REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR. 



27 



SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 



DISTEIBUTION OF SAMPLES OF GRAIN SUFFICIENT FOR ONE-TENTH 



OF AN ACRE. 



The distribution of ^ain in larger samples sufficient for one-tenth acre plots 

 begun in 1899 was continued in 1900. These samples were sent to a special but lim- 

 ited list of farmers selected from among those who have shown a special interest in 

 this important work. In preparing the list for this purpose, the names have been 

 chosen from evei-y part of the Dominion, and every agricultural constituency has been 

 represented. 



These special samples, to the number of 3,127, have been distributed by provinces 

 as follows : — 



The following list shows the number of these larger packages of the different 

 varieties which have been sent out: — 



Name of Variety. 



Oats. 



Abundance 



Improved Li^ov/o . 

 American Beautx' 



Banner 



Golden Giant 



Bavari; n 



Total 



Wheat. 



Preston 



Wellman'sFife. 

 Stanley 



Number 



of 

 Packages . 



401 

 390 

 260 

 227 

 148 

 78 



1.504 



378 

 228 

 133 



Name of Variety. 



Wheat— Continued. 



Percy . . . . 

 Ad vance 



Total 



Bauley. 



Royal . . 

 Trooper 

 Beaver . 

 Sidney. 



Total. 



Number 



of 

 Packaores. 



131 



107 



977 



303 

 146 



128 

 69 



646 



Oatb . . . 

 Wheat. 



1,504 

 977 

 646 



Total. 



3,127 



TESTS OF THE VITALITY OF GRAIN AND OTHER SEEDS DURING 1900. 



During the early months of the season of 1900, the number of samples of seed 

 grain and other seeds tested for their vitality was 2,098. These were sent in chiefly 

 by farmers and came from many different parts of Canada. This work is carried on 

 from year to year to give to farmers the opportunity of having any doubtful samples 

 tested. By this means any injury to the vitality of grain from unfavourable weather 

 during harvest may be promptly detected and the extent of the injury ascertained. 

 Samples may be sent to the Central Experimental Farm, free, through the mail, and 

 the quantity necessary for the test is about one ounce. The samples are tested and 

 reported on free of charge, and their percentage of vitality can usually be determined 

 within two weeks after they are received. 



