154 



EEPOKT OF THE 



No. 3 



At the headquarters of the Northern Development Branch at the east end of 

 the Town of Cochrane, all kinds of grain and vegetables were planted. The land 

 is situate between two small lakes at an elevation of 20 feet above the water. To 

 the south Off the garden plot is a virgin forest of white birch, poplar, and spruce. 

 The land is a clay loam well drained, but had not been cultivated heretofore. A 

 splendid sample of Spring wheat was produced and exhibited at the Toronto 

 Exhibition. All other kinds of grain matured about the end of the first week in 

 September, except a late variety of peas. At this garden there was no sign of 

 summer frosts until about the middle of September. Garden peas and beans 

 ripened, and corn was a fair crop, fit for table use, but did not ripen. All classes 

 of vegetables gave a good yield. 



Throughout the district there were several summer frosts which injured 

 vegetables, including potatoes, more particularly on the low lying lands or where 



Cabbage, weighing 30 lbs, grown on Ground Hog experimental plot, T. C. R. 



the land had not been properly cultivated; but as far as I could judge in visiting 

 difl^erent parts of Northern Ontario, from the Eainy River Valley to the Ottawa 

 River and along the north shore of Lake Huron, I find that the injury done by 

 summer frosts in the Claybelt was no greater than that done in other sections ; and 

 from my observations, the crops were as good in the 'Claybelt as in most sections 

 north of Parry Sound, 



The soil is exceptionally suitable for the growth of timothy and clover. 

 With proper cultivation, where large areas are cleared off, I am convinced that 

 there will be no difficulty in growing all kinds of grain and vegetables. Where 

 fall wheat was grown it matured; the crop was exceptionally good and in no 

 instance did T find it had received injury from summer frosts. 



J. F. Whitson, 



Commissioner. 



