DOMINION EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 



THE DOMINION EXPERIMENTAL FARM 

 SYSTEM. 



The present system of Experimental Farms and Stations 

 dates from 1886, when an Act was passed by the Dominion 

 Parliament authorizing the establishment of a Central Experi- 

 mental Farm and four branch Farms. 



This Act was the result of two years' preliminary investi- 

 gation by an Agricultural Committee of the House of Commons 

 and of an examination of experimental stations both in Europe 

 and in the United States, carried on by Dr. William Saunders. 

 His observations on the experimental work being conducted in 

 different countries and his . recommendations based thereon, were 

 embodied in a Report which he addressed to the then Minister 

 of Agriculture, Sir John Carling. Upon the passing of the 

 measure to establish a system of Experimental Farms in the 

 Dominion, Dr. Saunders was appointed their Director. 



PURPOSE OF THE FARM SYSTEM. 



The various lines of work may be briefly stated as follows : — 



To conduct researches and experiments designed to test the 

 value, for all purposes, of different breeds of stock and their 

 adaptability to the varying climatic and other conditions which 

 prevail in the several provinces. 



To examine into scientific and economic questions involved 

 in the production of milk, butter and cheese. 



To test the merits, hardiness and adaptability of new or 

 untried varieties of wheat and other cereals, and of all field 

 crops, grasses and forage plants, fruits, vegetables, plants and 

 trees, and disseminate among persons engaged in farming, gar- 

 dening or fruit-growing upon such conditions as are prescribed 

 by the Minister of Agriculture, samples of such surplus products 

 as are considered to be especially worthy of introduction. 



To analyze fertilizers, whether natural or artificial, and 

 conduct experiments with such fertilizers, in order to test their 

 comparative values as applied to crops of various kinds. 



To examine into the composition and digestibility of foods 

 for various animals. 



To conduct experiments in the planting of trees for timber 

 and for shelter. 



To examine into the diseases to which cultivated plants 

 and trees are subject and also into the ravages of destructive 

 insects and ascertain and test the most useful preventatives 

 and remedies to be used in each case. 



