89 



Optimus (Henderson). — Medium in size; smooth; regular; dark red; pro- 

 ductive ; a good late variety. 



Golden Queen (Livingston). — This, as its name indicates, is yellow, and very 

 attractive. Large, even, and regular in form ; very productive. This gave the best 

 results among the yellow varieties tested. 



Many of the newer varieties give ev idence of possessing points of merit which 

 will place them on a par with most of those named above, but in advance of further 

 tests, and considering that the present list is a very satisfactoiy one, descriptions 

 are in the meantime withheld. 



IY._FOEBSTEY— FEBE DISTEIBUTION. 



The importance of this branch of horticulture is becoming more appreciated 

 each year by the settlers of Manitoba and the North-West. This is being empha- 

 sized in a striking manner in those localities in which fruit-growing has been 

 attempted, no matter on how limited a scale the beginning may be. The first require- 

 ment in the prairie region of the North- West is a shelter belt, whether a small fruit 

 or vegetable garden is desired. It is the settler only, who can fully appreciate the 

 benefit of wind-breaks for the protection of his home and his stock yards. 



With a view to encourage tree planting on the plains, and gain information in 

 regai'd to the adaptability of different varieties offorest trees to the requirements of the 

 North- West, under direction of the Honourable Minister of Agriculture a distribution 

 of 100,000 seedling forest trees from 10 to 15 inches in height, was made through the 

 mails. During April of last year 1,000 packages, containing 100 seedlings each, made 

 up in varying numbers of 17 varieties, were sent to applicants who had received notifi- 

 cation of the intended distribution through their local journals. About 1,600 applica- 

 tions were received in excess of the number provided for, showing that to this line of 

 experiment was accorded the hearty approval of the settlei's of Manitoba and the 

 North-West. 



Li sending out these trees due care has been taken to distribute them over as 

 wide an area as possible, so that no part of the North-West might be overlooked. 



In Manitoba 98 post oflices received 591 packages of trees ; North-West Terri- 

 tories, 92 post offices received 389 packages of trees. Total — 190 post offices ; 980 

 packages sent out. 



A few varieties running out towards the end of the distribution, the remaining 

 parcels were completed with small fruits, and are noted in that connection. 



The following list gives the names of varieties and the number of each sent out, 

 and was adhered to as closely as practicable, but in a few cases changes were neces- 

 sarily made: — 



10 White ash. 5 Eussian mulberry. 



10 Green ash. 5 Cottonwood, 



25 Box elder. 3 Linden. 



5 Soft maple. 1 Black wild cherry. 



2 Hard maple. 1 Ky. coffee tree. 



20 White elm. 1 Eed cedar. 



2 Honey locust. 1 Eussian olive. 



5 Black walnut. 2 Butternut. 



2 Black locust. 



To each variety was attached a wooden label, with the name plainly printed upon 

 it. The packing was done in a cai"eful and expeditious manner, using sphagnum moss, 

 to preserve the necessary moisture, and covering with two sheets of paper — one oiled and 

 the othei- the common manilla wrapping material. The trees arrived in good con- 

 dition, though many were on the road from ten to fourteen days. Two parcels were 

 returned after an absence of seven weeks, the parties to whom they were addressed 

 having removed. These trees were then placed in the most favourable condition for 



