REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR 45 



SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 



duce a very early-maturing sort in the near future which, though not quite so early 

 in ripening as Prelude, will produce somewhat longer straw. A very early-maturing 

 wheat with decidedly long straw may perhaps be an impossibility. 



The regular distribution of Prelude wheat in five-pound samples was commenced 

 this winter. As there was on hand only a very small stock of seed, compared with 

 the amount asked for, it was necessary to refuse most of the applications which were 

 received, especially those from districts where the need of this particular variety was 

 not so very great. More than 200 samples were sent out, chiefly to northern localities 

 in what may be roughly described as the settled areas of Saskatchewan and Alberta. 

 Provision has been made for a good acreage of Prelude on the Experimental Farms 

 this season, so that there may be a large stock for distribution, and perhaps some seed 

 for sale also, next winter. 



DISTRIBUTION OF SEED GRAIN BY MAIL. 



The annual free distribution of seed grain and potatoes, whicn is now in pro- 

 gress, is being carried on in a manner similar to that of the previous year. The grain 

 for distribution was grown chiefly on the Experimental Farms at Indian Head and 

 Brandon. Some Ottawa seed is also being used and the stock of potatoes has been 

 obtained entirely from a field grown on the Central Experimental Farm under the 

 supervision of the Dominion Botanist. In spite of the unfavourable character of the 

 season, both the yield and quality of these potatoes were unusually good. 



All grain for distribution is grown with the greatest care, so as to be free from 

 admixture with other varieties. After threshing, it is thoroughly cleaned by the best 

 obtainable grain-cleaning machinery and, finally, it is hand-picked, if necessary, to 

 remove any remaining impurities. By these precautions, it is possible to send out 

 seed of the very highest type, distinctly superior, as a rule, to the best commercial 

 stocks. While the adoption of so high a standard makes it impossible to distribute 

 as large amounts as in years gone by, there is no doubt of the advantages of the pre- 

 sent system. Seasonable regulations are now being enforced so that samples of seed 

 are sent only to those applicants whose requests give evidence of some thought. Those 

 who have failed to send a report on a sample received in a previous season are not 

 eligible for further samples. Considering its inherent difficulties, the claim may 

 fairly be made that this distribution is now managed in such a way as to give general 

 satisfaction. Undoubtedly it is proving of immense value to Canada. 



The principal varieties distributed this season are as follows : — 



Spring Wheat. — Marquis, Bed Fife, White Fife, Huron, Prelude. 



Barley. — Manchurian (6-row), Canadian Thorpe (2-row). 



Oats. — Banner, Abundance, Ligowo, Daubeney. 



Peas. — Arthur, Golden Vine. 



Potatoes. — Irish Cobbler, Gold Coin, Carman No. I 1 , Delaware. 



MILLING AND BAKING TESTS. 



An extensive series of milling and baking tests has been carried on during the 

 past winter. These h.'-ve included many new cross-bred varieties produced at Ottawa 

 by the Dominion Cercdist, and some of the standard, old varieties as well. The 

 samples tested were chie^y grown at Ottawa, last season, but samples from some of 

 the branch Experimental Farms were included, as it is important to study the varia- 

 tions which occur in baking qualities when varieties of wheat are grown under 

 different conditions. 



