— 44 



One of the most common crops to-day in our Province and one of the most 

 remunerative is surely that of potatoes. Official statistics clearly show that for 

 three years, the acreage, the yield and the value of this crop have not ceased 

 increasing: 



These figures are eloquent proof of the importance this crop has assumed 

 in our Province as well as of the continuous increase of the average yield per acre. 

 It may be stated, without any fear of error, that this increase corresponds to the 

 ever-generalizing use of protection methods. If only one third of this increase 

 since 1917 be put to the credit of sprayings the net returns realized from this 

 source would reach, this year. $8,000,000 or one-sixth of the total. 



On the other hand, taken as total value, the potato crop compares favorably 

 with other crops in the agricultural statistics. It comes third, next to hay and 

 clover valued at $32,462,000 in 1919, and oats valued at $60,712,000. It might be 

 remarked that the average price of potatoes, figured at $0.85, is rather low. At 

 the price they sold this winter, often as high as $3.00 per bushel, the average price 

 would easily reach $1.00 and the total value would be estimated at $58,000,000. 



Unfortunately, this crop which has become so remunerative, has many 

 enemies. Already weakened by the injuries of insects it nevertheless pays a 

 heavy debt to diseases, late blight particularly. These were sufficient reasons to 

 induce us to make the protection of plants more popular. 



The ground had been well })repared by the occasional demonstrations started 

 in 1917 and subsequently given by agricultural instructors. They, however, prov- 

 ed inadequate in view of the increasing needs. I previously had the occasion to 

 show what influence they had upon the minds of several farmers; but in order to 

 have the methods of control enter into the farm management, demonstration or 

 experimental fields were organised in 1919 with the assistance and under the 

 supervision of district representatives. 



In 40 counties, 60 fields were established. According to our programme, each 

 field had an area of one acre, divided in two even plots of half an acre each; a 

 check plot being provided close by. Each plot was to be sprayed at least four times. 

 The first plot was treated with poisoned Bordeaux mixture, the second was spray- 

 ed with lead arsenate. The necessary insecticides and fungicides as well as a Gould 

 knapsack sprayer were supplied by us. 



In spite of the difficulties inherent to a new organisation, the sprayings were 

 given regularly almost everywhere. However, uncontrollable delays were occasion- 

 ed by the fact that there was only one sprayer available for two or three fields. 



