EARLY HISTOEY OF WHEAT-GROWING 25 



but all these farms failed, and they became known in the 

 colony as the " three unfortunate sisters." *^ 



The first experimental farm was planned by Lord Sel- 

 kirk and was called the " Hay ~Field Farm." A Scotch 

 farmer named Laidlaw was sent out to take charge, but 

 mismanagement ruined everything. " Barns, yards, 

 parks, and houses of every description," says Eoss, " were 

 provided; and yet all the time there was not an ox to 

 plow, nor a cow to milk in the settlement. To crown 

 the folly and extravagance of the undertaking, a mansion 

 befitting a peer was built at an expense of £600, which 

 at the moment of completion was accidentally burnt to 

 ashes in a drunken frolic. After several years' labor, 

 waste, and extravagance, every vestige of property on the 

 farm had disappeared, the experiment having cost Lord 

 Selkirk £2,000." ^^ The project was abandoned in 1822. 



The second experimental farm was a favorite scheme 

 of Governor Simpson, and greatly was he dejected by its 

 failure. Its one contribution to the welfare of the settlers 

 appears to have been the introduction of a fine stallion 

 from England at a cost of £300, with a consequent improve- 

 ment in the breed of horses. The management of the 

 farm unfortunately was put into the hands of a fur 

 trader who tried various experiments without success. 

 Finally, after six years' trial, the farm was sold with 

 a dead loss to the Company of £3,500." ^^ 



The third experimental farm was organized by a com- 

 mittee in London, and Captain Cary, a half-pay ofiicer, 

 whose agricultural knowledge appears to have been more 

 theoretical than practical, was sent out to take charge. 

 Everything that money could procure was provided, but 



isibid., p. 212. 

 *^nid., pp. 77-78. 

 50 lUd., pp. 133-135. 



