DIM HI ON OF CEKEALS 



1071 



SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 



EXPERIMENTAL STATION FOR CENTRAL ALBERTA. 



G. H. HUTTON, B.S.A., SUPERINTENDENT. 



THE SEASON. 



The season of 1915 was a favourable one for the production of large yields of 

 grain. No frosts being registered until September 13, ample time was allowed for each 

 variety of grain to ripen and give the best possible account of itself. The peculiarly 

 favourable season may show some varieties of grain to be very heavy yielders AA-liieh 

 would not be suited to the average season in central Alberta. The seeding of the variety 

 test plots was commenced April 10, the weather being warm and bright and the soil in 

 a fine state of tilth. The rainy season commenced in May and lasted throughout June. 

 The precipitation for the five months, April to September, was 14-26 inches. This 

 abundant rainfall followed by warm, dry "weather in July and August caused a luxu- 

 riant growth that came to full maturity, with the exception of a few plots which 

 lodged. The latest cereal plots were harvested on August 31, with the exception of 

 several plots of peas which were cut September 10. The grain from all plots was threshed 

 by September 30, and stored in good condition. 



SPKING WHEAT. 



Fifteen varieties of spring wheat were sown in uniform test plots one-fortieth 

 acre in size, on April 10. The land had previously grown roots and was thoroughly 

 disced and harrowed in preparation for the seed which was sown at the rate of from 

 2f to 3^ bushels per acre. Heavy seeding has been found profitable on heavy black 

 loam soil, since ripening is hastened and the proportion of straw reduced. Only the 

 named varieties are mentioned in the table. 



Wheat. — Test of Varieties. 



Lacombe. 



