466 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [Pub. Doc. 



member' of tlie group bought 100 tomato plants. They were 

 given careful instruction in setting, fertilizing and cultivating 

 the same. As the fruit began to ripen the owners gathered it 

 both for home use and for market. When the season was well 

 on some co-operative canning was done. The group canned 

 about 300 cans of tomatoes in tin. This work was done under 

 the direction of the Department of Agricultural Education. 

 It is inadvisable as yet to make any recommendations in regard 

 to this type of work. These young people are not yet strongly 

 imbued with the idea of co-operation. 



Besides this simple experiment a large amount of splendid 

 work was done in nearly all parts of the State in giving can- 

 ning demonstrations. This demonstration work was carried 

 on by both Professor Morton and Miss Nash. The method 

 which has been emphasized is known as the " cold pack." The 

 essential factor in this method consists in preparing the fruit 

 or vegetables and placing them in the cans or jars cold, then 

 sealing and sterilizing. In the case of glass jars, the sealing 

 is only partially done before the sterilizing. The permanent 

 sealing or tightening of the covers is done after sterilizing. 

 Sterilization is secured by heating either in boiling water or 

 under a low steam pressure. The superiority of the method 

 and the great value of the art of canning as a means of taking 

 care of surplus garden products warrant the promotion of this 

 activity to the fullest extent. The demonstrations of the past 

 year have laid the foundation for more systematic and more 

 thorough work during the coming year. 



Canning . demonstrations were given to the number of 48. 

 These were given before audiences aggi-egating nearly 4,000 

 persons. Mrs. George S. Ladd, lecturer of the State grange, 

 has been deeply interested in the enterprise, and is aiding ma- 

 terially in its promotion by her influence among the subordinate 

 granges. Without anticipating too much as to the work of the 

 coming year, it may be stated here that as soon as the three 

 months' contest in home economics, just initiated, is closed Miss 

 l^ash expects to devote her entire energy to the promotion of 

 the canning project in all its aspects. 



