REPORT OF MR. A. MACK AY. 383 



Land prepared for crop op 1895. 



During the past season, 165 acres of land were fallowed and made ready to receive 

 the crop of 1895. 



The first ploughing was completed by July 1 2th, with single ploughs turning from 6 

 to 8 inches deep. The portion ploughed early in the season was harrowed, prior to this 

 date, to induce weeds to germinate ; a result somewhat difficult to obtain on account of 

 the dry weather. 



After the ploughing was finished, all the land was well harrowed. After harvest a 

 large portion of it was gang-ploughed light, and the balance harrowed with either disc 

 or spring-tooth harrows. 



In addition to the summer fallow, ten acres of oat land were ploughed in the fall 

 after the crop had been taken off. 



Sixty-five acres of stubble-land were gang-ploughed after the crop had been har- 

 vested, with the intention of starting all weeds and volunteer grain (his fall. This land 

 will be fallowed next year. 



Seven acres of the fallow-land intended for roots next year, had a heavy coating of 

 manure, well rotted, put on late in the fall. Part of the field was ploughed after the 

 manure was applied and the balance left as it was. 



The remainder of the year's manure is being put on stubble-land intended for fal- 

 lowing next year. This has been found to be the best and safest way of applying 

 manure in the Territories. No matter how well rotted, if applied in the fall or spring 

 to land to be cropped at once, if the season be dry the manure will keep the land open 

 and instead of being a benefit will prove an injury. If, however, it is applied on stubble- 

 land and the land fallowed, the manure gets well worked in and the June rains complete 

 the rotting process thoroughly. 



Ensilage. 



Corn ensilage was a decided success the past winter. Although the crop was 

 small and the ensilage far from filling the silo, what there was of it was good and was 

 eagerly eaten by the stock. 



Ensilage made from mixed grain crops, cut when well headed and left for two days 

 to wilt, was also a success ; but that made from the same mixed grain crop, left until 

 the heads were filled, though not nearly ripe, was a complete failure. From fifteen to 

 twenty loads of the latter were cut by ensilage cutter and put in silo. Up to Christmas 

 it appeared to be allright but when required for use was found to be quite dry from top 

 to bottom except in a few patches where a small amount of moisture had been retained 

 which were the only parts the cattle would eat. 



On account of the mixed grain crop being very light and poor, no ensilage was 

 made from this kind of fodder, the past year. Corn alone was put in silo and being 

 further advanced than in former years the ensilage will no doubt turn out welL 



Improvements. 



some 



The improvements made on the farm during the past season were in taking down 

 „o old cottages along the railway, improving the reservoirs on the farm, planting 

 seven acres of maple trees and putting out nearly two miles of avenue trees. 



Local Exhibitions and Institute Meetings. 



The only exhibitions attended with products of the farm were Regina and Indian 



Head. 



Wolseley, Broadview, Wapella, Fairmede, QuAppelle Station and Fort QuAppelle 

 fairs were attended by myself or staff, who assisted as judges. 



