146 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. 



DISTRIBUTION OF POPLAR AND WILLOW CUTTINGS. 



This line of work has been continued on a less extended scale than in former years, 

 on account of the active part taken in it by the Branch Farms at Indian Head and 

 Brandon. Two hundred and sixty -five packages, each containing 125 cuttings, were 

 sent to farmers in Manitoba, and 215 packages to applicants residing in the North-west 

 Territories. These have been sent out, as in other years, only in response to direct 

 individual requests, so that there is greater assurance that they are given into the hands 

 of those persons most likely to appreciate and care for them, and who will report the 

 results of their experience. 



ASPARAGUS AND RHUBARD SEED. 



The distribution of asparagus and rhubarb seed has also been continued, much to 

 the satisfaction of many settlers in sections remote from seedsmen and nurserymen, and 

 also with much direct encouragement towards the more general cultivation of these use- 

 ful vegetables. 



-o - 



HARDY APPLE AND CRAB SEED. 



None of the named varieties of apples which have thus far been tried at Brandon, 

 Manitoba, or at Indian Head, in the North-west Territories, give promise of success, 

 though A. P. Stevenson, of Nelson, Southern Manitoba, reports some success with 

 Russian apples and crabs. With a view of introducing seedlings of the hardiest known 

 types of apples, a small distribution of crab and apple seed was made last spring. It is 

 hoped that a certain percentage of the resulting seedlings will endure the climate and 

 bear fruit, and if so the seed of this fruit should be carefully preserved and sown again. 

 It is quite possible that in course of time varieties in a measure adapted to the climate 

 and soil of these regions may be developed by this process. Two hundred packages were 

 sent out with appropriate instructions for planting the seed and caring for the resulting 

 young trees. 



PLANTS AND SCIONS OF NEW FRUIT. 



In accordance with the system adopted last year, a distribution of several new and 

 desirable shrubs and fruits was made through the provincial fruit growing organizations 

 of Ontario, Quebec and Nova Scotia. By this means the Horticultural Division of the 

 farm is brought into a line of useful co-operative work with these sociebies and in 

 touch with those most interested in the development of horticulture in the Dominion. 

 This distribution includes only varieties which are not generally obtainable commercial- 

 ly in Canada, and which are considered worthy of introduction. 



