46 EXPEIilMEXTAL FARMS. 



awarding the methods by which the Government of Canada was endeavouring to 

 benefit the Canadian farmer through the agency of the experimental farms. 



At the Forestry Congress the topic assigned for my address was "Forest Coodi- 

 tions of the Plains and Prairies of Canada." In introducing the subject reference 

 was made to the vast timber resources of the older provinces and to the measures 

 which have been taken to preserve the forests from fire and to make the best use of 

 this great source of national wealth. The great plains from Winnipeg to the Rocky 

 Mountains were described, the distribution of forest growth in the various sections 

 leferred to and the efforts made during the past few years through the experimen- 

 tal farms to improve these conditions. Attention was also called to the vast country 

 lying north of present settlement and to the information thus far gained as to the 

 forest resources of that great area. 



THE COMING ANTWERP EXHIBITION. 



A short time prior to the close of the World's Columbian Exposition it was 

 decided by the Dominion Government that Canada should take part in the Antwerp 

 Exhibition, and I was requested to assist in selecting from the exhibits in Chicago 

 such examples of agricultural products and of fruits as would be suitable for the 

 purpose and best serve to show the character of the Canadian climate and the pro- 

 ductiveness of the soil, also such products of the forests as could be secured. In 

 company with the Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Mr. John Lowe, I visited the 

 several Canadian courts and assisted in securing much useful material. On my 

 return to Ottawa I was requested to continue to render all the assistance in my 

 power to the furtherance of this enterpi-ise and sent my assistant, Mr. W. T. Macoun 

 to Chicago who made a careful selection of the best of the agricultural products 

 shown there. A collection of about 1,500 bunches and sheaves of grain in the straw 

 and 720 of the finest samples of cleaned grain were selected by Mr. Macoun who has 

 had much experience in such work. There were also secured from the Manitoba 

 Exhibits for this purpose about 120 bunches of grain in the straw and 80 samples of 

 cleaned grain. These cereals were packed in suitable cases and are now in Ottawa 

 awaiting shipment to Antwerp. 



Under the supervision of the Dominion Superintendent of Horticulture, Mr. L. 

 Woolverton, a large number of samples of fruit, including contributions from all the 

 provinces exhibiting, were carefully packed and forwarded. These arrived in Ottawa 

 in fairly good condition and are now being examined, the best specimens are being 

 selected, the bottles filled with fresh fluids such as will withstand frost, and the col- 

 lection will be repacked in time to be forwarded with the other exhibits from 

 Canada. 



ORNAMENTAL TREES AND SHRUBS. 



The ornamental planting on the Central Experimental Farm extending from 

 the main entrance gate to the barn and around the buildings and dwellings consists 

 of thirty-five clumps, some of them closely planted, others open and scattered to 

 suit the several situations. These clumps contain at present 1,789 trees and shrubs, 

 comprising a most instructive, interesting and valuable collection. In their 

 arrangement the individual specimens have been selected and grouped with the 

 view of producing the best effects by combinations of spring and autumnal colours, 

 by placing those together which harmonize in form and habit, or which make 

 pleasing contrasts in these particulars. Due regard has been had to the inter- 

 mingling of a sufficient number of evergreens with the deciduous trees to lend a 

 charm to the grounds during those periods in the year when the deciduous trees are 

 leafless. Proper attention has also been given to the judicious placing of the several 

 groups in accordance with the principles practised by the best landscape gardeners. 

 There are in these groups 225 named species and varieties and a few other varieties as 

 yet undetermined. The following are all represented, some by one or two specimens 

 only, of others the number is much larger ; those mai-ked hardy have stood the climate 



