4. To in vtstigate more thoroughly the various maladies and diseases of plants, 8fC. 



The diseases of plants are now attracting much attention. It is notorious that 

 much of the difficulty now experienced in the production of fruits is, in a great 

 degree, due to the prevalence of various maladies in trees. Thus we have to 

 contend with the yellows of the peach and nectarine, as well as the so-called 

 blister of their leaves in spring ; the cracking and spotting of the fruit of the 

 pear and apple, and the blighting of their branches, and the mildew and rot 

 of the grape and gooseberry. How far these affections may be induced by de- 

 ficiencies or repletions in the soil, or how much of their virulence is due to local 

 position in connexion with atmospheric currents, has yet, in the majority of 

 cases, to be determined. 



Insects, also, beset the cultivator on every side; these are insidious and pow- 

 erful opponents, requiring close study, minute and patient observation, in order 

 to learn their habits, and adopt effectual means for their extermination. Ex- 

 periments tending to the elucidation of these subjects are now in progress, and 

 then further investigation will receive attention as soon as means will allow. 



5. To provide ample means for testing seeds, 8fc. 



The necessity for testing seeds and plants is one of the most obviously use- 

 ful, as it haa been one of the most assiduously and successfully conducted opera- 

 tions of the garden. Increased facilities for extending these tests has become 

 necessary, especially with reference to agricultural seeds, roots, and tubers. 

 Comparative results can only become definite and reliable when attained under 

 similar circumstances. To ascertain whether one variety of plant is earlier, 

 hardier, or more productive than another, it is necessary that they should be 

 cultivated under the same conditions of climate and soil. When it is impracti- 

 cable to procure other than small packages of new and choice articles, the pur- 

 poses of distribution will be greatly enhanced by their previous increase. By 

 this means a knowledge would be gained of their value which might prove of 

 much moment. The necessary requirements for testing the products of hybrid- 

 ization further point to the paramount necessity of the department having at 

 its disposal greater facilities than the present garden affords, and where the more 

 extended and economical operations of field culture may be introduced. 



6. To cultivate specimens of various hedge plants, Sp. 



The subject of live fences is one of vast import alike to the agriculturist, 



horticulturist, and pomologist. The heavy investments annually incurred in the 

 erection and repairs of fencing has long been a matter of serious consideration, 

 and the introduction and culture of hedges has in some quarters occupied much 

 attention and been extensively adopted. Orchardists and gardeners are gradu- 

 ally awakening to the conviction that shelter is one of the most necessary appli- 

 ances conducive to the health and earliness of their crops. The dry, frosty 

 breezes of early spring are especially pernicious, and their effects lay the foun- 

 dation for many plant diseases. On the western prairies, particularly, it may be 

 questioned whether successful fruit culture will be realized in the absence of 

 shelter from exhausting winds. 



Then, again, for the purpose of forming neat boundary and dividing lines in 

 pleasure grounds and gardens no fence is so beautiful, and, when proper plants 

 are selected fur it, no barrier so effective and permanent. As examples of what 

 may be done, and how best to do it, specimen hedges should be established, 

 showing the relative merits of various plants for the purpose, both deciduous 

 and evergreen ; this would afford demonstrative evidence far more satisfactory 

 and conclusive than can be conveyed by any amount of mere descriptive advice. 



