722 



EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 



FIELD LOTS OF POTATOES. 



7 GEORGE V, A. 1917 



In order to supply at a reasonable rate a limited amount of good seed potatoes to 

 farmers wishing to obtain same it was decided to grow a half acre each of Irish Cob- 

 bler and Green Mountain. The following is the amount of each available for seed pur- 

 poses : — 



ELITE STOCK. 



The work of improving the strain of six varieties of potatoes by field selection was 

 continued during the season. The varieties were the same as for the previous year, 

 namely, Irish Cobbler, Carman No" 1, Wee McGregor, Empire State, Rawlings Kid- 

 ney and Green Mountain. 



The method of selection was to have all hills dug separately and then twenty-five 

 cf the best hills collected and weighed. All hills chosen had a high percentage of 

 marketable potatoes of proper size. For comparison the average for all hills was taken 

 and the following results were obtained: — 



This selection will be continued by the same method next year. 



FLOWERS. 



A change in our perennial border was effected this season. The old border had 

 been established a number of years and had practically outgrown its usefulness. The 

 more desirable varieties were transferred to the new border which was laid off in a 

 semi-circle, and many new species obtained from Ottawa were planted. Notwith- 

 standing the lateness of the season at which the transfer was made, all plants made 

 excellent growth and coinsiderahle bloom was showTi. 



The annuals and such bulbs as dahlias, gladioli, etc., were judiciously intermingled 

 with the perennials, and a most attractive display resulted. Much better results are 

 expected this coming season, however. 



In the centre of the border, and leading to the large lawn beyond, an arch is 

 being erected which will be covered with climbing roses. At either end flowering and 

 evergreen shrubs are being planted, and the whole effect should be most pleasing. 



A variety test of sweet peas was made this season, about 108 varieties being 

 planted. The lateness of the season prevented these being planted sufficiently early to 

 obtain good results. Consequently no definite conclusions can be drawn. 



Several new lawns were prepared- and seeded during the summer and fall, includ- 

 ing a grass tennis court on the site of an old shed. This ground was graded, levelled 

 and rolled and a good catch of lawn seed obtained. The following mixture was used, 

 28 pounds Kmitucky blue and 45 pounds of timothy to the acre. 



Nappan. • 



