— 45 — 



Results have however gone far beyond our expectations. The fields presented 

 a fine appearance everywhere, insects were kept under perfect control and very 

 few injuries by diseases were noticed. The disease which was most conspicuous 

 was late blight although a few cases of mosaic were also reported. 



The gratifying results achieved by this undertaking iray be empnasi^ed from 

 three different view points: the yield, the purchase of sprayers and the increase 

 in the number of those fields for the current year. 



Yield. — Harvest time was earnestly looked for. Nowhere have we had any 

 disappointment. Plot A (treated with poisoned Bordeaux mixture) gave an aver- 

 age yield 50% higher than that of the check; plot B (on which insecticides only 

 were applied) gave an average of 33 9f over the check. The following are a few 

 figures taken from reports received by us : 



Place 



Plessisville . 

 Saint-Prime 

 Katevale . . 



Number of Yield Yield per acre Increase 



sprays Plot A Plot B ABC A B 



4 I 132 110 1 264 220 170 I 50 30 



5 j 120 105 I 240 210 125 | 96 68 

 5 IOC) 98 I 204 196 160 I 28 2Z 



Average 244 209 160 1 58 40 



The grading of the crop took place in the first part of November at several 

 places. The following result was obtained at Katavale : 



Healthy tubers, plot A — Healthy tubers, plot B — Healthy tubers, check 

 100% 70% ' ^:^0,r/,, 



The additional revenue contributed by spraying in those 60 fields amounts 

 to $3060 for Bordeaux mixture and to $1,800 for lead arsenate. The average cost 

 of spraying in each field was estimated at about SI 5. 00 (labor included), leaving 

 a net profit of $30. per acre over the check plot. 



Purchase of sprayers.— In view of such conclusive results several farmers 

 have made up their mind to get sprayers ; in some place 20 persons have already 

 done so. I believe this is one of the best proofs that this experiment has been fruit- 

 ful. It moreover goes to show that the principle of protection of crops is about 

 to take root in this province ; and once adopted on a farm it will last forever. 



New fields. — We had intended extending our operations this year. District 

 representatives have received so many requests that 500 of these fields would 

 be required to meet all demands. We have thought that it would be rather dif- 

 ficult for a district representative to properly control more than 4 or 5 of these 

 fields; this will make a total of nearly 200, which will be enough for those who 

 are called upon to supply the necessary material. 



This year the work will be completed by the formalin treatment; if, by this 

 means potato crops cannot be increased, we, at least, hope to show that they will 

 be of a better keeping quality; thus ensuring the highest quality of the next crop, 

 crop. 



