92 



These seeds were forwarded to the Central Experimental Farm as early as practi- 

 cable last fall, to be distributed from there in small sacks to Manitoba and Xorth- 

 West farmers, as a means of arriving at the relative advantages of groAving trees 

 from seed where wanted, and planting seedlings grown elsewhere. Experimental 

 work in forestry at the above Branch Farms has already demonstrated the advis- 

 ability' of beginning with the hardiest native trees, and when with these shelter has 

 been obtained the work will progress more satisfactorily. 



The greater propotion of the seed arrived too late fu. ihe report of the distribu- 

 tion to be given this year. A part of the seed was sent out through the mails in small 

 cotton bags.' The Burr oak, and Black cherry were put up in packets containing about 

 400 seeds of each. The ash were sent out in sacks holding about 5,000 seeds. The 

 seeds of the cherry being small were enclosed with those of the ash. 



The distribution up to 1st January, 1891, was as follows: — 



No. of Packages. 

 Species. Man. N. W.T. 



Manitoba burr oak (Quercus macrocarpa) 60 85 



do Green ash (Fraxinus viridis) 219 201 



do Black cherry (Prunus demissa) ? 219 201 



The subjoined circulars of instructions were mailed to each recipient of the tree 

 seeds : — 



Dominion of Canada, 



Central Experimental Farm, 



Ottawa, December, 1890, 



Dear Sir, — A small sack, containing seeds of Manitoba burr oak (^Quercus 

 macrocarpa) has been mailed to your address this day. 



Mix the acorns with damp sand and store in a cool cellar during the winter, 

 being careful to guard from mice and rats. Sow after danger of heavy spring frosts 

 is over, in well-drained mellow loam, sheltered if possible from strong sunshine and 

 prevalent winds. Sow 2 inches apart, in drills which may be run 15 to 20 inches 

 from each other. Cover to a depth of 2 inches, firmly pressing the soil over the 

 seed. Keep the surface loose and free from weeds during the growing season. 

 Protect the seedlings the first winter with a mulch of straw or hay. The}' may be 

 allowed to remain in the seed bed 2 years, or they may be transplanted as yearlings 

 to premanent positions. 



Yours truly, 



JOHN CEAiCi, 

 William Saunders, Director. Horticulturist. 



Dominion op Canada, 



Central Experimental Farm, 



Ottawa, December, 1890. 



Dear Sir, — A small sack containing seeds of Manitoba black cherry and ash 

 has been mailed to your address this day. 



Mix the the seeds of each with damp sand or soil, and store in a cool cellar 

 during winter, being careful to guard from mice and rats. Sow after danger of 

 heavy spring frosts is over, in well-drained, mellow loam ; shelter if possible from 

 strong sunshine and prevalent winds. Sow 1 to 2 inches apart in drills, which may 

 be run from 15 to 20 inches apart. Cover the cherry-pits to a depth of 1^ inches. 

 The ash seed should have a covering of from f to 1 inch. Pi-ess the soil fii-mly over 

 the seed in both cases. Keep the surface loose and free from weeds during the 

 growing season. Protect the .seedlings the first winter with a mulch of straw or 



