FARM CROPS OF C lYADl IN 1901 11 



By Mr. Kendall : 



Q. How does the saccharine matter develop in these beets ? 



A In Manitoba the beets analysed by the chemist of the experimental farms last 

 year gave results which were rather disappointing in that respect. They did not show 

 a sufficient percentage of sugar to be profitably worked. I am not aware that any were 

 analysed from Assiniboia, but those which were tested from Alberta were very satis- 

 factory. The beets sent from both southern and northern Alberta were very rich in 

 sugar. 



Q. Can yoii give us an idea as to the proportion of sugar they would be likely to 

 yield in a series of years ? 



A. We have not enough experience to permit the offering of an opinion on that 

 point. I can give you the average crop at Indian Head for the past six years, but we 

 do not know enough about this crop yet to say how the season may influence the pro- 

 duction of sugar. 



At Indian Head, the average yield has been 16 tons 1432 pounds to the acre, and 

 at the experimental farm at Brandon it has been 27 tons 152 pounds. 



By Mr. Clancy: 



Q. These are on plots ? 

 A. Yes. 



By Mr. Stephens: 



Q. Can you give us the average percentage of saccharine matter in the beets 

 grown in Ontario ? 



A. Not accurately, they run from 12 to 14 per cent, I think, but I cannot give you 

 the exact figures. These have been published in the reports of the chemist of the Do- 

 minion experimental farms and also by the chemist of the Ontario Agricultural College 

 at Guelph. Our chemist, Mr. Shutt, who will appear before you shortly, will no doubt 

 be able to give you more definite information on this point. 



By Mr. Davis: 



Q. Tou say the sugar beets in Alberta are better than those in Assiniboia ; how 

 do they compare with Ontario ? 



A. I said the sugar beets analysed from Alberta had given a higher percentage 

 during the past year than those from Manitoba. They are also I think higher in 

 sugar content than those grown in Ontario. Mr. Shutt, however, will be able to give 

 you more exact information on that point. 



Of course we have only had a limited number of tests, but the samples have come 

 from several different localities and in each case they have shown a high percentage. 



Q. I suppose that more moisture or something of that kind has something to do 

 r-nth it ? 



A. It is very difficult to give the reasons for these things. 



Potatoes. — Potatoes at Indian Head have given marvellous yields during the past 

 iieason, the tubers being of excellent quality. The most productive 12 sorts have given 

 an average crop of 620 bushels 3 pounds per acre; Carman, No. 1, heading the list 

 with 663 bushels 28 pounds per acre. 



Q. That is in one place ? In another place the yield might not be the same 2 



A. Certainly. 



■By Mr. Robinson: 



9 



' Q. Is the Carman a white potato ? 

 A. Tes, it is. 



