144 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 



4-5 EDWARD VII., A. 1905 



Control of Soil Moisture. — Further experiments have been conducted, in tlie or- 

 chards of the experimental farms at Ottawa and Nappan. The results are well in 

 accord with those of our former researches and at the same time serve to emphasize 

 certain important features in' soil management which had not hitherto been in- 

 vestigated. 



Fodders and Feeding Stuffs. — During the past three seasons an investigation has 

 been carried on with the object of determining the amount of dry matter, protein, &c., 

 as produced per acre by Indian corn sown in hills and drills, respectively. This work 

 is now reported upon. 



Analysis of Rape ensilage and ensilage of mixed Kape and Corn are given and 

 the values of these new succulent fodders discussed. 



A considerable number of milli'ng products, meat meals, and stock foods have been 

 examined during the past ye-ar. These analyses now constitute an important brancla 

 of our work, owing to the many new products and condimental foods being constantly 

 put uix)n the market. 



Materials of Fertilizing Value. — These include samples of wood-ashes, ashes from 

 muck, &c., &c., received from farmers in various parts of Canada. The results ob- 

 tained on the more important of these are here given and briefly discussed. 



Sugar Beets. — We have determined the amounts of plant food withdrawn from 

 liie soil by this crop as grown for factory purposes. The results show the nitrogen, 

 phosphoric acid, potash, and lime contained in the roots, crowns and leaves, respectively, 

 in the heet at three stages of growth, and may serve as a guide in the rational manur- 

 ing of this crop. 



The richness and purity of tlie varieties, Vilmorins' Improved, Klein Wanzleben 

 and Tres Riche — probably the three best for factory purposes — as grown on the 

 several Experimental Farms of the Dominion, have been ascertained and tabulated. 



Roots. — A continuance into the inquiry respecting the amounts of dry matter and 

 pugar furnished by the different classes of farm roots has been made. The data will 

 be found of interest and value to all farmers growing roots for feeding purposes. 



The Effect of Rust on the Straw and Grain of Wheat. — This research was under- 

 taken by reason of the prevalence of rust in the wheat fields of ceytain districts in 

 Manitoba. It has shown clearly that the rust arrests development of the wheat plant, 

 resulting more particularly in a straw of greater feeding value than that of the nor- 

 mally mature wheat, and in a very much shrivelled kernel, slightly richer in albumi- 

 noids than in the plump grain from rust-free wheat. 



Well Waters from Farm Homesteads. — Analyses have been made, from the hy- 

 gienic standpoint, of about 100 samples of well waters from farms, creameries and 

 cheese factories, and reports in detail sent to those forwarding the waters. The tabulated 

 results here given are accompanied by a very brief conclusion as to the quality of the 

 supply. Those desiring to avail themselves of the privilege extended by the experi- 

 mental farms in this matter should write for a copy of the instructions which it is 

 necessary to closely follow in the collection and shipment of water for analysis. 



Intimately connected with the matter of a good water supply is that of an effective 

 drainage system. We have accordingly given an account of the Septic Tank, which, 

 we consider, practically solves the problem of the safe disposal of the sewage of the 

 rural home. 



Correspondence. — The letters directed to this division from Xovember 30, 1903, to 

 December 1, 1904, in addition to those referred to us by the other departments of the 

 farm, numbered 1,284; those sent out, 1,251. 



