16 



Soya Bean Meal compared with Gluten Meal. — In connection 

 with the above experiment, we have tested the relative value of 

 soya bean and gluten meal as a part of a ration for milch cows. 

 The results do not indicate any considerable difference. Cream 

 separation by the Coolej' submerged system is more perfect in the 

 milk from cows receiving the bean meal. The line of demarcation 

 is far more distinct, and the cream is thicker and richer in fat. 



Poultry Experiments. — A beginning in poultry experiments has 

 been made. For this work six similar houses have been substan- 

 tially erected. Each includes a room twelve by ten feet, with two 

 windows ; and another eight by ten feet, with folding doors the 

 full width on the south. These doors are open in all weather when 

 storms do not beat in, and this room serves as a scratching shed. 

 Connected with these houses are large yards. We have also pro- 

 vided a number of smaller movable houses and coops for colonizing 

 families of chickens about our grounds. Our start was made with 

 purchased eggs of the light brahma and barred Plymouth Rock 

 breeds brought from a distance. The hatch, whether with incu- 

 bator or hens, was comparatively poor. We have, however, raised 

 pullets enough to stock four of our houses ; and experiments in 

 different methods of feeding for eggs are now in progress. 



The most important point indicated by our work thus far is the 

 superiority, even in inexperienced hands, of the brooder over the 

 natural mother as a means of raising chickens upon a large 

 scale. 



The Horticultural Division. 



The work of this division has the past year been prosecuted on 

 lines similar to those of former seasons. 



Among the most important subjects taken up has been that of 

 testing new varieties of fruits, vegetables and flowers. A few of 

 the more striking results obtained we will briefly outline in this 

 annual report. 



New varieties of the large fruits are obtained by planting young 

 trees and by means of scions or buds which are inserted into bear- 

 ing trees to hasten the time of fruiting. Large numbers of new 

 varieties have been added to our list, but nothing can be reported 

 as to their merits for many years. 



The results from the tests of small Jruits have been quite satis- 

 factory, and many of these have been already reported in recent 

 bulletins. 



Of the varieties of both large and small fruits that show de- 

 cided merit are the following : — 



