408 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 



4 GEORGE V., A. 1914 



SUB-STATION, ATHABASKA LANDING. 



It is much to be regretted that the pressure of other duties has compelled Bishop 

 Robins to give up much of his experimental work at Athabaska Landing. In a letter 

 received from him, he reports briefly on the character of the season of 1912 as fol- 

 lows : — 



' The summer of last year was very- dry at Athabaska Landing, and all 

 garden industries suffered, by being dwarfed and late. Then, when rain came 

 and a late spurt resulted, the August frost cut down all tender growth, includ- 

 ing tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, and such things. The potato crop was very 

 satisf actory. Green peas were late and yielded for a shorter time than usual, the 

 taller varieties again doing better than the dwarfs. Beets and onions were 

 light; indeed, the root products of the garden suffered most from lack of mois- 

 ture. 



' The cut worm 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 remem- 

 ber, I received a new consignment. The cu«rrants 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.' 



