6 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. 



While it must be admitted that conditions of climate and the general character of 

 the season — which are beyond the control of the farmer — are most important factors 

 bearing on crop production, still there are many things which the farmer may do which 

 will greatly increase the chances for abundant returns, provided the season is favourable. 

 It is gratifying to know that during recent years more thought and attention has been 

 given by farmers to their calling, that improvements have been manifest in the prepara- 

 tion of the soil, and the general management of the crops ; the stores of fertility in the 

 land have been more carefully husbanded, by a judicious rotation of crops ; more atten- 

 tion has also been paid to the care of barn-yard manure, and greater efforts made to 

 replace those elements in the soil, which repeated cropping has removed. The progress 

 which has been made is encouraging ; it has given Canadian farmers a reputation which 

 it is most desirable should be maintained, and has, at the same time, aroused a spirit of 

 inquiry in reference to agricultural affairs which promises well for the future. The 

 enterprise and efforts towards improvement shown by our people have resulted in a greatly 

 enlarged export trade to the mother country, particularly in animals and their products. 

 Along these lines of farm work, co-operation and skill finds a large and remunerative 

 field, and such exports can be carried on to an almost unlimited extent without depleting 

 the soil in any material degree. 



The scientific investigations which have been conducted at Ottawa have been of 

 much value. Much work has been done in connection with injurious weeds in ascertain- 

 ing the extent of their distribution and the best methods of checking the inroads 

 of these vigorous invaders. Information has been given in response to many inquiries 

 concerning injurious insects, and practical remedies for their subjugation suggested. 

 Much interesting work ha3 also been done in connection with bee-keeping. Use- 

 ful work has also been accomplished in the chemical branch in determining the 

 constituents of soils, and in giving suggestions as to the best methods by which 

 they may be made more fertile. Further information has also been gained in reference 

 to the results of the rotting of barn-yard manure under different conditions also in regard 

 to the feeding value of forage crops, and on other kindred subjects. 



Additional experience has been gained in connection with the feeding of poultry 

 and their profitable management. Particulars of the results obtained will be found in 

 the report of the Poultry Manager. Records of the rapid progress which has been made 

 in connection with the Arboretum and Botanic Garden with particulars of the growth 

 of the different species of timber trees comprising the forest belts are reported on by the 

 Foreman of Forestry. 



The experiments in cross-fertilizing have been successfully continued and a large 

 number of new varieties produced, particularly of fruits which are likely to prove hardy 

 on the North-west plains. The collection of fruits at Ottawa has also been enriched by 

 the addition of many promising sorts. 



The results of the practical tests which have been made in the feeding of steers, 

 mUch cows and swine at the Central Experimental Farm have been widely disseminated, 

 and the information thus given has served a useful purpose in advancing these important 

 branches of agricultural industry. The experiments conducted at the Branch Experi- 

 mental Farms in Manitoba and the North-west Territories, along similar lines, have been 

 most useful to those engaged in stock raising in that country, and the introduction of 

 the Awnless Brome Grass and the demonstrations which have been made of its hardiness 

 and value for hay and pasture have laid the foundation for a great extension of the 

 trade in cattle and dairy products in the North-west country. 



The many tests which have been made with a very large number of varieties of 

 fruit at the Branch Experimental Farm at Agassiz, British Columbia, have been the 

 means of bringing out much practical information in reference to fruit growing, and has 

 materially aided that branch of industry, so important in the Pacific province. 



The results of the tests undertaken in all these different lines of agricultural and 

 horticultural work will be found in the subsequent pages. They have all been planntid 

 with the special object of furnishing reliable data for the use of those engaged in 

 agricultural or horticultural pursuits in Canada. 



