TRANSACTIONS OF SUB-SECTION K. - 699 
far as the plants develop roots freely, or as far as the moisture descends from 
the surface. This depth can in most cases be approximately determined 
by a field examination of the soil. 
3. The field notes of an investigator, based upon the appearance of the 
soil as removed by a soil auger often gives a more reliable indication of the 
moisture conditions than do the subsequent drying and weighing of samples, 
unless the hygroscopic co-efficient also be determined. In all cases the field 
notes are of value. 
4. Conclusions based upon the moisture data when samples have not 
been taken to a sufficient depth, or when only the total water content of 
the soil is given, unaccompanied by determinations of the hygroscopic co- 
efficient or by the field observations, are certain to be in many cases entirely 
incorrect. 
The data in support of these conclusions is drawn chiefly from western 
Nebraska, north-western Texas, central New Mexico, and south-eastern 
Arizona. The extremes of climate are herewith shown :— 
Ay. mean temp. for 5 mos. 
Ay. annual precip. May to Sept. Novy. to Mar. 
Douglas, Arizona : 5 A 10°5 ins. 76° 72 
Indian Head, Saskatchewa‘ , 166 ,, 62° 12° 
Soils of this region are, with a few exceptions, characterised by their 
ability to be reduced by the native vegetation and by many annual crop 
plants to a characteristic, easily recognised, dry condition. This state of 
dryness seems the normal condition in the more southerly regions, while in 
the north it may be found only at the time of the maturing of the plants. 
This property facilitates, in most places, the ready recognition of the 
moisture condition by a mere field examination with a soil auger. 
A greenhouse experiment in imitation of the growth of wheat on 
fallowed ground was described. Semi-arid soil in 6-foot cylinders was 
saturated with water, thoroughly drained, and then planted with Red Fife 
wheat. No more water was added. The plants developed normally, ripen- 
ing seed after 132 days. Photographs of the plants and tables showing 
moisture conditions were exhibited. 
Joint Meeting with Section F. 
The following Papers were read :— 
1. Agricultural Development in the North-West of Canada, 1905 until 
1909. By Professor James Mavor.—See Reports, p. 209. 
2. The Development of Wheat Culture in North America. 
By Professor A. P. BriaHam.—See Reports, p. 230. 
FRIDAY, AUGUST 27. 
The following Papers were read :— 
1. Some Economic Aspects of the Western Cattle Trade. 
By Dr. J. G. RuTHERFORD. 
The methods of cattle production in the Canadian West are rapidly 
undergoing change, due to the rapid inrush of settlement and consequent 
