EXPERIMENTAL WORK IN CANADA. 4g} 


receiving these samples have usually after the second season 
a quantity sufficient to sow a considerable acreage; and by 
this method the better varieties of grain are soon spread 
over the country, and the average yield of the more impor- 
tant crops is thereby increased. 
The object lessons which have been given in raising 
fodder crops, and converting these into ensilage, thus 
providing succulent food for cattle, have greatly stimulated 
the dairy industry, especially the manufacture of butter in 
winter, and the fattening of steers. Attention has also been 
given to experiments conducted with reference to the 
economical production of butter of the highest quality, and 
the best management of milk so as to secure the most com- 
plete separation of the butter fat. 
Experiments in tree planting were begun at all the 
experimental farms. as soon as practicable aiter their 
organisation. At the Central Farm, twenty acres are devoted 
to determining the relative growth of the more important 
timber trees under different conditions. Another sixty acres 
are used as an arboretum where trees and shrubs from many 
countries are being tested with a view to ascertain how far 
they are suitable to Eastern Canada. As the need for forest 
shelter is very great on the open plains in the North-West, 
special encouragement is given to tree planting for shelter 
there. About 60 to 70,000 trees have been planted in shelter 
belts, blocks, avenues, and hedges, furnishing examples as 
to the best methods of planting and giving information as to 
the cost. Overa million and a quarter young forest trees 
have been distributed free on application during the past 
twelve years, and more than seven tons of tree seeds have 
also been sent to settlers. 

EXPERIMENTS WITH SWINE IN ONTARIO. 
The Annual Report of the Ontario Bureau of Animal 
Industry for 1899 contains a report of some experiments with 
pure-bred swine, which have been carried out under similar 
