88 



EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. 



yield in favour of the sheltered locations. Further experiments have been carried on 

 with the Awnless Brome Grass, Bromus inermis, with very satisfactory results. This 

 grass has now become well known and is much appreciated by the farmers in the terri- 

 tories, who find it to be hardy and reliable, and a most useful grass both for hay and 

 meadow in the North-west country. The farm generally was in excellent order, the 

 buildings and stock were also inspected and found to be in a satisfactory condition. 



BRANDON, MANITORA. 



Most of the grain crops on this farm turned out fairly well and some of them were 

 good, but they were not so heavy as those at Indian Head. The Brandon district suffered 

 considerably from drought in the spring and also from the prevalence of unusually 

 severe winds and spring frosts. Oats suffered most and in some instances where the 

 land was exposed a large proportion of the young plants were destroyed. Notwithstand- 

 ing these drawbacks the crops of grain obtained at the experimental farm were much 

 larger than the average crops of the province and most of the grain was of good quality. 

 The corn crop was lighter than usual owing to very dry weather in the autumn ; for this 

 cause also the yield of roots was below the average. 



Experiments have been continued with many grasses for hay and pasture but the 

 Awnless Brome grass takes the lead here as at Indian Head as the most successful in 

 its growth and generally useful in its character of all the varieties thus far tested. The 

 forest belts, avenues and hedges have made good growth and the general collection of 

 trees and shrubs in the Arboretum surrounding the house of the Superintendent is 

 increasing in interest every year. Many promising additions have recently been made 

 to this collection. The general condition of all branches of the work in progress here 

 was very satisfactory. 



CHANGES IN THE STAFF. 



During the year two changes have occurred in the staff. The Superintendent of 

 the branch experimental farm at Nappan, Mr. Geo. W. Forrest, resigned and Mr. R. 

 Robertson was appointed in his place. Mr. John Craig also resigned his position as 

 Horticulturist of the Central Experimental Farm. 



CORRESPONDENCE. 



The following is a summary of the letters received and sent out at the Central 

 Experimental Farm from November 30, 1896, to November 30, 1897, also of the 

 number of reports, bulletins and circulars sent out by mail during the same period. 



Director.. 



Horticiilturifit 



Chemist 



Entomolopcist and Botanist. 



Poultry Manager 



Accountant • 



Letters 

 sent. 



19,408 

 2,49.5 

 1,410 

 2,110 

 1,159 

 1,539 



28,121 



Circular letters sent, including circulars sent with samples of seed grain. ... . 41,85i 

 Number of Reports and Bulletins mailed 256,730 



