EXPERIMENTAL FARM FOR THE MARITIME PROVINCES. 



EEPOET OF WM. M. BLAIR, SUPERINTENDENT. 



To William Saunders, Esq., 



Director Dominion Experimental Farms, 

 Ottawa. 



Sir, — I have the honour to submit herewith the following report of the opera- 

 tions on the Experimental Farm for the Maritime Provinces at Nappan, N. S., during 

 the year 1893. 



"Weather. 



The winter of 1892-93 was a cold one. Water pipes that were 4 feet deep in 

 the ground, were frozen in several places. Seeding commenced on April 29th. The 

 spring was fine and dry, with some very warm weather in May. During June the 

 crops suffered much with drought, which continued until July 4th. After that the 

 vegetation was rapid and with good harvest weather the crops were gathered in 

 good condition and were a good average yield. 



Manure. 



Some 200 dollars worth of special fertilizers were used, in addition to the farm- 

 yard manure. These combined are gradually bringing up the farm to a good state 

 of fertility. 



Hat. 



The hay was a good crop both on marsh and upland — the former as well as 

 the latter readily responding both in quantity and quality to a more perfect 

 drainage. 



About 110 tons of excellent hay was secured in fine condition. This hay, with 

 roots and grain grown on the farm is consumed by cattle and horses. 



Thirty-three loads of English hay was secured from 10 acres of upland, while 

 from the marsh land 50 loads of English and 17 loads of broad leaf hay were harvested, 

 there being 30 acres of the former and 16 acres of the latter. The loads averaged 

 2,200 pounds. 



About 10 acres of upland, that was in meadow last year, and yielded 30 tons of 

 hay, was this year devoted to pasturage. 



Winter Wheat. 



Eight varieties of winter wheat were sown in September, 1 892, all of which were 

 completely winter-killed, while winter rye sown at the same time on the same kind 

 of land yielded 14|- bushels from f bushel seed sown. 



