64 EJiPERIMEMAL FARMS 



e GEORGE V, A. 1916 

 FIELD HUSBANDRY. 



The work with crop rotations is one of the most important heing conducted on this 

 Farm. Eight rotations, occupying more than half the land on the Farm, are being 

 tried out. They include a straight grain-growing rotatioii various stages of the 

 development of mixed farming, and various aruangements of crops in the mixed-farm- 

 ing system. Very satisfactory results are being obtained, showing conclusively that 

 greater returns are possible from a diversified, balanced system of farming than can 

 be obtained from growing grain only. 



The extensive system of cultural experiments inaugurated in 1911 has been con- 

 tinued, and a large mass of figures is being collected which it is hoped will give valu- 

 able information in regard to the best methods of soil cultivation. Among the lines 

 of investigation being followed are : depth of ploughing, methods of handling summer- 

 fallow, methods of handling stubble land, breaking sod, seeding down, applying manure, 

 green manuring, preparation of seed-bed, soil packers, depth of seed, fertilizers and 

 drainage. 



FORAGE CROPS. 



Experiments with different varieties of grasses, alfalfa, clovers, and mixtures of 

 the same, gave very interesting results. Alfalfa shows itself to be decidedly the most 

 productive forage crop, whether alone or in mixtures. Western Rye grass also gave 

 good results. Experiments with crops that may be used for growing hay the same 

 season as sown, showed oats to be the best, considering both yield and palatability. 

 Hairy vetch also gave good results for this purpose. 



Seventeen varieties of Indian corn Avere tested. The yield of fodder was less than 

 usual, but six varieties produced ripe grain. Among the best varieties of fodder corn 

 for Manitoba are: Northwestern Dent, Longfellow, Minnesota No. 13, and Nortli 

 Dakota Wliite. Fourteen varieties of turnips, thirteen of mangels, and five of field 

 carrots were tested. 



HORTICULTURE. 



The usual tests of a large number of varieties of vegetables were made, and are 

 reported in detail in the horticultural report. The season was very unfavourable for 

 most kinds of vegetables, but by means of thorough cultivation, good yields were 

 obtained. Notes v;cre taken on the appearance and table quality of the vegetables, as 

 well as the yield and date of being ready for use. 



A good crop of apples was harvested from many of the cross-bred trees originated 

 by the late Dr. Wm. Saunders, and from seedlings of these cross-breds. Some few 

 Btandard apples were grown, but not in commercial quantities. An effort is being made 

 to originate a hardy standard apple through the use of large numbers of seedlings of the 

 hardiest kinds obtainable. Over ten thousand of these seedlings are now being grov>'n. 



The plum crop was hardly up to average, and yet quite a large quantity of plums of 

 selected native strain was grown. This type of plum is found to be the best. 



Tests of varieties of strawberries, currants, goo.seberrios, and raspberries are being 

 conducted and the hardiest varieties being determined. Good results are being 

 obtained. 



The display of flowers was the poorest in many year«. The heat and shortage of 

 •water were the cause. However, even under these circumstances, the flowers were fairly 

 attractive and some valuable information was obtained as to the most drought-resistant 

 varieties. Perennials did well despite the dry weather. The trees and hedges form a 

 constant demonstration of the possibilities of the country, and as to the proper kinds 

 to use. 



