44 EJPERIMEM'AL FARMS 



6 GEORGE V, A. 1916 



Some sixteen varieties of potatoes grew very well, notnwi-thstanding the fact that 

 the soil was not as friable as it might have been. The yields were from 135 bushels 

 42 pounds to 333 bushels 18 pounds per acre. 



The quality of the large fruit was such as to compensate for the low yield ; more 

 especially is this true of the apples. The commercial orchard made very satisfactory 

 growth during the year. Careful data are being kept of the returns of this orchard in 

 order to demonstrate the actual cost of bringing it into profitable bearing. 



Small fruits gave very meagi*e returns. The location of this plantation is 

 undesirable, and is now being changed. Strawberries were injured to some extent by 

 the severe freezing and thawing during the winter of 1913-14, consequently winter- 

 killing was much in evidence. 



An experiment with spray mixtures was carried on as follows: Lime-Sulphur and 

 Black Leaf 40 versus lime-sulphur and lead arsenate, also lime-sulphur versus Bordeaux 

 mixture. The best results Avere obtained from the use of lime-sulphur and Black 

 Leaf 40, also from lime-sulphur over Bordeaux. (For further detail see horticultural 

 report.) 



All flowers at this Farm did exceptionally well, considering the late spring and cool 

 summer. 



An exhibit of farm produce was made at Shubenacadie on September 23 to 25, 

 Kentville, October 6, 7, 8, and 9; and at the Maritime "Winter Fair from December 7 to 

 10. 



MEETINGS ATTENDED AND ADDRESSES GIVEN. 



During the year the Superintendent gave addresses at a series of meetings on 

 " Patriotism and Production," held at Port Elgin, N.B., Saclwille, N.B., Kexton, N.B., 

 Pctitcodiac, N.B., Doaktown, N.B.v Millerton, KB. and Blackville, N.B.; attended the 

 Farmers' and Dairymen's convention at Fredericton, and gave an address on beef 

 cattle; judged the school gardens for Salem, West Leicester, East Leicester, Mansfield, 

 and Little River schools, giving them a- talk on school gardens; also attended the con- 

 ference of ofiicials and superintendents held at Ottawa from January 14 to 20, 1915. 



There were six picnics held at this i'arni during the sunnner months. The number 

 of visitors recorded during the year was 2,052. 



EXPERIMENTAL STATION, KENTVILLE, N.S. 



THE SEASON. 



The temperature during the latter part of April and the first part of May was 

 fairly uniform, with no warm periods to force growth, with the result that plants made 

 little growth until after the middle of May. The mean average temperature for the 

 period from the middle of April to May 1 was 41-2 degrees, and for the following two 

 weeks ending May 15, 43-4 degrees. The mean average from May 15 to June 1 was 

 57-5 degrees. The spring v.-as a normal one in that, as a general thing, good growing 

 weather does not start until about the middle of May. There were 9, 4, 3, 2 and 1 

 degrees of frost on the 1st, 2nd, 12th, 16th, and 17th of May, respectively. On the 4th 

 of June there was a severe frost in parts of the valley Avhich did nnich damage to fruit 

 trees in bloom. Frost was noticeable at this time at the Station; the thermometer 

 registered just 32 degrees, but it was not heavy enough to do damage. 



The first part of May was dull, with no good drying winds^ and as a result spring 

 work was late. The first seeding was done May 20. Crops generally came on rapidly 

 -during the latter part of ]\Iay and June, except corn which, owing to a cool June, 

 made slow growth. In some places early seeded corn just through the ground was 

 killed by the June 4 frost. The rainfall during June was 4-2 inches, but this was fol- 

 lowed by a dry July, for which mouth only 1-45 inches fell. Crops' did not sufi"er as 



