REPORT OF MR. THOMAS A. SHARPE. 347 



FLOWERS AND SHRUBS. 



Nearly all of the roses were killed to the ground last winter, but a large number 

 came up from the roots. And in addition, a large collection was received from Eng- 

 land in the spring, and they have with very few exceptions, made a fair growth. 

 Such shrubs as the ivy, holly, laurels, ceanothus and wistarias were killed to the 

 ground. Many of these have sent up strong shoots, and will soon recuperate. 



Many of the bulbs, such as hyacinths, crocuses, snowdrops, squills and tulips 

 planted last fall were injured, and although many of them bloomed, the flowers were 

 feeble and inferior to those of the previous season. 



A fine assortment of gladiolus and dahlia bulbs were received in spring. These 

 made a splendid show in their season. A fine selection of annual flower seeds 

 forwarded from the Central Farm was received and sown, and produced a splendid 

 display of flowers all summer. 



HEDGES. 



The osage orange hedge planted in the spring of 1892 stood the winter very 

 well, and made a fine growth this summer. 



About 600 yards of native cedar have been set out along the road fence, and 

 although the summer has been very unfavourable for transplanted trees and shrubs 

 less than a dozen trees will replant all that are dead. 



Thirty-one hedges, of ornamental shrubs, each QQ feet long, were set out last 

 ■ spring and all excepting the Siberian pea have grown with scarcely a gap. 



The shelter belt mentioned in my last report has done very well and will soon 

 occupy all the ground. Only about a half dozen trees were required to fill vacancies 

 last spring. A row of maple trees has been planted on both sides of the road which 

 leads from the Harrison Hot Springs road to the buildings, all of which have done 

 well. 



A large number of shrubs of various kinds were planted about the grounds, 

 near the buildings and are doing well, and in another year will be an attractive 

 feature of the farm. 



LIVE STOCK. 



All the live stock continue healthy, and I Jiave to report a good demand for 

 young bulls old enough for service. Since my last report two Shorthorn bulls and 

 one Ayrshire bull have been sold at fair prices. 



There have been many inquiries after young pigs, which I hope to be able to 

 supply next season. 



The Dorset horned sheep mentioned in my last report, have not yet been very 

 prolific, one lamb is all the produce as yet from the two ewes. 



The poultry have suffered from hawks and weasels. These dangers will be 

 lessened when the new poultry house, now in course of construction, is completed. 



STALLION. 



The Hai'as National Co. sent out a very good Clyde stallion, and many people 

 expressed a desire to patronize him, but in some instances contracts had been made 

 with owners of other stallions before this one arrived, which necessarily limited the 

 service. 



FENCING. 



About half a mile of fence has been built, during the last year ; and more will be 

 put up as opportunity offers. 



