246 



The trunks and larger limbs of the trees were Avashed in the spring with a 

 solution made of soap and wa^hing soda, which gave the baric a clear, bright green 

 appearance. The Longfield, Wagener, Haas, Scott's Winter and Maiden's Blush had 

 a few apples this year. Preparations are about completed to extend the orchard to 

 12 acres during the coming spring. For this purpose, in addition to the orchard now 

 already begun, a field of 5 acres has been prepared by chopping down and burning 

 the second growth of timber, care being taken to leave a heavy shelter belt of tiees 

 on every side for protection. On this plot a few trees were planted last spiing. The 

 land will be levelled as soon as the stumps are sufficiently rotted to be easily taken 

 out. The soil immediately around the trees will be kept cultivated from the first. 



SMALL FRUITS. 



Strawberries. — These were badly winter-killed by the sudden and frequent changes 

 from rain and mud to extreme cold during the winter. Easpberries and blackberries 

 stand the climate well, and make strong growth and have fruited well. The 

 Houghton, Downing and Smith's Improved gooseberries did well, and as usual fruited 

 heavily. The red and white currants have not so far succeeded well here, while 

 black currants are hardy and heavy croppers. 



MEETINGS ATTENDED. 



I attended a meeting of the Nova Scotia Dairymen's Association at New Glas- 

 gow on 25th and 26th March, as well as several meetings of farmers in Colchester, 

 Cumberland and Westmoreland counties during the year. 



EXHIBITIONS. 



Some of the products of the Farm were exhibited at Charlottetown,P.E.I., exhi- 

 bition,which was held on 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th October. 



The exhibits consisted of 127 samples of grains and grasses in straw and 72 

 samples of grain in glass bottles, and 50 samples of potatoes. The latter were dis- 

 tributed at the close of the exhibition to those present. 



Two hundred and eighty packages of ^rain and potatoes were distributed from 

 here dui-ing the year, and some very satisfactory reports have been received from 

 the parties who obtained the seed. 



I have the honour to be, Sir, 



Your obedient servant, 



W. M. BLAIE, 



Superintendent. 



