312 



EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 



9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910 



It will be noticed that while the bluestoned grain in this test was not as free 

 from smut as that treated with formalin, the results of using bluestone versus 

 formalin in the Smut Dust Test favoured the bluestone considerably. 



It will also be observed that wheat treated one year in advance of sowing is not 

 ruined for seed, as many suppose. This is the second test of this nature, both 

 resulting the same way. 



Treatment for smut is of such vast importance to this province that I may be 

 permitted to dwell longer on this matter than I otherwise should. In the spring of 

 1908, on account of the large bulk of the seed wheat in the country being of low 

 grade and weak vitality, it was thought advisable to recommend formalin instead of 

 bluestone, which in former years was generally successful when properly applied. 



On the Experimental Farm, all the wheat sown, except the test plots, was treated 

 with formalin, with the result that we never before had the quantity of smut in all 

 the varieties that was present last harvest. The seed for the field lots was treated 

 with formalin, 1 lb. in 30 gallons water, well soaked in going through the pickler and 

 covered after treatment as recommended. The seed for the plot lots was dipped five 

 minutes in the solution and allowed to dry in the bags. 



In former years, bluestone was invariably used, and generally little or no smut 

 was found in the crops. One pound bluestone in 10 gallons water for clean seed, and 

 1 lb. in 5 to 7 gallons of water if at all affected with smut, was applied. 



For oats and barley, formalin has been found the most effective, and for years 

 has been the only remedy used. 



I draw attention to the yields in the smut tests, sown with No. 1 Feed Wheat, 

 which go to prove that bluestone is not more injurious to seed wheat than formalin. 



ROTATION OF CROPS. 



These tests were commenced in 1899. Below is given the order of rotation for 

 the past three years, with yields, &c., of each plot. The plots are each one-half acre 

 in size, the soil being clay loam. 



The preparation of the soil for the 1908 crop was ploughing 5 to 6 inches deep 

 in fall when grain was removed, and cultivating shallow in the spring. 



ORDER OF ROTATION. 



