S8B EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. 



64 VICTORIA, A. 1901 



Gladioli. — A number of Gladioli bulbs were received from the Central Experimeutal 

 Parm in May, part of which were started in hotbeds, the balaiace being planted in the 

 ■(-■pen. Those started in hotbed were transferred to the open June 1, and at that time were 

 well advanced. The frost on the evening of the 7th, however, gave them a check from 

 '^vhich they did not fully recover, and only a few of them flowered. The bulbs which 

 were planted in the open made fine growth, and about 50 per cent of them produced 

 -fine spikes. All were lifted on October 15, and stored in a cellar. 



Delphinium condoretum Lemoinei. — A package of seed of this new Hybrid 

 Perennial Larkspur was received from Central Experimental Farm on April 16 and 

 sown in hotbeds on that date. The germination was good, and some nice sturdy plants 

 were transferred to the open on June 20. Many of these flowered and showed two or 

 three distinct shades of blue. The habit of growth and foliage is similar to that of 

 Delphinium C ashmerianum , but the foliage is more glossy. 



Tulips. — A consignment of tulip bulbs, received from the Central Experimental 

 Farm in the fall of 1899, was planted in the flower garden, in beds occupied during the 

 summer hj annuals. Nearly all started, and made a fine display of colour during the 

 spring months, which was greatly appreciated at a time when flowers are extremely 

 scarce. As soon as the tulips were over, annuals were planted between the rows, care 

 being taken to avoid injuring the bulbs, and thus an almost constant succession of 

 flowers was kept up during the entire season. 



Narcissus poeticus (Poet's Narcissus). — A bed of this beautiful Narcissus was 

 planted in the fall of 1899. A very heavy covering of manure was placed on the 

 surface of the bed, which was removed as early as practicable in the spring. The 

 result appeared to indicate that the covering had been ovei'done — for the only bulbs 

 that survived were those around the edge of the bed, where the covering of manure was 

 not very deep. These flowered freely, and it seems possible that Avhen the right amount 

 of covering has been determined, we may be able to grow this very desirable spring 

 flower with success. 



ADDITIONS TO HERBACEOUS PERENNIALS, 1900. 



One hundred and eighty-four varieties of perennial flowers were received from the 

 Central Experimental Farm the past spring, and were planted in beds where they 

 would have some shelter until established. Many of them flowered during the summer 

 and it is hoped that many varieties in this large and interesting collection will prove 

 hardy here. 



DISTEIBUTION OF SEED GRAIN, POTATOES, &q. 



Owing to the supply being somewhat limited, a less quantity than usual of grain 

 ■was sent out, but a larger quantity than usual of maple and rhubarb seed has been 

 distributed. 



The following quantities were sent out to applicants : — 



Wheat, 2 bushels or more 21 



Oats " " 40 



Barley '' " 11 



Grain of all kinds in 3-pound bags 159 



Seeding trees, packages ;?10 



Shrubs, packages 215 



Distribution of potatoes, &c. : — 



Potatoes in 3-povind bags 97 



Maple seed, in 1-pound bags 210 



Rhubarb seed, packages 129 



Flower seed, packages 152 



