern States, where it originated about thirty years ago. In this vicinity it cannot be taken as a standard of eariiness, as this yeai- it barely ripened before frost. In quality better than Champion, but too poor to encourage where finer grapes ripen. Iy-es (Labrusca). — Vine vigorous and healthy. Bunch medium co large; berry approaching oval in form. Although it coloui-s well, it does not thoroughly mature here. Farther south it may have value as a wine grape, for which pui-pose it was first introduced. Isabella (Labrusca). — One of the oldest representatives of the native American grape. Its place has been taken by more profitable varieties in most grape-growing districts. Does not mature here. Jashesville (Labrusca). — Origin obscure. Of Labrusca parentage. Bunch and berry small ; juicy, pleasant, but pulp is generally tough and objectionable, Eipen- ing as it does with Champion, for home use I think it preferable, but as a market variety and in point of productiveness it does not compete with the former. 131 Moore's Early (Labrusca). — A seedling of Concord. Much resembles its parent, with a larger berry and smaller bunch. Quality equal to Concord. Vine rather a slow grower; needs careful cultivation and liberal manuring. For home use and market it should have a place in every collection. Merrimac (^o^ers iVb. 19). — Vine an exceptionally free grower, usually healthy and exempt from mildew ; bunch medium size, roundish, and compact. In bunch and berry closely resembling Barry and Wilder. Slightly sweeter however, and ripen- ing more evenly, it is on the whole preferable. Keeps well. MoNTEPiORE (^Hybrid). — Vine weakly, subject to mildew. Resembles Early Victor in size of bunch and berry. As a red wine grape, its merits have been strongly advocated farther south, and for such purpose it may be valuable in locali- ties where it ripens to perfection. Monroe (Labrusca). — A cross between Delaware and Concord byEUwanger and Barry, of Rochester, N,Y. Medium sized bunch and berry; poor quality; not desir- able. Marion (Biparia). — A southern wine grape of considerable repute. Although it colours early, yet it is one of the last to ripen, and does not attain here the requisite sweetness to make wine of the best quality. Vine hardy, vigorous and productive ; somewhat liable to mildew. Norton or Norton's Virginia ( Vitis Aestivalis), — One of the leading wine grapes of the South Central States, Bunchsmall; berry medium ; verj^ sour as fruited here, the summer heat being insuflftcient to bring it to perfection, Naomi (^Biparia hybr.) — Of Clinton parentage with a mixture of foreign blood. Vine vigorous, productive ; bunch large, shouldered ; berry small ; quality very good, with a peculiar sugary suggestion. I am inclined to think favourably of this as an amateur variety where it will ripen. Uncertain in this vicinity, Othello (Arnold's Hybrid, No, 1,) (Riparia hybrid.) — Vine vigorous, and pro- ductive. Does not ripen here. One of the most popular of our American grajDes in France, for making wine. Potter (Labrusca?) — Bunch compact, medium size, not shouldered; berry lai'ge ; altogether resembling Cottage quite closely ; skin thick, and pulp rather tough. Ripened last year with Champion, this year about one week later; much better quality. Fe ABODY (Biparia). — A seedling of Clinton, raised by Mr. Ricketts, of New York State. Bunch and berry medium size, the latter oval with blue bloom ; seeds large; berry juicy, acid, with a peculiar breaking quality of flesh. Matures about a week later than Moore's Early ; vine a fair grower, Pizzaro (Riparia hybrid). — A cross between Clinton and a foreign variety. Bunch and berry small black; late; not desirable, Rogers No. 17 {Hybrid). — Much resembling Herbert, No. 44, and apparently no improvement. Rogers No. 36 (Hybrid). — Same season as last; not quite as large as Herbert. Vine a strong grower, free from mildew. Rogers No. 2 (Hybrid). — Vine a stiong grower ; subject to leaf mildew. Bunch large; berry very large, oval; sharp acid. Too late for this and similar latitudes. Secretary (Biparia hybrid). — A cross by Mr. Ricketts between Clinton and a foreign variety. It retains the Clinton foliage and style of bunch. Mildews badly ; nothing to commend it for this locality, Senasqua (Labrusca hybrid). — A hybrid between Concord and Black Prince ; a foreign variety. Vine a fair grower but not hardy. Bunch of large size, very com- pact, shouldered ; berries medium ; too late to obtain an idea of quality as fruited here. Am inclined to think favourably of it for southern Ontario. Telegraph, — Of the Labrusca or Southern Fox grape type, coming according to the Bushberg catalogue from Pennsylvania. Bunch medium, very compact ; berry purplish black, oval; sweet, with slightly foxy flavour. I am inclined to think favourably of it. 7f— 9| 132 WoRDEN (Labrusca). — A seedling of Concord; for this climate much more desir- able, on account of maturing a week or ten days earlier, and being of better quality. As a shipping grape it does not come up to the standard of Concord, being thinner in skin and more tender geiierally. Vine hardy and vigorous. Owing to the great demand for this variety when first given to the public, many vines not true to name were sold, resulting in great disappointment to purchasers as the reputed Wordens frequently developed into good old-fashioned Concords. This was our experience with four out of six vines of this variety planted in the experimental vineyard. RED VARIETIES. Agawam (Rogers No. 15). — Vine a strong free growth, inclined to mildew ; bears profusely. Bunch and berry large; colour, dark crimson; very rich ; juicy; of first quality. Skin thick; keeps well without losing its flavour. In this section it does not I'ipen to perfection every season. Ami^jia (Rogers No. 39). — Eesembles the last so closely as to render a description unnecessar3^ In flavour and keeping qualities not equal. Vine fairly vigorous. Brighton (Lahr. hybrid) — A cross between Concord and Diana Hamburg. A strong, free grower; very productive; fairly free from mildew. Bunch large; well shouldered; berry medium ; colour, dark crimson; pulp melting ; juice very sweet; equal to Delaware in quality. Unless perfectly ripened does not keep well, losing flavour in three or four weeks. Too tender for distant shipment; whei-e it ripens^ invaluable for home use. Matured comparatively earlier this year than last. Berckman's (Riparia hybrid). — Eesembles Clinton, one of its parents, in form of bunch, and Delaware, the other parent, in flavour — not quite so sweet however. Eipened last year a few days after Delaware, but was much later this season. I am inclined to think well of it. Beauty (Labrusca). — Said to have originated in Minnesota from Delaware, which it resembles. Bunch, medium, compact; berry round, rnedium size; the colour of Salem, with a purplish tinge; pulpy; poor quality. Catawba (Labrusca). — One of the oldest and most widely known grapes in cultivation, being a selection from the native vitis Labrusca, of North Carolina, introduced nearly seventy years ago. Valuable as a market grape where it ripens and is free from mildew ; much too late for this vicinitv. Challenge (Labrusca hybrid) . — Said to have originated fromConcord seed, fertil- ized with a foreign variety. Bunch large; berry medium fair quality; ripens very unevenly, and late. Delaware ( Vinifera hybrid). — The origin of this widely disseminated variety is unknown. Vine a slow grower, never attaining very large size ; hence particularly valuable for garden culture. Bunch medium; berry small, very sweet and juicy; quality best. In the Mississippi valley, where this does not succeed on its own roots, it has been grown satisfactorily grafted on Concord roots. One of the most valuable for this latitude. Dracut Amber (Labrusca). — Is simply a variation of the Southern Fox grape, maturing exceptionally early. Vine vigorous ; bunch large ; berries large, round and thick-skinned; a poor keeper, with such a strong foxy odour as to be very objectionable to most people; hardly worthy of propagation. Diana (Labrusca). — Vine succeeds well, but its fruit does not ripen here. Gaertner (Rogers No. 14). — A very strong grower, with healthy foliage. Bunch medium; berry large, light amber; attractive; good quality; when kept, developes a slight foxiness. Eipening as it does soon after Delaware, considering quality and productiveness, it will generally give satisfaction. Highland (Labrusca hybrid). — Produced from Concord fertilized with a foreign variety, by Mr. Eicketts, of New York. Vine a weak grower; bunch long; berry medium size, and of bright, attractive colour ; skin thick; very juicy ; acid as grown here, where it does not thoroughly mature ; a variety well worth testing south of this. 183 loNA (JJabrusca). — A seedling of Catawba; a fair grower, bearing fruit of first quality; is subject to mildew ; ripens with Catawba; too late for this locality. Jefferson (Labrusca) . — A cross between Concord andlona, by Mi-. Eicketts, of New York. Vine a strong grower, of the Concord type; atfected with anthracnose the past season. Bunch large; berry medium size, bright red, thick .skinned; in quality very rich and juicy. In keeping it shrivels, but retains its flavour; as a mai'ket grape, where there is a longer ripening season than at Ottawa, it should be more generall}- planted. LiNDLEY (Rogers No. 9). — Without doubt one of the most valuable and gener- ally adaptable of Eogers' hybrids. Vine a healthy, free grower. Bunch long, loose, occasionally so, from impei-fect fertilization; berry medium to large, juicy and rich ; kee]>i= without extra care till the first of January. MoYER. The proprietor of this grape, Mr. E. D. Smith, of Winona, says, that it originated with Mr. Allan Moyer in Lincoln Count}-, Ontario, about ten jears ago. As fruited here this year it seems almost an exact counterpart of Dela- ware; the berry slightly larger ; bunch generally smaller ; quality is good ; worthy of trial. Mary {Labrusca). — Introduced by Jacob Eommel, of Missouri. Vine a free, healthy grower, with Roger-like foliage; productive; bunch large, shouldered; berries medium to large; light amber; skin thick; juicy, sweet; quality, fair to g'ood ; keeps to 1st January; very promising. Maxatawxey (Labrusca). — Bunch small; beri-y medium size ; amber coloured ; quite foxy; poor quality; shrivels soon after picking; further trial is needed ; not promising, Massasoit (Rogers No. 3.) — A fair grower; ripening with Salem. Bunch larger, beriy smaller ; light red ; good quality ; much subject to mildew ; preferred by many to Salem or Agawam ; keeps well into December or January, Northern Muscadine ( Labrusca.). — Another very foxy kind, closely resembling in that respect Dracut Amber. Bunch and berrj^ medium size; dull amber colour; fiiirly productive. For those who admii-e the decidedly foxy characteristics, it is worth ])lanting. NoRAvooD (Labrusca.) — In growth and appearance resembles Lindley, Bunch large, shouldered ; berry large; bright amber ; thick skinned ; very productive; keeps well: ripened 1890 with Delaware; this year, 1891, nearl}' two weeks later. Yqvj desirable. 0\y A^9,(y (Labrusca.) — Stronggrower; productive foliage, and fruit apt to mildew. Bunch large, long and loose; imperfectly fertilized. Beriy dark amber, mottled; poor keeper; hardly to be commended, PouGHKEEPSiE, — From lona and Delaware seed; vine a weak grower; entirely lacking vigour on these grounds. Bunch and berry larger than Delaware ; not equal in quality but fairly good. Does not keep well ; should be tested in a limited way. Eogers No, 30 (Hybrid.) — Vine vigorous, productive. Bunch large. Berry very lai'ge, rich and juicy ; i-ather irregular as to date of ripening; last year it matured after Lindley ; this year four or five days ahead ; a valuable variety. EoGEUS No. 13 (Hybr id. )-^-Yine a moderate grower. Bunch and berry large dark amber, good quality; resembles Vergennes quite closely, but is not preferable, as it is not a good keeper. Eogers No. 24 (Hybrid.) — A fairly satisfactoi-y vine, but resembling Agawam too closely to warrant propagation. Eogers No. 5 (Hybrid.) — Vinos have made a poor growth and borne lightly. In season, qualit}^ and appearance resembling Lindley. Eequa (^o^grs iVo. 28). — Vine weakly; bunch medium to large; berry large, oval, dark amber; highl}' flavoui-ed ; too late for this vicinity. Rogers No. 32 (Hybrid). — Vine vigorous and productive but lacking in foliage, ■which i-etards and prevents perfect lipening. Bunch large; berry large, oval, amber- coloured, juicy ; a fair estimate of quality could not be obtained. 134 Salem (^Rogers No. 53). — Bunch mediurn. Berry large, dark chestnut ; skin thick; juicy, and pulp rich and of first quality. Subject to mildew of vine, which injures the keeping qualities of the fruit.' One of the best of the Eo^er's hybrids where not aifected by mildew. Ulster Prolific (Labrusca). — Vine has not made a satisfactory growth. Of half a dozen planted in different situations all are feeble and making weak growth. Bunch short, shouldered; berry medium ; bright amber ; flavour not rich, but very sweet and pleasant. Where the plant succeeds it may ripen its fruit earlier than aa noted elsewhere in the table. Victoria (Labrusra). — Vine lacking vigour and hardiness; bunch loose, medium, size; berry oval ; dark amber; skin thick, acid ; not reliable for this locality. Vergennes (Labrusca). — Originated in Vermont; vine exceedingly hardy and vigorous. Bunch and berry lai-ge; skin thick; flavour rich and sprightly, which characteristic is well retained even when the fruit is kept under ordinary circum- stances. As a winter grape it pi'obably heads the list. Woodruff (Labrusca). — Said to be a cross between Concord and Catawba ; vine vigorous, short-jointed, with thick leathery leaves; bunch medium; berry large, round, light red ; foxiness distinctly noticeable ; quality fair ; cannot be considered good ; does not keep well. white varieties. Allen's Hybrid (Vinifera hybrid). — Is of interest as being the first American hybrid grape, produced nearly forty years ago. Vine a weak grower; bunch medium. Berry small; golden yellow ; fine quality; home use. Amber (Riparia). — Originated in Missouri; of the same stock as Elvira; vine a good grower; bunch and berry medium size; the former rather long and loose. A correct estimate of quality can hardly be arrived at as ripened here. AuTUCHON (Riparia hybrid). — Mr. Arnold, of Paris, Ont., produced this by cross- ing a seeding of Clinton with Golden Chasselas. A weakly vine, bearing a small .vhite grape; ripening very late; of no value here. Duchess (Labrusca hybrid). — Supposed to be of Concord and Delaware extrac- tion. Vine exceedingly vigorous and productive; bunch medium; very compact. Berry medium size; greenish white; clings well to cluster; flesh tender, with a peculiar breaking quality, and brisk vinous flavour. Because of its firm texture it should prove a desirable market variety. This grape was shown in good condition by Ellwanger & Barry, of Rochester, at the meeting of the Western New York Hor- ticultural Society, 28th January, 1892. El Dorada (Labrusca hybrid). — Produced by Mr. Ricketts, by crossing Concord with Allen's hybrid. Vine vigorous, hardy, fairly productive, but does not always set its fruit well; bunch long, loose. Berry medium to large; when fully ripened, a beautiful golden yellow. The flavour and quality are richer and finer than anything in the vineyard. Too tender for shipment, but should have a place in the garden of every amateur. Empire State (Riparia). — A cross between Hartford Prolific and Clinton, by Mr. Eicketts, of New York, who sold the vine and right of sale, to a Enchester nurser3'man for $4,000. It has not fruited in suflScient quantity in this vineyard thus far to describe it accurately. Appears to be someAvhat later than Delaware. Elvira (Riparia). — Vine hardy and a strong grower; bunch of medium size;. compact. Berry medium, round, green ; when well ripened tender, with a fine rich flavour. Judge Mosgi-ove, the proprietor of a vineyard of considerable size on the Eichmond road, finds this a profitable variety, and experiences no difficult)' in ripening it. On these grounds it has not reached perfection during any season of its fruitage thus iar. Etta (Riparia). — Said to be a seedling of Elvira. Vine a strong grower; very productive. Bunch small; berry medium to large, lound, good quality. About a week later than Elvira. Worthy of trial where the season is long enough to ripen it. Eva (Jjabrusca). — A seedling of Concord, closely resembling Martha ; a little later but not superior in any respect. 135 Irving {Hybrid?) — A single vine fruited this year for the first time in the Farm vine\''ard. Bunch medium ; berry lar^e, pinkish white ; pulp tender. Grein's Golden {parentage'?} — Vine fairly vigorous ; productive. Bunch large, loose, somewhat defective. Berry large, greenish white; thin skinned; pulp tender, juicy, pleasant, but not high flavoured subject to mildew. Valuable for home use where it succeeds. Hayes (Labrusca). — A seedling of Concord, originating with Moore's Early. Vine; a weak grower; bunch and berry small, of a rich yellow colour; flesh tender, melting; very good; keeps with ordinary care about a month. For home use only. It should be planted particularly in localities where the summer heat is comparatively limited. Imperial. — Said to be a seedling of the last, with an admixture of foreign blood, which is quite perceptible in the character of fruit. Bunch and berry medium to large ; white, with a pinkish orjilac-coloured bloom; rich and juicy, with the aroma of hot-house grapes. Subject to mildew ; it does not ripen to perfection here. Jessica ( Vinifera). — Introduced by D. W. Beadle, of St. Catharines, Ont. Vine fairly vigorous. Bunch and berry small; colour, golden yellow; thin skin; pulp tender; good quality; home use in northern sections. Kensington (Riparia hybrid). — Produced at London, Ont., some years ago,by Mr. Wm. Saunders, who pollenized Clinton with Buckland's Sweetwater. This variety, in a remarkable way, combines in fruit and vine the characteristics of both parents. Vino fairly vigorous; wood short-jointed; leaves deeply cut; bunch medium. Berry medium size, oval; white skin, thin; pulp rich and juicy ; a grape of first quality, ripening with or a little before Concord; home use. Thus far it has not been propagated to any extent, but its probable value for southern localities, should lead to giving it a more thorough trial by grape-growers. Lady (Labru&ca). — A seedling of Concord; vine is lacking in vigour; bunch small. Berry large, round ; voiy agreeable flavour, with slight foxiness. For home use it is heartily recommended on account of earliness and quality. Lady Washington (Labrusca hybrid). — Produced by poUenizing Concord with Allen's hybrid. Vine vigorous, partaking of the character of the female parent ; bunch and berry large ; pulp rather tough ; fair quality. It may be serviceable in southern Ontario. Too late for this vicinity. Moore's Diamond (Labrusca). — Said to be a cross between lona and Concord. Vine a fair to medium, sometimes weak grower; bunch medium. Berry medium size, golden yellow; flesh tender and melting; good quality; does not keep well ; probably too tender for distant shipment. Being earlier than Niagara, it has more value in the coldei- districts. Martha {Labru&ca). — A seedling of Concord; vine of the Concord type, but slower in growth ; bunch medium. Berries small, green, pulpy, often uneven in size, foxy, medium quality ; season of Concord ; not a sure crop here. Missouri Eeisling (Riparia). — A seedling by Mr. Grein from Taylor ; a white grape, quite too late for most points in Canada. iSiAGARA (Labrusca). — Said to be a cross between Concord and Cassady. Vine a vigoi ous and strong grower ; hardy, productive. Bunch large, shouldered ; berry large, round, pale yellow, as ripened in the Niagara and eastern districts. Good quality, with a well-marked foxy odour. It is subject to mildew here, and ripens only in favourable seasons. Noah {Riparia). — A seedling of Taylor. Vine makes a strong annual growth. Like all seedlings of Taylor, in this vicinity it mildews badly and is too late. Prentiss {.Labrusca). — A seedling of Isabella. Vine a good grower; bunch com- pact and large. Berry medium size; flavour pleasant, though somewhat foxy; not of high quality. In some districts it is considered a goo 1 market variety. Too late in this vicinity for that purpose. PocKLiNGTON {Labrusca). — A seedling of Concord. One of the most vigorous and hardy of vines. Bifnch large; beriy lai-ge; fair quality, with a distinct foxiness. As it carries well, it is a promising market sort where it ripens. Too late for northern Canada. 136 Perkins (Lahrusca). — Yiiie lacking in vigour; fruit drops badly. Bunch medium. Berry small to medium ; colour greenish white, turning to pale lilac, tinged with red; flesh juicy, with considerable foxiness; has no merits as a keeper. Shrivels and losses flavour i-apidly. Pearl (Riparia). — A seedling of Taylor ; very late, and utterly worthless on account of its liability to mildew. EoGERs No. 34 (Hybrid). — Vine vigorous and productive ; bunch long loose. Berry large, light yellow; skin thin; flesh tender, rich and melting; first quality. Like a number of the Eogers varieties, it is not a perfect self-fertilizer, and should not be planted in an isolated position. Valuable for home use. Taylor {Eiparia). — An old Kentuckian variety brought into notice many years ago. Vine makes satisfactory growth, but is badly affected with powdery mildew ; bunch and berry small ; poor quality ; not adapted to our soil and climatic conditions. Triumph {Labrusca hybrid). — A cross between Concord and a foreign variety, by Campbell, of Ohio. Vine not hardy here. Fruit attractive, on account of size and appearance, but its value in Canada is quite doubtful. Transparent (Riparia). — A seedling of Taylor. Vine vigorous ; very produc- tive: bunch small, very compact; berry very small, unattractive. As a wine grape it is worthy of a trial in sections to the south of this. Wilding (of Riparia and Labru&ca extraction). — Vine a fair grower, apparently hardy. Bunch rather small ; berry medium, green, very thin skinned ; pulp tender, of first quality ; subject to mildew. Home use south of this point. Strawberries. The spring of 1891 was most unfavourable to fall-set plants, of which the new plantation is composed. Cold weather and high winds, coupled with the sonoewhat sandy nature of the soil, wrought much damage to a " stand " which the previous autumn was almost perfect. On this account reliable comparisons between varieties could not be made. METHODS OF PLANTING. In setting out the new plantation in the fall of 1890 two methods of planting were adopted. Half of each variety- was planted in the ordinary way, by (1) making a hole deep enough to admit the roots without doubling them up, then spreading them carefully in all directions as much as possible, filling in the soil by hand, and taking care to compact it firmly ; (2) The remaining half was planted by striking a spade across the line of the row. Into this cleft the fan-shaped roots were inserted and spread as much as the opening would admit, and the earth then packed well about them. This method lequires a man and boy — the former to operate the spade, the latter to set the plants — and is much more rapid than the old style. Results reached are : 1. A perfect stand of plants was obtained from both methods. 2. No difference in the health and vigour of the plants comprising the two sets was noticed. 3. The spade method being more rapid, cheaper, and equally satisfactory, is therefore recommended. RENEWING OLD BEDS. When old beds have become run out and lacking in vigour, it is occasionally found convenient to renew them without losing a crop. This may be accomplished by the following plan: As soon as the crop of berries has been picked, i-emove the mulch from between the rows, dress these interspaces with rotted manuie, wood ashes, or some commercial fertilizer, which should be well worked in with a small plough or cultivator ; then train the runners into these spaces. Bj' the middle of September the young plants will have become firmly rooted, when u line is stretched on either side of the old rows, and the young plants separated rapidl}- from the old L37 with an edging knife, or sharp spade. In small plantations it will be found more convenient to use a spade than a plough in turning under the old plants j where larger, a plough will be found to be more economical. Easpberries. {Propagated from Suckers.) " With a view to test the advantage as well as cost of protecting during the winter by laying down and covering with sufficient earth to hold them in position, half of the plants of each variety were pruned and treated in this manner. The relative returns from the two sections will be carefully noted next year." (Eeportfor 1890.) RESULTS. 1. The first effect was to hasten the ripening of varieties so treated from five to eight days. 2. VVith such hardy varieties as Turner and Hansel, the increased product and earliness did not more than repay the cost of such protection. 3. With varieties of the grade of hardiness of Cuthbert, Marlboro', Herstine, Heebner and Golden Queen, pi-oductiveness was increased 16 to 22 per cent. This, "with the advantage of increased earliness, much more than repaid the cost of protecting. 4. It is fair to conclude that in this and similar latitudes, suckering raspberries of nearly all varieties are left unprotected at an actual loss to the owner. YIELD OF VARIETIES. Standard Eed sorts yielded in the following order : Cuthbert, Hansel, Turner^ Marlboro', Heebner, Reider, Clark, Hudson River Antwerp, Rancocas. Black Caps — rooting from the tips — Shaffer, Hillborn, Gregg, Mammoth Cluster, Souhegan, were productive in the order named and may be considered valuable in the same order. Yelloiv. — Golden Queen — Is the best yellow berry for market and home use. Brinckle's Orange, on account of its exceptionally fine quality, should be grown in a limited way for home consumption. SEEDLINGS AND HYBRIDS. With the experience of the past three years as a guide, a new trial plantation has been made by selecting the most promising, from the oi'iginal large collection of seedling and hybrid raspberries, also the best of the named varieties of raspberries and blackberries. The transplanting was done in October, after which a furrow was thrown up on each side of the rows, and the whole surface of the ground liberally manured. In this plot there are now 105 varieties of selected seedlings and hybrids; 35 named varieties of Black and Eed Caps, and 20 kinds of blackberries. As a rule, there are 100 plants of all named sorts, and a quarter that number of the seedlings and hybrids. Blackberries. Paying results were obtained by laying down all varieties of blackberries in the fall of 1890. In order to accomplish this successfully the canes should not be pinched, before they have attained a height of from 3 to 3^ feet. Care must be taken in bending the canes down to loosen the soil at the side of the root to which the plant is inclined, thus preventing the cane from snapping off at the base. As noted last year, Agavjam, Snyder, Stone's Hardy and Western Triumph, with the addition of Nevada, which did exceptionally well the past season, can be recommended with confidence. 138 Currants. Eed and white currants gave satisfactory returns the past season. In poiut of productive'ness the principal red varieties ranked in the following oidei-: Victoria, Raby Castle, Cherry, Fay's Prolific, Red Dutch, Red Grape, London Red, Prince Albert. White: White Grape, White Dutch. Black currants iu low situations were a total failure on account of late frosts. A large number of seedlings of this class on higher ground fruited very freely. Gooseberries. Were unusually free from mildew during the early part of the season, but the- disease developed considerabl}' on unspra3'ed plants later in the summer. Downing yielded twice the number of boxes per plant of any other variety. Houghton, though health}^ and fairly productive, is small. Pearl gives increasing satisfaction, and without doubt will take a leading place among native gooseberries.. III.— VEGETABLES. A large amount of data has been collected bearing upon various phases of suc- cessful vegetable growing, as well as facts regarding varieties, but for the present it is thought best to confine a report to the enumeration, with brief descriptive notes,, of the most reliable and satisfactory varieties in each class, based upon our experience during the year. The soil upon which tests were conducted is a sandy loam in good condition, having been previously used for growing straw- berries. Cut-worms were kept in check by the use of poisoned traps, made by soaking^ clover hay or freshly-cut weeds in a strong mixture of Paris green in water. This method of destroying cutworms has been advocated at length by Mr. Jame& Fletcher, the Entomologist of the experimental farms, and is well worthy the careful attention of amateurs aud market gai-deners. Hellebore was also used with a fair degree of success in checking the injury caused by the cabbage root maggot, as was pyrethrum when applied as a specitic for the cabbage worm. Beets. A comparative test of thirty-one varieties was made the past season, including- a number of the best French and English sorts. The following list covers the most valuable of those tested, given in order of maturity. Blood Turnips. — Eound, smooth, dark red, maturing earl}^; strain well selected ;^ inclined to become hollow late in the season. Eclipse. — Turnip-shaped, dark red, reaching edible maturity shortly after the preceding. Tops large ; may be used for greens. Lentz. — Eound, medium in size and season, very even and regular. Foliage green with red veins ; a desirable medium early sort. Covent Garden .Serf,— rHalf long, light red, fair size; very even and desirable. A few varieties usually grown for greens deserve special mention as ornamental plants. In bedding they might be used with good effect. Among these may be mentioned Dells Black Leaved, Eeines des Noires, and Swiss Chard. Cabbage. Out of 60 varieties included in the experimental plots, the following will, for home use or market, probably prove most satisfactory: — EARLY. Early York. — An old and well-known variety ; generally a sure header ; oval in shape ; very solid, varying in weight from 2 to 9 pounds. 139 Express. — Same season as last; type not quite as well fixed; heads round and solid ; weight, 2 to 6 pounds. Premier. — Koundish oval, vigorous thick leaf; a good early market sort, which averaged 5J pounds per head this season. Wakefield. — This is a sort of generic name, with which arc associated Selected Early Jersey Wakefield, Early Jersey Wakefield, Jersey Wakefield, Long Island Wakefield, and Charlston Wakefield. There was practically no difference in the time of maturing of any of these. Seedsmen are too fond of prefixing adjectives to old sorts, or to fancied improvements, thus unnecessarily multiplying varieties. Long Island Wakefield (Henderson) gave the greatest number of solid heads for the number of plants set out. Heads averaged 6 pounds. Aroostook. — Heads round; very solid; strain is not completely fixed, but a very promising early sort, averaging t! pounds per head. MEDIUM EARLY. i Montreal Market (Evans). — Medium to large ; round flat-topped ; heads well and solidly; heaviest head, 15 lbs.; lightest, 5^ lbs. Succession. — Last j-ear as well as the past season, this has pioved itself one of the most valuable midsummer varieties; average weight ihis year, 11 lbs. Schweinfurt (Simmers). — Large, flat, solid; a sure header; averaging 10 lbs. per head. LATE VARIETIES. Foitlefs Brunswick. — Large, round, leafy; one of the best medium early or late market sorts. Average weight, 11 lbs. Brunsivick Short Stem (Pearce).— Much like last, but later; heads of the largest size, round, flat, weighing on an average 12 lbs. Syde Park (Hallock). — One of the largest and best in the list for late market^ head round solid; average weight, 13^ lbs. Mammoth Bock Bed (Henderson). — Probably the best of the large late-pickling sorts. Drumhead Savoy (Pearce). — Medium size ; very firm and a sure header; aver- age weight, 5 pounds; one of the best varieties for winter storing. Cauliflower. Owing to the extreme drought already referred to, very few of the thirty varie- ties of this vegetable gave satisfactory and I'cliable results; many failed to head, while others, especially early varieties, headed prematurely, consequently fell below the characteristic size. Early London and Autumn Giant headed best and gave the most satisfactory returns. The latter is exceptionally large, and a sure header. Celery. A varietal test, in which thirty kinds of this vegetable were included, was made. Seed sown on :-Jlst March appeared in fifteen to twenty days. The lowest pjr cent found to germinate was 17 and the highest 74 per cent. After transplanting twice and cutting back once, it was set out in well-manured trenches on 22nd June. All varieties were twice handled before earthing the 1st September. Treated in this way, there was not more than five days difference in the time of edible maturity of any variety. But this early earthing up had a very deleterious effect upon the keeping quality of the late sorts; nearly all of this class were affected with heart or stalk rot — a disease said to be of bacterial origin — which, in a few cases, entirely destroyed some varieties, and in all cases prevented their being kept for more than a few weeks. The spread of this disease may have been peculiarly favoured, and aggravated by the unusually hot weather during September. Varieties earthed two weeks latter did not suffer to the same extent. 140 Last year the following varieties were recommended, and there does not seem to be any good reason for changing the list this year: — Paris Golden Yellow (Steele Bros.) White Walnut (Henderson), Half Dirarf (Henderson). White Plume (Ewing). Sandringkam. Giant Golden Heart (Vaughan). Red Giant Solid. Golden Heart (Pearce) — A small growing, rather early variety ; good quality ; very satisfactory this year. Giant Pascal. — One of the best tall-growing late sorts ; generally crisp, with fine nutty flavour. Pease. The following selection, out of sixty varieties on trial, proved most satisfactory, season, yield and freedom from mildew considered : — Early. Banl O'Rourke, R. N. Yorker, VicWs Early and Lightning, tall-growing sorts, needing stakes or trellis. These were in edible condition 55 days after sowing, though much retarded by late spring frosts and cold. First and Best, First of All, and Philadelphia are half-dwarf sorts, reaching edible maturity about the same time. Second Early. Little Gem, Small French -dud Blue Peter reached edible condition in 70 days after sowing. American Wonder, a dwarf variety, is a few days earlier, and might be classed with the early sorts ; on most soils it is not sufficiently productive for market. Bliss' Abundance and Yorkshire Hero, very productive varieties of medium height, are ten days later than the first mentioned of this group. Late. Sanders Marrow, Black-eyed Marrow-fat, and White Marrow complete the season ; fit for table use 90 days after sowing. Edible Podded. — A number of so-called edible podded varieties are now on the market. Some of them are extremely palatable, and valuable additions to our list of vegetables. Dwarf Sugar, which is an evident misnomer, as it grows to a height of 4^ feet, reaches edible maturity in 70 days. One of the best. Tall Sugar, about 15 days later than the last, and somewhat taller ; is very desii-able on account of the size and succulence of the pods. Peppers. Good treatment of tomatoes will, when applied to peppers, give fair results, though the number of varieties suited to this latitude is proportionately less than in the case of tomatoes. A germination test showed that the seed of many varieties were lucking vitality, six out of thirty giving a i-eturn of less than 7 percent — practically worthless. Tl)e following are among the earliest to ripen and most productive, therefore best adapted to the condition.s of this and similar localities : — Cardinal. — Eipe, August 10; fruit pendant, scarlet, 4 to G inches long, pointed ; very proiitic; one of the best market sorts. Ruby King (Pearce). — A vigorous grower ; fruit very large, pendant, hand- some and attractive. Beginning to ripen August 27. Squash (Henderson). — A very distinct variety, the fruit much resembling, in form and colour, a tomato. Plant a fair grower and fairly productive ; medium to late, ripening with the last. 141 Golden Dawn (ilendersoa;. — Vigorous grower; fruit large, bright yellow. Prolific and medium early. Coral Gem (Northrup and Braslan). — A dwarf variety ; fruit small oval, bright scarlet; held upright in such a manner as to make it a very desirable pot-grown plant for house decoratnon. Useful, also, for pickling. Tomatoes. The work of testing the old, and the many new varieties constantly being intro- duced, was carried on again this year. The experimental jjlots contained fifty-seven varieties of eight plants each. The seed was sown in boxes in the green-house on 16th March, pricked into other boxes 2 inches apart on 10th April, and potted about three weeks later, using 3-inch pots. Setting out was delayed consider- ably by the cold weather of May, and did not take place until 4th June. In testing the seed of each variety much variation was found. The highest per cent found to germinate in any case was 92 and the lowest 20 per cent. The aveiage vitality of the entire collection was found to be 63-1 per cent. In view of this wide variation, it is essential, for market gardeners especially, to carefully test samples of seed in advance of the sowing period, in order to gain an intelligent idea of the probable return, and quantity of seed required. Where considei-able quantities are used, it will be economical to purchase at an early date, small samples for testing purposes before ordering the main supply. With a view of testing the effect of mulching as a rot preventive, a strip running across the plots, including several varieties, was heavily mulched with coarse strawy manure, containing, however, a very small proportion of fertilizing material. The fruit was carefully examined, at various times during the ripening season, but no appreciable difference in quality or quantity could be detected, although the crop of fruit on the mulched strip was somewhat later in ripening than on those unmulched. In this and similar climates it is of prime importance to select early-ripening varieties, start them early, transplant or re-pot frequently, and set out strong plants after danger of spring frosts is past. The following list includes the twelve earliest varieties, all set out on 4th June: Electric or earliest (Northrup, Braslan, Goodwin & Co.) gave the first ripe fruit on 26th July, followed by King Humbert, Atlantic, Early Ruby, Early Advance, Con- queror, Acme, Canada Victor, Mikado, Hathaway, Cumberland Red, Thorbwn's Long Keeper. The following twelve varieties gave the largest yield of ripe fruit up to 15th September : — Hubbard's Early, General Grant, King Humbert, Henderson's 400 (Ponderosa), Horsford's Prelude, Conqueror, Mikado, Canada Victor, Early Ruby, Cumberland Red, Thorburn's Long Keeper, Hathaway. The following twelve varieties gave the largest yield of fruit ripening before frost: — Horsford's Prelude, Canada Victor, Thorburn's Long Keeper, Cumberland Red, Essex Hybrid, Climax, Hubbard's Early, Volunteer, Mikado, Mitchell's No. 1, Golden Queen, Conqueror. EFFECT OP DIFFERENT FERTILIZERS. The accompanying 'table gives the results from the use of various fertilizers as affecting productiveness. The soil upon which the plants were grown was in a fair state of fertility, and ordinarily would not be considered as needing manure of any kind ; yet it will be seen that the application of the different fertilizers was in each ease helpful. 142 ■^mjj i^flu lu'ejcl J f c rH t- 2l -5 jaS p[^iX aS'Sja-vy M l-H ■t 1— T^ i^ X rH 1— ,. 53 — i r^ « -a >> •• +H 53 •pauaduun ^injj i V: 5-1 1^ ^ o ^ JO ^unoui'B i^j^ox - +H ra :2 S i -panadij ;injj ^; 2 !M ?— X o © JO ^nuotuB [u^oj, ^ 1— 'h-i C 75 o .s J •uaajf) 1-3 o •>* L- « GO ir: i' t4 OS •- M ^U .2 cc •adiy 3 ►-3 ^ 1— 1— l-H ct -2 •uaajf) ■* iT. 1— M tc :3 I— 1 c «s ~ .2-^ 0) o cS •adty^ 4 (;; I<1 T- s5 *5 -J o n o S M — -^^ -fj jj &. ••» •uaajij -f •<* l-H ^H Pi t-t 53 ^ i. O 2 w •adiy J 1 1— 1 ■o (r 03 s •iwajf) 1-:) TJ" -t t- M lO o: 6 tonf •adiy; l-H IC 3: oq o X ©:S o 03 O S3 _e : " -^ )bo8pl the ra £ o O i •uaajQ M -* O 12 CO in J-M C5 ^ •S 3" •adty t^ -♦■ a § l-H c 3 != 33 . — (E g ^ '■g o •uaajy 1-5 ?1 •T iC ^ t~ CO 2 58 O S ■r> s s ^ — - O >^ Cm O Eh O P^ •adijj l-H i-H ec IS 1— 1— rH 3- i 1 £■« = fo H 1 I .2 -^ o £ of soda, muriate plication was ma( ushels per acre ; - ■a s 1 1 c i i 3 a S c 1 ^ Nitrate The first ap late of 50 b 143 IV.— FOEKSTEY. Distribution of Seedling Forest Trees. This line of experimental work, inaugurated in 1890, has met with such hearty 4ipproval and co-operation at the hands of the settlers of the North-West Provinces and Territories, that it was decided by the Honourable the Minister of Agriculture to double the number of seedling trees sent out the first year. Accordingly, about 200,000 trees were distributed, each packae^e being prepared for mailing in the same manner as that described in the report for 1890. The records show that 260 post offices in Manitoba received 1,022 packages, while 130 post offices in the North-West Territories received 883 packages. Ninety- five bundles were distributed throughout the Dominion to specialists who are par- ticularly interested in forest extension and preservation. With a few exceptions, each package contained the following selection: — 10 Green ash. Fraxinus viridis. 10 White ash. Fraxinus Americana. 2 Soft maple. Acer dasycarpum. 2 Sycamore. Platanus oecidentalis. 2 Linden. Tilia Americana. 20 American elm. Ulmus Americana. 6 Manitoba elm. XJlmus Americana var ? 2 Black cherry. Pj-unus serotina. 2 Black walnut. Juglans nigra. 2 Honey locust. Gleditschia triacanthos. 5 White birch. Bet u la Alba. 3 Canoe birch. Betula papyracea. 2 American mountain asb. Pyrus Americana. 4 Yellow Cottonwood. Populus monolifera var? 4 Eiga pine. Pinus rigfensis. 4 Norway spruce. • Picea excelsa. 1 Arbor vitae. Thuja occidentalis. About 500 Dwarf Mountain pines (Pinus Montana) were also sent out, being ■occasionally substituted for varieties which were exhausted before the total number •of packages was completed. More than 300 reports have been received, going to show that the trees, with few exceptions, arrived in good condition and made fair progress during the first season. It has, howevei', been uniformly noted that Honey Locust, Black Locust, Black Walnut and Russian Mulberry did not ripen their wood sufficiently to escape injury by the first autumn frost. It is not expected that these varieties will succeed at any point in the noth-western country. Settlers are specially cautioned in regard to the Eussian Mulberry, which is often unwarrantably lauded on account of alleged hardi- ness, and are advised to be content for the present with the best varieties of native' trees; when with these a certain amount of shelter has been obtained, other less reliable varieties may in a limited way be tested. A collection of forest trees of larger size was also sent by express to the super- intendents of Indian agencies, to officers commanding the various posts ot mounted police, and to each of the trial gardens of the Canadian Pacific Eailway. 144 Distribution of Tree and Vegetable Seed. In addition to the seeds sent out in December, 1890, small bags containing from three to five thousand seeds each have been distributed as follows : — Variety. Biix elder (Negundo aceroides) ( heen ash (Fraxinus viridis) . . . . VEGETABLE SEED. Asparagn^is . Rhubarb . No. OF B.vas. Manitoba. North-West Territories. 1,377 , 613 1,1 ss (;04 7.S0 780 The samples of aspaiagus and rhubarb seed were put up in suitable-sized enve- lopes, with printed instructions for planting and cultivation, and enclosed with the tree seeds. Of Asparagus, Conover's Colossal and Palmetto, and of Ehubarb, Carleton Club^ Paragon and Stott's Mammoth, were the varieties distributed. Miscellaneous Distribution. One hundred and fifty packages, including 12,500 plants, were sent out to various pai-ts of the Dominion, more or less remote from nursery men. The following varieties were used in making this collection : — SMALL fruits. Raspberries. — Cuthbert, Turner, Hansel. Strawberries. — Crescent, Bubach, Gapt, Jack. Apple Trees. — ^acharine, Bode, Silken Leaf, Little Hat, Blushed Calville. Sh?-ubs. — Eosa rugosa. forest trees. Eiga pine, Norway spruce, green ash, white ash, box elder, American elm. white birch and soft maple. Appropriate instructions accompanied each package. See leport for 1890, page 94. v.— FUNGICIDES. Apple Scab. Some experiments 'wore conducted last summer with the co-operation of Messrs. Wm. Ci'aig, jun., and J. M. Fisk, of Abbotsford, Que., which were designed to throw light upon the following points in the treatment of apple scab: — 1. The relative efficacy of copper carbonate in suspension and solution. 2. The relative efficacy of copper carbonate unwashed (a modified eau-celeste) in solution and in suspension. 3. The possibility and effect of using Paris green with these mixtures. The results are given in detail in the accompanying table, and may be briefly summarized as follows : — 1. Pajing results were obtained from the application of all of the mixtures. 2. In no case was the foliage injured. 3. The unwashed solution (a modification of eau-celeste) gave the. best results, and the same preparation in suspension the lowest i-eturns. 4. The addition of Paris green to the fungicides at the time of the second appli- cation had no injurious effect upon the foliage, and increased the c^uantity of sound fruit 8-2 per cent. 145 Table showing per cent of Fruit of First, Second and Third Quality, also per cent of Sound and Wormy Fruit. Copper Carbonate. 1. Solution 2. Suspension 3. Unwashed Suspension 4. Unwashed Solution . . . 5. Unsprayed Per Cent Per Cent Per Cent First Quality. Per Cent Second Quality. Per Cent Third Quality. of Wormy Fruit with Paris Green . of Wormy Fruit without \ Paris Green . 38-8 46-6 14-5 21-6 26-6 33 5 52- 14-5 16-9 25-9 33- 50- 17- 10-5 22-3 42-5 46-5 11- 8-5 15- 18- 51- 31- 18- 27- Per Cent in favour of Paris Green . 5 9 11 6 9 (1.) Solution. COMPARATIVE RESULTS. Copper Carbonate. Percentage Scale. 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 (4. ) Unwashed Solution First Quality- Second Quality. Third Quality. First Quality. Second Quality. Third Quality. (3.) Suspension. First Quality. Second Quality. Third Quality. (4.) Unwashed Suspension. First Quality. Second Quality. Third Quality. (5.) Unsprayed First Quality. Second Quality. Third Quality. With Paris Green Sound Fruit. Wormy. Without Paris Green Sound Fruit. Wormv. 1 7f— 10 146 DETAILS OP THE EXPERIMENT. The trees selected were of the Fameuse variety planted fifteen years ago, and having made good growth are now of fair size. Six trees were set apart for each test. Three applications were made in each case, the first one on the 22nd of May, when the leaves were about half-formed and the blossoms just beginning to open. At the time of the second application, 8th June, Paris green at the rate of 1 lb. to 200 gallons of water was added to each mixture when fully diluted. This was applied to three trees in each lot, while the remaining trees were left as checks. On the 20th of June they received the third treatment, and in the same manner as that on 22nd May. The apples were carefully hand-picked and graded, the per cent of wormy fruit in a representative bushel of each class being ascertained by actual count, and the total percentages deduced therefrom. FORMULA. The following are the formulae used in the experiment detailed above, of which the individual results are shown in the tables. 1. Solution. Carbonate of Copper 1^ oz. Ammonia 1^ pts. Water 25 galls. Paris Green (added in second application) If oz. 2. Suspension. Carbonate of Copper 1^ oz. Water 25 galls. Paris Green (added in second application) If oz. A slightly increased quantity of Paris green was used in this instance, as with- out the ammonia solvent there is less danger of injuring the foliage. 3. Unwashed Solution. Has the constituents of No. 1 present in the same quantities. In Bulletin No. 10 the following directions were given, which it is thought well to repeat here : — home manufacture of copper carbonate. As the precipitated form of carbonate of copper is not always obtainable from druggists, directions are herewith appended for the easy preparation of this material at a cost much less than the usual wholesale price. In a vessel capable of holding two or three gallons, dissolve 1^ pounds of copper sulphate (blue vitrei) in 2 quarts of hot water, using the crj^stalline form. This will be entii-ely dissolved in fifteen or twenty minutes. In another vessel dissolve If pounds of sal soda (washiog soda), also in 2 quarts of hot water. When completely dissolved pour the second solution into the first, stirring briskly. When effervescence has ceased fill the vessel with water and stir thoroughly; then allow it to stand five or six hours, when the sediment will have settled to the bottom. Pour off the clear liquid without disturbing the precipitate, fill with water again and stir as before ; then allow it to stand until the sediment has settled again, which will take place in a few hours. Pour the clear liquid off carefully as before, and the residue is car- bonate of copper. Using the above quantities of copper sulphate and sal soda, there will be formed 12 ounces of copper carbonate. Instead of drying this, which is a tediouE, operation, add four quarts of strong ammonia, stirring in well; then add sufficient water to bring the whole quantity up to 6 quarts. This can be kept in an ordinaiy two-gallon stone jar, which should be closelv corked. 147 FORMULA. Each quart will contain 2 ounces of the carbonate of copper, which, when added to 25 gallons of water, will furnish a solution for spraying, of the same strength and character as that obtained by the use of the dried carbonate, and one which can be prepared with little labour, and kept ready for use throughout the season. CARBONATE OP COPPER IN SUSPENSION. When the carbonate is to be used in suspension, instead of adding the ammonia to the sediment, add water until the whole quantity is made up to 6 quarts. Stir this thoroughly until the sediment is completely suspended (entii-ely mixed through- out) and pour the thick liquid into a suitable jar, when it will be ready for use. Befoie using shake the contents thoioughly, so that all the sediment may be ovenly distributed in the water. Pour out a quart of the thick fluid and mix in the 25 gallons of water. The unwashed solution is prepared by simply pouring the two solutions together (copper sulphate and sal soda), and when the effervescence has ceased, pouring off the top or supernatent liquid ; add four quarts of strong ammonia, stirring in well, then add suflScient water to bring the whole quantity up to 6 quarts. The formula is the same as that already given above. The unwashed suspension is prepared in the same way, water taking the place of ■ammonia in making the quantity up to 6 quarts. GEAPE MILDEW. As stated elsewhere, grape mildew (Peronospora viticola) was effectually kept in check in the farm vineyard by three applications of ammoniacal copper carbonate, as recommended in Bulletin No. 10. With the co-operation of his Honour Judge Mosgrove, an extensive grape-grower on the Richmond road, a series of experiments were planned and designed : (1) To show the relative effectiveness of different strengths of copper carbonate in solution and in suspension; (2) To show the benefit of spraying the vines, immediately on being uncovered, with copper sulphate. The results, owing to the appearance of an unlocked for and unexpected disease (Sphaceloma ampelinum), have not been conclusive, and the work will be continued another season, when it is hoped the objects of the experiment will be attained. Little if any mildew appeared in any case uponthefrait of those treated, though in a few instances the foliage was affected. The first application was made on 22nd May, using a solution of copper sul- phate, 1 lb. to 25 gallons of water. This was followed by four applications of the ammoniacal copper carbonate, made on the following dates : 2nd, 13th and 30th June and 3l8t July, While this treatment was generally satisfactory in the case of the downy mil- dew, it was not so with " bird's-eye rot " (Sphaceloma ampelinum). In order to rid the vineyard of this pest, treatment was commenced this fall by carefully burning all rubbish and trimmings, and spraying one-half of the vines with a strong solution of copper sulphate, the other half with iron sulphate. Next spring, on the vines being uncovered, they will be again treated with the copper and iron solution, followed by dilute Bordeaux mixture and ammoniacal copper carbonate, used in a comparative way. It is hoped that by this tx*eatment both the bird's-eye rot and downy mildew will be controlled. GOOSEBEERY MILDEW. Comparisons were made as to the effectiveness of copper carbonate, in solution and suspension in different proportions, and potassium sulphide used also in varying quantities. While the disease {Sphaerotheca mors-uvce) was not as prevalent as usual this year, yet on the European varieties and seedlings it was suflSciently active to jnake the results quite conclusive. These are summarized as follows : — 7f— lOJ 148 Five applications wei'e made in each case : 1. Potassium sulphide, 1 oz. dissolved in three gallons of water, gave the best results, keeping the foliage practically healthy and free from disease during the whole season. 2. Potassium sulphide, 1 oz. to four gallons; stood second in order of effective- ness. 3. Ammoniacal copper carbonate, 3 oz. to twenty-five gallons; stood third; fairly effective. 4. Suspension mixtures of copper carbonate did not give a sufficient degree of immunity to pay for cost of materials and time of application. REPORT OF THK CHEMIST. (Frank T. Shutt, M.A., RI.C, F.C.S.) Wm. Saunders, Esq., Director Dominion Experimental Farms, Ottawa. Sir, — I have the honour to submit herewith the fifth annual report of the Chemical Department of the Dominion Experimental Farms. The analytical data contained in the following pages and obtained in the laboratories of the experimental farms embrace the results of work of a very varied character. Assistance both by experiment and analysis has been rendered during the past year to the numerous branches of agriculture, and it is confidently hoped that the information here found will prove of much practical benefit to the dairymen, the horticulturists and the general farmers throughout the Dominion. The increasing interest taken by farmers in this department of the Experi- mental Farm system has resulted in an increased demand upon our time, both in the matter of analysis of samples sent for examination, as well as in answering enquiries from those seeking advice and information. AVith regard to the latter, it will suffice to say that over 1,200 letters have passed, in 1891, between myself and corres- pondents on matters pertaining to the science and practice of agriculture. Res- pecting the accumulation of samples of substances forwarded for analysis by farmers, 1 can but repeat what I have said in a former report. Although a large number of these have been examined and reported upon, as the present report testifies, many still await analysis for lack of time. In addition, there are the experiments and analyses planned and carried out by this department. The results of this original research I deem of great value to the Dominion as a whole. It is a branch of the work I am anxious to develop more and more as time and assistance jjermits. All this points to the fact, that in order to cope successfully with the work of the chemical department in the future, further skilled help will be re- quii-ed in the laboratories. During the year addresses have been delivered at several conventions and meetings of farmers' institutes on iigricultui-al topics. The large attendance at these meetings, and the keen interest taken by those present, as evinced by the lively discussions which usually follow the addresses, clearly show that the farmers are not only eager to learn, but also ready to avail themselves of these opportunities for increasing their knowledge in agriculture. For the convenience of readers and for ready reference, I have classified the matter in the present report, according to the plan adopted last year. The follow- ing brief epitome outlines the subjects treated in the following pages : — Part I, Soils. — Twenty-four soils have been analysed during the past year. Many of these were virgin soils and included samples taken from the surface and subsoil. These repi-esent the character of the soil over comparatively large areas. Among those examined were several specimens ol so-called alkali soil from Mani- toba and the Morth-VVest Territories. Sufficient data have not as yet been obtained to enable a complete diagnosis of the cause of the apparent barrenness or j^oisonous nature of these soils, nor can we as yet advise with confidence any treatment for their amelioration. The remarks on the work done in this connection, hoAvever, will, it is hoped, assist in some measure, by outlining probable methods for their improvement. The investigation into the character of these soils will be continued during the coming year 150 "With regard to the virgin soils of Manitoba and the North-West Territories in general, I may state that the chemical data emphatically point to their excellence and great fertility. Some soils from the district of Muskoka, as well as others from Ontario, Quebec and Nova Scotia, have also received attention. It would be well to emphasize that more analytical results are required before inferences as to the relative fertility of districts in Canada can be drawn. In the meantime the analyses here given, together with the deductions made, will serve to indicate the general character of man}' classes of our soils, and assist in suggesting the most economical and profitable means for their improvement. Part II. Natural Fertilizers. — There is here included the analyse? of twenty- seven samples of swamp muck, mud and peat from diftetent parts of Canada. Their composition is tabulated and their use and value as feililizers explained. Analyses of eel grass and of spent tan-bark, made at the request of correspondents, are here given. The results of an examination of a sample of gas liquor are also stated. Part III. Fodders, Plant and Animal Products, — Roofs. — The chemical examination of roots has formed a part of this work during the i)a8t season, and this chapter comprises the analyses of several varieties of cai-rots, turnips, mangels and sugar beets grown on the experimental farm at Ottawa. Their composition is given in tabular form, which allows of an easy comparison of their food values. The use- ful and important functions of roots as part of cattle rations are also considered. Fodder Corn. — The results of experiments with fodder corn carried out at the experimental farm, Ottawa, in conjunction with the Dairy Commissioner, are given. These corroborate and supplement those obtained in 1890, which were published last year in Bulletin 12 of the Farm series. The attention of farmers and dairymen may be specially directed to this work. Further experiments with analyses of fodder corn and ensilage are in progress. Sugar-beets. — The investigation that has continued for the past three years with a view of ascertaining the value of this crop for sugar manufacture has received further attention. Sixty-four samples of this season's roots ai-e i-eported on. The average of 21 samples of the same variety grown at Ottawa was 14 per cent of sugar. In another table will be found figures showing the effect of earthing up the roots while growing. This practice resulted in an increased sugar content of 2*2 per cent over that in the same varieties which had only received ordinary field culture. In a third table are the analyses of beets grown at the branch experimental farms and roots sent in from various parts of Ontario. Sorghum. — A short chapter on sorghum grown at Ottawa is added, Babcock Method. — In June last a bulletin was issued on the Babcock method for ascertaining the amount of fat in milk. It contained analyatical data obtained in our laboratories proving the accuracy and reliability of this process. As the value of milk depends chiefly on the amount of butter-fat it contains, it becomes at once apparent that any method by which this could be easily and cheaply determined would prove itself most valuable in placing the purchase and sale of milk on a good business foundation. The importance of this subject I consider warrants the inser- tion of the principal facts and deductions already published. Fui-ther experimental work is in pi-ogress, with a view to lessening the time emjiloyed in making the test by the analysis of composite samples once or twice a week. ' Condensed Milk. — In view of the possible development of the condensed milk industry in Canada, several brands of this article were carefully and thoroughly examined. Part IV. Miscellaneous Experiments and Analyses. — Well Waters. — In previous publications we have impressed upon farmers and dairymen the necessity of pure water for their stock. During 1891, 29 samples of well-water were sent for examination. The i-eports on these are here presented. Prevention of Smut. — Further results of exiteriments inaugurated two years aga for the treatment of wheat for the prevention of hard smut by certain solutions are here reported. The effect on the vitality of the wheat germ by iron and copper 151 salts, stated in last year's report, have been corroborated, while, in addition, the experiments made this year go to show that copper sulphate and "agricultural blue- stone " are far more eflScacious for the prevention of the development of smut than sijlphate of iron. Fertility of Soil not injured by Spraying. — An impression was going abroad that the copper solutions used in spraying for fungus diseases was affecting disastrously the fertility of our soils, and an article to this effect lately appeared in one of our leading papers. I have, therefore, written a short chapter, discussing the nature of the application and the chemical changes involved. These all go to show that the assertion that the soils are "poisoned " by this useful operation is fallacious. Insecticides with Soap Solution. — There are many cases in which it is desirable to apply the insecticide Paris green in soap solution. The question then arose: Is the effect of Paris green weakened by the soap ? As I was requested to give an opinion on this matter, I undertook a number of experiments, the results of which are enumerated in this report. They show that the efficacy of this insecticide is not materially affected by being applied in soap solution. Sprayed Apples are not poisonous. — The last chapter of this report contains the results of an experiment undertaken to afford scientific proof for the refutation of the statement that "apples sprayed for codling moth are dangerous to health, if not positively poisonous, owing to the presence of arsenic of the Paris green used in the operation of spraying." Some few months ago a statement to this effect appeared in an English horti- cultural paper. This report received wide circulation in the press generally, and was calculated to do much harm to the Canadian export apple trade. [ therefore made a very careful analysis of apples that had been twice sprayed (Paris green 1 lb., water 200 gallons), and though the process employed was one of extreme delicacy, not a trace of arsenic could be detected. This result gives additional support to the statement that the suspicion that Canadian apples are poisonous is entirely without foundation. The publication of this positive proof of the absence of arsenic in these sprayed apples should serve to assure those in England, as well as Canadian horti- culturists and apple exporters, that this practice, so useful in prevening the ravages of the codling moth, does not result in poisoned apples. I again with very much pleasure record my thanks and indebtedness to Mr. Adolph Lehmann, B.S.A., the assistant chemist, for the valuable aid he has rendered me. Mr. Lehmann has devoted himself most assiduously to the work of the depart- ment since his appointment, and many of the analytical data contained in this report are the result of his ability and industry. I have the honour to be. Sir, Your obedient servant, FEANK T. SHUTT, Chemist, Dominion Experimental Farms, Chemical Laboratories, Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa. 152 I>A.RT I. SOILS. The factors upon which the fertility of a soil depend are many. The amount of plant food and its degree of solubility, the mechanical texture or tilth and the climate (temperature, amount of rain-fall, &c.) are the chief. It is very evident, therefore, that chemical analysis alone cannot give all the information necessary to a full knowledge of a soil's productiveness, but that it is exceedingly useful to that end will be apparent to those who have given this important subject careful thought. A good mechanical condition and a favourable climate would prevail nothing for ihe growth of crops unless those elements necessary for plant sustenance were present. Chemical analysis gives the composition of a soil or the amount of these fertilizing elements; unfortunately, in the present state of the science, it can give us but little exact information as to the degree of solubility or assimilation of such. The amounts of nitrogen, potash and phosphoric acid, together with other elements of plant food of minor importance, as obtained by means of analysis, I propose to call the "total fertility" of a soil. The value of the knowledge of this " total feriility " in arriving at a soil's relative productive power and its more especial needs, will be apparent upon reflection. For, if on the one hand it proves a soil to be barren of any ot those substances necessary for plant development, we know that cer- tain manures must be added before profitable crops can be expected ; if, on the other hand, a soil is shown to contain these materials in abundance, we may be sure that with proper working and favourable climatic condition, this food will be converted into assimilable forms. The matter of soil analysis is one of great importance. Unfortunately, it is one involving a very large amount of skilled labour, as the operation is not only lengthy, but must be performed with the greatest care, from the fact that the most fertile soils contain plant food only in comparatively small quantities, and that the differences in these quantities between rich and poor soils are represented by fractions of a per cent. We are, theieiore, unable to undertake the analysis of all the samples that may be sent for examination, and are obliged to restrict this work to those specimens of virgin (unraanured and uncropped) soils that are representative of large districts in the Dominion. Several samples, how- ever, of " alkali " and other soils, which demanded special attention, have, in addi- tion to these virgin soils, been examined. In all, twenty-four samples have been analysed during the past year, the composition of which is fully set forth in the following table. Several enquiries have been received by me from Great Britain regarding the composition of our soils, and it is, therefore, probable that this work done in the laboratories of the Farm may be found useful for those in the old country who are considering the various provinces ol the Dominion as fields for emigration. It must be distinctly understood that the data here given are altogether too meagre to form the basis of any broad conclusion as to the relative fertility of the lands of any district, yet they may serve in the meantime, and until further work of this character is done, to indicate the nature of some of our soils. Alkali Soils. Three specimens of so-called " alkali " soils from the North-West Territories, have been carefully analysed. In each instance the sender stated that such occur-red in patches — sometimes only a few feet square, sometimes larger — surrounded by land of excellent fertility. The earth of these spots or patches though black when moist and first turned up, dries out more or less white. In these places the seeds of roots and cereals will germinate, but the plants soon dwindle away, the former attaining only the size of a gooseberry, and the latter turning yellow and dying at the height of a few inches. Mr. Bedford, Superintendent of the Manitoba experi- mental farm, writes that these patches generally occur in low lands with clay 153 bubsoil, which possess very inadequate drainage. My examination of this class of soils is not yet complete, and experiments are now in progress that may result in throwing some light as to their proper treatment. But as far as the work has progressed it would seem — at all events in those analysed — that a large excess of alkali (salts of soda) is not present. There can be no doubt that the amount of soluble inorganic matter, including alkali if present, varies in the upper strata of soil accord- ing to the temperature and extent of rainfall, but it is at least worthy of note that those examined, and which have been held to possess alkali, should contain such small quantities of these salts of soda. Whether this may in part be due to the season at which the samples were collected, I am unable to say. In two of those examined, Nos. 4 and 7, there are notable percentages of sulphate of magnesium (epsom salts), and I am now experimenting to ascertain if this salt in quanties such as have been found, is deleterious to vegetation. The amelioration of such soils is a subject of great importance to the farmers in many parts of the North- West Territories and Manitoba, and rightly forms an object for our investigation. As the alkali is soluble in water, a thorough drainage system should be resorted to wherever practicable. I am firmly of the belief that this would be the most efficacious method of getting rid of the poisonous material. Deep ploughing should be practised. Thorough tillage prevents surface evaporation and the accumulation of alkali near the surface. A heavy dressing of barn-yard manure, animal refuse or other highly nitrogenous organic matter, is said by many to materially improve these alkali patches, inducing a vigorous growth. Again, by others gypsum is strongly recommended, though I have not received any strong evi- dence of its efficacy. Where the alkali is carbonate of soda, gypsum is, however, beneficial in converting this caustic salt into one less deleterious to vegetation. Further work and experience it is hoped will enable us to give more definite informa- tion regarding the improvement of these soils, which in other respects would be termed very fertile. Constituents of Soils. In Part I of ray last report (1890) is to be found a short history of soils in general, as well as an account of the changes which are continually taking place in them due to fermentation processes and atmospheric agencies. I therefore now append only a very brief* statement of the amount and functions of the more important elements of plant food in soils, reserving a notice of the special character- istics of the specimens analysed when considering the soils individually. The nQOst important inorganic constituents of a soil are potash and phosphoric acid. These, together with nitrogen, are known as the essential elements of plant food. Potash — derived principally from the decomposition of feldspathic rocks, e.g., granite — exists chiefly in combination with silica in a more or less soluble condition. The limits of potash in a soil lie between a mere trace and about 2 per cent. A good agricultural soil contains between "25 per cent and 1 per cent. Clay soils, usually, are the richest in potash. Potash, as a fertilizer, is of special value to clover, pease and other leguminous crops ; potatoes, beets, cabbage, grasses and leafy plants in general are also benefited by it. It should form a large part of manures for orchards and all fruit trees. Phosphoric acid, combined principally with lime, is found in all fertile soils. Like potash, it has been derived from the rock that originated the soil, and conse- quently is not constant in quantity. It never exceeds 1 per cent, even in the richest soils, and the average in good soils is about -2 per cent. It benefits chiefly root crops, e.g., turnips and beets, and in conjunction with nitrogenous manures is very efl'ective for the cereals, promoting an early maturity and an increased yield. Lime. — Of the inorganic elements of minor importance, lime is the principal. It affords food directly to the plant and liberates in the soil potash and nitrogen pre- existent in insoluble forms. Many consider that less than 1 per cent shows a soil to be deficient in lime, and calcarious soils are almost invariably fertile. \54- No special mention need here be made of the other mineral constituents, as most soils contain suflScient for all the requirements of farm crops. Nitrogen is the element of value in the organic portion of a soil. It there exists, for the moat part, in forms from which it can be but slowly absorbed by plants. By a process of fermentatioa, known as nitrification, it ib rendered assimihible. The presence of lime (carbonate of lime) appears to assist in this useful operation, espe- cially when the ground is sufficiently open for air to permeate it. Moisture and ■warmth are also necessary to encourage the growth of the microscopic ferment which causes the foi'mation of nitrates fi'om niirogenous material. Yavj rich soils contain fi-om "5 per cent to 1 per cent of nitrogen ; good, fertile soils possess on an average from '15 per cent to "25 per cent. Nitrogen is essentially the fertilizer for cereals, especially when associated with phosphoric acid. An excess of nitrogen, however, piomotes a rank growth of straw. The following notes regarding the source and character of the soils examined, will be found useful when studying the analytical data in the annexed table: — No. 1, A greyish-black soil of fine texture from the valley of the Fraser River, sent by Wm. Tasker, of Ladner's Landing, B.C. It has resulted from the deposition of the silt brought down by this river. An area of over 30 square miles is said to be covered by soil of this origin and character. Both from chemical analysis and physical appearance, this soil should be an extremely fertile one, provided other conditions are favourable. It possesses potash, phosphoric acid and nitrogen in quantities considerably above those in rich, fertile soils. No. 2. A surface soil, from Yorkton, N.-W.T., forwarded by Mr. R, Mitchell, of Carlow, Ireland, who had visited the larger portion of Ihe 'North-West Territories, with the view of ascertaining the relative advantages offered there to settlers. It is a black, sandy loam, containing a large amount of organic matter and nitrogen. In potash and phosphoric acid it also ranks with the most productive soils. No. 3. Subsoil to the preceding sample. A knowledge of the composition of a subsoil is valuable as an aid to good practice. It is often beneficial to mix by deep ploughing the subsoil with that of the surface, and again there are many instances in which such would do more harm than good. The soil under discussion appears to be one fairly rich in the organic and inorganic elements of plant food. The surface soil, derived from the subsoil plus the remains of decayed plants, is richer, as might be expected, in organic mat- ter and nitrogen; yet we find here these present in quantities equalling those possessed by many surface soils held to be fertile. It contains more lime, but less phosphoi'ic acid and potash, than the soil resting upon it. These in the latter are probably more readily available for plant nutrition. No. 4. A so-called alkali soil, forwarded by John C. Kinghorn, of Saltcoats, N.-W.T. A greyish-black soil, containing all the constituents necessary for plant growth, in good quantities. As before remarked alkali (i.e., salts of soda) are not present in excess, and the cause of the trouble is not very evident. No. 5. Also an alkali soil, from Geo. W. Stewart, Moosomin. A little darker, but otherwise very similar in appearance to No. 4. The absence of sulphuric acid and chlorine — save in traces — in a soil of this character, is worthy of remark. In lime and magnesia it is considerably lower than the preceding specimen, while in soda it possesses a like amount. In fertilizing constituents it is almost equal to the above subsoil. No. 6. Sent by Wm. Walsh, Sharp Hill Creek, Calgary, N.-W.T. I consider that this should be a very fertile soil, provided that climatic influences are fovourable The analytical data show it contains more than avei'age quantities of the requisite elements of plant food. No. 7. An alkali soil from 3 miles north of Brandon, Manitoba, Somewhat lighter in colour than Nos. 4 and 5. It is very low in potash and phosphoric acid, but of medium quality as regards nitrogen. It possesses sulphuric acid, chlorine, magnesia and soda in more marked quantities than the soils of this character already considered. The lime, if combined with the carbonic acid, would be equiva- 155 lent to 13-39 per cent of carbonate of lime, leaving the sulphuric acid and magnesia to form 3 per cent sulphate of magnesium or epsom salts. It is gratifying to note that chemical analysis bears out very emphatically the impression that the soils of Manitoba and the North- West Territories generally are most fertile, and possess in abundance all those elements necessary to large crop yields. No. 8. This sample and the four following were sent by Mr. Gr. S. Wilgress, B.A., barrister of Huntsville, Muskoka, a gentleman who is interesting himself in the agricultnial welfare of that district. This soil is from the farm of Mr. Andrew Hart, lots 5 and 6, concession 6, township Sinclair. It is a loose, sandy loam and has never been cropped. The subsoil of hiard pan is found at a depth of from 6 to 12 inches. The land was cleared about ten years ago. This is a very dry soil, con- taining little lime, and less than the average in potash. Phosphoric acid is present in fair quantities. It is only moderately rich in organic matter and nitrogen. A heavy application of wood ashes, to supply potash, lime and phosphoric acid, would greatly benefit this soil. In the absence of barn yard manure, the turning in of some green crop — preferably clover, or if this will not grow, rye — would improve the absorptive and retentive qualities of this soil, and at the time supply available nitrogeo. Nos. 9 and 10. From lot 17, concession 4, township of Chaffey, the farm of Mr. James Down. Sandy loam, about 15 inches in depth, underlaid by hard pan. No. 10 is taken 12 inches below the surface. Soil was originally timbered with pine and other soft woods, together with maple and birch. It was burnt over five years a.sj;o. after which hazel, cherry and other small trees grew. The ground was cleared in 1890, and has never been manured. These soils were taken during a sea- son of drought, and to this fact the low percentage of water may be largely attributed. While in no sense a calcareous soil it cannot be considered deficient in lime. The subsoil contains very much less than the surface soil. The potash, alike in quantities in both soils, is low. In phosphoric acid also they are below the average. The organic matter and nitrogen in No. 9 are lower than in the preceding sample. In the subsoil they are present to about one half the amount of those in the surface soil. Nos, 11 and 12, From lot 23, concession 14, township of Franklin, the farm of Eev. E. N. Hill. Ground, originally timbered with mixed hardwoods and hemlock, has never been ploughed, but scuffled between the stumps. One crop of wheat, one of oats and two of hay have been taken off, but no manure applied. The surface soil is a light-grey loam, somewhat clayey in texture. It is excep- tionally high in potash* and fair in phosphoric acid, but very low in nitrogen. The sub-soil is very much poorer in the elements, nitrogen practically being absent. In both soils the lime is comparatively high for Muskoka soils. The analytical work in this series is not yet quite completed, but from the data BO far obtained the general character of the Muskoka soil appears to be light and Bandy, The addition of muck would greatly improve their tilth and at the same time add much nitrogenous plant food. As suggested when, remarking upon No. 8, wood ashes plentifully supplied and the turning in of some green crop would materially enhance their fertility, Nofi. 13, 14 and 15 are from lot 11, concession 2, township of Eussell, county Eussell, the farm of Norman E, Otto, No, 13, a virgin soil (uncultivated and unmanured) is a grey sandy loam with a fair proportion of nitrogen and phosphoric acid. The potash is low. No. 14. Is a light yellowish sandy subsoil, containing little more than traces of organic matter and nitrogen. * The exceptional amount of potash ( '58 per cent) in this specimen may possibly be due to the acciden- tal presence of ashes produced in clearing the land. 156 No. 15. Cultivated buriace soil, very similar in colour and texture to No. 13. The nitrogen and organic matter are somewhat lower than those of the virgin soil. In phosphoric acid it is deficient. No. 16. A loam from Mr. Hiram Walker, Walkervile. A fair soil in com- position, with the exception of phosphoric acid, which is low, and of lime in which it is particularly deficient. No. 17. From J. N. Poirier, Victoriavillo, Arthabaska County, P.Q. A sandy loam of fair quality, but rather low in mineral constituents. No. 18. Subsoil to the above and very similar to it is the proportion of potash and phosphoric acid. For a subsoil it may be considered high in nitrogen. No. 19. Also sent by Mr. Poirier. It is a black muck of average quality. As a soil it contains an abundance of nitrogen, though this is only slowly rendered assimilable, and a fair amount of phosphoric acid. In potash it is remarkably deficient. The best fertilizer to improve the composition of this soil is wood ashes, which contain from 4 per cent to 9 per cent of potash and about 2 per cent of phos- phoric acid ; leached ashes are very much poorer in potash. An application of from 60 bushels to 150 bushels to the acre of fresh ashes, according to the nature of the crop about to be grown, would give good results. The texture of this soil would be benefited by a heavy dressing of clay, sand or other inert matter. No. 20. Subsoil, underlying the above. A greyish sandy soil, containing little potash, but fairly rich in nitrogen. Though not contributing much plant food, its admixture with the surface soil (No. 19) would very materially improve the latter by rendering it heavier. No. 21. A pinkish red sand, containing very little organic matter and only traces of nitrogen. The amounts of the mineral constituents, including potash and phosphoric acid, are very small. No. 22. A brownish red, sandy soil, considerably richer in organic matter and nitrogen than the preceding sample. It is rich in potash, though phosiDhorio acid is present only in small quantities. Nos. 21 and 22 were from St. Adelaide de Pabos, P.Q., and were forwarded by the Rev. Joseph Dechamplain. No. 23. A surface soil from the farm of A. S. Ross, Hansford, Cumberland County, N.S. A brown, sandy soil, very poor in nitrogen and phosphoric acid. No. 24. Sent by John Grillis, South-west Mabou, N. S. A brown, sandy soil, having a fair amount of organic matter and nitrogen. It is comparatively high in potash and low in phoophoric acid. Lime is practically abseut. 157 00 73 CO O CO Cm o so CO <«1 •puBg t^ "S" in in M o I'l t^ ■M -»< ;r o -r t^ I— It^t-Ci'n't^-.r-cO'— lOO •* OC O •<*• IM 00 C^ CO t^oo in o ■* o c ■^ to •q< CO to o o to in (MCStOOD-^'OiOOMNOOO t— tot~in;DintDint-«o«o to rH r-llO t- • to 00 CO t--^ •^^0 in to (M CO CO Ci r-l in in o o 1— I to C5 t^-)CCC:t~i-l00OC5T-lt0(M • -f CO t^co to ■COC<100 .H 00 i-H i-H o -^ in o ■* d I— I rH I— I oinTHcocoinc^io.-ioco T-lrHi-^tH(M(MCOi-i.-H<-l • iniMiHinin •1-H rH 1— I CO •uaSoa?!^ to t^ CO CO fi in 1-1 t- t- (M CO in JM rH rH rH O N rH O "M 1-1 1-H Cq CO O O O O :: '■ .00 CO ^"c5 '■ '■ '■ '■ ^^ '■ '■ '■ '■ '■ ^ '• '■ '• '■ '• •' ...oo-eo '.'.'.'.'.'.'.'. "c: to o c<; ~. ?q -t> rHt^ocoo?ito-^ocointD-'*. O»H-*>00C0t--~C5t0iMt^OC0i-l'Tmcot-iMrH intO-*C2'*-COtO 1^ o fcDl. ■■Sfe C 14-4 O a h C • c3 •-is! O § ^ S O o o o o • 3 P5 ^>^^r". O .^--X o c5 O O ■3 o a: CO 03 O^ in CO t-T O"^ o Hi 1-3 IM "^ O O 1-1 )^ 3 cS'C'O'o 6 O! ^-1 O O CO "S O^ (SO 00 o 03 a) r^ (D o 00 eSo?t*0000 t: 'o £ t: -a -c -o 13 S 3 3 ro COM OOOOOO OCJOO 0a}cSa!cjaJcS00"'tS°°'3000 pg^jjjjg 3333 mmmmmm cnoicnoc •joqran^ iHweO'^iotot^oo 05 OiHW CO-* in to t-.oooOrHNeoj' THi-HrHrHi-Hf-Hl-Hi-HT-HrHC^C^C^C^C^ 158 FAJRT II. MUCKS, MUDS AND PEATS. In previous reports I have taken occasion to point out and emphasize the value of this class of natural fertilizers ; but on account of the importance of the Rubjt'trt, and in order to make the analytical data here given intelligible and easy of compre- hension, I propose to again briefly discuss the origin, the uses or application, and the value of these substances. Muck. — Every true muck consists largely of semi-decayed vegetable matter or humus — the accumulated remains of plants, chiefly aquatic, of many generations. These well-known deposits of swamp muck are the result, principally of the continuous action of water on the fresh and green vegetable matter, converting it into a uniform black or brown mass. The lack of structure in the matter deposited increases with decay. In the upper layeis are to be found the roots of plants still growing on the surface, together with much undecomposed woody tiHsuo. The lower portions of the muck deposits show, as a rule, but few roots, the process of decomposition having proceeded farther, destroying all structure. A black or brown material results, light as to weight and powdering easily when dry. In some degree a measure of the value of a muck may be obtained from its colour, its structure, and the amount of ashes left when a small sample is burnt. A good muck should be dark brown or black, structureless (that is not full of undecayed woods and roots), light and easily powdered when dry, and should yield only a small quantity of light ashes when burnt. As a Kupplier of plant food, muck is chiefly valuable for its nitrogen, contained in the organic matter or semi-decomposed plant remains. Under favourable cir- cumstances it yields this nitrogen as food for farm crops. But in addition to being a nitrogenous fertilizer, its application to many soils improves their tilth or mechanical texture. If a soil be too light or too hp.avy, the best results cannot be obtained, though all the elements of plant food be present. Muck has the effect of making heavy soils porous, allowing air and water to freely permeate and the roots to find an easy passage. For light and sandy soils and those poor in organic matter muck is most beneficial, improving their retentive powers for moisture and fertilizing elements. For rich soils that requii-e lightening it forms a valuable and cheap substitute for barn-yard manure, on account of its bulk and lasting qualities. By its further decomposition in the soil, carbonic acid gas is developed. This when dissolved in the soil-water assists in setting free mineral plant food hitherto in a condition unavailable and is probably of service in other ways. The germs of nitrification which i-ender soluble and assimilable the nitrogen of muck, likewise ' convert and make soluble that in the nitrogen-holding substances in the soil, so that both the mineral and organic plant food of a soil are made more readily available for crops by the application of muck. As might be supposed, all mucks are not equally valuable. Those which con- tain large amounts of clay and sand will be poor in organic matter and consequently in niti'Ogen. Again, as an inspection of the following table will show, the pro- portion of nitrogen in the organic matter of mucks is very variable. This is partly due to the nature of the vegetation from which the muck has been formed, partly to the degree of decay or fermentation that has taken place, and partly no doubt, in some instances, to a leaching action of the water on the soluble nitrogen-holding compounds. The colour of muck is not an invariable criterion as to its quality; many of a brown colour contain a larger percentage of nitrogen than black samples, which appears contrary to the generally accepted opinion. Peat. — The difference between muck and pent is perhaps one more of degree than of kind. The vegetable matter of peat, usually pi-esent without admixture with clay and sand, has not decayed to the extent that it has in muck, and conse- 159 quently its nitrogen is not so available for plant food. Peat is composed largely of woody fibre, still uudecomposed and still retaining its structure. Its derivation is not largely from aquatic plants, as in the case of muck, and its formation does not appear to have taken place with the presence of that large excess of water conducive to the development of swamp deposits. While not so valuable for in:imediate use, or as a compost, as muck, peat, by reason of its texture and absorbent qualities generally, offers itself as being particularly valuable for soaking up and retaining liquid manure. Muds. — Eiver and lake muds are formed by the gradual deposition of silt. They consist largely of inert matter— very fine clay and sand — with variable amounts of animal and vegetable dibris. As a rule their percentage of nitrogen is not large. Their fine mechanical condition, however, often enhances their value. Mucks, peats and muds, without further fermentation or decay, do not readily give up their nitrogen to growing plants. If applied to a soil without this previous fermentation, the immediate result, except what may be due to improved tilth, will not be a large one. The process there is a slow one, the rapidity, however, depend- ing on the nature of the soil, the amount of moisture, and the temperature. Favour- able conditions are a fairly light soil, and damp, hot wieather. It is as a compost that the full benefit of mucks may be obtained. Such may be made by mixing it with barn-yard manure, wood ashes, dissolved bone or garden and house refuse, and allowing them to heat together. By this means the nitrogen becomes more and more soluble, and, therefore, of greater use for the plants. As already stated, peat and muck are excellent absorbents for liquid manure in stables, cow houses, pig pens, &c. After being used for this purpose, and mixed with some of the more solid manure, the mass should be allowed to ferment in a heap, being from time to time turned over. In this way much fertilizing material that might go to waste is preserved, and by the addition of the nitrogen of the muck to that of the manure, a most valuable and rich fertilizer is obtained. During the past year twenty-seven specimens of these fertilizers have been examined. They were obtained in the provinces of Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. They were accompanied by particulars as to source and amount of supply and a request for information as to their fertilizing qualities. The following table gives the composition in full of the first five samples analysed. The results are calculated on the air-dried material. 160 Analyses of Muds and Mucks ;^Air-drie d), 1891. No. 1. No. 2. No. 3. No. 4. No 5. Water 4-24 23-69 18-19 7-79 243 Organic and volatile matter 17-78 36 44 64 86 57^37 9 39 Insoluble residue (clay and sand) C3ol 30 70 2^46 32 29 70 91 Oxide of iron and alumina , 9-78 348 4-35 1^40 823 Lime •30 1-37 263 •38 4-99 •36 •44 •24 3 84 Magnesia •17 Potash •12 •08 •23 •13 •58 Soda •49 Phosphoric acid 16 •30 •31 •22 10 Soluble silica •01 •30 •17 •11 •06 Sulphuric acid 2-66 Carbonic acid, &c. (undetermined) •07 200 4^08 101 3 80 100 00 100 -00 100 00 100 00 100-00 Nitrogen (in organic matter) •504 1-135 1-820 2^045 •332 Pounds of nitrogen in one ton of air-dried material. 10- 22- 36- 40 • 6- The following brief explanatory notes with regard to the above are added : No. 1. Marsh mud, forwarded by the Pioneer Publishing Co., Summerside, P. E. 1. This is not a rich fertilizer, but represents an average sample of marsh or river mud. In potash and phosphoric acid it is somewhat low. The percentage of nitrogen is a little higher than that usually found in marsh lands. No. 2. Is a black muck from the east riding of Peterborough, Asphodel town- ship, and sent by Mr. F. Birdsall. The 30 per cent of insoluble matter is chiefly sand, which gives to the whole a line loamy texture. The air-dried sabstance contains over 1 percent nitrogen, or 22| lbs. to the ton, making a valuable nitrogenous fertilizer. It also contains over 4 per cent of carbonate of lime, a very useful material for many soils. Mr. Birdsall reports very good results from its use, and thinks it equal to barnyard manure sometimes found. No. 3. A black muck from a cedar swamp, South Orillia. Depth of deposit, 3 feet to 6 feet, with a subsoil of quicksand. The swamp, partially burnt over, contains about 15() acres. The sample analysed is from the deposit on the farm of Mr. E. Lehmann, South Orillia. This may be considered a first-class muck. It poss- esses nearly 2 per cent of nitrogen (40 lbs. to the ton) and 9 per cent of carbonate of lime. The small quantity of inert, insoluble matter, is noticeable. In potash and phosphoric acid, it is a good average sample. No. 4. Forwarded by Mr. Bayard Williams, of Long Eeach, King's county, N.B. ; obtained from the bottom of a lake. It partakes very much of the nature of a swamp muck, possessing over 40 lbs. of nitrogen to the ton. It should prove, both from its composition and texture, a valuable nitrogenous manure. No. 5. A river mud from Lower Montague, P.E.I., sent by Mr. H. P. Robertson. The analysis shows it to be rather of the nature of a good soil than a manure. It was found that time would not permit to make a complete analj'sis of all the samples that were sent in for examination. It was therefore determined to estimate only their most important constituents. Their relative values as suppliers of nitrogen is brought out in the subjoined table, which also affords further information regarding their constitution. 161 -S^d Na»C<5eDIMCO0 M CO c: CO ■* C<5 ■* (M (M i?0 c<5 iO M CO iH i-H « i-H N I ci)-^c^Tt-iooinoooo>o«0'^oiON t-t~IMOl0ONOO05'*lM-*'OJ«0OIO«01O'<»"00b- ©i^Oe''r-IOC0TfO0500©lkoO0ii-l«rHa0W^ i-l iH IM N iH r-l 1-1 r-( N CO CO iH iH iH i-t i-l iH 0>>-HOO>rtOOiH005D05C50500-boJ35lbciJSOrHl0t:^IM'*C0l0O5C0t^O00tDC0C CO iH rH -^ io N iH rH lO « »« O rH iH CQ r-t Tj< lO t^ 3i 00 73 .2 T3 m a e3 o S o 00 CO Z; <1 .2 ^ C O >S O>t^00t^t-COCC"!t-T-iOaD«DC<100COCOCOi?QOOCCOC3«OCOlOtO t~ lO ;0 «0 »C J3 ^ tn 2 >i c3 o "U ©•J- Wp5t-5PL|K;H .tJi^ ..3 o o '> o bo 3 ,£2 H CO o 3" & o to - S c ■-Q 3 O a 3.S ® O (E--; O pl; „ o cS aj -*^ a cS -2 to - ^ <'J1 c3 2. si S; -C *3 ^* d) c3 C 3 >>? J3 O o «S C pLi r -'C : ; (3 bn i-i : ^3 W c3 Ph)-! U cP"^ . CI CO -O :;2i • d • o • M • O - - :^ K OS O (BO :W6 ■ > I- • .*3 - O « CO ::^ 3 1^^ 15 -a O 3 a o O a. a 03 oooooooooooooooo oooooooooooooooo tzT^ « a u m »j 4_i **T o ;2; t-0001©iHlMC0Tt<»0;©t~0005©»-l(MC0-*inot^ THrH.HrHr-l>-lr-li-lr-lr-l(MlMIMC5C^C^(NP< 7f— 11 162 A brief description of each sample is here appended : No. 6. A muck rich in organic matter and nitrogen, with little inert matter, clay and sand. As this was intended for use as a litter, the value of the resulting manure would be materially increased, owing to the additional nitrogen supplied by the muck. No. 7. Very similar in appearance to the preceding sample, but contains only three-quarters the amount of nitrogen. Nevertheless, it is above the average in this important element. Nos. 8 and 9. These specimens of swamp muck were taken from the surface (No. 8) and from 2 feet below (No. 9). They differ much in appearance. No. 8 shows a considerable amount of undecomposed woody tissue and is less granular than No. 9. Their analysis proves them to be very similar in composition. No. 10. A powdery, loamy muck of brown colour, containing nearly 30 percent of sand. It possesses about the average quantity of nitrogen found in fair samples. Nos. 11 and 12. These are similar in the percentages of organic matter and in- soluble residue they contain. The organic matter of No. 11 is not as rich in nitrogea and not as well decomposed as that of No. 12. Nos. 13 and 14. These are from extensive deposits lying near each other. No. 13 is much darker and somewhat less woody and more granular than No. 14. Its value is considerably the higher of the two. No. 15. As this was analysed when it contained nearly 40 per cent of water, it appeared to possess less nitrogen tlian many others which are really of less value. Calculated on the basis of 10 per cent of water, this sample would yield 35 lbs. of nitrogen to the ton. It may be considered a very fair average sample of black muck. No. 16. Light brown in colour. Considering its small percentage of water, it must be regarded as low in nitrogen. No. 17. Apparently well decomposed, black, and of good texture. If dried to 10 per cent of water it would contain 47 lbs. of nitrogen to the ton, which is consider- ably above the average. No. 18. From a very large deposit. This muck contains the largest amount of nitrogen received during the past year. Evidently a very valuable nitrogenous fertilizer. No. 19, A reddish brown sample. Although containing 85 per cent of organic matter, it yields only 20 lbs. of nitrogen to the ton. No 20. Although very fibrous, it possesses an average amouut of nitrogen. It would do good service as an absorbent in stables. No. 21. Taken from 4 feet below the surface, fairly dark and granular, but not- withstanding is very poor in nitrogen. No. 22. A dark brown muck, considerably below the average in nitrogen. No. 23. Sent as a sample of "mud," but evidently more of the nature of a swamp muck. Of a dark gray colour and somewhat sandy. A fair sample, slightly below the average quality. No. 24. "Mussel mud." Consisted principally of the unbroken and undecom- posed shells of mussels embedded in clay. It cannot be considered a nitrogenous fertilizer, but is of value to soils deficient in lime. The use and value of these mussel muds have been treated of at some length in former reports. No. 25. "Lake mud." Not a rich fertilizer compared with swamp muck. In- soluble matter is over 50 per cent, and organic matter less than 25 per cent. No. 26. " Salt mud." Exceedingly poor in nitrogen, consisting largely of insoluble residue. Is a reddish, compact, very earthy substance. No. 27. A peat. A valuable material for bedding, owing to its texture and rich- ness in nitrogen. A considerable vai-iation in the composition, and hence in the value of these specimens, is to be noticed. The twenty-four samples of black muck give an average of 33 lb. of nitrogen to the ton. Nitrogen is the most costly of the three important fertilizing elements generally Ibund necessary to return to the soil. Its value may 163 be said to vary from 18 cents per pound in salts of ammonia and nitrates to 5 cents per pound in wool waste, hair, &c. Although these may be considered trade values, yet in a great measure they i-epresent their relative worth to the farmer. The nitrogen in the first-named articles is immediately available, whereas in hair, wool and the like, a fermentation process must ensue, continuing over a considerable length of time, before the nitrogen is converted into such a soluble condition that plants can make use of it. Mucks rank with the latter rather than with 1he former class, as fei-mentation is necessary to obtain its full benefit. If the nitrogen in muck be assigned an average value of 7 cents per pound (the degree of fermentation or decay that has taken place will affect its worth for present results), one ton of the material containing 33 lbs. of nitrogen would be worth $2.31, and a sample possess- ing 50 lbs. to the ton, $3.50, It is plain, therefore, that a valuable nitrogenous fertilizer is to be found in the deposit of many of our swamps. EEL GEASS (Zoster a marina). A sample of this material has been received from Mr. William Mackay, of Haliburton Bridge, Pictou, Nova Scotia, who writes that it grows in immense quantities in all the harbours and shallow bays on the north shore of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. He further says that it is generally supposed to be useless as a manure and allowed to go to waste, excepting small quantities used for banking houses in the autumn. If the dry substance contained 1 per cent of nitrogen, Mr. Mackay thought it would be worth hauling. The material as received had been dried with a gentle heat. Its analysis furnished the following figures : — Per cent. Total ash, or mineral matter 21-90 Phosphoric acid (in ash, 1-80 per cent) 0-41 Potash (in ash, 13-28 per cent). ..- 2-90 Nitrogen, in organic matter 1-24 If without great expense this substance can be procured — preferably of course in the dry condition — I consider it would prove a valuable fertilizer. It contains notable quantities of the three chief constituents of plant food — potash, phosphoric acid and nitrogen. Before application to the soil it should be fermented. In its dry, hard condition it might lie in the soil undecomposed for a very long time. If suit- able for bedding, this manner of use would be most profitable ; but in any case it should be first mixed with some material that would cause its decay. In this process of composting the elements of plant food are set free in an easily assimilable form. SPENT TAN BAEK. This was also forwarded by Mr. Mackay, who stated that a tannery in the neigh- bourhood ran 4,000 to 5,000 tons of the substance annually into a cove, as worthless. It is hemlock bark after the "tan" has been exti-acted, and is essentiaHy woody fibre. On analysis it was found to possess -167 per cent of nitrogen. As a fertilizer, I am of the opinion that this material is almost valueless. It contains very little plant food, and is of a nature that would enable it for a long time to resist decay. AMMONIACAL GAS LIQUOE. In the destructive distillation of coal for the manufacture of illuminating gas a numbei" of bye-products are formed, prominent among which is the so-called ammoniacal liquor. It contains varying amounts of ammonia (according to the nature of coal used and the process of condensation and purification in vogue), and also of cei-tain other tarry and volatile substances. Viewing it as a fertilizer, we may consider it as a dilute solution of ammonia containing certain impurities more or less harmful to vegetation — notably sulphur compounds. 7f— 11^ 164 For the purpose of concentrating and fixing the valuable constituent, ammonia, and in order to get rid of the poisonous products, it is submitted to distillation, the ammonia being collected in sulphuric acid. In this way ammonium sulphate is formed, a salt largely used in artificial fertilizers. The direct application of the ammoniacal liquor to the soil can only be used with safety after careful experiment and previous dilution. It is impossible to give definite instruction with regard to the extent of the dilution that should be practised, owing to the fact that the liquor varies in strength and amount of impurities in different samjjles. Some persons have found injurious effects from it when diluted to twelve times its volume, while others have used it with safety and profit upon the addition of three times its bulk of water only. When not distilled, this gas liquor is usually allowed to run to waste. Contain- ing as a rule somewhat under 1 per cent of ammonia, it scarcely pays to transport it any great distance. The question, however, has arisen, whether the liquor could not be used with advantage by the agriculturists in the neighbourhood of its pro- duction. Large watering carts have been suggested for distributing it on the land, and also the plan of adding sufficient sulphuric acid to the liquor to fix the volatile ammonia — present chiefly as the volatile carbonate — before application. It may be possible by suitable treatment to produce a valuable fertilizer without the expense of distillation. The details and cost, however, have yet to be worked out to arrive at an economical process. It may be found that upon neutralizing of the liquor with sulphuric acid and allowing it to stand for three or four days the volatile poisonous compounds are largely evolved, the tarry matter deposited and the ammonia retained. If such a simple method worked satisfactorily, the resulting liquor might be diluted in the fields to the proper degree, and at once applied to the soil. Again, ground gypsum added to the crude liquor would have the effect of retaining the ammonia in the liquid, the tarry matter being deposited with the car- bonate of lime formed. At the request of the Hon. J. B. Snowball, Chatham, N.B., a sample of ammoni- acal liquor has been examined. The analysis showed that 14 gallons contained 1 lb. ammonia (NHg). Every gallon of this liquor would produce 4 ozs. of ammonium suljjhate. It contained therefore a little less than 1 per cent of ammonia. JSTitrogen in artificial fertilizer costs about 17 cents per pound. This liquor therefore contains one cent's worth of nitrogen per gallon. If an opportunity presents itself, it is proposed to make some experiments with the material during the coming year at the Farm laboratories. Sulphate of ammonia, while not a complete manure for plants, is an exceedingly valuable one for supplying nitrogen. It acts rapidly in the soil on account of its extreme solubility. In conjunction with other elements of plant food it ubually gives mo6t gratifying rebulUi — especially upon worn-out soils. 165 PA.IIT III. FODDERS. The desirability of our farmers having information regarding the relative value of cattle foods, as derived from chemical analysis, has led to a continuation of the work commenced and reported upon last year. The laboratory investigations of the past season in this connection have been confined almost exclusively to the examination of roots and fodder corn. EOOTS. Roots form an important ingredient in cattle rations, and are largely grown to supply during the winter months succulent and palatable food. In no sense can they be considered concentrated food, for they contain a very large percentage of water, and the "dry matter" is not rich in albuminoids; but owing to their easy and entire digestibility, their succulent nature, and what we may term medicinal properties, they have been found exceedingly valuable for keeping up the milk flow and in preserving a healthy tone to the digestive organs of the cow. The dry matter (or real cattle food) of roots is essentially non-nitrogenous. Their "nutritive ratio," or pi'oportion of digestible albuminoids to digestible non- nitrogenous portion, is wide, and varies from 1 : 8 to 1 : 13. For this reason, together with the fact that the dry matter is only from 170 lbs. to 190 lbs. per ton, roots cannot be fed exclusively. Their useshould be supplemented with a coarse or bulky fodder— for the proper distention of the ruminating apparatus— andalso with a judicious quantity of a concentrated food, such as bran, oil cake or other meal to supph' albu- minoids. In this way a properly balanced and economical ration may be prepared. The samples analysed were as follows: — Carrots, 3 varieties; turnips, 2 varieties; mangels, 3 varieties, and of sugar-beets 4 varieties. They were grown on the Central Experimental Farm during 1891. The roots examined were typical examples of fine specimens of each variety. They had been preserved as such, and not selected for analytical purposes. It is generally admitted, and confirmed by analysis, that the increased development in large roots is accompanied by a decrease in the percentage of dry matter — that is, the larger roots are the more watery, as a rule. On this account the percentage of water found in those examined is probably somewhat highei- than it is in the avei-age-size root. Three or more roots of each variety served to furnish the material from which the samples for analysis was taken. In my report for 1890 I gave a brief account of the composition, value and function of fodder constituents, to which I would refer the reader for an explanation of the terms used in the following tables : Carrots. — Thi-ee leading varieties were analysed, and their comparative value is brought out by the figures that denote the amount of digestible matter per ton in the above table. Though very close, the Ox-heart gave results which show it to be slightly richer in food constituents than the Short White or the Belgian carrots. Turnips. — The Purple-top Swede, according to our analyses, is more valuable than the Greystone turnip. Mangels. — The Golden Flesh, Golden Tankard and Mammoth Long Red mangels form the next group examined. No great amount of difference in composition is noticeable between these varieties. They are second to carrots in