62 



with the work of the experimental farms, and the opportunity is afforded them 

 of seeing many new and useful varieties of farm products. For the preparation 

 of these exhibits and the successful carrying out of the arduous task of putting 

 them in place, and of giving information at the fairs to all enquirers, wo are indebted 

 mainly to the farm loremsvi, Mr. John Fixter, to my assistant in the experimental 

 department, Mr. W. T. Macoun, and to the accountant, Mr. W. H. Hay. These 

 officers have been untiring in their devotion to this work, and much of the success 

 which has attended these exhibits has been due to their persistent efforts and to 

 the taste and skill which they have shown in the arrangement of the displays. 



Similar work has been carried on by the superintendents of the several branch 

 farms, references to which will be found in their reports. 



COEEESPONDBNCB. 



The following is a summary of the mail matter received and despatched at the 

 Central Experimental Farm during the year 1891 : — 



Director .... 



Agriculturist and Dairy Commissioner . 



Horticulturist. 



Chemist 



Entomolo^t and Botanist 



Poultry Manager 



Accountant 



Total 



Bulletins, reports, fee, sent out 203,353. 



This work is particularly heavy on all the officers during the early spring 

 months, when the mails frequently bring to the office from 150 to 200 letters a day. 

 Many of these require time and research to obtain the information asked, and it is 

 not possible, with the limited staff available for the work, to answer every letter 

 promptly, but answers are forwarded as fast as the work can be overtaken. 



ACKNOWLEDGMENTS. 



Before closing this report for the year, I take much pleasure in acknowledging 

 my indebtedness to all the officers of the Central and branch experimental farms 

 for the zeal they have manifested and the care they have exercised in bringing to a 

 successful issue the different branches of work which have engaged their attention. 

 To the foremen and employes acknowledgements are also due for faithful services. 

 The valuable services rendered by the farm foreman, Mr. John Fixter, and my 

 assistant in the experimental work, Mr. W. T. Macoun, deserves special commenda- 

 tion. To their constant vigilance and careful records I am again indebted for most 

 of the particulars relating to the experimental work at the Central Farm. I desire 

 also to again bear testimony to the useful service rendered by Mr. Wm. Ellis, who 

 has had charge of the seed-testing house, also the care and propagation of the 

 economic and other plants which are under cultivation, all of which has been man- 

 aged with skill and has had much careful attention. 



WM. SAUNDEES, 

 Director Experimental Farms. 



