42 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 



6-7 EDWARD VII., A. 1907 

 SELECTION OF PEAS, BEANS AND TOMATOES. 



During the past seven years an experiment lias been in progress in selecting 

 garden peas with the object of developing, if possible, earlier and more productive 

 strains. The results are very encouraging and the effect of selection in regard to in- 

 crease in yield and ear+iness is quite marked in some cases. A similar experiment 

 has been carried on with beans for six years, and with tomatoes for three years, with 

 good results. The quantity of seed from these selections has not been increased much 

 yet, as the object is to carry on as rigid a selection as possible for several years longer, 

 and this is best done from single plants. The value of selected seed was especially 

 marked in tomatoes in 1905, when the Sparks Earliana from seed selected from the 

 earliest fruit in 1904 yielded more than two and one-half times as much ripe fruit 

 before August 10, as plants grown from imported seed. 



The importance of using homegrown seed if properly ripened, selected and stored, 

 has been well shown in these selections of peas, beans, and tomatoes. 



TOBACCO. 



Tobacco has been grown in the Horticultural Division since 1S93, and most of 

 the varieties offered for sale by American seed houses have been tested. Notes have 

 been taken on the time of maturing of the different kinds, as it is important to know 

 those which mature early. Experiments have been conducted in ' topping ' and ' prim- 

 ing ' and comparisons made between transplanted and not transplanted plants. To- 

 bacco has also been sent to experts for manufacturing, and the results of these tests 

 have been published in the Annual Reports. 



FUNGOUS DISEASES. 



The fungous diseases relating to fruits and vegetables are dealt with by the Horti- 

 culturist. Many specimens of affected fruits or fruit trees are sent in each year for 

 identification and for recommendations for treatment, and as far as possible reliable 

 information has been given. Descriptions of many of the fungous diseases affecting, 

 fruits and vegetables have been published in the report of the Horticulturist and in 

 bulletins. 



SPRAYT^G. 



The spraying of fruits and vegetables to prevent the ravages of insect pests and 

 fungous diseases has been one of the strong features of the work of the Horti- 

 cultural Division and from 1890 to the present time every annual report except 

 one contains th? results of some experimental work in spraying. The principal experi- 

 ments are herewith summarized: — 



1890, experiments with copper carbonate, copper sulphate, and hypo-sulphite of 

 soda to prevent Apple Spot. The same year 14 combinations of fungicides were tried 

 to learn what strength could be used without injury to foliage. 



1891, experiments to determine the relative efficacy of copper carbonate in suspen- 

 sion and solution, and an unwashed solution, and the possibility and effect of using 

 Paris green with these mixtures. 



1S92, comparing the efficacy and cost of ammoniaeai copper carbonate and dilute 

 Bordeaux mixture. Experiments, to prevent Grape Mildew and Anthracnose. Experi- 

 ments to prevent Gooseberry Mildew, also to prevent the Spot or Blight on the native 

 plum. 



1893, experiments with Bordeaux mixture and ammoniaeai copper carbonate to 

 prevent Apple Spot. Experiments to try the effect of dilute sulphuric acid on foliage. 



1894. experiments were conducted at seven places in Ontario for the prevention 

 of Apple Spot. 



