54 DOMINION EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 



to the identification of plant diseases sent in by correspondents, 

 and the outlining of methods of control where such are known. 

 A considerable number of inquiries are also dealt with regarding 

 the names of edible and poisonous mushrooms. To facilitate 

 the whole of this work, and for purposes of reference, a collection 

 of fungi, and, in the case of parasitic species, of specimens showing 

 their effect upon the host plant, has recently been begun. At 

 present, this includes contributions by the past and present 

 staff, material sent in by correspondents and a few volumes of 

 Dearness' "Canadian Fungi" and Seymour and Earle's ''Econo- 

 mic Fungi." 



Weeds and Poisonous Plants. 



A large number of plants are received annually from corres- 

 pondents which are identified and, in the case of weeds, the best 

 methods of eradication given. Experiments concerning the 

 difficult problem of controlling noxious weeds are carried on as 

 opportunity is afforded. An extensive collection comprising 

 all weeds known to occur in Canada is kept and constantly 

 enlarged. This, together with a similar complete collection of 

 plants poisonous to stock, will be found very instructive to the 

 student. New weeds are frequently imported in seeds from 

 other countries and a careful watch is necessary to prevent the 

 establishment of these undesirable aliens. 



Botanic Gardens and Arboretum, 



The large area set aside for this purpose adjoins the grounds 

 of the Experimental Farm. It is only a few minutes' walk from 

 the car terminus, and is well worth a visit. In the arboretum 

 will be found an extensive collection of trees and shrubs including 

 many introduced plants that have proved hardy in our climate. 

 The collection of maples is especially fine and the conifers or 

 evergreens second to none in this part of the country. The 

 gardens are all planted with the exception of a few of the 

 older trees. In spring and summer they are very beautiful, the 

 many varieties of dainty flowering shrubs and the magnificent 

 collection of filacs and roses being well worth seeing, while the 

 great variety of herbaceous plants always attracts attention. 

 Later in the year when the vegetation appears in the glorious 

 tints of autumn, the reds and yellows of the maples, the bronze 

 of the oaks and elms and the silvery white of the poplars and 

 willows make a pleasing and picturesque effect against the dark 

 background of fir, spruce and pine. The charming situation 

 and considerable altitude of the arboretum make possible several 

 fine views. One of the most beautiful may be had from a point 

 near the small tool-house almost in a straight line from the south 



