REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR AND ACTING AGRICULTURIST. 



57 



DISTRIBUTION OF SAMPLES FROM BRANCH EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. 



Samples of 3 pounds each were also distributed from the branch experimental 

 farms as follows : — 



Experimental Farm, Nappan, N.S. 



Oats 



Barley. . . 

 Wheat.. 

 Pease . , . . 



Rye 



Potatoes . 



345 



183 



91 



83 



6 



302 



1,010 



No. of applicants supplied 



Expervmental Farm, Indian Head, N. W. 



543 



Experimental Farm, Brandon, Mem. 



Grain of all sorts . 

 Potatoes 



357 

 210 



567 



T. 



Oats. . . . . 

 Barley. . . 

 Wheat... 

 Pease.. .. 



Rye 



Flax 



Potatoes . 



401 

 259 

 253 

 233 

 18 

 2 

 372 



1,538 



Experimental Farm, Agassiz, B, G. 



Oats 57 



Barley 29 



Wheat 51 



Pease 49 



Potatoes 68 



254 



This makes a total of 3,369 samples sent out by the branch experimental farms 

 which, added to the number distributed by the Central Farm, makes a total of 41,792. 

 Much interest is taken by farmers generally in this branch of the work, and by this 

 means some of the better varieties are rapidly finding their way into general cultivation. 



TESTS OF THE VITALITY OF GRAIN AND OTHER SEEDS FOR 1897. 



The number of samples of seed grain and other seeds which were tested for their 

 germinating power during the season of 1897 was 2,174. The following figures show 

 the variations in the average vitality of the more important cereals during the past five 

 years : — 



Many of the samples sent for test are much below the average in vitality, hence 

 the figures given above do not fairly represent the vitality of grain of average quality 

 grown in difi"erent parts of the Dominion. One of the chief objects in continuing these 

 tests from year to year, is to give farmers the opportunity of having any samples which 

 may be of doubtful vitality, through injury in harvesting or storing, thoroughly tested, 

 so that their value for seed purposes may be known. Samples may be sent free through 

 the mail, and this work is done and reported on free of charge. Samples can usually be 

 reported on within a fortnight after they are received. 



