90 JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



4. The top grafting of the tenderer varieties on hardy stocks to 

 determine which varieties will succeed in that way, which will not when 

 grown as standard trees. 



5. The study of the individuality of fruit, or experiments conducted 

 to determine whether individual trees of a variety vary in productiveness. 

 We have found, after six years' work, that there is a great deal of difference 

 in the individual trees of a given variety. 



6. The thinning of fruit on the trees. 



7. Experiments in close planting to determine whether apples can be 

 grown profitably in this way. 



8. Investigations in diseases of fruit. 



9. Experiments in spraying with different mixtures and solutions for 

 the prevention of fungous diseases. 



10. Different methods of orchard culture. 



11. Experiments with different cover crops for orchards. 



12. Experimental shipments of fruit. 



13. Identification of varieties sent to be named. 



To make such experiments of any real value, two things are requisite, 

 in addition to patient persistence in them : namely, scientific accuracy, to 

 ensure uniformity in all conditions except that in respect of which the 

 test is made ; and the minutest care in recording results. The work of 

 years may be entirely lost owing to inaccurate records. These essentials, 

 I am safe in saying, are carefully observed by the chief officers — the 

 Horticulturist, the Chemist, and the Entomologist and Botanist — who 

 deal with fruit-growing at our experimental farms. 



But it is one thing to collect valuable information, and quite another 

 to put that information before the public in such a way as to be a real 

 help. Let me indicate a few of the channels made use of for this purpose. 



Cheap railway excursions are organised, by local or county agricultural 

 societies, for the purpose of visiting the farm and studying the results of 

 various experiments. Such excursions usually take the form of picnics, 

 and make a delightful outing for those who take part in them, besides 

 being of high educational value. 



There is, of course, correspondence, for which the mails are absolutely 

 free to all who may desire information from the Central Experimental 

 Farm at Ottawa. That this privilege is freely made use of is apparent 

 from the fact that in the year ending November 30, 1904, no less than 

 55,366 letters were received at one institution. No bona-fide inquiry is 

 left unanswered, and neither time nor trouble is spared to secure and 

 furnish the desired information. 



Second only in importance to personal correspondence is the frequent 

 and free issue of Bulletins by the heads of the respective Divisions, 

 dealing with timely subjects, such as "Apple Culture," in brief synoptical 

 form ; again of some particular fruit pest or disease, or spraying compound. 

 Such Bulletins are sent to every person who writes for them, and let it 

 be again noted that neither the publication nor the letter asking for it 

 costs the applicant a farthing. 



Finally, the officers of the farms attend as many local and provincial 

 meetings of fruit growers as their duties will permit, and deliver practical 

 addresses, answer questions, mix freely and converse with the growers ; 



