REPORT OF MR. S. A. BEDFORD 



329 



SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 



Two-rowed Barley — Test op Varieties. 



EXPEEIMENTS WITH PEASE. 



Owing to the attacks of Cutworms, the yield of pease on the nniform plots was 

 slightly below the average, but the quality and weight were excellent. As a rule the pea 

 crops on this farm do not suffer from the attacks of Cutworms, but last fall the land 

 set apart for pease was flooded and a considerable quantity of stubble and other rubbish 

 collected on it. This evidently proved good winter protection for the young Cut- 

 worms, and they commenced their destructive work just as soon as the pease appeared 

 above the groimd. 



For the first time a trial was made. of sowing pease with the newly introduced 

 double disc drill. The seed was distributed more evenly than with either the Shoe or 

 Hoe drill, and it was possible to plant the seed four inches deep even in hard summer- 

 fallow, with the result that germination was remarkably even and vigorous. 



In addition to the uniform plots of pease several acres of field pease were grown. 

 These larger fields were free from rubbish in the fall, and the crop was not in the least 

 injured by Cutworms. 



The small plots were cut with a scythe, but the pea harvester attached to a 

 mower was used for cutting the larger fields. Wlien the pease were ripe and the straw 

 perfectly dry, the harvester worked. very satisfactorily. 



