132 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 



1-2 EDWARD VII., A. 1902 



Particular attention has been given to those genera which include a large number 

 of hardy species, such as Syringa, Lonicera, and Berberis, and these have been made 

 as complete as possible, as their usefulness extends over a larger area than those 

 which are not so hardy. 



Descriptive lists of hardy trees, shrubs and herbaceous perennials which have 

 been found the most ornamental have been published, and have proven very useful to 

 persons desiring to plant their grounds. A catalogue has also been published of all 

 the trees and shrubs tested in the Arboretum up to the year 1899, and notes given as 

 to their hardiness ; but in this list no descriptions are given. 



The winter of 1900-1 caused more injury than usual to the trees and shrubs, some 

 species and varieties which had hitherto been hardy having their tops badly winter 

 killed. There were long spells of dry, cold weather last winter, and there was pro- 

 bably more evaporation from the wood than the trees could stand ; as confirming 

 this opinion, some trees and shrubs which are not hardy and which grow late in the 

 autumn and are thus well charged with sap when winter sets in, were no more in- 

 jured than usual. 



The Arboretum looked better this year than ever before, as more labour was given 

 to it than previously ; the trees and shrubs also as they grow larger add to the beauty 

 of it. 



This year a nursery was established in part of the Arboretum in which were 

 planted the trees and shrubs which are to be used by the Ottawa Improvement Com- 

 mission for beautifying the city of Ottawa. 



Few trees and shrubs were planted in the Arboretum this year, but 525 specimens 

 of nearly as many species and varieties were imported from Europe and were grown 

 in nursery rows this year as it was thought that better results would be obtained than 

 if they were planted in their permanent places at once. 



The collection of perennials was increased by 525 species and varieties this year, 

 making a total of 1,586 species and varieties now living in the border. A large 

 collection of species and varieties of Michaelmas daisies or wild asters which was 

 planted this year added much to the attractiveness of the border this autumn. Some 

 of the new varieties are very handsome and should be planted in every garden, as 

 they bloom until killed by frost. 



LILACS. 



The lilac is one of the most popular hardy shrubs, which is due largely to the 

 delicious perfume and delicate tints of the flowers, its extreme hardiness and ease of 

 culture, and also to the fact that it begins to bloom during the month of May, when 

 all flowers are much appreciated. The leaves develop early in the spring and do not 

 fall until late in the autumn, which, with their attractive deep green colour, add to 

 the beauty and popularity of this shrub. By making a judicious selection of species 

 and varieties of lilacs, bloom may be obtained from the third week of May until the 

 first week of July. It is an old favourite, the common species (Syringa vulgaris), 

 having been cultivated more than three hundred years ago, but it is only during 

 comparatively recent times that it has been improved and the exquisite varieties pro- 

 duced which are such an acquisition to our gardens. The first double variety was 

 introduced in 1870. Although there are now 11 species in cultivation, most of these 

 were introduced during the last one hundred years. There are 130 species and varie- 

 ties being tested in the Arboretum which includes all the species and most of the 

 varieties in cultivation. 



The lilac may be propagated very easily either by budding or root grafting on 

 lilac stock, which may be grown quite readily from seed or obtained as suckers from 

 older bushes. It is quite possible also to graft the lilac on privet or ash, but these 



