20 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 



4 GEORGE V., A. 1914 



cucumbers, squash and such things. The potato crop was satisfactory. Green peas 

 were late and yielded for a shorter time than usual, the taller varieties again doing 

 better tban the dwarfs. Beets and onions were light; indeed, the root products of 

 the garden suffered most from lack of moisture. 



' The cutworm troubled cabbages, and I did not know of the Paris green method 

 of destruction at the time. 



' The fruit trees have not shown their possibilities yet. You will remember, I 

 received a new consignment. The currants among them flowered and fruited at once, 

 but the others had no opportunity, as growth follows quickly after the planting 

 season. They will prove themselves better this year.' 



EXPERIMENTAL WORK AT GRANDE PRAIRIE, ALTA. 



In the report of the Experimental Farms for 1911-12, mention was made that 

 Mr. S. J. Webb was to do some experimental work for the department at Grande 

 Prairie. 



The following letter was received from him, giving a brief report of his results for 

 the season. It also gives some idea of the difficulties to be met in getting seeds and 

 other supplies to these distant points in time for planting. The seeds referred to, as 

 reaching him on June 6 were sent from Ottawa early in April. 



During the past winter we had a call from Mr. Webb, who brought a collection 

 of very good samples of grains grown by him and by some of his neighbours in the 

 Grande Prairie district. 



In his report, Mr. Webb says: — 



' The past season was, on the whole, very favourable for crops of all sorts in this 

 locality. After an exceptionally mild winter, the spring opened early in April, and 

 by the 20th seeding was in full swing. Stock came through the winter in good shape, 

 and horses, which were on the range all winter, were in excellent condition. 



' Harvest started about the 20th of August, wheat being fully ripe, none being 

 frosted. Pall wheat has done very well in this district, there being several small 

 acreages sown. 



' Wheat yielded 30 bushels per acre ; oats did not yield very heavily, running 

 about 50 bushels per acre; although some reported larger yields, I did not see them. 

 Barley went 56 bushels per acre, with excellent grain. Potatoes were a very good 

 crop, and of extra good quality. 



' I would estimate the grain crop of this district at 150,000 bushels. 



' The seeds you sent me did not reach me until June 6, which was too late for 

 sowing this year. I am keeping them for next year. 



' This part is settling very fast, the people like the country and have come to 

 stay. It is going to be one of the best districts in the west, and is especially adapted 

 for mixed farming and stock raising. All we want is transportation and we have 

 the rest. 



' I have not received the thermometers sent from Toronto ; they are on the trail 

 somewhere between here and Edson. On account of the wet season it has been impos- 

 sible to get express through, but I intend hunting them up on my way out. I expect 

 to be in Ottawa this winter and will call on you.' 



REPORT OF EXPERIMENTAL WORK AT GROUARD, LESSER SLAVE 



LAKE, ALBERTA. 



The Fathers of the Mission were the first to practise farming at this point, on 

 a large scale. Having begun agricultural operations in the district some eighteen 

 years ago, they are now fairly in a position to give an exact report on the possibility 

 of growing cereals, such as wheat, barley and oats, as well as roots and vegetables 

 near Lesser Slave lake. 



