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■ 
 
 AoTiculrural Colleges 
 
 ANf> 
 
 Experimental Farm Stations 
 
 With suo-cifstions relatinu- to lixperiiiicntal 
 Aoriciiltuiv in Canada. 
 
 liV 
 
 Piofessoi- Saunders, l-.K.S.C. 
 
 OTTAWA: 
 
 Reprinted rrom tlu- ApptiKUx to (ho Ui'imrt of tin- Minister 
 of AKiifiill mv for ISSS 
 
 1 K M U 
 
■ l ii w UUi r U ill B W W I 
 
- CONTENTS - 
 
 I'ADK 
 
 luBtriictions in and Hcply of Prof. Win. Saiiiulers 1 
 
 1. — A<lKIl II.rriiM. C'OLLKOES AM» KXFEKIIIKNTAL StATIOXH IN THK 
 
 UxiTEI' StaTKS. 
 
 Alubaina 6 
 
 Aikiiiisas 6 
 
 California tt 
 
 (Colorado 8 
 
 (lonnecticiit 1> 
 
 Delaware 11 
 
 Georgia . H 
 
 Illinois 12 
 
 Indiana . . IK 
 
 Iowa 20 
 
 Kansas 28 
 
 Kentncky H2 
 
 Louisiana S2 
 
 Maine 33 
 
 Maryland 37 
 
 .rlassachusetts 38 
 
 Michif^an 41 
 
 Minnesota 43 
 
 Mississippi i 44 
 
 Missouri 46 
 
 Nebraska 46 
 
 Nevada 47 
 
 New Hampshire 47 
 
 New Jersey 47 
 
 New York 49 
 
 North Carolina .12 
 
 Ohio sa 
 
 Orej^on 5ft 
 
 Peiinsyl\ania 57 
 
 Rhode Island 58 
 
 South Carolina ... 58 
 
 Tennessee 50 
 
 Texas 59 
 
 Vermont 59 
 
 Virginia ftO 
 
It contknts. 
 
 I'AdK 
 
 WeHt Virjjiiiia. Gl 
 
 WiHCOllHlll (i| 
 
 WAHHINinON (FkKKKAI, (JoVKItNMKNT) •i'i 
 
 FoKEsTitY (Letter from Mr. ]k*riiliur<l K, Fernow. New York, HecMetiiry 
 
 of tlie Aiiiericiiii Forestry ('oii<;reBH) »»t 
 
 Forestry Kxpenditure in Cieniuiny 7- 
 
 II, — A(tHlCri,Tl'KAI, (.'dI.I.KOKS. KxI'KKIMK.NTVI. S|VTIi>XS AM' S( IHM»I,S 
 OK Holtricri.TIKK AM> FoKKSTItV IN KlltOI'K. 
 
 Enolaxh : 
 
 Royal A><ricultunil Collejje at Cirencester I'.i 
 
 Dowiiton Colle>,'e of Atjriciilture 7'> 
 
 Fkanc'K ?•» 
 
 Gkujiany : 
 
 The Koyal A^'ricultnral Academy at PojUH-lsMlorf. near Itoun, Prus- 
 sia 77 
 
 The Royal Institute for Fruit and Wine C'ulture ~H 
 
 Bkmium: 
 
 Tlie Royal Forest School of Bavaria 7'.* 
 
 Ajiricultural Experimental Stations HO 
 
 The Horticultural School at Ghent SI 
 
 OtHKH ('OUNTKIKS .Si 
 
 III. — A<uucrLTrRAi, Ei»rcATiox am> Ex. kkimkxtai, Wokk ix Caxaka. 
 Ontauio 
 
 QlTKHKC 
 
 Nova Scotia 
 
 Nkw BiirxswicK 
 
 DOMIXION DKI'AKTMEXT ok AdKICri.TlIlK 
 
 Exports 
 
 IV. — Gkxkiui. CoNci.rsioxs axi> Rkcommkxhatioxs. 
 
 PllKI.IMIXAUV 
 
 Division ok Exi'EHImkxtai. Aciiiicri.TrKK : 
 
 Proposed Orf{ani/ation and Mana^'ement 
 
 Considerations of Advantage 
 
 Opinion of Dr. George M. Dawson 
 
 FOBKSTKV 
 
 . GkNKUAL SrM.MARY 
 
 SI 
 
 '.12 
 '.t*J 
 
 •»4 
 
 !>7 
 
 JtH 
 101 
 107 
 
 no 
 
 110 
 
IVV'.K 
 
 01 
 
 . Ol 
 
 rv 
 
 i.s 
 
 7-2 
 
 78 
 7'> 
 70 
 
 IIS- 
 
 ... 77 
 
 ... 7« 
 
 . . 7'.» 
 
 . . . . ^'O 
 
 ... «sl 
 
 si 
 
 NAI'A. 
 
 M 
 
 *M 
 
 <.»-2 
 '.t'2 
 
 ••4 
 
 '.>7 
 
 .. 101 
 ... 107 
 
 .. 110 
 ... 110 
 
 A RKPonr (K^^ agjuculhiul colle(!Es ajvd 
 
 ICXI'ElilME.yTAL F.lh'M ST.IT1()J^\S 
 
 WITH ,sl'(i(!E-«TIONS HKI.ATINii TO 
 
 Ixperimenial igFiGuI{ui*e iq ianada 
 
 li Y PROF. WIL L I A M SA I'SDKHS, F. It. S. C. 
 
 London, Ont., 20th February, I.SSG. 
 
 Siu, — I had the lionour to receive in due course the t'ol ■ 
 lowing letter written under your direction : — 
 
 " Department of Acjrkultlre, 
 
 " Ottawa, 2nd November, 1885. 
 
 " Sir, — I have an instruction from the Mini.ster of A;:jri- 
 culture to state to you, that, havincj in view to put into effect 
 the vote of last Session for the purpose of establishing an ex- 
 perimental farm, he will be glad to avail himself of your ser- 
 vices to obtain certain preliminary information. 
 
 " There was, as you are aware, a Select Committee ap- 
 pointed by the House of Commons in the Session of 1884, of 
 which Mr. Gigault was -the Chairman, to enquire into the best 
 means of encouraging and developing the agricultural interests 
 of Canada. That Committee did take evidence on the subject 
 of the establishment of an experimental farm, and made a 
 report in favour of such a project. A copy of that report is 
 sent to you herewith. 
 
 "There are, however, some further points on which the 
 Minister desires to obtain information in connection with this 
 question ; and lie would, therefore, feel obliged if you would 
 
 
S AOUIfULTUUAL COM.KdKS. 
 
 havp tin' j^oodiu'ss to visit us many of the more important 
 a;^rieu!tiiral coll«'<^i's, «'X|H'i-imi'ntal farms and fXjM'rinu'ntal 
 .stations ii the Unitf(l States and Camida, as von mav think 
 n«'Ci;.ssarv, for th«! purpose of en(|niriii'^ into th«' various 
 methods of workin;.^ ; and with a view of ascertaininiif as far as 
 possihh; what benefits, eith(!r direct or indirect, they are con- 
 ferrinfj on practical aj^riculture, inchiding stock raisinj^, dairy- 
 ing, etc.; and, also, of ascertaining^ what is heing' done in 
 horticulture, t'specially in rej^ard to the production of fruit. 
 
 " It is further d(>sired by the Mini.stcr that you .shouhl 
 inciflentally enquire into the subject of forestry, to ascertain, 
 as far as practicable, the extent and character of tree-plant- 
 ini( in tlm Western States, the varieties chieHy used, and the 
 success which has attended the efforts which have been made. 
 
 " It is also desired that you ascertain the areas of land 
 occupied by the .several inf^titutions you may vi.sit, the charac- 
 ter of the soil and equipments, with capital ccst ; together 
 with the expense of maintenance. 
 
 " The Minister desires that you shouhl prepare and sub- 
 mit, as early as practicable, a report on the whole subject, in- 
 dicating what features of the work, if accompli.shed, would, in 
 your opinion, be most pa,rticularly beneficial to the agricul- 
 tural, liorticultural, and, incidentally, to the forest interests 
 of the Dominion of Canada. 
 
 " I have the honour to be, Sir, 
 
 " Your obedient .servant, 
 
 " John Lowe, 
 '' Secrefarff, Department of Agriculture. 
 *• Wm. Saunder.s, Esq., 
 
 ' London, Ont." 
 
 In compliance with the request contained in this letter, I 
 have recently visited inany of the agricultural colleges and 
 agricultural experimental stations in the United States, for 
 the purpose of enquiring into the methods by which they are 
 conducted, with a view of ascertaining, as far as possible, whati 
 benefits, either direct or indirect, they are conferring on 
 
KXl'KUIMKNTAL FARM STATIONS. 
 
 letter, I 
 2es and 
 .tes, for 
 ihey are 
 le, whati 
 
 juactieul aj^ricnltun*, iii(!lu<lin<; stock-raisinj^, (luiryin<,', rtc. I 
 liavo also eii(l(>av()iir«'<l to ascertain what is l»«'iiijif done in hor- 
 ticulture, especially in re^anl to the j)ro<luetion ot* fruit, and in 
 forestry, with special ri'fcreneo to the extent and ehanieter of 
 tree-plantin;^ in the Western States ; also to ;;ain information 
 as to th(? area of land occupied i)y each institution, the charac- 
 ter of the soil, buildini^s and e(|uipnients, the expenditure on 
 capital account and cost of maintenance, to<;ether with such 
 other particulars as were helieved to be of suffici«'nt importance 
 to occupy your att(!ntion. 
 
 In addition to what has becji aecumulat(Ml as the result of 
 direct personal emiuiry, I have endeavoured to present a brief 
 summary of some of the more important features of the work 
 beiiii^ vlone by similar institutions in those parts of the United 
 States which the limited time at my disposal dnl not permit 
 me te visit. Most of these particulars have been obtained by 
 correspondence. Reference also is made to what is being ac- 
 coinplislu'(l in Kuropean and other countries in the same 
 direction, so as to present, as far as practicable, the whole sub- 
 ject of agricultural progress in a concise form. This is ac- 
 companied by an outlim; of a proposed system embracing such 
 features of the work as would, in my opinion, be most par- 
 ticularly beneficial to the great agricultural interests of the 
 Dominion of Canada. 
 
 I have the honour to be, Sir, 
 
 Your obedient servant, 
 
 WM. SAUNDERS. 
 The Honourable 
 
 The Minister of Agriculture, 
 Ottawa. 
 
KXPKKIMKNTAL FAHM STATIONS. 
 
 REPORT 
 
 l.-AGRICULTURAL COLLEGES AND EXPERIMENT- 
 AL STATIONS IN THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 In the yrar IHOl the Conr'ross of the United States, liaving 
 in view the importance of once ''aj^infj; the development and 
 progress in that country of tiie two great departments of 
 industry, passed an Act vv'i..:h piovide^^ ior the endowment of 
 a college of agriculture and mecimnic arts in each State of the 
 Union, hy malring a large gr nt jf public lantJN for that pur- 
 pose. The <iuantity appoi tionud to each State vras equal to 
 80,000 acres for each senator and representative in Congress 
 to which such State was respectively entitled \>y the appor- 
 tionment under the census of 18()0. The Act provided that 
 the wdiole of the money received from the sale of these lands 
 should be invested in .safe securities, and the interest only 
 used for the maintenance of the several institutions. Tlie 
 States were required to furnish the necessary land for the 
 colleges, and no portion of the fund could be spent in the pur- 
 chase, erection or repair of any building or buildings. These 
 must be supplied by the State or by the liberality of the towns 
 and cities near which the institutions were to be located. 
 
 In this way the foundation was laid for the providing of a 
 substantial and permanent fund for the maintenance of each 
 college ; 9,600,000 acres of land were appropriated, from the 
 sale of which a fund of nearly $9,000,000 has accumulated, 
 with a considerable quantity of land still unsold. The aggre- 
 gate of the value of grounds, buildings and apparatus ./as 
 given in 1882 at S6,o3 1,844, making a grand total of over 
 fifteen and a-half millions of dollars devoted to furthering the 
 development of these great national industries. 
 
AGRICULTURAL COLLEGES. 
 
 ALABAMA. 
 
 The Ai^ricultural and Mechanical College of Alabama is 
 situated near Auburn. The quantity of land occupied is 100 
 acres. The cost of the main building was $05,000. There are 
 separate structures for chemical laboratory, worksliops, etc., 
 tbe total value of grounds, buildings and apparatus being 
 $100,000. Endowment fund from sale of public lands, $2o3,- 
 500 ; total revenue, $22,500 ; expenses about the same. 
 
 Practical agriculture is taught in all its different branches, 
 and an experimental field of twenty acres is devoted to the 
 testing of fertilizers and expei-iments in the cultivation of 
 field crops, fruits and flowers. The course of study covers 
 four yeai's, but very few of the students remain long enough* 
 to graduate. The students in the scientific and mechanical 
 departments greatly outnumber those pursuing agriculture. 
 
 ARKANSAS. 
 
 The Industrial University of Arkansas, designed for impart- 
 ing instruction in agriculture and mechanical arts, is located 
 near the town of Fayetteville. The endowment fund is 
 $130,000 ; the land, buildings and appliances are valued at 
 $170,000. The annual income from the land grant is $10,400, 
 which is supplemented by annual appropriations from the 
 State. The yearly expenditure is $17,500, of which the 
 salaries of the teaching statt' consume $15,500. 
 
 In connection with the agricultural department there is an 
 experimental farm, also a chemical laboratory and museum. 
 
 CALIFORNIA. 
 
 The University of California obtained the agricultural col- 
 lege land grant on condition that special departments for the 
 teaching of agriculture and the mechanic arts should be estab- 
 lished and maintained there. The amount derived from this 
 source was $566,280, with land valued at $26,800 still un- 
 sold. The University is a very extensive one, and is located 
 at Berkeley. It has grounds, buildings and appliances valued 
 at $1,000,000, and a total endowment fund of $1,678,386. 
 
EXPERIMENTAL FARM STATIONS. 
 
 is 100 
 
 jre are 
 
 s, etc., 
 
 being 
 
 $253,- 
 
 anches, 
 to the 
 
 tion of 
 covers 
 
 enough* 
 
 jhanical 
 
 Iture. 
 
 impart- 
 loested 
 fund is 
 alued at 
 $10,400, 
 roni the 
 lich the 
 
 ere is an 
 useuin. 
 
 ,ural col- 
 ts for the 
 be estab- 
 from this 
 
 siill un- 
 is located 
 ses valued 
 
 ,386. 
 
 The annual incomes from the proceeds of agricultural college 
 lands is $39, "20, a large proportion of which is devoted to 
 agricultural teaching and experimental work. A course of 
 lectures, condiined with practical instructions, is given in 
 agriculture, horticulture, botany an<l entomology, and a chemi- 
 cal laboratory is especially devoted "to agricultural purposes. 
 There are also three greenhouses, a nurse)-y and propagating 
 grounds, an arboretum and a garden of economic plants. 
 
 The orchards are large and include l.')0 varieties of apples, 
 140 of pears, 65 peaches, o') plums; also a number of cherries, 
 apricots and nectarines. The vineyard has 60 >arieties of 
 European grape.s, in addition to a large number of American 
 
 origm. 
 
 L\rperi7nental Station. — An experimental station has been 
 in active operation for several years, under the efficient direc- 
 tion of E. W. Hilgard, Professor of Agi'iculture. Extensive 
 experiments have been conducted with fertilizers in growing 
 grain, forage plants, sugar cane, sugar beets, sorghum and 
 other tield crops. A large number of grapes have been intro- 
 duced from all parts of the world, especially those varieties 
 from which the most highly esteemed wines of Europe are 
 made ; also those from which the noted raisins of Chili and 
 other countries are produced. Experiments have been made 
 in grafting the best cultivated sorts of grapes on the wild 
 vines of California and other thrifty <jrowi)icr stocks, for the 
 purpo.se of a.scertaining which will best resist the attacks of 
 that injurious and troublesome insect, phylloxera, which has 
 caused the California vinegrowcrs so much anxiety and loss. 
 The in.sect, together with other injurious s|)ecies, has also been 
 studied, and mea.sures suggested for its abatement and desti'ue- 
 tion. 
 
 Larije numbers of forest trees have been introduced 'from 
 Europe, Asia and Australia, which, beside's being tested on the 
 co'lege farm, have been distributed to many intelligent persons 
 in^itferent parts of the State f<!r trial. There has been an 
 annual distribution of samples of grain and gras.ses from all 
 parts of the world, also seeds of plants, young plants ami 
 
 ^ 1 
 
 'I 
 
 ill 
 
8 
 
 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGES. 
 
 trees, scions of desirable fruit and other trees, witli accompany- 
 ing instructions for planting, grafting, etc. These are sent to 
 applicants engaged in agriculture in the State in the order of 
 their application, until the stock is exhausted, on receipt of 
 sufficient nione}' or stamps to cover cost of packing and mail- 
 ini;. 
 
 hi the chemical department many analyses have been 
 reported of wines of different grades, made in California, of 
 soils and subsoils, including those of the more noted grape- 
 growing districts ; also of akaline soils, of water from Arte- 
 sian wells, and of stream and well waters from mauy parts of 
 the State. 
 
 Notwithstanding all the educational advantages ottered, we 
 learn from a late report that out of a total number of 246 
 students only 17 were taking agriculture. 
 
 The results of the experimental work are brought promptly 
 before the public bv the issue of bulletins at intervals of from 
 one to three weeks durino; the summer. These are mailed to 
 newspapers, agricultural periodicals and to prominent agricul- 
 turists : also to the agricultural colleges and experimental 
 stations of other States. 
 
 Since the coast climate of British Columbia is said to be 
 much like that of the northern part of California, the experi- 
 mental work carried on at this station becomes of special 
 interest to Canada. 
 
 COLORADO. 
 
 The State Agricultural Colletje of Colorado is located at 
 Fort Collins, in the fertile valley of the Cache-la-Poudre River. 
 It is endowed with OO.OOO acres of selected lands, which have 
 not yet been sold. Tlie expenses of the institution are met at 
 present by a special tax of one-ttfth of a n)ill on State valu- 
 ation, which gives it an income of about $20,000 a year, a 
 considerable portion of which is required for salaries of statt* 
 which i-ange from $1,000 to $2,500. The college was opened 
 in ] <S82, and occupies 240 acres of lan<l ; the land, buildings 
 and appliances are valued at $50,000. 
 
EXPERIMENTAL FARM STATIONS. 
 
 9 
 
 pany- 
 lent to 
 rder of 
 eipt of 
 
 I inail- 
 
 3 been 
 
 rnia, of 
 
 Of rape - 
 
 II Arte- 
 )art.s of 
 
 sred, we 
 of 246 
 
 romptly 
 of from 
 
 I ailed to 
 acrricul- 
 
 fiuiental 
 
 id to 1)6 
 » experi- 
 • special 
 
 >cate<l at 
 re River, 
 lich have 
 re met at 
 ate valu- 
 a year, a 
 s of start' 
 IS opened 
 buildings 
 
 The ]arf]fer part of the college farm is under cultivation, the 
 work being chiefly experimental, including the cultivation of 
 fruit and forest trees, cereals, grasses, garden vegetables and 
 small fruits. One hundred and fifty-one varieties of wheat 
 and twelve of barley, received from Europe, Australia, New 
 Zealand, California, Manitoba, Mexico and other places, have 
 alreadv been tested at this institution with fjreat benefit to 
 the State. A number of experiments with potatoes and other 
 garden vegetables have also been conducted, a thrifty nursery 
 and orchard have been established, several hundred small fruits 
 and several thousand forest trees have been planted, and many 
 tests made as to the germinating power of vegetable and flower 
 seeds obtained from a number of ditterent dealers. 
 
 The course of instruction in agriculture includes practical 
 training; in farm work. 
 
 CONNECTICUT. 
 
 The Shertield Scientific School, which is one of the depart- 
 ments of Yale College, received the agricultural land grant on 
 condition that it provided suitable and competent instruction 
 in aijriculture and the mechanic arts. The endowment fund 
 from land sales amounts to $185,000. The institution is situ- 
 ated in the town of New Haven, and the value of the grounds, 
 buildings and apparatus is $200,000. The course of instruc- 
 tion is very thorough in all the sciences bearing on agriculture, 
 and lectures are given on the cultivation of staple crops, tree 
 planting, etc. 
 
 Experimental Station. — Connecticut was the first State 
 which established an experimental station in agriculture. 
 This was originally located in the eastern wing of Sheffield 
 Hall, where good work was done for several years. In 1879 
 the present efficient director of the station, Dr. S. W. Johnson, 
 took charge of the work, and has conducted it in such a 
 manner as to make it extremely useful to the agriculture of 
 the State. At the outset the State appropriated $5,000 a year 
 for its maintenance, which has since been increased to $8,000. 
 
10 
 
 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGES. 
 
 A special appropriation of S25,000 was also made for the pur- 
 chase of land, and for buildinjjs and apparatus. There is also 
 a special tax levied on fertilizers sold in the State, to aid in 
 defrayini^ the expense attendinj^ their analysis, which adds 
 about 5?2,500 to the ycarl}^ revenue of the station. 
 
 There are seven acres of land attached to the institution, 
 which, with the buildings on it when purchased, cost $12,000. 
 A cheiiiical laboratory has since been erected, at a cost of $5,000 
 for the buiidinu and $2,500 for fittinjjs, includinii many of the 
 most improved forms of apparatus required for carrying on 
 this special work. Other structures have also been built. 
 No stock is kept here ; there are no greeidiouses, and very 
 little outside work has been done. The operations carried on 
 have been mainly chemical, particularly in the line of the 
 analysis of fertilizers, of which there are in Connecticut about 
 130 different brands in the market. The State laws require 
 that at least one analysis shall be made every year of each 
 brand, and the reports of the station work contain returns of 
 the results of these analyses, averaging in number more than 
 150 each year. In addition to this, much work has been done 
 in determining by analysis the relative value of mixtures for 
 feeding purposes, fodders, etc., also in the analysis of milk 
 and many other articles of food. 
 
 Another department in which good work has been done is 
 in testing agricultural and comtnercial seeds, to determine 
 their vital itj' and purity. The annual reports published by 
 this station average about 120 pages, and are full of most 
 valuable information. The yearly saving to the farmers of 
 this State by the exposure of fraudulent and inferior brands 
 of fertilizers has been v^ery large, amounting to many times 
 the cost of the maintenance of the station. The staff' consists 
 of two chemists, two assistants, two clerks and one gardener. 
 The number of copies of the bulletins printed is from 5,000 to 
 (5,000, which are distributed chiefly among farmers. The law 
 requires also that two copies be .sent to each postmaster in the 
 State. 
 
EXPERIMENTAL FARM STATIONS. 
 
 11 
 
 ,be pur- 
 B is also 
 3 aid in 
 ch adds 
 
 titution, 
 $12,000. 
 )t' So.OOO 
 ly of the 
 rying on 
 en built, 
 md very 
 arrie<l on 
 16 of the 
 cut about 
 s require 
 V of each 
 returns of 
 nore than 
 been done 
 ctures for 
 s of ndlk 
 
 en done is 
 letermine 
 lished by 
 I of most 
 •arniers of 
 ior brands 
 lany times 
 aff consists 
 rardener. 
 in 5,000 to 
 The hiw 
 ister in the 
 
 DELAWARE. 
 
 The af:pricultural department of Delaware Col leije is situated 
 at Newark. It has an endowment fund of .^8.*J,000, and the 
 land, buildings and appliances are valued at .^7.'>.000. The 
 total income is about S.i.oOO. The colletre does not own a 
 farm, but courses of lectures are given on the principles and 
 practice of agriculture, the composition of soils and fertilizers ; 
 also in chemistry, liotany and the kindred sciences. 
 
 GEORGL\. 
 
 The Georgia State College of Am-iculture and Arts is a 
 branch of the State Universitv. and is located at Athen.s. The 
 endowment fund from .sale of agricultural lands amounts to 
 $242,202, which yields an annual revenue of about ?1 7,000- 
 This is divided between several institutions, to be pre.^ently 
 referred to, the State College receiving $.S,OO0. The land, 
 buildings and appliances are valued at $50,000. 
 
 A full course of instruction is given in agriculture, horticul- 
 ture, botany, entomology, etc. There is also an experimental 
 farm connected with the University, where the students 
 receive practical instruction. Many very valuable experiments 
 have been conducted on this farm with different .sorts of cotton 
 and corn, and the effects of fertilizers on the crojis recorded. 
 A large chemical laboratory, with all the necessar\- appliances, 
 affords ample opportunities for the study of this branch of 
 science, especially in its relation to agriculture. There is al.so 
 a museum of agricultural products. 
 
 There are three other smaller agricultural colleges in 
 Georcria, each of which receives $2,000 aimuallv from tl.e en- 
 dowment fund. They are known as the North (Georgia 
 Agricultural College, located at Dahlonega ; the Middle 
 Georgia Military and Agricultural College at Milledgcville* 
 the Southwest Georgia Agricultural College, at Cuthbert ; and 
 the South Georgia Agricultural College, at Thomasville. 
 These all provide instruction in agriculture, horticulture and 
 kindred subjects. 
 
12 
 
 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGES. 
 
 ILLINOIS. 
 
 The University of Illinois is one of the best eon<lucte<l an«l 
 most efficient institutions whicli I have visited. It i.s locate«l 
 ab )ut midway between the towns of Chainpaiijn and Urbaiia. 
 It has an endowment fund of $887,000, realized from the sale 
 of public lands, and the buildings, appliances and land are 
 valued at S?400,00;). The University buildings, which are 
 fifteen in numlter, include a large and imposing main buiMing. 
 in whicli are the principal offices, class rooms, library, museum, 
 chapel, etc. (towanis the erection of this structurt* the State 
 ci)ntril)uted 8127,001)): a chemical building, containing five 
 laboratories, erected at a cost of $40,000 ; a veterinary liall : 
 large maehinerv buiMwiifs, dormitories, etc. The land occu- 
 pied by the University and its several departments embraces 
 628 acres. 
 
 Deparfinent of A<jrlculture. — There are devoted to the uses 
 of the Department of Agriculture two farms, one of -HO acres, 
 known as the " Stock Farm," and one of 180 acres designated 
 the " Experimental Farm." The soil is prairie, dark coloured 
 and fertile, well drained with about eleven miles of tile drains 
 For a number of years past these farms have been so worked 
 as to give an annual profit of from $1,000 to $l.oOO. The 
 acreage in various crops in 18.5.5 on the stock farm was : corn, 
 105; oats, (io : nieadovv, 145; the remainder, pasture. 
 
 Stock. — From ei^ht to ten horses are kept, part of which 
 are used for breeding purposes. There are among them good 
 specimens of French draught and general purpose horses. 
 
 The number of cattle will vary from 125 to 150 head. 
 There is a good herd of Shorthorns, numbering about 70, a 
 .small herd of JerseJ^s, and a number of well bred grade cows 
 of various crosses, including Holsteins, Herefords and Ayr- 
 shires, and steers of different ages, which are l>eing fed 
 for the market. The milk of the cows is used chietiy for 
 butter making, the product being sold in the 2ieighbour- 
 inr towns. 
 
 There are small flocks of Shropshire, Cotswold and South- 
 down sheep, and their crosses. 
 
EXPERIMENTAL FARM STATIONS. 
 
 18 
 
 oeate«l 
 rbaiia. 
 he sale 
 ind are 
 ■ch are 
 uil'ling 
 \useum. 
 le State 
 \x\or tive 
 iry hall : 
 nl occu- 
 mVirace.s 
 
 » the use-^ 
 10 acres, 
 Nsi';rnated 
 coloured 
 le drams 
 worke«l 
 00. The 
 a-.: corn, 
 
 of which 
 leui good 
 jrsesw 
 loO head, 
 out 70, a 
 rade cows 
 and Ayr- 
 >eing fed 
 ihietiy for 
 leighbour- 
 
 nd South- 
 
 Of pigs, tliereare a nundier of the following breeds: Poland- 
 China, Berkshire and small Yorkshire. Some attention is also 
 iriven to breedinj; Plymouth Rock fowls. 
 
 Many experiments have l»een made in breeding' and feeding 
 cattle, sheep and pigs, the results oi which have been pub- 
 lished from time to time in bulletins and annual reports. 
 
 Fieltl Ej'per'tmenis. — The exjx'riments with tieltl crops have 
 been carried on for many years, and include the testinj; of a 
 larsje nund)er of varieties of com to ascertain their relative 
 yield and the best methods of cultivation ; also experiments in 
 fertilization anrl with special manures. Similar tests have 
 been carried on with wheat, oats and other grain ; also with 
 grasses, potatoes and other field crops. 
 
 Experimental Farm. — In the experimental farm there are 
 35 acres of orchard. Fifteen acres are devoted to forest plan- 
 tations ; 40 acres to ornamental trees, shrubs and plants ; a 
 considerable area to small fniits, of which there are a large 
 assortment, and a portion to vegetables. There is also a nurs- 
 ery, where young trees are grown and students are taught the 
 arts of budding, grafting, etc. 
 
 Orchard. — This was plantetl in 1869, and included at the 
 outset 1,800 varieties of fruit tree.s.gleaned from every quarter, 
 with the view of testing their adaptability to the State of 
 Illinois. As was anticipated, a large number of them were 
 failures. Indeed, the climatic and other conditions of this 
 section are not particularly favourable to fruit growing. The 
 country is flat, and in many places wet, and difficult to drain, 
 and the winters sometimes are severe. Many apples which are 
 grown with profit in Ontario, such as Greenings, Baldwins, 
 etc., do not succeed well here. 
 
 Pear culture has not l>een continuously successful. The 
 trees did fairly well for ten or twelve years, but last winter 
 the weather was so severe that a large proportion of them 
 were killed, both standard and dwarf, although the latter 
 suflered most. Plums have Wen unsuccessful. Out of many 
 varieties originally planted there are now but very few left. 
 Np peaches or apricots are grown. 
 
 ^ 
 
14 
 
 AGRICULTURAL COLLKGhlS, 
 
 Of cherries there are a lar«(e number, ehieHy of the Morello 
 type, includint^ many of Wier's seedlings, which do remarkably 
 well. The sweet cherries belon^jinifto the Bijrarreau class are 
 almost always killed before coining into bearing. Quinces are 
 but little grown. Many sorts of grapes are raised, of which 
 Worden stands highest in favour, Moore's Early and Ive's 
 Seedling rank next. Delaware in a failure on black prairie 
 soil, but does nicely on sandy ridges. Strawberries and rasp- 
 berries are e.xtensively grown, and with much success. 
 
 Forest Plantations. — The planting of forest clumps was 
 begun in 1871, and at that time there were no trees in the 
 district, except on the margin of streams. The example set 
 by the agricultural department of the University has stimu- 
 lated tree planting generally, Ijoth for ornament and shelter. 
 The black walnut is a favourite tree, so also is the silver 
 maple (Acer dasycarpuni) and the box elder {Kegumdo acero- 
 ides.) A variety of cotton-wood {Popidas monilifera) is 
 much grown. This tree is a native, found on the bottom lands 
 of the Missouri River from Arkansas to Nebraska, also in 
 western Iowa. The wood splits well and is generally known 
 as yellow poplar, It is much more useful than the ordinary 
 Cottonwood. 
 
 In tho college forest plantations there are from one-quarter 
 acre to two acres each of the following trees : white pine, 
 Scotch fir, Austrian pine. Norway spruce, European larch, 
 green ash, western catalpa, southern catalpa, black walnut, 
 butternut, hickory, burr oak, ailanthus, honey locust, sugar 
 maple, silver maple, American elm, o-sage orange, box elder, 
 red cedar and chestnut. Of most of the varieties planted the 
 failures have been so few as not to interfere materially with 
 the general results. This forest planting was done chiefly 
 under the late Dr. Warder's supervision, who was an advocate 
 of clo.se planting. The trees were planted in rows four feet 
 apart and two feet apart in the rows, which experience has 
 .shown to be a waste both of trees and labour. 
 
 It is claimed that the box elder ami western catalpa can be 
 raised with more proflt than any of the other trees on accouni 
 
EXPKHIMENTAL FARM STATIONS. 
 
 15 
 
 orello 
 ka\>ly 
 iss an* 
 ;es are 
 which 
 I Ive's 
 prairio 
 l rasp- 
 
 )s was 
 
 in the 
 pie set 
 
 stimu- 
 shelter. 
 e silver 
 o acero- 
 fera) is 
 nil lands 
 
 also in 
 
 known 
 ircUnary 
 
 quarter 
 te pine, 
 larch, 
 
 walnut, 
 st, sugar 
 3X elder, 
 ntcd the 
 
 Uy with 
 chiefly 
 advocate 
 four feet 
 
 ence has 
 
 ta can be 
 accouni 
 
 n 
 
 of tlieir rapid j^rowth. The oitalpa is heing extensively used 
 for fence posts and railroad ties ; the wood is more durable 
 than is generally supposed ; the sap wood quiekly decays, but 
 the heart wood is vc^ry lasting. The white pine trees in the 
 college plantation have been quite a success, having attained, 
 in twelve years from planting, a height of 2o feet, with trunks 
 six inches in diameter at base. These trees were three or four 
 years old from seed when planted. 
 
 The Scotch fir, eleven years planted, average about tlie same 
 height, with larger trunks, measuring .seven to eight inches at 
 base. The sugar maples, which were three years old when 
 planted, have an average diameter of trunk of four to five 
 inches ; while the silver maple has made from eight to ten 
 inches in the .same time. The box elder is still more thrifty, 
 many of the specimens having reached a diameter of trunk of 
 from 10 to 12 inches. The green ash has formed a handsome 
 grove, with trees very uniform in height and size, the trunks 
 rangincr from six to eight inches in diameter. 
 
 Black wahiut and butternut have both made fair growth, 
 but have not grown with that rapidity which might have 
 been expected. Another clump of black walnut, twenty years 
 planted, on a difterent part of the farm, was also examined, 
 and while there were a few fine trees, with trunks over a foot 
 in diameter, the majority of them had not attained to more 
 than nine or ten inches. The plantation of European larch is 
 very fine, the trees being very uniform in growth, fully 25 
 feet high and about eight inches in diameter of trunk. In 
 one small spot, where the land was low and wet, the trees 
 were stunted and unhealthy in appearance. The chestnut 
 trees have not been successful, but few now remaining of the 
 original plantation, showing that they are not suited to this 
 locality. The hickories have made very slow growth ; so also 
 have the burr oaks. The Austrian pine seemed somewhat 
 stunted, although fair growth had been made in past years 
 This stunting was due, no doubt, to a disease which affected 
 the leaves of the trees, causing many of them to v, ither and 
 fall. 
 
16 
 
 AORICLLTIRAL CDLLKOKS. 
 
 Tilt' wliitf willow lias attaint' I a i,M*eat«'r lioiijht than any 
 of tlu! otluu- tnjus, liavinf^ reached an altitude in thirteen years 
 of 'M feet or more, and a diameter of trunk exceedin<( a foot 
 at tlie base. 
 
 Shelter Belts. — Some excellent examples of shelter helts are 
 to be found in the orchard, composed of Norway spruce trees, 
 arranjifed in rows, so as to divide the orcliard into five or six 
 sections. No material .advantage has been observed from the 
 shelter atibrded in the way of protecting trees from winter- 
 killing, but protection from the prevailing winds has notably 
 prevented the fruit from falling to the extent it otherwise 
 would. 
 
 Conservatory. — Situated near tlie main building is a con- 
 .servatory with three propagating liouses, each 50 feet long, 
 the middle one being fitted with extra pipes, so that a higher 
 temperature can be maintained in it than in the others, and 
 one of the outer ones is specially fitted up for propagating, by 
 boxing in the water pipes so as to give additional bottom heat. 
 In these buildings are propagated all the bedding plants 
 needed for ornamenting the grounds. They contain also plants 
 representing most of the different families required for the 
 purpose of illustrating botanical lectures and class-work, as 
 well as furnishing material and appliances for carrying on ex- 
 perimental work. Cut flowers are sold from these houses 
 during the winter, and surplus plants in summer, but the 
 revenue from this source rarely exceeds $300 per annum, and 
 entails commercial work, which interferes, to some extent, 
 with the legitimate and more important aims of the institution. 
 
 Botanic Work. — The Professor of Botany, Prof. T. J. Bur- 
 rill, has done good work in his department. While efficiently 
 carrying on the class-work devolving upon him, he has also 
 found time to thoroughly study many of the low forms of 
 plant life, such as smuts, rusts, moulds, etc., many of which 
 are parasitic on and frequently destructive to the higher 
 forms of vegetation. The life history amd habits of many of 
 these have been carefully worked out, and suggestions made 
 as to the best methods of lessening the injuries caused by 
 
KXPKIUMKNTAL FARM STATIONS. 
 
 17 
 
 an any 
 1 years 
 ; a toot 
 
 elts are 
 ;e trees, 
 e or six 
 roin the 
 winter- 
 notaV>ly 
 [.herwise 
 
 s a con- 
 )et long, 
 a* higher 
 hers, and 
 ating, by 
 iom heat. 
 i(T plants 
 so plants 
 for the 
 work, as 
 net on ex- 
 houses 
 but the 
 num, and 
 le extent, 
 istitution. 
 T. J. Bur- 
 efficiently 
 has also 
 forms of 
 of which 
 ■le higher 
 f many of 
 ions made 
 caused by 
 
 ie 
 
 tlit'Ui. It is cliicHy to this carni'st worUci- tluit the crcflit is 
 diir of havini' solvt'd tlic mystcrv wliicii has so loiiy; sur- 
 roiiuiled that dn-adod disease known as tlie tire Idi^jht in tlie 
 pear tree: and since it has been demonstrated beyond reason- 
 al>Ie doubt that it is caused by the presence and propa,ij;ation in 
 immense nundters of a very low foi'm of venfetald*' lit'*', a 
 species of nucrococcus, the way is pi-epared for inteUigent 
 i'\[)eriment in the direction of measures for j)r»'ventin«4' tlie 
 ♦ lisease. a result which })ear-growei"s will liail with tlio great- 
 est delight. 
 
 Eutoniotofjlrtil. Work. — Prof. 8. A. Forbes, State Entomolo- 
 gist of Illinois, is now locate* 1 at this University, wher«^ ho 
 liolds the position also of I'rofesj-or of Entomoiojiy and Zo- 
 oloiiy. With the help of seyeral assistants, ho is canying on 
 not only his teacldng duties, which cover a very wide field, 
 Itut is also pursuing many very interesting lines of experi- 
 mental work. A careful examination of the results of obser- 
 vations made during the past year with regard to the codling 
 woi'm in apples, which will be of great use, not only to that 
 State, but to fruit-growers in all parts of America, had just 
 been concludeil at the time of my visit. The object was to 
 deter nune the precise effect of the use of Paris green in pre- 
 venting the destruction of the apple crop b}- this insect. The 
 experiments with the remedy have been conducted along with 
 careful check experiments, on trees adjacent, not treated at 
 all, and exact results i-eached bj- the careful handling and 
 examination of every apple produced on the trees under 
 inspection. Over 10,000 apples have thus been carefully 
 scrutinized, and the results show that about two-thirds of the 
 loss arising from this source may be prevented by the use of 
 Paris green. 
 
 Insects injurious to corn, which is the staple crop of Illinois, 
 1ms absorbed a large part of the time and attention of the staff 
 in this department for the past year, and an additional year 
 or two of patient observation will be required to complete the 
 work. 
 
 2 
 
18 
 
 AOHICL'LTIHAL C'OLLEOKS. 
 
 A multitinU' of facts liuve IwiMi l»roii<;lit to^otlicr roganling' 
 tlie foo<l of biitls ; also on tlie luil»it.s aixl food of Hshos. An 
 I'xti'nsivc and sueeessful series of experiments luive been nuule 
 in the way of introducint^ disease ainon^' injurious caterpillars 
 for the purpose of destroyini; them. Illinois was one of tlie 
 first States to recojjnize tiie important hearint; of entomoloji^y 
 on agriculture, l»y tht! a))pointinent of a State Kntomolo<jjist ; 
 and the vast array of valuahle facts wliich have been accunni- 
 lated and given to the pulilic in the ainnial reports of the 
 several scientific men who liave held the office durinj^ the past 
 twelve or tliirteen years, have abun«lantiy justified tlie wisdom 
 of that proceedinj^. 
 
 Revenue (intl Kj'penniture. — The total expenses vary from 
 ^00,000 to §70,000 per annum, of which the teaching str.ff" 
 receive about S2H,00(). The salaries of the professors ranye 
 from $!1,H00 to §2,0^ a That of the regent is ^8,(J00. 
 
 The farm has been so conducted for several years past that 
 the revenue has exceeded the expenditure ; but to bring about 
 this result it has been necessary to reduce the proportion of 
 experimental work, and to leave undone many things which 
 hould have been undertaken. 
 
 dnidasion. — Notwithstanding all the advantages ofTered 
 in this institution to those <lesiring a thorough course in agri- 
 culture, out of a total number of 356 students attending 
 during 1884, onh- twenty-one were preparing themselves for 
 agricultural pursuits. 
 
 INDIANA. 
 
 Purdue University is located about one mile west of the 
 Cit}' of Lafayette, on elevated ground overlooking the city 
 and the surrounding country. John Purdue, after whom the 
 University is named, bequeathed $150,000 towards its estab- 
 lishment; the county in which it is located gave $50,000; 
 and the State appropriations have during the past twelve 
 years amounted to $168,000. The endowment fund from sale 
 of land grants is about $345,000, and the total value of land. 
 
KXPKUIMKNTAL FARM STATIONS. 
 
 lU 
 
 ». An 
 I nuule 
 pillars 
 of the 
 nolo^y 
 )lo^ist ; 
 ccnmu- 
 ( of tlie 
 ,lie past 
 svisdom 
 
 V from 
 nor stP.ft* 
 
 s rally e 
 
 ,ast that 
 
 i2 about 
 
 tioii of 
 
 s which 
 
 ottered 
 
 ill agri- 
 
 itending 
 
 Ivcs for 
 
 t of the 
 the city 
 liom the 
 :s estab- 
 550,000 ', 
 twelve 
 Irom sale 
 of land, 
 
 buiMlngs ami appliances is placed at !*.Sv/(),000. The iiuiiiber 
 of acres occupied is IJ)0, valued at .*?')0,()()0, 
 
 Schoid of A If t'i cult lire. — The school of agriculture, which is 
 one of the important departments of this University, is carried 
 on in a buiMing specially erected for this purpose. Besides 
 class rooms there are museums of agricultural, horticultural 
 and forestry products, and a siiitable library. The course of 
 study is a v«.-ry practical one, and associated with two hours' 
 hand work each day, either on the farm or in the workshops. 
 
 The ornamental i;rounds contain about 2,')00 trees and 
 shrubs, and the conservatory and propagating house are tilled 
 with choice plants. These, with the orchard and nursery, 
 otter all the needed facilities for practical instruction. 
 
 KrperimenUU Fitrin. — On this farm many experiments 
 have been conducted to ascertain the relative value of agri- 
 cultural implen-ents, in testing varieties of wheat, oats, corn, 
 gra.sses and potatoes, methods and rates of seeiling, ettt'cts of 
 fertilizers, with comparisons as to relative vigour and ability 
 to endure severe climatic changes. Experiments lave also 
 been undertaken with small fruits to ascertain their relative 
 hardiness, vigour, productiveness and quality of fruit. 
 
 C/iemicdl Laboratory. — In this department a considerable 
 number of fertilizers have been analysed, and the results pub- 
 lished, uivinjj the manurial value of each on the basis of 10 
 cents per lb. for soluble phosphoric acid, C cents for reverted 
 phosphoric acid, .5 cents for insoluble phosphoric ecid, 15 cents 
 for ammonia, and G cents for potash. 
 
 Revenue and Expenditwre. — The total college revenue for 
 18.S4 was $22,285, $18,280 of which was from interest on 
 endowment fund. The expenses were $8G,132, the balance 
 being provided for by State appropriations. The salaries of 
 the teaching staff" amounted to $18,000. The farm is so 
 managed that the revenue more than covers the expenditure. 
 This, however, cannot be done where much experimental 
 work is undertaken. 
 
 Canclusion — Bulletins of ten or twelve pages each are 
 frequently issued during the season, giving promptly to the 
 
20 
 
 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGES. 
 
 farmers the benefit of tlie results of experimental work. The 
 same complamt is made here as elsewhere, that notwithstand- 
 ini; all the facilities ottered for ohtaininof a thoroufjli ajiricul- 
 tural training, very few farmers care to give their sons the 
 benefit of it ; hence the students in agriculture do not exceed 
 six per cent, of the whole number receiving instruction. 
 
 IOWA. 
 
 The Iowa State Agricultural College is situated in the 
 central county of the State, one and a half miles from the 
 town of Ames, on the Chicago and North -Western Railway. 
 It has an endowment fund from the proceeds of public lands 
 of $087,800, and the value of the land, buildings and ap- 
 pliances, is placed at $1,000,000. 
 
 The college domain includes 700 acres, about 80 of which 
 are devoted to buildings and ornamental planting, 40 acres to 
 orchards, .shrubbery, forestry plantations, etc. About 100 
 acres are under cultivation, 300 acres in woods, and the 
 remainder in natural pasture. 
 
 The buildings are admirably situated on the highest 
 portions of the college grounds, where they command an ex- 
 tensive view of the surrounding countr5\ The main building 
 is a substantial stone structure, 158 x 112, and four stories 
 hio'li. In the basement are the dining rooms and servants* 
 quarters ; on the first floor the library, containing 0,000 
 volumes ; the chapel, and the oflUces of the teachers. The 
 second fioor is fitted up with lecture rooms and rooms for 
 students, while the third and fourth fioors, excepting the space 
 occupied by the museum, are entirely devoted to the accom- 
 modation of students. About 200 can be lodged in this build- 
 ing, besides which there are brick buildings near at hand, 
 known as boarding halls, which furnish dormitories for 90 
 additional students, with dining rooms, kitchens, etc. 
 
 The chemical laboratory, agricultural hall, horticultural hall, 
 the veterinary building, where diseased animals are treated, 
 the mechanical shops for working in iron and wood, and the 
 school for domestic economy for women, are all in separate 
 
KXl^EUIMKNTAL FAiLM S LWTIOXS. 
 
 21 
 
 buildings. Tiiey are coiuinodious and snlistaiitial in tlioir 
 cliaraeter, and have every appliance needed i'or cfirrying on 
 the ditt'erent branches of work tor which the}' have been 
 specially designed. There are also six detached dwelling 
 houses, which are occupied by some of the professors. 
 
 Students entering tiiis college are not obliged to take an 
 agricultural course, but have the option of taking either a 
 general course, which includes instruction in most of the 
 important branches of learning, or either of the following 
 special courses : agriculture, mechanical engineering, civil 
 engineering, veterinaiy science or domestic economy. The 
 result of this choice in studies is, that the larger proportion 
 of students take the general educational course, and out of a 
 total nunil)er of aljout 'M)0, only thirty are at present taking 
 the agricultural course ; so that instead of this excellent insti- 
 tution being regarded as a special school of agi'iculture, it might 
 be more correctly designated a school for higher education 
 and general training in imlustrial pursuits, with a special 
 dcpartiiient of agriculture. Nevertheless, it has done and is 
 still doing most excellent work, both in agriculture and horti- 
 culture. 
 
 Stock. — The stock on the farm consists chiefly of Holsteins 
 and Shorthorns. A herd of tive pure bred young Holsteins 
 was imported four years ago, at a cost of $240 per liead, 
 belonging to a very good milking strain. The.se have been 
 found very useful, both as nnlking stock and for beef. A 
 numher of young males have been produced, both pure bred 
 and grades, and the.se have been sold to the farmers in the 
 neighbourhood, whose stock iias been greatly improved thei-eby- 
 The Professor of Agriculture claims to have watched the efl'ect 
 of these grade males in impi'oving the general stock of the 
 farmer, and while he would not compare their ]iower to tran.s- 
 mit theirpeculiarities with that of j)urebred males, he bidieves 
 their potency has l)een underestimated, and that where the 
 .service of pure bre<l males cannot be had, that of half-bi'ed 
 grade males is infinitely better tlian that of males of 
 couunon stock. A number of grade cows are also kept, 
 
• i wr tt m i M tmii 
 
 ms 
 
 122 
 
 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGES. 
 
 both for milk and feeding purposes, and many experiments 
 have been conducted in feeding calves, pigs and sheep. 
 The animals are provided mainly for teaching and experimental 
 purposes, and are not specially needed for the improvement of 
 stock in the State, as there are about 500 herds of thorough- 
 bred cattle in Iowa, chiefly Shorthorns, Holsteins and Jerseys. 
 
 In experiments with sheep, Southdowns have been crossed 
 with Shropshires, with the result of materially increasinjj the 
 wool, ad(-ing two to three pounds to the Heece, while the 
 quality of the mutton is said to have remained about che same. 
 
 Dairying. — Experiments in V)Utter making are carried on 
 here in abuilding specially designed for that purpose, and fitted 
 with every necessary appliance. Tests are made of the milk 
 of the several breeds of cattle kept, for the purpose of deter- 
 mining the quality and quantity of the butter, and how the 
 yield is affected by variations in treatment. 
 
 The daii'ying interests of Iowa are very important, and 
 there are a large number of creameries in different parts of the 
 State, in some of which are manufactured from 4,000 to 5,000 
 pounds of butter per daj"" during the best part of the season. 
 In all cases the cream only is collocted, the skim milk being 
 kept by the farmers for feeding young pigs. Before the 
 establishment of creameries butter was sold at an average of 
 from 8 to 10 cents per pound, but as soon as creamery butter 
 could be had the quality was so superior that the price went 
 up to 20 cents, which is now about the ruling figure. This 
 difference in price has added several millions of dollars yearly 
 to the revenue of the State from this source. Oire serious 
 difficulty in prosecuting this business arises from the long 
 drives necessary to collect the cream, sometimes involving a 
 circuit of foity miles. Iowa has about one-third of all the 
 creameries in the United States. The cheese interest is com- 
 paratively small. 
 
 Field Experiments. — During the past few years many 
 varieties of wheat, oats and corn have been tested ; also many 
 sorts of grasses for fodder, and a large proportion of the 
 newer sorts of potatoes, as this is an important section of the 
 
EXPERIMENTAL FARM STATIONS. 
 
 23 
 
 root crop in Iowa. Experiments have also been conducted in 
 makinrj sufjar from sorfjhum. 
 
 The post year's work in potatoes inchides the testing of tlie 
 •comparative value, both in productiveness and quality, of 
 from eifjhtv to ninetv varieties. It has been observed that 
 the newer sorts are much more vi<;orous in their cji'o^vth, and 
 have almost entirely escaped the rot which has seriouslj- 
 injured the older kinds. Roots are not much grown ; bran, 
 which can be bought at from 88 to 810 per ton, is thought to 
 be cheaper as food for stock. This is alt<^rnated with potatoes, 
 which, it is claimed, can be grown on rich prairie soil at a cost 
 of about C cents per bushel. 
 
 HorticiiUiire. — It is in horticulture that the work of this 
 institution has been most pre-eminently useful. The climate 
 of Iowa is particularly trying to fruit trees ; the hot and dry 
 weather of summer is very injurious to the foliage, whilt 
 nothing but the hardiest character of wood will endure the 
 extreme cold and bitter winds of winter. The hardiest varieties 
 of apples grown in other States and in Canada will, as a rule, 
 pass safely through the ordinary winters of Iowa, but an ex- 
 • ceptionally cold season occurs every few years, which makes 
 a clean sweep of most of them. Such apples as the Fameuse, 
 Ben Davis, Talman's Sweet, Wealthy and (Jolden Russet, will 
 be killed to u:e ground in many parts of the State during 
 such extreme winters. These bitter experiences have led the 
 horticulturists of that State to seek to introiluce fruits from 
 other quarters of the globe where the conditions of climate 
 are somewhat similar. It had long been known that there 
 were hardy varieties in European Russia. In<leed, America 
 had long since received from that countrv several of the 
 hardiest sorts now generallv grown, such as the Duchess of 
 OldenVairgh, Red Astrachan and Alexander. The Department 
 of Agriculture at Washint-ton had also succeeded in obtainiuir 
 trees and scions of a nund)er of other hardy Russian apples, 
 through the American Consul at St. Petersbui-gh, which had 
 shown themselves possessed of great hardiness. But it was 
 felt that a systematic exploration of the Russian fruit terri- 
 
24 
 
 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGES. 
 
 tory was necessary before it could be fully ascertained to what 
 extent their hardy fruits would meet xVnierican needs. Cor- 
 respondence was opened with the Ai^ricultural Collej^e of 
 Moscow and with the Director of the Botanic Garden at 8t. 
 T*etersburgh, which led to the belief that tliere were varieties 
 of apple, pear, plum and cherry, 1,'rowiny; in the interior pro- 
 vinces of that oreat empire which, if introduced to this 
 country, would be likely to make fruit Ejrowing possible among 
 those who are carrying on agricultural operations in the 
 extreme northern sections of America. Finally, the lo^a 
 Airricultural Colleifc sent its Professor of Afjriculture, Pvof. J. 
 L. Budd, to Russia, in 1882, and he was joined by one of our 
 most distinguished Canadian horticulturisis, Mr. Chas. GibI), 
 of Abbotsford, Quebec. 
 
 These two gentlemen were eminently titted for their work, 
 from their general kncwledoe of fruits and their intimate 
 acquaintance with the requirements of the colder regions of 
 this country. They spent several months during the fruit 
 season, chietlv in the interior of Rui^sia, where thev visited 
 many of the most noted fruit rei>ions emVn'aced within that 
 immense tei-ritory. 
 
 Beyond bhe range of the Carpathian Mountains the 
 explorers entered on the great plain known as the East 
 European Plain, which includes that portion of Austria north 
 and east of the Carpathians, and the gi-eater part of Russia in 
 Europe. This immense territory is bounded at the north by 
 the frozen oeoan, on the east by almost continuous plains, 
 exteiidiuf; into Northern Asia, and on the west and south by 
 the Baltic Sea and Gulf of Fiidand, the Caspian and the Black 
 Seas. The mountain ranges on the south cause precipitation 
 of the moisture, carried, by winds which have passed over the 
 inland seas, so that the eastern plain gets but little )-ain from 
 this source ; while the dry winds from the deserts and sterile 
 steppes of the south-east shrivel the foliage of trees and plants 
 in Central Russia, much as the south-west winds do in the 
 Western States, coming from the dry plains of New Mexico. 
 Tlie immense swamps with which some portions of this terri- 
 
EXPERIMENTAL FARM STATIONS. 
 
 25- 
 
 issia in 
 ortli l)y 
 plains, 
 )iith by 
 Black 
 litation 
 ivoi" the 
 ill from 
 
 sterile 
 il plants 
 
 in the 
 Mexico. 
 is terri- 
 
 tory are occupied, particular!}' in the west, modify the climate, 
 makinrj it vary <jreatlv in diti'erent sections. As far north as 
 Moscow the prevailing west winds give a fair percentage of 
 moisture to the air, but in the same longitude, as far south as 
 Orel, the summer heat and dryness of the air are similar to 
 Western Iowa, while further east on the Volga the summer 
 clime is much like Western Kansas and Nebraska, wiiile the 
 winters are as severe as those of Minnesota, with a scanty and 
 uncertain snow-fall. Further east the climate is much more 
 rigorous. 
 
 Soon after entering on this vast })lain, the travellers ob- 
 served a marked change in the character of the fruit trees, 
 which appeared mor-^ decided as they approached the districts 
 referred to. It was seen that the foliage became much 
 thicker and leather-like, and better fitted to endure extremes 
 of temperature and drought, while in size the trees were 
 stunted. They penetrated to the interior, visiting several 
 Provinces where fruit is grown on an extensive scale and 
 finally reached the Province of Kasan, about 430 miles north- 
 east of Moscow, on the upper waters of the Volga. As they 
 journeyed they frequently met with immense orchards, each 
 containing from 10,000 to 25,000 trees, cultivated and cared 
 for in the most admirable manner. In the Province of 
 V^ladimir they found that cherries were grown in very large 
 quantities, so that during the fruit season whole trains were 
 laden with them, carrying them to the Russian cities. They 
 are described as " very prolific, al)Out the size of the Early 
 Richmond, nearly sweet, witii a small stone, purple flesh, and 
 nearly black when ripe." 
 
 Continuing; eastward and northward, it was observed that 
 the trees became more and more stunted in their growth, 
 altliough still bearing good crops of fine fruit, until in the 
 northern part of Kasan, which is ])roliably the coldest apple- 
 growing region in the world, the apple tiees were reduce<l to 
 the size of mere bushes, and were grown in clumps alxjut 10- 
 feet apart, with two, three and sometimes four little tree* in 
 a clump. At this point, GOO miles nearer the North Pole than 
 
 ll 
 
36 
 
 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGES. 
 
 the cit}' of Quebec, are several siiiall villages, wliere one of 
 the principal industries is a])ple growing, the value of the 
 crop being estimated in favourable seasons at not less than 
 .S-)0,000. The thermometer here fre(]uently reaches 4<i' V>elow 
 zerO; and is said in extreme weather to drop occasionally to 4^" 
 and even 58 '. Much information was gained in reference to 
 the <iuality of the different varieties of apples which have, 
 iluring the past 000 or 800 years, been gradually acclimated 
 to endure the severe tests to which they are exjx)sed in this 
 extreme climate, and arrangements were made for obtiiining 
 the most promising sorts to be tested in America. As results 
 of this work, Prof. Budd has now growing in the experi- 
 mental jxrounds of the Iowa Agricultural College more than 
 100 varieties of apples, about 40 of pears, 30 of plums. 40 of 
 cherries, and several varieties of peaches and apricots, all from 
 these cold regions. In addition, this collection inchide-s a 
 large number of the forest trees found in Russia, especially 
 the more rapid growing varieties, as well as ornamental shrubs 
 and trees ; in all, about 100 sorts. 
 
 While spending a day with Prof. Budd, in looking over tins 
 large and interesting collection, and noting their ijrowth and 
 character, I was convinced that there are among them many 
 varieties which would be of inestimable benefit to our North- 
 West Territories, and which would, if introduced into Canada, 
 enable us to enlai'ge ver}^ much the area of successful fruit 
 culture in the northern parts of all the Provinces in the 
 Dominion. 
 
 One very striking practical demonstration was afforded as 
 to the hardiness of the Russian apples. Two adjoining 
 orchards on the college cjrounds, similar m situation and soil, 
 were planted some five or six years ago, one with aliout 1.200 
 trees, embracing 118 varieties of the hardiest apples to be 
 found in America, including the Duchess of Oldenburgh 
 {originally from Russia) ; the other with about 1,000 trees, 
 consisting entirely of Russian sorts. The winter of last year 
 was very severe in Iowa, and the result was that fullv three- 
 fourths of the trees composing the orchard of American 
 
EXPERIAU-:XTAL FARM STATIONS. 
 
 27 
 
 vhei-e one of 
 value of the 
 not less than 
 hes 40' V»elow 
 ionally to 4H' 
 I reference to 
 ^ which have. 
 lly acclimate«l 
 xposed in this 
 for obtaining 
 a. As results 
 n the experi- 
 eije more than 
 if plums. 40 of 
 •ricots. all from 
 ion incliKles a 
 issia, especially 
 amental shrubs 
 
 jking over this 
 nr orrowth and 
 irr them many 
 
 to our North- 
 ed into Canatia, 
 
 uccessful fruit 
 ovinces in the 
 
 \as afforded as 
 Two adjoining 
 nation and soil, 
 th al«ut 1.200 
 t apples to be 
 of Oldenburgh 
 3ut 1,000 trees, 
 ter of last year 
 hat fully thi-ee- 
 ■d of American 
 
 Tielection were killed. Chief aruoni; the survivors was the 
 Duchess of Oldenburgh. with a few others, while iri the adjoin- 
 ing orchard, composed entirely of Russian sorts, consisting of 
 over 100 varieties, not a single dead tree could be found. 
 
 Since their introduction. Prof. Bu<Ll has propagated these 
 trees with ujreat industrv. and has sueceedetl in establishincr 
 ainonjj the fanners and fruit irrowers throuiihout Iowa no less 
 than 800 sub-stations wheiv these tVuits are being tested. 
 Fifteen thousand apple trees were distributed in this waj- last 
 year. Many of the apples are .Sfiid to be of very good ([uality. 
 Six varieties of the Duchess family have been fruited, which 
 will extend the time of the Duchess period fully two months. 
 The best sorts of Russian apples are said to improve in quality 
 when fjrown in America. The Duchess of Oldenburgh is be- 
 lieved to be a finer apple here than it is in Russia ; this idea 
 is quite consistent with what we know of English apples 
 •cultivated in Canada. There are conditions in our climate or 
 /.soil which develop in many English and other fruits a high 
 flavour and quality unattained in their native home. 
 
 Forestry. — Forest clumps and shelter belts have been suc- 
 cessfully established at several points on the college farm, and 
 the trees are growing thriftily. All that portion of Iowa 
 through which I passed lx)re evidence of the interest taken 
 by the people generally in forest planting. On a large propor- 
 tion of the farms more or less land is devoted to that purpose, 
 and clumps of j'oung forest trees, varying in magidtude from 
 one to ten acres, are constantiv to be seen, beautif viny a land- 
 scape once so monotonous, and providing shelter for man and 
 beast. 
 
 Botany. — In this department of work, carried on until 
 recently by Prof. Bessey, much has been etteci-ed in investigat- 
 ing the various species of snuit injuring grain, and their ettects 
 on stock and horses in cau>ing disease when eaten. The flora 
 of the State has also been thoroughly worked uj). 
 
 Entomology. — Prof. Osliorn, who has this branch in charge, 
 has been very assiduous in working out the life history and 
 habits of the many species of external parasites which aflect 
 
28 
 
 AGRICULTUKAL COLLEGES. 
 
 cattle. He has also specially studied the Phytoptida?, a frroup 
 of insects the individuals of which arc so small as scarcely to be 
 visible to th" naked eye, which, nevertheless, inflict serious 
 injury on ou. orest and fruit trees an«i other vegetable pro- 
 ducts. Much attention has also been jriven here to the bark 
 lice, to galls and blister-niites, and many experiments tried 
 with insecticides. 
 
 VeAerlmLrij Department. — A very complete veterinary build- 
 ing has been recentlv erected and a school of instruction in 
 this branch established, under Prof. Stalker, who graduated a 
 few years ago at the Veterinary College in Toronto, Ontario. 
 
 Revenue and Expenditare. — The total revenue of this insti- 
 tution is about .^48,000, which is sufficient to meet the present 
 outlay. The cost of the teaching staff is $n2S,000 per annum, 
 the profcjsors receiving from .^1,(300 to ^2,100 each — the 
 President $:i,100. 
 
 The sum spent on the experimental farm and horticultural 
 department in excess of revenue, and apart from the salaries 
 of professors, averaged for the years 1882 and 188.'} — the 
 latest reports obtainable — .S4,8]2 per annum. 
 
 KANSAS. 
 
 The State A(jricultural Colleije of Kansas is situated about 
 a mile and a-half from the town of Manhattan, 118 miles 
 from Kansas City, on the line of the Union Pacific Railway 
 and near the centre of the State. The land occupied by the 
 institution is 8()4 acres, lOo of which was recently purchased, 
 at $12o per acre. It is all well situated, being high-rolling 
 prairie, every portion of which is available for farm purposes 
 without draining or other special preparation. The endow- 
 ment fund amounts to nearly 8500,000, and the value of the 
 land, buildings and equipment, is ?!()!, 500. The buildings, 
 which are all of Manhattan limestone, are judiciously placed 
 on the highest parts of the ground, and command a tine view 
 of the farm, the adjacent town and tho surrounding country. 
 
 The college, while known as a college of agriculture, neces- 
 sarily covers in its teaching a much wider field than its name 
 
EXPERIMENTAL FARM STATIONS. 
 
 2t> 
 
 :lbOllt 
 
 miles 
 aihvay 
 
 )V the 
 abased, 
 
 oUing^ 
 
 would indicate. The facilities available to farmers' sons in 
 the rural districts for obtaining a liberal preliminary educa- 
 tion are not as good in this newly settled country as in the 
 older States, hence a considerable part of the work of this 
 college is in the line of preliminary training, a portion of 
 which, in older communities, would have been accjuired by 
 the students before entering. The pupils at present number 
 iJ()0, one-third of whom are females. Begimiing with the 
 ordinary branches of an English education, the student is 
 gradually introduced to the higher «lepartrnents of learning, 
 as.sociated with a training in practical chemistry, agriculture, 
 horticulture, botany, entomology and general zoology. In the 
 industrial departments the young men are in.strueted in prac- 
 tical agriculture, horticulture and dairying, also in mechanical 
 work, both in wood and iron. The young women receive 
 instructions in dairying and in household economy, including 
 cooking and kitchen work, as well as in sewing, printing, tele- 
 graphy and music. 
 
 Prof. Fairchild, the President of the college, is a gentleman 
 of high attainments, wdio commands the respect and esteem 
 of both statt' and pupils. There are no dormitories in this 
 institution and no provision for boarding the students, who 
 seek board and lodjxinsf in the adioinino- town, an arrangement 
 which permits of the college being entirely laid out with a 
 view to teaching purposes. The main building, l:}0 x 250, is 
 provided with class rooms, well equipped with apparatus, also 
 & library of 4,000 vohimes, reading room, .sewing rooms, dairy, 
 kitchen, etc. 
 
 The chemical laboratory is a separate building, with ample 
 accommodations for training iSO students at one time in prac- 
 tical work. Mechanics hall is a large two story building, 
 with carpenter's shop, printing office, telegraph office, etc. 
 Horticultural hall contains class rooms, museum and work 
 rooms, with a large conservatory and propagating house 
 attached. The outbuildings are of a substantial character, 
 and very well arranged, especially the buildings for housing 
 stock and for carrying on experiments in feeding animals. 
 
 
 fi 
 
 m 
 
80 
 
 AGRICULTURAL COLLKGKS. 
 
 (S7oc/i*. — The college herd consists mainly of tliorou»rhbre(ls» 
 einltrueing four distinct breeds, viz., Durlianis, Jerseys, Polled 
 Aniens jind (jialloways. The surplus stock produced by these 
 aniniuls is sold to the public from time to time as it accumu- 
 lates. No s(n"vice is rendered by the male animals, other than 
 exchanfre service with private breeders of thoroughbred stock, 
 of which there are some fifteen in all within a few miles of 
 the college. Some experiments have been made in producing 
 grade cattle for market, but the stock is maintained chiefly 
 for the purposes of illustration and instruction. This institu- 
 tion is also in possession of four breeds of swine, viz., 
 Berkshire, Essex, Poland-China and Jersey Red. The Berk- 
 shires are preferred, for the I'eason that they are less liable to 
 disease in that climate, while they are found to attain maturity 
 (juite as rapidly as those of any other breed. The pigs also 
 are kept solely for the purposes of instruction an ' experiment. 
 Nothing has yet been done here in other departments of 
 .stock raising. 
 
 Field Experiments. — The experimental work carried on for 
 the past three years has included the testing of a number of 
 varieties of corn, with different methods of treatment, also 
 of sixty-five sorts of wheat ; in the cultivation of mangolds, 
 and in growincj rjrasses and clover. Tests have also been 
 made as to the relative value of manures. The grass and 
 clover experiments have been of great value, and have demon- 
 strated the practicability of growing red clover and orcliard 
 grass for fodder, which had formerly been held to be impos- 
 sible in that climate. 
 
 Horticulture. — In the horticultural department many new 
 varieties of fruit and ornamental trees, shrubs and vines, are 
 being tested as to their adaptability to this trying climate, and 
 new varieties are yearly added to the list as they become 
 available. The orchards contain about 275 varieties of apples, 
 80 of pears, 16 of plums, 20 of cherries, 10 of apricots and 
 50 of peaches. In addition to these, about 200 varieties of 
 small fruits are being tested, and in the vineyard about 100 
 varieties of grapes. 
 
EXPElilMKNTAL FARM STATIONS 
 
 BI 
 
 The cliiuato of Kansas is very trvitm to fruit troes ami 
 vines. But few of tiui bt'tter varieties of apples succeed, 
 wliile the trees sutt'er uiudi from hli^dit. Pears'also are so very 
 subject to l)lii;ht that their cultivation has been almost aban- 
 tloneil. Plums are much injuivtl by the curculio. The Cuth- 
 bert ras])V»erry is not hardy, alth()U<ifh Turner and Shatit'r's 
 Colossal stand well. The Manchester and many other varieties 
 of strawberries fail, from the foliaj^c burning up in the hot. 
 dry sunnner. The Crescent and Chas. Downing are the two 
 varieties reported to succeed best. 
 
 Forentrij. — Experiments are being conducted in ft)rest plant- 
 ing for shelter, which is much needed in this State, on account 
 of the high winds which prevail almost continually. A twelve 
 acre plot has been devoted to tree-planting, where twenty 
 species of forest trees are being cultivated. As yet, tree- 
 planting has been carried on but to a limited extent; small 
 clumps only are s(>cn at rare intervals. There is very little 
 native wood, excepting that which lines the nuirginsof streams 
 and rivers. 
 
 Botany. — A conservatory and propagating house has been 
 built, at a cost of about S'i,0()0, which furnishes the necessary 
 material for botanical lectures, and also bedding plants for 
 outside decoration. A portion of the expense of running this 
 department is defrayed by the sale of surplus stock. 
 
 Revenue (ind Expenditure. — The annual revenue is about 
 S-i5,000, which meets all the expenses of instruction, and with 
 occasional appropriations from the State for buildings, supplies 
 the means for carrying on the work. The teaching staff' 
 receive S2l,5oO, the salaries of professors ranging from $1,400 
 to $2,500. Student labour is employed to a considerable 
 extent in all tlie departments related to agriculture, but is 
 only paid for when given in addition to the hours required l>y 
 the college regulations, and upon work solely for the profit of 
 the college. The yearly expenditure on this account amounts 
 in all to about $3,500. 
 
 Conclusion. — The results of the experimental and other 
 work in all the departments are given to the public promptly, 
 
32 
 
 AGHICILTLHAL COLLKOKS. 
 
 in a lU'Jitly printt-'d tour \r.v^i' slit-ot, kiunvn as "The IikIus- 
 ti-ialist. " which is jmlilishrd wot-kly hy the printin;;,^ fh'partiiicnt 
 
 of the nolk'ge. 
 
 KKNXrcKY, 
 
 Tlie A^^M'icultiiral an<l Mccliunical College oF Kentucky is 
 located at Lexiu^'ton, on ')2 acres of hind within the city 
 limits, which was i;i\('n l»y the city for coUe^e pui'poses. The 
 land is valued at ?2.').()()0, the liuildinj^^s at .SfSo.OOO, inakint,' a 
 total of .^IIO.OOO. The endowment fuml amounts to 8l()r),0()(). 
 
 The aim of this college is to teach tho-^e hranclies of learn- 
 in*^ which are related to agi'iculture and the mechanic arts. 
 The education provided is of a very general cliaracter. There 
 is no special department of agriculture, although efforts are 
 Iteing made to organize one. Instruction is given in agricul- 
 tural chemistrv : lectures on the relations of geolofjy to soils, 
 the influence of forests on agriculture, also on insects which 
 are injurious to crops. The numher of students attending, 
 accortlinij to the last returns, was li'20. 
 
 Revenue ami Expenditure. — The annual income from the 
 endowment fund is i?!),000 ; proceeds of a special tax of h cent 
 on eacli SlOO of taxable property within the State, S10,()00; 
 tuition fees. ^2, 500 — total,. ^2.^,400; which is sufficient to cover 
 the expenditure, a large proportion of which is recpiired to 
 pay tiie teaching staff. 
 
 LOUISIANA. 
 
 The State University and Agricultural and Mechanical 
 •College is situate;' ; ut Baton Rouge, and is the result of a com- 
 bination of the old State University, former!}' at Alexandria, 
 Avith the ajTricultural and mechanical eollerje. The combined 
 endowment funtls amount to 8818,000, and the land, buildings 
 and appliances are valued at §350,000. 
 
 The aim of this institution is to provide general instruction 
 and education in all the departments of literature, science and 
 art, and includes special instruction in agriculture and the 
 mechanic arts. The education in agriculture includes a train- 
 
EXPERIMKNTAL FARM STATIONS. 88 
 
 inj; in the cultivation of snjiar, cotton and rice, and in jjcneral 
 farm work. Instruction is also j^iven in farm architocture, 
 .survt'vin;^ road ;,levtH!.s,(litclies, etc.; also in veterinary surj^ery. 
 One hour a day is devoted to lahour in the field, garden or 
 wurksh ;p. Aecordiui^ to tlu^ latest published returns, the 
 number of stmlents atteudinj^ is 1.')!). 
 
 Vaccine L'sf<(hll,s/nnent. — A .station for the. production of 
 vaccine hinph has been established, the work of which is car- 
 ried on chietiy by the studtiiits, under the direction of the 
 profes.sor in chai';;e. It is said that the vaccine d(>partment 
 li'is been self-sustaiidng, besides gratuitously distributinj,' a 
 larLfe number of points everv vi-ar, and has received the 
 lieartv approval of the physicians of the State. 
 
 Heceniie and ExpfiiuUtare. — The annual income derived 
 from the endowment fund is $li,iiOO, to which nuist be added 
 an annual State appropriation of about S? 10,000, nuikinj^ 
 .*?24,.')00 in all. This is eutiieient to meet the current expenses, 
 the larfje-st item of which is the salaries of the teacliiufx staff. 
 
 MAINE. 
 
 The State Collefje of Agriculture and the Mechanic Arts is 
 located about a mile from the town of Orono, and within nine 
 miles of Bangor. The land occupied by the institution is 376 
 acres, the greater part of which is under cultivation. The 
 .soil consists principally of clay loam, with a part of stiffer 
 clav. The college was established in 18G8. The land, when 
 purcliased, comprised two farms, which were much run down, 
 and the price paid for the lan<l, with the farm buildings, was 
 811,000. This was presented to the college by the neighbour- 
 ing towns, Orono and Oldtown. About 8130,000 have since 
 been spent in the erection of buildings and other permanent 
 improvements. 
 
 The endowment fund derived from land grants is S132,500, 
 the interest of which amounts to nearly SS,000. In addition 
 to this the college receives direct sui)sidies from the State. 
 For the past two years only .87,000 a year has been voted, and 
 the amount has varied from this sum upwards to $2.5,000 a 
 3 
 
 I 
 
mmmmm 
 
 84 
 
 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGES. 
 
 year, the larger amounts being given when additional build- 
 ings were being erected. 
 
 This institution aims to give the young men of the State, 
 at moderate cost, the advantages of a liberal and practical 
 education, paying particular attention to such branches of 
 learning as are related to agricultural and mechanic arts. 
 
 Stock. — The college herd consists of 42 pure brad animals, 
 32 Jerseys and 10 Shorthorns, and 6 high-bred grades, crosses 
 between Jerseys and Ayrshires. The use of the male animals 
 is extended to neighbouring farmers, as far as circumstances 
 will permit, at the nominal charge of SI. The herd has not 
 yet increased to the number it is desired to retain on the farm, 
 for which reason there have been no sales, except of surplus 
 male animals, which have been sold to farmers in the State 
 for improving their stock, at from two to eight months old, at 
 prices varying from $25 to $75 each. The stock is used partly 
 for illustrative purposes in teaching, is also utilized to some 
 extent for breeding experiments, but mainly for dairy pur- 
 poses. A large quantity of butter is annually produced, which 
 is sold, and the proceeds applied towards the expenses of the 
 farm. About twenty acres of land only are reserved for pas- 
 ture, which, during the summer season, supplies about one- 
 third of the food required for the stock, and serves to give 
 them exercise and air ; otherwise they ai'e fed the entire year 
 on dry fodder and grain. 
 
 From 80 to 100 pigs are raised each year, all of the Chester 
 White breed, nearly all of which are sold to farmers in the 
 State foi" breeding purposes. 
 
 The stock also includes from 20 to 30 pure bied Shropshire 
 sheep, and both young and mature animals are sold to farmers 
 in different parts of the State for breeding. Shropshire^; are 
 preferred here to Southdowns, on account of their largijr size 
 and heavier fleece, and they are held to be equally good 
 breeders and to produce mutton of as good a quality as the 
 Southdowns. 
 
 No horses are bred but such as are required for use on the 
 farm. 
 
^aaam 
 
 EXPERIMENTAL FARM STATIONS. 
 
 86 
 
 pur- 
 
 the 
 
 The influence of the college work in the improvement of 
 stock has been very marked, and has been felt throughout the 
 entire State. The improvement has been so great that some 
 are of opinion that stock generally has doubled in value since 
 the college began this department of work. As there is not 
 so much private enterprise in stock raising in Maine as in 
 many other Stat as, the influence which the college has exerted 
 in this direction has been relatively greater than in many 
 other districts where similar institutions ezist. 
 
 Field Experiments. — A number of varieties of wheat, barley 
 and oats have been tested in experimental plots, the best of 
 which, after several years trial, have been grown on a hxrge 
 scale in field culture for the purpose of obtaining seed in 
 large quantities, so that it might be supplied to farmers at 
 moderate prices, with a view to the general introduction of 
 such desirable sorts throughout the State. The Gold Medal 
 winter wheat, originally produced by hybridizing by the late 
 Charles Arnold, cf Paris, Ont., is highly esteemed here, and is 
 regarded as one of the best sorts in cultivation. It has been 
 thoroughly tested on the college farm and very generally dis- 
 seminated, and it is claimed that this variety produces larger 
 and more certain crops than any other wheat grown in Maine. 
 
 No spring wheat is grown here ; its cultivadon was aban- 
 doned some years ago, owing to the crop having been almost 
 destroyed for several years by the weevil. 
 
 Amonn: barleys the Mantchurey is held to be one of the 
 best. It is a large six-rowed variety, with a light coloured 
 grain, a regular and heavy bearer, and is much appreciated. 
 The Purple Hull-lesr is anot% > sort much praised. The seed 
 of this was hrsb disseminated by the United States Depart- 
 ment of Ag'-icultuio. It has a dark coloured grain without 
 husk or hull, is broad leaved, vigorous, and stools freely, and 
 is said to yield from 35 to 50 bushels per acre, and weighs 
 from 62 to 04 pounds to the bushel. 
 
 In oats the Hogaii, a variety introduced from Ireland, is 
 highly esteemed. This is a white oat, yielding from 50 to 90 
 bushels per a- re ami weighing about 40 pounds to the bushel. 
 
mmamm 
 
 3G 
 
 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGES. 
 
 All these have been widely disseminated throughout the 
 State from the college farm, and are now said to be the lead- 
 ing sorts in cultivation. 
 
 The only roots which have been tested tc any extent are 
 potatoes, and of these the Beauty of Hebron stands highest in 
 productiveness and quality. There lias not been much done 
 experimentally in fodders beyond tests with Alsike clover, 
 Millet and Hungarian grass. Hay h a vcr}'^ important crop, 
 and is largely grown. The size of the experimental plot"^ is 
 1x4 rods, and the tests are usually made in duplicate, the 
 results from each plot being given. Tlie whole farm is system- 
 atically work .1, a careful record being kept of each crop. 
 
 Horticulture. — Very little has been done ir this depart- 
 ment beyond tlie planting of ornamental trees fingly ni\<\ in 
 clumps for shelter and ornament. 
 
 EnUmiology. — This branch is carefully taught, and the 
 teaching aided by collections of preserved specimens of in- 
 jurious insects from the college museum. Many of the more 
 important species are also bred in the class room, so as to give 
 the students tlie opportunity of becoming familiar with them 
 in all their different stages. The professor who has charge of 
 this branch, together with botany and zoology. Professor C. 
 H. Fernald, brings high qualificatioiis to bear on the work. 
 He is well known throuohout the scientific world for his 
 thorough and original work, and has published some ver} 
 valuable reports, including one on the grasses of MasnO; 
 which is beautifully illustrated, and one on the butterHies of 
 the State. 
 
 Experimental St(ttiu7L — The experimental station, which 
 has a separate allowance of $5,000 a year from the State, was 
 organized in the spring of 1885, and has thus far been mainly 
 a chemical station for the analyses of commercial fertilizers 
 and cattle foods. Wood ashes are extensively used in this 
 State as a fertilizer, both leached and unleached, and nu . i of 
 the time of the officers of the station has of late been i /•■'■ 
 to determinin<r the relative manurial value of ashes Loin 
 different sorts of wood. 
 
 I 
 
EXPERIMENTAL FARM STATIONS. 
 
 87 
 
 
 , was 
 
 ainly 
 
 llizers 
 
 I this 
 
 > ti of 
 
 Some useful experiments have been made in feeding, par- 
 ticularly with sheep, to ascertain the relative value of corn- 
 meal and hav as flesh producinix material. In this connection 
 digestion experiments have also been carried on to determine 
 the quantity digested and assimilated in each case as well as 
 the proportion rejected in the excreta, together with the manu- 
 rial value of the excreted products. 
 
 Some attention ha.-, also l»een given to the examination of 
 agricultural seeds, for the purpose of ascertaining their purity 
 and quality, and to investigations connected with insect pests. 
 The station invites the farmers of the State to co-operate and 
 correspond. The Director desires to make it r bureau of infor- 
 mation, which agriculturists may freely consult. 
 
 The outdoor work thus far has consisted in cjrowino; corn 
 for fodder, and in endeavourinsx to determine the value of 
 ensilage. 
 
 Recenue and Exjyenditiire. — The interest from the endow- 
 ment fund brings the college about S8,000 a year, to which 
 must be added i?7,000 from the State and about S2,0()0 from 
 tuition fees— .«51 7,000 in all. Of this sum S12,(i(;0 is paid in 
 salaries to the faculty, the remainder covering other expenses. 
 The salary of a full professor is from SI, 500 to S2,000, with, 
 in some instances, a house. Tiie farm superintendent, who 
 manages the whole of the farm operations, reveives !?1,000 a 
 year, his house and entire living, also the usp of a horse. The 
 last report shows the farm expenditure to have beenSl,.*i47 
 in excess of the revenue, but a considerable quantity of experi- 
 mental work was done, which is alwa3's expensive. 
 
 MARYLAND. 
 
 The Maryland Agricultural College is located at College 
 station. The land occupied comprises 28G acres, with artifi- 
 cially drained meadows and dry bottom and rolling uplands. 
 The endowment fund is $112,000 • tlie value of land, buildinirs 
 and appliances, $100,000. The main building is an imposing 
 structure, 120 feet long, 54 feet wide and six ."ifories high, and 
 is well arranged for the purpose. While the education, as in 
 
38 
 
 AGRICULTURAL COIiLEGES. 
 
 most of the other col leofes, is largely of a general character, it 
 is claimed that a considerable proportion of the students are 
 taking the special agricultural course. The average number 
 of students attending is about 75. 
 
 A herd of stock is kept for use and breeding. Ten acres of 
 land are devoted to vegetables, and several acres to fruits and 
 Howers ; a number of plots are also being used for the testing 
 of cereals. 
 
 Revenue and Expenditure. — The receipts include interest 
 from endowment fund, about $7,000 ; annual State grant, 
 SG,0(: *. board and tuition fees of students, about $12,000; 
 total, > 00. The expense for salaries of the teaching 
 staff is ^;: 00. The balance is required to meet the other 
 current expenses, 
 
 MASSACHUSETTS. 
 
 The Massachusetts Agricultural College and Experiment 
 Station is situated within about a mile of Amherst. It was 
 established in 1867, and occupies 382 acres of land. The 
 endowment fund, from sales of public lands, is $246,314, 
 which has been increased by the State to $360,067. The 
 value of land, buildings and appliances is $205,771. 
 
 This is one of the oldest of tlie agricultural colleges, and 
 has accomplished much good work, both in the teaching and 
 experimental lines. In 1870 the late Prof. L. Agassiz, acting 
 as chairman of the examining committee, reported that " the 
 theory of scientific agriculture is thoroughly taught, and the 
 application of such knowledge is made on the farm. All 
 students are compelled to work at the details of husbandry, 
 so that manual labour becomes a valuable adjunct to mental 
 application." 
 
 Stock. — The coUeffe herd numbers from 50 to 00 cows, 
 inchuling from 15 to 20 pure Ayrshires, The chief aim has 
 been to produce milk, the cream from which is collected and 
 iMade into butter, and the skim milk sold either to the experi- 
 mental station or to the neighbouring farmers to be fed to 
 the pigs. In this connection trials have been made with 
 
EXPERIMENTAL FARM STATIONS. 
 
 39 
 
 bbe 
 All 
 
 i-y, 
 
 ital 
 
 \vs, 
 has 
 and 
 «;ri- 
 
 nth 
 
 .different kinds of fodder plants, to ascertain how far they 
 atfected the quantity and quality of the milk and butter. 
 Experiments have also been made to test the comparative 
 value of methods of setting and treating milk in the dairy ; 
 the productiveness of different breeds of cows, and accurate 
 investigations as to the comparative nutritiv'e and feeding 
 value of northern, southern and western varieties of Indian 
 corn. 
 
 Field Experiments. — Among the more important experi- 
 ments with field crops which have been conducted here are 
 the following : The growing of sugar beets, the manufacture 
 of sugar from them, and trials of their value as food for 
 cattle ; the growing of early amber cane and the manufactur- 
 ing of sugar from its juice ; trials with South Carolina mineral 
 phosphates in the raw state, and after treatment with acids, 
 to determine their agricultural value, and similar experi- 
 ments with salt, and with simple and compound commercial 
 fertilizers. 
 
 Horticulture. — The orchard for large fru'ts covers from 
 eight to nine acres, and contains a number of varieties of 
 apples, pears, plums and peaches. Peaches do not always 
 prove hardy. During the past fifteen years the college has 
 had about five crops of this fruit. Of small fruits there are 
 many varieties, including most of those generally grown, and 
 many of those of recent introduction. 
 
 The horticultural department occupies 4.5 acres, including 
 fruits, vegetables, ornamental and forest trees. A large 
 number of vegetables are orrown and different sorts tested. 
 Three acres are devoted to a nursery, where students are 
 taught the arts of budding and grafting. Among the experi- 
 ments with forest trees there are examples of three-fourths 
 of an acre each of European larch and Scotch pine. The.se 
 were planted on a poor piece of land, which was of no value 
 for ordinary crops. The trees were three feet high when 
 transplanted from the nursery, have been nine years out, and 
 will now average from 25 to 30 feet in height and five to six 
 inches in diameter. 
 
 f 
 
 m 
 
40 
 
 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGES. 
 
 Greenhouses. — There is an extensive conservatory and a 
 propaj^atinfT house, 100 x 17, the tot.il cost of which has been 
 $12,000. These are filled with choice plants, and are utilized 
 in growing a large number of plants and flowers for sale, the 
 receipts from which defray the greater part of the working 
 expenses of this department. All products, both of farm and 
 garden, are .sold, and the proceeds applied to current expendi- 
 ture. The farm is said to be almost self-sustaining. In the 
 botanical department there is a herbarium consisting of 10,000 
 plants. 
 
 Meuenue and Expenditure. — The revenue from the endow- 
 ment fund is 813,000, which, by tuition fees and income froai 
 other .sources, is increased to about $25,000. Nearly $12,000 
 of this is paiil in .salaries to the teaching staff, the remainder 
 used in defraying other expenses. The salary of a full pro- 
 fessov iso2.:ioO; as.sistants receive from $800 to $1,200. and 
 should their .services be continued, are fjraduallv raised to the 
 full salary. 
 
 Experimental Station. — The experimental station, although 
 occupying 10 acres of tlie college farm, is an entirely .separate 
 institution. It was begun in 1883, when Prof. Goessmann was 
 appointed Director, a gentleman of high scientific attainments, 
 and eminently fitted for the position. It is supported by a 
 special grant from the State, which at first was $5,000 annu- 
 ally, but which has since been increased to $10,000, Five or 
 six acres of land have been set apart for growing crops, such 
 as fodders and grasses. 
 
 Many interestincj tests have been made with leguminous 
 plants, such as white lupine, vetch, lucerne, southern cow-pea. 
 horse-bean, etc. The southern cow-pea is highly esteenietl 
 for several reasons. It completely smothers out all weeds, and 
 makes a most valuable fodder crop green for cows, thej' being 
 very fond of it. It is also useful as a green manure. The 
 varieties grown here have not matured any seed, for the 
 leason that the season is not long enough ; but some earlier 
 ripening sorts are expected from the South, which it is hoped 
 will perfect their seed in this locality. This objection, how- 
 
w 
 
 EXPERIMENTAL FARM STATIONS. 
 
 41 
 
 ever, does not materially aflect the value of the cow-pea as a 
 fodder crop, since seed cau be procured very clieaph' from the 
 South. 
 
 The horse-bean produces a g:rowth of from 3 to 4 feet in 
 height, is of a very succulent character, and decays rapi<lly 
 when buried. On this account it is held to be one of the 
 most useful of the le<Tuminou-s plants for green manuring, 
 Tests have also been m;vJe with many other forage crops, with 
 ensilaQ:e, and with a number of varieties of Indian corn. 
 Experiments have also been conducted to determine to what 
 extent the vitality of seeds is atfeeted by age, and observations 
 made on the vitality of ihe seeds of various weeds. 
 
 Feeding experiments with cows and pigs have been carried 
 on for several years, and some valuable reports published. 
 
 One of the principal feature.s in this station is the chemical 
 department, which has l>een conducted with great success, 
 although lackins: a suitable buildincj fur the work. A new 
 and very commodious ii.boratory is now nearly completed, 
 which will be fitted with all needed apparatus and modern 
 appliances, which will doubtle-<s lead to still greater efficiency. 
 The results of a large numlier of analyses have been pub- 
 lished, including connnercial fertilizers, fruits, field crops, 
 w^eeds, fodders, fish waste, ensilage, etc. 
 
 Much credit is due to the enersretic Director for the efficient 
 manner in which the work of this station is done. 
 
 MICHIGAN. 
 
 The Michigan State Aijricultural Colleije was begun in 
 1857. It is the oldest institution of its class in the United 
 States, and probably the most distinctly agricultural in its 
 character. It is located three miles from Lansing, the capital, 
 and occupies G75 acres of land. The soil is vn iable, a portion 
 being sandy loam and a portion clay loam. The land is 
 valued at $75 an acre, and the land, buildings and appliances 
 at $838,471. The endowment fund is $389,000, with a large 
 quantity of agricultural lands still unsold. The buildings are 
 very extensive and complete. 
 
42 
 
 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGES. 
 
 The full course of study occupies four years, and embraces 
 the elements ot a general education, the study of agriculture 
 in all its departments, and of the sciences on which agriculture 
 depends. For the past three years the attendance has aver- 
 aged 180, and it is said that about one-fourth of the whole 
 number graduate. Tuition is free, alike to all within and 
 without the State. Each student is required to do two hours' 
 work each day, for which he is paid, the remuneration varying 
 from 8 to 12i cents per hour, depending partly on the nature 
 of the work, and partly on the industrj- of the student. The 
 work is chiefly hand labour ; thev are seldom employed in field 
 operations. 
 
 Stock. — The college herd numbei-s from 80 to 100, and the 
 animals are mostly pure bred. The Shorthorns predominate, 
 besides which there are Herefords, Jerseys, Polled Angus, 
 Galloways, Ayrshires and Holsteins, These breeds are kept 
 mainly for the purposes of illustration in teaching and for 
 experiments in feeding. From 100 to 1.50 sheep are kept, 
 chiefly Merinos, Shropshires and Southdowns ; also a number 
 of pigs. 
 
 Field Experiments. — On the farm a regular sjstem of rota- 
 tion of crops is maintained. Experiments in the cultivation 
 of grain are carried on to some extent, but it is difficult to 
 accomplish much in this direction when so large a proportion 
 of the time has necessarily to be devoted to teaching. 
 
 Horticulture. — About 80 acres are devoted to ornamental 
 grounds, the trees and shrubs being utilized as object lessons. 
 There is an orchard of apple trees covering about 10 acres, and 
 on another part of the ground one of pear trees, containing 
 about 150 trees ; there are also 50 plum trees. The very cold 
 winters of late years have killed some of these ; hence there 
 are a number of vacancies in the orchards. Peaches are not 
 much grown, as they do not succeed well in this part of Michi- 
 gan. The vinery contains about 100 sorts of grapes, and many 
 tests have been made with strawberries, raspberries and small 
 fruits. 
 
fxpp:rimental farm stations. 
 
 48 
 
 Greenhouse. — A very liandsome conservatory, with propa- 
 jjating houses attached, has been built, at a cost of $9,500, in 
 which are stored a number of plaul/S useful for teaching and 
 ornamental purposes. Some sales are made of plants and 
 flowers, the proceeds of which are applied to the payment of 
 current expenses. 
 
 Botanic Garden. — A small botanic garden has been estab- 
 lished, which is being gradually extended. The botanical 
 <lepartment, which is in charge of Prof. Beal, is most efficiently 
 conducted and is very popular. It is carried on in a separate 
 building, in which there is stored an excellent museum of 
 vegetable products. 
 
 Apiary. — An apiary of considerable dimensions has been 
 established under the direction of Prof. A. J. Cook, who is 
 <juite an enthusiast in this department. He is in charge of 
 the department of zoology, and gives the students instruction 
 in entomology, paying particular attention to injurious insects. 
 
 Revenue and Expenditure. — The annual revenue from the 
 endowment fund is $23,734, which is liberally supplemented 
 by State appropriations as needed. The annual expenses are 
 about S29,000, of which the salaries of the teaching staff 
 absorb $21,000. The salaries of the professors range from 
 $1,800 to $2,000. 
 
 MINNP^SOTA. 
 
 The endowment fund provided for sustaining a college of 
 ^orriculture and mechanic arts in this State has been oriven to 
 the university on condition that it maintains efficient agricul- 
 tural and mechanical departments. This institution is located 
 at Minneapolis, about one mile below the Falls of St. Anthony, 
 on an elevated bluff overlooking the city and falls. The pro- 
 ductive funds of the university are $575,000 ; the value of 
 land, buildings and appliances, $220,000. 
 
 By the extension of the city, and the building of a railway 
 through the grounds, the college land has been so cut up as 
 to be no longer fit for agricultural use. A new experimental 
 farm of loo acres has lately been purchased, which will be 
 
44 
 
 AGRICULTURAL C()LLK(JKS. 
 
 devoted to testing various cereals, fruits, ve^jetaMes, etc., for 
 the purpose of deterinininf^ those best adapted to endure the 
 trvinj^ climate of this northern situation. 
 
 In tlie agricultural college a full course of instruction i.s 
 given, embracing both theoretical and practical agriculture. 
 The students have the full benefit of the library and apparatus 
 of the university. There is also a museum of agriculture, and 
 a greenhouse! 45x34, which supplies plants and Howers for 
 botanical teaching. 
 
 Revenue and Expe)iditu7'e.—Th(.- income from productive 
 funds is about S3o,000 ; from State appropriations, ^23,000 
 — total, .S-'jH.OOO. There being about 500 students in all in 
 attendance, a large faculty is required, and a large proportion 
 of the reveinie is expended in salaries. 
 
 MISSISSIPPI. 
 
 The fund resulting from the sales of public lands granted 
 for the education of the people of Mississippi in agriculture 
 and mechanics has been divided equally between the white 
 and coloured races. Reference will first be made to the 
 institution for the whites, which is known as the Agricultural 
 and Mechanical College of Mississippi, and is situated about a 
 mile and a half from Starkville. It occu})ies 1,750 acres of 
 land, about 600 of which is under cultivation. About 400^ 
 acres are good land ; the remainder is known as gullied and 
 hill land, and leaving out of consideration 200 acres of woods,, 
 consists chiefly of worn out cotton fields. These worn out 
 lands are, by liberal treatment, being gradually restored ta 
 their normal condition of fertility, and are being converted 
 into fields of corn, grain, grasses, etc. 
 
 The endowment fund is $113,575; the land, buildings and 
 appliances, are estimated at $203,400. 
 
 The leading object of this college is declared to be to benefit 
 agriculture and the mechanic arts. Its efforts are, however, 
 like most similar institutions, chiefly directed towards general 
 education, with a special class or division in agriculture. 
 
w 
 
 EXPERIMENTAL FARM STATIONS. 
 
 45 
 
 In the stock department the college has pure bred Jerseys, 
 Holsteins, Gallovvuys and Shorthorns, Merino sheep and Berk- 
 shire swine, all of which are used to illustrate the lectui <m 
 stock <,dven at the college. 
 
 A special dairy department has been established, so con- 
 structed as to secure, as far as possible, an even temperature 
 throughout summer and wint<'r ; the milk obtained from the 
 college herd, numbering about 200 in all, being used for the 
 manufacture of buttei*. The college creamery also draws sup- 
 plies of cream from the neighbouring farmers, by which the 
 butter product is materially increased. 
 
 The field experiments include the testing of the value of 
 4litlerent fertilizers on crops of cotton, corn, .sugar cane, 
 sorghum, wheat and otiier cereals, grasses and forage crops ; 
 reports on the value of ensilage in stock feeding, also the 
 comparative results of feeding with cotton-seed meal and other 
 nutritive sultstances. The farm has been worked .so as to 
 return, in revenue and in increase of stock, more than an 
 eqtiivalent for the money spent on it. 
 
 One hundred acres are devoted to horticulture, including nine 
 acres of small fruits, an orchard of over 5,000 trees, including 
 1,250 apple, 500 pear, :iOO plum, 2,000 peach, 375 mulberry, 20 
 Japanese persimmon and HO apricot, a vineyard witli a large 
 assortment of grapes, a nursery and a twenty-acre field devoted 
 to vegetables. New varieties of fruits, both large and small, as 
 well as vegetables, are constantly being planted to test their 
 merits. All students are required to devote three hours each 
 day for five daj's in tiie week to work on the farm or in the 
 garden or workshop. 
 
 Revenue and Expenditure. — From interest on endowment 
 fund S5,678, which is supplemented V)}' State appropriation.s. 
 
 Alcorn Agricidtir>al and Mechanical College. — This college 
 is specially desigrcd for coloured people, and is located near 
 Rodne}^ a short distance below Vicksburg. The endowment 
 fund is $113,575, the estimated value of land, buildings and 
 appliances, $43,000. The revenue from the endowment fund 
 is nearly $6,000, the expenses about the .same. 
 
46 
 
 AGRICl'LTUKAL COLLEGKS. 
 
 In the college proper there are fifteen students, with a faculty 
 of three professors. The preparatory school connected with 
 it has 170 scholars and five instructors ; tuition is free. 
 
 Missorui. 
 
 The Ajjricultural and Mechanical College of Mis.s....ii has 
 been organized as a department of the University of the State, 
 which is located at Columbia, on the Missouri River. The 
 entlowinent fund is 8219,000, value of buildings, land and 
 appliances, 8150,000. The college farm consists of 640 acres, 
 has a variety of soils, and is well watered. It utfords oppor- 
 tunities for student labour, practical work and agricultural 
 experiment. Gardens, orchards and vineyards have been 
 planted, and are being closel v observed and records taken. 
 
 A large amount of experimental work has been done, bear- 
 ing directly on the agriculture of the State, including experi- 
 ments with many varieties of corn, with 47 sorts of w^ b and 
 with other cereals ; tests of many varieties of grasses ther 
 
 forage plants have been made, the methods of using potatoes 
 for seed have heen investigated, and the trials repeated every 
 season for four years, during which time some very practical 
 conclusions have been reached. Many experiments in feeding 
 have been conducted, including the fattening of steers, feeding 
 for the production of milk, feeding pigs, with the special pur- 
 pose of producing lean meat ; also with grass-fed pigs. In 
 cultivating the soil, the effects of subsoiling have been carefully' 
 observed, and tests made to determine the relation of dew to 
 soil moisture. 
 
 A nursery has been established and a plantation of forest 
 trees commenced. The latest reports give the attendance of 
 students in the special agricultural course as 21. 
 
 The interest from the endowment fund is about $11,000^ 
 which is supplemented by State appropriations. 
 
 NEBRASKA. 
 
 The Asrricultural College of Nebraska is a branch of the 
 University of that State, and is situated at Lincoln. The 
 
y"||| 
 
 EXPERIMENTAL FARM STATIONS. 
 
 47 
 
 to 
 
 college fann consists of 320 acres of land, all iinproveil, with 
 good buildings, five breeds of cattle and two of pigs. OrcliardH 
 have been established, some forest planting has been done, and 
 an arbo»'etum connnenced. About 15 students are in attend- 
 ance on the special agricultural course. The institution is 
 su.stained by annual appropriations from the State, as most of 
 the agricultural lands appropriated for this purpose are yet 
 
 unsold. 
 
 NEVADA. 
 
 In this State $90,000 have been received from the sale of 
 agricultural lands, which has been invested. The college has 
 not yet been organized. In the meantime, the fund is being 
 yearly increased by the interest added to it. It is proposed 
 that it be located at Elko, in connection with the State 
 University. 
 
 NEW HAMPSHIRE. 
 
 The New Hampshire College of Agriculture and Mechanic 
 Arts is an institution associated with Dartmouth College, 
 Hanover. The endowment fund from land grants is $100,000, 
 and the value of land.s, buildings and appliances, is $100,000. 
 
 The college farm consists of 3G0 acres of land, with a soil 
 admirably suited for agricultural experiments. The stock in- 
 cludes a herd of 50 cattle, consisting of pure Durhams and 
 Ayrshires, together with their grades ; also 40 Cotswold sheep 
 and some horses. Experiments with field crops are being con- 
 stantly carried on in a portion of the farm devoted to that 
 purpose. Feeding tests have also been made to determine the 
 relative value of roots, cornmeal and bran, and early and late 
 cut hav ; also wdth different fertilizers, to ascertain their rela- 
 tive value. 
 
 The revenue derived from the endowment fund is S6,000 ; 
 from annual State appropriations, S3,000 — total, $9,000; which 
 is sufficient to meet current expenditure. The number of 
 students taking the agricultural course is small. 
 
 NEW JERSEY. 
 
 In the State of New Jersey, Rutger's Scientific School at 
 New Brunswick, whiqh is a very old institution, established 
 
rt^ 
 
 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGES. 
 
 before tlie Revolutionary War, acquired possession of the 
 agricultural land grant, and thus became the State College of 
 Agriculture and Mechanic Arts. The 210,000 acres received 
 were sold for $116,000. Tliis produces $6,960 a year, which is 
 devoted to the payment of salaries , S30,000 has been spent 
 on a farm of 98 acres, $50,000 on buildings, and $13,000 for 
 equipment. The land on which Viv^- college buildings are 
 placed consists of seven acres within the limits of the town. 
 The farm is about two miles distant from the collefre. It is 
 managed b}^ a farm superintendent and has no appropriation 
 and no resources other tlian moneys realized from sales of pro- 
 duce. The soil is a loam of mixed sand and clay, well drained 
 and all improved. 
 
 There is a herd of about 60 cows of all sorts — no first-class 
 specimens among them — which are kept solely for milking 
 purposes. The milk is sold in Jersey City or New York to 
 ihe wholesale dealers, and is shipped in cans daily. A con- 
 tinuous record is kept of the total product of milk. A few 
 pigs are also kept, but none of tliem are pure bred. 
 
 The farm when bought was in very poor condition, but has 
 been thoroughly drained and enriched by fertilizers, so that 
 land which at first would not yield 10 bushels of wheat to the 
 acre, will now yield about 30 bushels. 
 
 Under tb.e al)le direction of Prof. Cook, who is Professor of 
 Agriculture in the college and Director of the experimental 
 station, much useful experimeiital v:ock has been carried on 
 for many years. In lieltl experiments many varieties of winter 
 wheat and rye have been tested. These are grown at first in 
 plots of one-tenth of an acre each, treated with different sorts 
 of fertilizers, and the more promising sorts afterwards grown 
 on a larcfor scale. Fultz wheat is esteemeJ here as amonrr the 
 best of the winter wlieats. It is a small-grained amber wheat, 
 with a short, stifl straw, and will yield from 20 to 40 bushels 
 per acre, or an estimated average in general culture of 25 
 bushels. The experiment^! in cereals have been repeated year 
 after year for a nunjber of years. Sorghum has been grown 
 on a larjie scjde, h!u1 a satisfactory yield of sugar obtained. 
 
EXPERIMENTAL FARM STATIONS. 
 
 40 
 
 The cultivated land of New Jersey had long been cropped 
 under the old system of taking everything possible out of the 
 soil and returning little or nothing to it, and hence in many 
 districts had become so much exhausted that it would no 
 longer produce paying crops. Now, and partly from the 
 stimulus given by the publication of the results of the ex- 
 perimental work of the station, manuring and enriching have 
 become general, the science of supplying the soil with such 
 elements as may be specially required has been carefully 
 studied and practised, and the result is that many farms 
 which a few years ago were scarcely considered worth work- 
 ing, are now once more yielding good crops ; the State is, in 
 fact, becoming in this respect rejuvenated. Besides the grow- 
 ing of corn, winter wheat and r3'e, which are the principal 
 grain crops, grapes are largely cultivated, and the growing oi 
 peaches, which in many districts had been practically aban- 
 doned, is being resumed. New orchards are being planted on 
 a large scale, and there is every reason to expect that within 
 a. short time New Jersey will regain her formfiv position as a 
 peach-growing State, and under the new sy.stem of agriculture 
 so generally adopted, retain that position. 
 
 The needs of the State have been such that the efforts of 
 the experimental station have been chiefly devoted to deter- 
 mining the value of fertilizers by chemical analyses, and pub- 
 lishinof the results obtt.ined for the guidance of farmers in 
 bulletins, which are issued several times during the summer, 
 and sent to every farmer in the State who expresses a desire 
 to have them. A special appropriation of S8,000 a year is 
 made by the State to defray the expenses of the experimental 
 station. 
 
 NEW YORK. 
 
 The New York State College of Agriculture and Mechanic 
 Arts is associated with Cornell University, at Ithaca, founded 
 by the liberality of Ezra Cornell. The endowmenL fund 
 obtained from the sale of agricultural lands is $473,412, with 
 large tracts of land still unsold. The total income of the 
 4 
 
,^_ 
 
 60 
 
 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGES. 
 
 university from all sources is about $130,Q00 ; the expenditure, 
 including S85,000 for salaries, is about SI 20,000. 
 
 A special course in agriculture is provided, under an able 
 staff of professors. The course of instruction covers the 
 whole field of scientific and practical agriculture and horticul- 
 ture. Students are required to spend three hours a day for 
 two days in each week in farm work, and in the handling and 
 feeding of domestic animals. In horticulture they have the 
 advantage of experimental work m the garden and conserva- 
 tories. Economic entomology is also ta' ' t by lectures and 
 by practical work in the field. 
 
 The university faria consists of 120 acres of arable land, 
 
 the larger part of which is used for experimental purposes. 
 
 The stock kept is used also for similar ends. Statistics of 
 
 both ex])erimental work and management of stock are kept 
 
 on such a system as to show, at the close of each year, the 
 
 profit or loss, not only of the whcje farm, but of each crop 
 and group of animals. 
 
 While nearly 400 students attend this university, and so 
 many advantages are offered to those desiring to study agri- 
 culture, the agricultural class seldom exceeds in number from 
 20 to 2,5. 
 
 EA'ppA'imentid Station. — This institution has no endowment 
 funtl from agricultural lands, but is entirely supported by 
 annual State grants. It was iiicorporated by an Act ot the 
 State Legislature passed during the Session of 1H81, and 
 during that year a farm of 125 acres was purchased -'ur 
 $2.5,000. This expenditure was met by special appropriation, 
 and a further sum of $20,000 a year provided by the State for 
 carrying on the work. 
 
 The farm is situated nearly two miles from the town of 
 Geneva, and occupies an olevuted position, the land undulat- 
 ing, with a gradual slope towards the south. The soil is a 
 heavy clay loam, more or less gravelly. The buildings en the 
 farm at the time of purchase were a large residence, stables 
 and outbuildings. The lower story of the dwelling has been 
 fitted up for the experimental work of the station, one side as 
 
w 
 
 EXPERIMENTAL FARM STATIONS. 
 
 61 
 
 a chemical laboratory, the other as agricultural and horticul- 
 tural offices and museum. The Director, Dr. Sturteyvant, 
 occupies the upper floor as a dwelling. A considerable sum 
 has been spent in repairing the buildings and in altering them 
 to meet the requirements of the case, and still they are very 
 unsuitable for the purposes they have to serve. The new 
 building is now in process of erection for dair}' work. 
 
 Stock. — The stock consists of rive thoroughbred Jersey cow\s, 
 which are kept solel}'' for experiments in milk and butter. 
 
 Fiehl Experimientx. — More than 100 varieties of wheat have 
 been tested, and their relative merits discussed in the bulletins 
 and reports wdiich have been issued by the station. The 
 Wayne County Select has proved to be a very excellent wheat 
 here, a good cropper, and an early variety, which stools well 
 Surprise is another productive sort, higld}' prized, in which 
 the spikelets usually have four grains of seed in each. Martin's 
 Amber, Landreth and Silver Chaff", are also regarded as very 
 promising varieties. Oats and barley have also been similarlj' 
 tested. With many sorts of vegetables and roots, especially 
 potatoes, the trials have been numerous, and the results of 
 great practical value. 
 
 Field Experiments. — More than 100 varieties of wheat 
 have l»een tested, and their relative merits discussed in the 
 bulletins and reports which have been issued by the station. 
 The Wayne County Select has proved to be a very excellent 
 wheat here, a good cropper, and an early variety, which stools 
 well. Surprise is another productive sort, highly prized, in 
 which the spikelets usually have four grains of seed in each. 
 Martin's Amber, Landreth and Silver Chaff' are also regarded 
 as very promising varieties. Oats and barley have also been 
 similarly tested. With many £,orts of vegetables and roots, 
 especially potatoes, the trials have been numerous, and the 
 results of great practical value. 
 
 Horticidiiire. — The orchard was planted in 1884, and con- 
 tains 81 varieties of apples, 26 pears, 45 peaches, 83 plums, 
 30 cherries, 6 quince. 16 nectarines and 20 apricots. In small 
 fruits the institution has 42 sorts of grapes, 40 strawberries, 
 
 iCwii 
 
'ftm 
 
 r 
 
 52 
 
 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGES. 
 
 50 raspberries, 10 blackberries, 28 currants and 7 of goose- 
 berries. A careful account is V)eing kept of thein all, and 
 their relative merits recoi-ded. 
 
 Greenhowie. — AboutSl ,200 have been spent on this structure, 
 which is found to be an indispensable requisite for propagating 
 purposes and experimental work during the winter and early 
 spring months. Plants for sunnner decoration of the grounds 
 are also grown here. A very ingenious apparatus has been 
 devised for testing the germinating power of seeds, by which a 
 large number of tests may be carried on in a small space, 
 and the results coi.venientlv watched. 
 
 Chemical Liihorafoi'y. — This department is well supplied 
 with apparatus, especially such as is required in the analysis 
 of fertilizers, in the chemical examination of milk, and in 
 determining the purity of water. 
 
 Museum. — This is a very interesting and instructive fea- 
 ture, and indicates the character and extent of the work being 
 done. It contains large collections of corn, embracing many 
 varieties, both in the ear and shelled, of wheat, oats, barley, 
 peas, beans and other garden and field crops and vegetables, 
 all of which have been grown at the station : also collections 
 of the seeds of forage plants and weeds. 
 
 Staff awl Expenditure. — The staft' consists of the director, 
 superintendents of agriculture and horticulture, chemist and 
 botanist, the salaries ranging from SI ,000 to $2,500, with 
 house and the use of such products as are grown on the sta- 
 tion. There are also four assistants. A stenographer is 
 employed, to whom the Director dictates answers to corres- 
 pondence, ^^'hich are taken in shorthand, written with a type- 
 writer and brought for signature. The stenographer also 
 keeps the books and prepares a type-writer copy of all the 
 bulletins and repoi tr ror the ^)rinter. The botanist is enaasfed 
 chiefiy in the investigation of plant diseases. 
 
 NORTH CAROLINA. 
 
 •o"o 
 
 The State University, which is locate<l at Chapel Hill, 
 received the agricultr.ral land grant, and gives instruction in 
 
w 
 
 EXPERIMENTAL FARM STATIONS. 
 
 53 
 
 those branches of leaniiny: related to agriculture and the 
 mechanic arts. The endovviuent fund is $125,000, the interest 
 of which is S7,500. This, with State appropriations and other 
 revenue, brings the total inconie up to $19,000. The expenses 
 of the teaching staft'are $16,000; current expenses aVtsorb the 
 remainder. 
 
 The University has no farm or experimental plots. The 
 teaching is confined to lectures, which cover the whole tield 
 of agriculture, including the chemistry of soils, the ctnistituents 
 of plants, nature of plant food, application of fertilizers. et<*. 
 
 Experimental Station. — This station was established in 1.S77, 
 was formerly located at Chapel Hill, in connection with the 
 Universitv% but in 1<S(S1 it was removed to Raleigh, where it 
 enjoys ample acconnuodation and possesses all needed appli- 
 ances in the buildings of the State Agricultural Department. 
 The work of the North Carolina station has been almost 
 exclusively chemical, and mainly in the analysis - '.' fertilizers, 
 soils, minerals and ores. By the information it has given, 
 inferior brands of fertilizers have been driven from the market; 
 the quality of those remaining has been improved and the 
 price reduced. This has resulted in an intelligent demand for 
 fertilizers, which has greatly increased the annual products of 
 the soil. The statioa has done much to bring into prominent 
 notice the value of the inniiense deposits of mineral phosphates 
 found in the State, which may now be classed with its most 
 important commercial products. 
 
 The station has also made many tests of the purity and ger- 
 minating power of tield and garden seeds, and aftbrde«l much 
 protection to the farmers against fraud in this direction. 
 
 OHIO. 
 
 The State University of Ohio is situated in the suburbs of 
 the City of Columbus, where it occupies 340 acres of land, 
 purchased at a cost of $300,000 ; the buildings and equipments 
 have cost about as much more, making the outlay nearly 
 $600,000 in all. The endowment fund from the sale of agri- 
 cultural lands amounts to $538,000. Franklin Countv, in 
 
54 
 
 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGES. 
 
 which the University is located, gave S«SOO,000, and citizens of 
 Columbus S28,000, towards its establishment. 
 
 In connection with this University there is not only a 
 department of agriculture but also an experimental station, 
 both institutions doing good work in the direction of prac- 
 tical agriculture. The main work of the University is teach- 
 ing the higher branches of learning. The total number of 
 students is about .SOO, of which 85 are taking agricultuiv- 
 some being entered for a two years course ; others for four 
 years. A course of 40 lectures is given each year for farmers, 
 the time occupied with the course being two w^eeks. 
 
 Stock. — The stock consists of a herd of IcS thoroushbreii 
 Jersey cattle and a small herd of Devons, besides which there 
 are a number of ofrades of connnon cattle crossed with Jer- 
 seys. The experiments conducted are altogether in reference 
 to the production of milk, which is regularly sold to the citi- 
 zens at retail. The net profits last year from this product 
 was Si, 600, to which must be added the sale of calves, 
 amounting to .^246. 
 
 A few horses are bred, solely for use on the farm, Perche- 
 rons being preferred. Nothing is done in sheep. Two breeds 
 of pigs are kept, viz., Berkshire and Poland-China. These 
 are used for illustration in teaching, and for feeding experi- 
 ments. 
 
 Field Experiments. — The field experiments have been chiefly 
 with corn and winter wheat, fjrowinjj such varieties on a large 
 scale as are found to be most productive in the small testing 
 plots at the experimental station. By this process of selection 
 the wheat fields of the University yielded, last year, 32 bushels 
 to the acre, under ordinary field culture, while the wheat crop, 
 generally, throughout that district, was very poor, owing to 
 long continued cold weather, on b ire ground during the winter. 
 Most of the wheat produced on the farm is sold to farmers in 
 the State for seed at St. 50 per bushel. Experiments are also 
 being carried on with r(X)ts and other field crops. 
 
 Experimental Station. — Ohio Agricultural Experimental 
 Station is a purely experimental establishment, where all sorts 
 
EXPERIMENTAL FARM STATIONS. 
 
 55 
 
 ^! 
 
 ?; 
 
 I'M 
 
 [ i V'' 
 
 :flv 
 
 of grain and other tield and gai-den crops, and fruits, both 
 large and small, are test<^d. and the results published in bulle- 
 tins and annual reports. Thf annual c<xst of conducting the 
 station is from $10,000 to .<! 2,000. $o ,000 of which is a direct 
 annual appropriation by the State : the remainder is furnished 
 by the University. The ertieient Director of this station, W. 
 R. Lazenby, is Professor of Horticulture and Botany in the 
 University, and in addition to his class \v«)rk, supervises what 
 is undertaken l)y the special start" at the station. This depart- 
 ment has been in operation a little more than three years, and 
 is growing in usefulness, and yearly becoming more popular 
 with the farmers and horticulturists of the State. 
 
 Experiments witJi Cereals. — In the experiuieutal plots 118 
 varieties of wheat have been teste«:l. The sorts most esteemed 
 for cultivation in that district ai-e Velvet (.'liafF, Silver Chaff, 
 German Amber, Fultz, York Wliite Chatf, Russian No. 2 and 
 Egyptian. Efforts have also lieen made to improve these 
 promising sorts by cross fertilization and selection. The 
 results of planting the seed at fliHerent depths have been 
 noted, thick and thin planting compared : also the effects of 
 winter protection and spring cultivation, and early and late 
 ploughing. Twenty varieties of corn have been similarly 
 tested, and many sorts of barlev ami ojits. 
 
 Experiments with Veijetal'f'e-^. — In this department much 
 attention has been paid to the potato. Fifty varieties have 
 been tried, and among the most promising ones are, Burbank. 
 Beauty of Hebron and Rural Blusli. Many sorts of sweet corn, 
 beans, peas, cabbage and tomat«»es liave been tested, and the 
 results given to the public. Six acres are set apart for 
 this special purpose, and in addition to ordinary treatment, 
 the results of early and lat^ see<ling. thick and thin seeding, 
 have been tried, and the effects of the use of different sorts 
 of fertilizers on the crops note<l. 
 
 Horticulture. — Six years ago the university planted six 
 acres with apples and pears, but owing to the unusual severity 
 of the winters of late, about tliree-fourths of the trees have 
 perished from winter killing, and have been replaced by other 
 
 ' 1 
 
 :: 
 
 I'i 
 
5«j 
 
 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGES. 
 
 varieties. The number of sorts of apples at present cultivated 
 is 25, and of pears 25. Many of the latter have suffered from 
 blight as well as winter killing. Very few plums are grown, 
 and no peaches. Experience has shown that the fruit trees 
 obtained from nurseries north of Columbus have proved 
 hardier than those grown in that vicinity or further south. 
 Tests are frequently made to show the comparative effects of 
 mulching, cultivation, and of cropping with grass, grain and 
 vegetables amonj; the trees. 
 
 In the vineyard there are 60 varieties of grapes, and in the 
 small fruit plantation a large numVjcr of strawberries rasp- 
 berries, currants and aooseberries. Some efforts have been 
 
 »' 
 
 made towards originating new kinds, by cross fertilization, 
 with a measure of success. The products in this department 
 also are sold. The sum realized last year was §1,278.19, S900 
 of which was obtained from sales of small fruits. 
 
 Miscellaneous. — Tests have been made with noxious weeds, 
 to determine their relative growth and rapidity of multipli- 
 cation, and the best methods of extirpating them. Obser- 
 vations on injurious insects have bf*en conducted and recorded, 
 with tests of the several insecticides which have been recom- 
 mended for destroying them. The vitality of seeds is another 
 line of experimental work undertaken here, and carried out 
 on an extensive scale. 
 
 Conservatory. — A conservatory and propagating house has 
 been built, at a cost of $3,000, which provides the means for 
 carrying on experiments throughout the year. It is attached 
 to the horticultural building, in which there is a museum, 
 lecture room and a convenient office. 
 
 Revenue and Expenditure. — The income from the endow- 
 ment fund is $32,270. Tuition fees and State appropriations 
 bring the revenue up to about $52,000. The expenditure is 
 about $50,000, of which $27,000 is paid for salaries. The 
 professors receive from $2,250 to $2,750 a year. 
 
 OREGON. 
 
 The proceeds of the national land grant have in this State 
 been given to Corvallis College, located at Corvallis. The 
 
EXPERIMENTAL FARM STATIONS. 
 
 67 
 
 fund amounts to $50,000, The annual income from all sources 
 is about $0,000, most of which is spent in salaries. 
 
 No experimental work is clone here, but practical and 
 scientific agriculture is taught, including stock raising, the 
 construction of farm buildings, drainage, analysis of soils, 
 fertilizers, etc. 
 
 PENNSYLVANIA. 
 
 The Pennsylvania State College of Agriculture is located in 
 Centre County, about the middle of the State, and nearly ten 
 miles from Bellephonte. The endowment fund belonging to 
 this institution is $500,000 ; the estimated value of lands, 
 buildings and appliances, $451,600. The main building is an 
 imposing structure of magnesian limestone, occupying a com- 
 manding position. It is 240 feet long, 80 feet wide, and five 
 .stories hioh. 
 
 The college owns three experimental farms — one of nearly 
 300 acres, on which the buildings are located ; one in Chester 
 County, of 100 acres, and one in Indiana County, of 100 acres. 
 The soil of the farm at Centre County is a clay loam, mixed 
 with limestone, with some flint, and seems to be well adapted 
 to the growth of the grains and grasses cultivated in this 
 district. Very little purely experimental work is carried on 
 in the outlying farms, as they are not easily accessible to the 
 students. These are cultivated with hired help, with the 
 usual rotation of crops. 
 
 The course of instruction in agriculture is of a very practical 
 nature, and combines farm work with teaching. 
 
 Stock. — About 20 animals compose the college herd — 6 
 thoroughlired Jerseys, 3 Guernseys ; the others are grades. 
 All the animals are stall fed. Many experiments in feeding 
 have been reported in the bulletins of the college, and much 
 information given on this topic. 
 
 Field ExpermienU. — One hundred and forty-four plots of 
 one-eighth of an acre each have been .set aside for some years 
 past for continuous experiments. Many of them have been 
 devoted to wheat, where the same variety has beer, grown for 
 
M AGRICULTURAL COLLEGES. 
 
 several yoars on the same plot with ditt'erent sorts of fertilizers, 
 and also without any manure whatever. The results of these 
 tests have heen very instructive. Cro]is of tiuiothy and 
 clover cut at different periods of their growth have also heen 
 compared, and the results observed of special manures on the 
 quality as well as quantity of tiie wheat crop. 
 
 Horticultare. — There is an orchard of twenty acres, con- 
 taining many different sorts of apples, and a vineyard of about 
 500 vines, chiefly Concord, which usually yields a large crop- 
 There is not much being done here in small fruits. 
 
 Miscellaneous. — A special course of lectures to farmers is 
 given every year at the college, occupying two weeks. They 
 consist of from thirty to forty in all, and embrace a variety 
 of topics covering the whole field of agriculture and horticul- 
 ture, and are specially designed to meet the wants of farmers 
 actively engaged in their calling. 
 
 The amount annually expended for instruction is about 
 
 ?1 8,000. 
 
 RHODE ISLAND. 
 
 The aiiricultural college land grant falling to Rhode Island 
 was liestowed upon tht Brown University, of Providence, in 
 1863, and in 1869 a department of agriculture and mechanic 
 arts was organized in this institution. The endowment fund 
 amounts to $.50,000. 
 
 The course of instruction in agriculture consists of lectures 
 only, and includes the study of soils, economic geology, chemis- 
 try, botany, and other kindred subjects. 
 
 SOUTH CAROLINA. 
 
 The fund derived from the national land grant, amounting 
 to S191,H00, has been invested in State bonds, and the interest, 
 $11, .500, is divided equally between the South Carolina Col- 
 lege of Agriculture and Mechanics, at Columbia, for whites, 
 and the Claflin College, at Orangeburgh, for coloured people. 
 
 In addition to a course of lectures, a farm is attached to the 
 Columbia College, where students acquire a practical acquaint- 
 ance with farming operations under a skilled agriculturist. 
 
EXPERIMENTAL FARM STATIONS. 
 
 09 
 
 The collogc at ClaHin also ijives instruction in agriculture, 
 and has a farm of 1 KJ acres, with suitahle outhuihlings, valued, 
 in all, at 810,000, The main work, however, of this institu- 
 tion, seems to be the primary education of coloured children. 
 
 TENNESSEE. 
 
 The TJ:>iversitv of Tennessee, located at Knoxville, rec(;ived 
 the endowment of public lands. The total sum of productive 
 funds beloneiufj to this universitv is S405,000, the income 
 from which is S24,410 ; the annual expense of the teaching 
 start' is about $20,000 ; the remainder of the income is applied 
 to current expenses. The estimated value of lands, buildings 
 and appliances, is $134,700. 
 
 A course of lectures is given on agricultural subjects. 
 There is also a farm of 260 acres, well adapted for stock rais- 
 ing and grain growing, with suitable buildings and implements. 
 The stock includes seven thorouo-hbred Shorthoins and two 
 Devons. Several acres are devoted to experiments in growing 
 wheat, oats and grasses. 
 
 As aids in the study of horticulture, there is an orchard of 
 300 trees, a vineyard, a small greenhouse and a flower garden. 
 
 TEXAS. 
 
 The State Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas is 
 located at College Statioii. The endowment fund from the 
 national land grant is $204,000 ; the land, buildings and 
 appliances, are valued at $260,000; the income is $14,280; 
 the expenditure about the same ; the teaching staff costs 
 $12,000. 
 
 A special course of lectures is given in agriculture, includ- 
 ing dairying, drainage, farm management, entomology and 
 forestry. For practical illustration the college farm is used. 
 It has 53 acres under cultivation, including 10 acres devoted 
 to experimental plots and 1 1 acres to orchard. 
 
 VERMONT. 
 
 The proceeds of the national land grant to Vermont was 
 $135,500, which was given to the State University and Agri- 
 
60 
 
 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGES. 
 
 \ M. 
 
 cultural Collejje at Burlington. This institution 1ms other 
 productive property, its entire revenue being about S22,000 
 aiulitsexpemliture about i^'i 1,500, of which Sl7,o00is spent in 
 salaries. Agriculture is taught in a course of lectures associated 
 with the kindre«l sciences of cheuiistr}', botany, horticulture, 
 <lairying, entomology, etc. There is no experimental farm 
 connt'cU'd with this collejie. 
 
 VIRGINIA. 
 
 The endowment fund resultinj; from the national land jjrant 
 to Virginia is .^28.5,000. Two-thirds of this sum was set apart 
 for the maintenance of the Virofinia Ajjricultural and Me- 
 chanical Collefre at Blacksburjj ; the other vhird fjiven to the 
 Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute. The Blacksburg 
 College has a farm of 300 acres of land, well stocked, where 
 experiments in agriculture, horticulture and stock raising are 
 conducted. The land, buildings and apparatus, are valued at 
 SI 00,000. The total income is about $20,000, of which the 
 teaching start' receive $14,000. 
 
 The course of instruction covers general agriculture, stock 
 breeding, horticulture, chemistry, botany, the formation of 
 soils, the elements necessary to a fertile soil, best methods of 
 restoring lost fertilit}*, necessity and methods of drainage, etc. 
 
 Hampton yormal Agricultural Institute. — This institution, 
 which is located at Hampton, receives one-third of the agri- 
 cultural lands endowment fund. It is an extensive establish- 
 ment, artbrding accommodation for 500 pupils, desi'ned n- tl. 
 instruction of the coloured youth, with the sp 
 preparing them to go out as teachers among th' 
 The area of its work has been recently extended 
 also the Indian youth. 
 
 The institute is chiefly supported by voluntary contributions 
 from northern friend.s. From this source about $80,000 is 
 annually received ; the interest on the land endowment fund 
 is $10,000 ; from other sources nearly $5,000 more— $45,000 
 in all, which is sufficient to meet current expenditure. About 
 
 ■ject of 
 
 vvn people. 
 
 y taki Lii in 
 
EXPKKIMKNTAL FARM STATIONS. 
 
 CI 
 
 S30,000 is r(M|uiro(l for salaries of officers and tt'achcrs. The 
 value of lands, ljuiUlin<;s and a})|)liances, is 5?420,.SG4. 
 
 Agriculture forms part of the regular course of this col'ege. 
 The students are also trained in practical work. The insti- 
 tute has two farms — one of 190 acres, and one of GOO acres — 
 fairly well stocked with the necessary appliances. There are 
 large orchards of apple, pear, plum and cherry, including 
 2,250 trees in all, which, with a vinery, nursery and small 
 fruit plantations, afi'ord ample means for instruction in horti- 
 culture. Eighty -three of the coloured .students are said to be 
 receiving special instruction in agriculture. 
 
 WEST VIRGINIA. 
 
 The West Virginia University in Morgan town received the 
 national land grant Its productive funds amount to $110,*- 
 000 ; the grounds, buildings and apparatus, are estimated at 
 $175,000. The annual income is $6,500, to which the State 
 adds about $16,000 more. 
 
 The agricultural course consists of a series of lectures, cover- 
 ing two years, on practical agriculture and the allied .sciences. 
 
 WISCONSIN. 
 
 The State Agricultural College of Wisconsin is a depart- 
 ment of the University of Wisconsin, which is located within 
 a mile of Madison, the capital of the State. The town is 
 very prettily situated on elevated ground overlooking two 
 lakes. The university is built on a still higher elevation, 
 overlooking the town as well as the lakes. The endowment 
 fund from agricultural lands is $267,330 ; other productive 
 funds amount to $230,660— $4{)7,990 in all. The value of 
 the grounds, buildings and apparatus, is placed at $455,000. 
 The land, which consists of 200 acres, is naturally well drained ; 
 the soil is clay loam, with a subsoil partly of clay and in part 
 gravel. The special course in agriculture is very thorough, 
 and is combined with practical work on the farm. 
 
 Stock: — The college herd consists of 25 head, some of which 
 are pure Jerseys ; others Jersey and Holstein grades. There 
 
iT 
 
 62 
 
 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGES. 
 
 are two pure bred Jersey bulls, whose services are available 
 to fanners in the neighbourhood for a fee of S2. Nothing 
 has been done in sheep or horses. A few pigs are kept, mainly 
 for feeding experiments. 
 
 Field Experiments. — These have been continued under 
 charge of Prof. Henry for a number of years, and inclndt the 
 testing of a number of v^arieties of corn, wheat and other 
 cereals. Experiments on a large scale have been carried on 
 for several years in growing amber cane for sugar making, 
 and with ensilage. 
 
 Very little has been done in horticultui-.. 
 
 Cheniical Lahovatory. — This depaitment is ver\' complete, 
 and, under the efficient direction of Prof. Armsby, is doing 
 very thorough work in the analysis of fertilizers, fodders and 
 ' grain used as food for cattle, the analysis of milk resulting 
 from various kinds of feed, and particularly in digestion ex- 
 periments. In these food of a certain character and known 
 (juantity is given, the excretory products are weighed and 
 anal^'sed, and the proportion of food assimilated accurately 
 determined ; also the manurial value of the excreta. 
 
 There are about 400 students in the university, but very 
 few are availing themselves of the privileges ott'ej-ed in the 
 line of agricultural education. 
 
 Revenue and Expenditure. — The entire income of the 
 university is nearly $83,000, a large proportion of v:hich is 
 spent in salaries of the teaching statt! 
 
 WASHINGTON. 
 
 Having reviewed in some detail the nmny items of State 
 expenditure designed for the advancement of agriculture, 
 reference will now be made to what is being done by the 
 Federal Government in the same direction. 
 
 The appropriations for the current year for the distribution 
 of seeds, plants and trees, and defraying the expenses con- 
 nected with the scientific work undertaken by the ])epartment 
 for the promotion of agricultun , are ^■I'OS.SIO, exclusive of 
 the special appropriations for the botanic garden of $19,200. 
 
EXPERIMENTAL FARM STATIONS. 
 
 The iteuis ma}'' be thus enuinerate«l : 
 
 Chemical bureau (salaries) $11,500 
 
 Chemicals and apparatus for the use of 
 the chemists and miscroscopists, and 
 for necessar}' expenses in conducting 
 
 experiments oO,000 
 
 EiUtomological bureau (salaries) 7,900 
 
 Investigating the history and habits of 
 insects injurious to agriculture and 
 
 horticulture 20,000 
 
 Greenhouses, gardens and grounds .... 27,750 
 
 Microscopical bureau 1,800 
 
 Botanical bureaa 3,000 
 
 Museum 4,120 
 
 Library, Dept. Agriculture, scientific 
 
 works 1,500 
 
 Seed bureau (salaries) 8,240 
 
 Purchase, pi'opagation and distribution 
 of seeds, trees, shrubs, vines, etc., to 
 be distributed in localities adapted to 
 
 their culture 100,000 
 
 Tea plants, cultivation and distribution. 3,000 
 Forestry — to continue to experiment, 
 investigate and report upon the sub- 
 ject 10,000 
 
 Silk culture — encouragement and de- 
 velopment of tlie culture and raising 
 
 of raw silk 15,000 
 
 Bureau cf animal industry 150,000 
 
 (53 
 
 CO 
 
 00 
 00 
 
 00 
 00 
 00 
 00 
 00 
 
 00 
 00 
 
 00 
 00 
 
 00 
 
 00 
 00 
 
 $408,810 00 
 
 Most of the scientific work cairied on at Washington is of 
 a very high character and of grea'i practical use. The yearly 
 reports of the several bureaus are much sought and highly 
 prized by all who are interested in the subjects on which they 
 treat, and are a credit to the Government and the country. 
 
 m 
 
w 
 
 64 
 
 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGES. 
 
 As a further evidence of the estimation in which experi- 
 mental work in agriculture is held in the United States, a Bill 
 is now before Congress on which the House Committee on 
 Agriculture have reported favourably, and which is likely to 
 become law before the close of the Session, providing for the 
 maintenance by the Federal Government of an experimental 
 station in each State of the Union, by an annual grant of 
 §15,000 to each station. This will undoul)tedly give a great 
 impetus to experimental and practical work; and by providing 
 the means for more general and "xtended investigations, 
 agriculture will be materially advanced, the condition of the 
 farmer improved, and the agricultural calling accorded, in 
 public estimation, some measure of that dignity and import- 
 ance to which, as one of the chief elements in national wealth 
 and greatness, it is fairly entitled. 
 
 FORESTRY. 
 
 On the important subject of Forestry, I have been favoured 
 with a communication from Mr. Bernhard E. Fernow, of New 
 York, Secretary of the American Forestry Congress, one of 
 the best authorities on this continent, a graduate of the 
 Prussian Forest Academy at Miinden, who served as Chief 
 Forester under the Prussian Government for several years 
 before removing to this country. His letter, which was 
 kindly written at my request, contains so niuny valuable 
 suggestions that I append it in full :* 
 
 "American Forestry Congress, 
 "Office of the Corresponding Secretary, 
 
 " January 12, 1886. 
 " Wm. Saunders, Esq. : 
 
 " My Dear Sir, — In reply to your request for my opinion 
 in regard to the needs of forestry in the north-west Provinces 
 of Canada, and to a plan for its introduction, allow me to say 
 that a subject so important and complicated can hardly receive 
 
 • Since the appended letter was written, Mr. Fernow has been appointed Chief 
 of the United States Forestry Bureau at Waslungton. 
 
EXPERIMENTAL FARM STATIONS. 
 
 60 
 
 of 
 
 ras 
 
 non 
 
 ices 
 
 Isav 
 
 jive 
 
 .'hlef 
 
 adequate treatment within tl»e limits of a letter. Space, and 
 my time for using it, being limited, my knowledge of the 
 specific conditions of the region in question being only im- 
 perfect, and not derived from personal inspection, I shall 
 content myself with giving you simply such general hints 
 from the standpoint of a forester as may be useful in forming 
 vour own answer to the fiuestions you ask. 
 
 "The subject of forestry in your country seems to me to 
 have two distinct aspects. Forest conservation and the 
 restoration of natural forests are recjuired on the larger area, 
 and mainly for economic purpo.ses, while agricultural needs 
 call for the creation of new forests in a more limited part of 
 the Dominion, mainly, I believe, in the Provinces of which 
 you speak. 
 
 " I assume that the climatic and hvdrologic influences of 
 forests in general are too well known to you to need discus- 
 sion. That a permanently successful agriculture dejiCnds on 
 a judicious distribution of forests is the natural consequence 
 of those influences. As the improvident denudation of large 
 forest areas in the Old World and on this continent has 
 rendered those districts barren and unproductive and of no 
 value for agricultural purposes, there can lie little doubt that 
 reforestation will be the best aid for restorinj; favourable 
 agricultural conditions. 
 
 " Aside from tlie economic value of the wood-lot and the 
 mechanical influence of the wind-break, retarding the velocity 
 of surface winds and lesseninrj the severitv of blizzards, the 
 most important effect of forest areas properly distributed lies 
 in their livdroloj^ic sirjnificance. 
 
 " They are the cheapest, the most reliable, the best irrigators. 
 This office is due rather to a negative influence upon passing 
 rain clouds. The forest does not prevent rain-fall, as does the 
 open plain ; for while the extensive, treeless plains present an 
 air column, which, being dry and of high temperature, rai.ses 
 the point of saturation of a passing rain cloud, and allows it 
 to pass without deriving the benefit of its moi.sture, the cooler 
 air hovering over the forest tends rather to lower the point 
 
66 
 
 AGRICULTUKAL COLLEGES. 
 
 of saturation, induces rain-fall on the neighbouring territory, 
 so that the most helpful agency of the forests on agriculture 
 is attained by their distribution, in belts or clumps, over the 
 agricultural lands. 
 
 " The co-relation of forests and atmospheric moisture is 
 such, that while the latter, to a certain degree, is a conditio 
 fiine qua non for forest growth, at the same time the grow^ing 
 forest tends to increase the atmospheric moisture of its sur- 
 roundings, creating the very condition which it requires for 
 its development. 
 
 " I consider, therefoi'e, that the reforestation of the treeless 
 and arid plains, and thereby their recuperation for agricul- 
 tural uses, is, beyond doubt, not a difficult task, if begun 
 juiliciously, starting from the outskirts of the present forest 
 area and reaching forward gradually with those species, 
 which, like the Cottonwood, soft maples, birches and others, 
 will vegetate in the arid soil and dry atmosphere of those 
 plains. Tliese species may not be the most desirable for 
 timber growth, and should therefore be replaced as soon as 
 sufficient increase of favourable conditions is obtained, by 
 undergrowing them with more valuable species, gradually 
 removing the first crop, which had fjdHlled its office by 
 preparing the way for its betters. 
 
 " To accomplish the result — modification of climatic condi- 
 tion — the extent of such forests must be commensurate with 
 the vast area needing the change, and it is questionable 
 whether the individual eftbrts of small settlers will not be too 
 isolated, and the results too limited and too remote, to be 
 appreciably beneficial. 
 
 " But if the Government does not undertake such forest 
 planting on a large scale, as has been done in European 
 countries and is now practised in India and Australia, it 
 would certainly be a wise policy to inaugurate and supervise 
 s^'stematic planting of forest belts or clumps ^ a condition of 
 land grants from the public domain. But .his would place 
 the moral obligation upon the Governii.«(, n^ of providing at 
 least all possible protection against failure, by gathering and 
 
EXPERIxMENTAL FARM STATIONS. 
 
 67 
 
 disseminating the necessary information on forest growing. 
 Cautious and judicious proceedings are in no enterprise more 
 necessary than in forestry, if financial results are of account. 
 While agricultural experiments are answered in a year s time, 
 or at least in a few years, the results of forestal operations 
 cannot be ascertaineil until many years are elapsed. Mistakes 
 are apparent only after generations have passed, especially 
 when timber value or financial results form the main object. 
 
 ■' A few examples may illustrate my meaning. Some eighty 
 or ninety years ago the American w'hite pine was highly 
 extolled in Germany as a desirable immigrant, and largely 
 planted. To-day it is found that to attain the quality which 
 we demand for building timber the white pine requires more 
 than one-third longer time than the native Scotch pine. 
 Whether the larger yield per acre will offset the amount of 
 interest on the original outlay thus lost, is extremely question- 
 able. 
 
 "Another mistake was the cu^ivation of birch in pure 
 (unmixed) growth, wdiich found its advocates some years ago. 
 The results of this birch mania have been large areas inipover- 
 ished under the thin foliage of the birch, which neither shades 
 the ground nor enriches it with suitable humus, taxing the 
 ingenuity of the forester to restore the soil to proper condition. 
 
 " The mistakes made in European forrstr}' are frequent 
 enough to serve as a warning for others to proceed more 
 judiciously. 
 
 " I would not discourage the planters of walnut in our 
 northern climes, who, from the rapid growth which the tree 
 makes in the first ten or twenty years, calculate the prospec- 
 tive sawlogs of the forty year old tree ; but it has impressed 
 me more than ever with the importance of the work to \;hich 
 I was called for some time, namely, to ascertain the rate of 
 growth of different species at different periods of their life, 
 and the bearing of this on the financial result of their cultiva- 
 tion. 
 
 " To show you what such a small item as the distance of 
 planting may have upon the ultimate results, I copy from n)y 
 
'I 
 
 68 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGES. 
 
 note-book the followinff figures of an experiment. Thirty 
 acres planted witli Scotch pine in different widths, actual 
 measurement, after twentv-five years' growth reveale<l these 
 results : 
 
 Interval between Proportion 
 
 plants. of yield. 
 
 H feet \.m 
 
 4.;") feet L.'iO 
 
 <) feet 1.2-2 
 
 7.5 feet 1.20 
 
 U feet 1 .0(1 
 
 " Such examples may be used to show that fore.st experi- 
 mentation cannot be expected to be undertaken bv private 
 individuals — at least, that systematic Government aid is 
 necessary, if it is the interest of the Governujent to achieve 
 results for the benefit of its constituents. 
 
 "Nowhere, it seems to me, are measures of encouraijement 
 by Government called for more urgently than in establishing 
 systematic forestry in yourcountiy. Part of Canada s wealth 
 lies in Canada's forests ; the nature of the soil and climate in 
 the northern districts of the eastern an<l central Provinces is. 
 to a large extent, not tit for anything but forest growth. Yet- 
 Canada is utilizinn: the natural o-rowth in such a manner as to 
 deteriorate her forest capacity, and of ten even heragi-icultiiral 
 possibilities. Timber growing will eventually become an 
 economic necessity for Canada ; few lumbermen, under exist- 
 ing conditions, can see any advantage in utilizing supplies 
 with other views than those of immediate gain — a mans life 
 seems too short to enter upon such extended enterprise as 
 forestry — interest in future supplies can concern the State 
 alone ; at least, so it seems at ])resent. 
 
 " The time for a wiser forest policy has come, and the 
 Government should lay now, while it still retains land and 
 forest, the foundation of systematic fore.st management — at 
 least to set, as in Germany, the example after which private 
 owners may form their forestry. 
 
 " There seems to be a misunderstanding as to the position 
 which the different Governments of Germany hold in respect 
 
EXPERIMENTAL FARM STATIONS. 
 
 60 
 
 to their forests. Only one-tliir«l of the entire forest area is 
 State forest; not quite one-fifth, belonging to connnunities, 
 is under restrictive State supervision ; and the balance, very 
 nearly one-half (in Prussia o-t per cent.), is in private hands, 
 to the unrestricted use of their owners, excepting a few cases, 
 where the danger to neii:hl«ouring agricultural lands from 
 the indiscriminate removal of the forest makes its manage- 
 ment under restrictive rules necessary. Yet the good example 
 set by the management of the Government forests has largely 
 induced a similar managenu-nt of private forests by their 
 owners, who frequently employ the neighbouring Government 
 officer, at a sjnall remuneration, to make their working plans. 
 " In Germany, where empire forestry has been practised for 
 more than two centuries, the necessit}- of experimentation 
 upon a scientific basis, though recognized long ago, has found 
 practical expression only recently. France has followed, and 
 we may say that with the year lUlO, when the first experi- 
 mental stations were estaltlisheJ. one in Baden and another in 
 connection with the forest school at Tharana, in Saxony, anew 
 epoch in the art of forestry has been inaugurated. 
 
 " The other Governments soon followed, so that there are now 
 eight central forest experiment stations, with a large number 
 of secondary stations. All these, except the Austrian, have 
 formed a union, called the As.soeiation of the German Forestal 
 Experimental Stations, and work under a common plan 
 harmoniously together, to furnish a scientific foundation for 
 a rational management of forests, based upon exact experi- 
 ments and careful investigation. 
 
 " Your Government may congratulate itself that it can 
 build upon the experience of older nations. For although 
 European administrative methotls and local management may 
 not be translated into Canadian practice, their study will be 
 no small aid in devising a system for your own use. As for 
 their methods of scientific research, and for the establishment 
 of the general natural laws governing forest growth, we may 
 not hesitate to adopt the former and apply the latter as well 
 in forestry as we do in agriculture. 
 
\T 
 
 70 
 
 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGES. 
 
 " The natural laws being uniform all over the world, their 
 practical application will depend only on sound judgment of 
 local conditions. These we liave to study here. What we 
 do not know, and cannot learn from the extensive European 
 libraries of forestal literature, is the capacity of our native 
 species — not less than 95 in Canada (some '20 only in Germany); 
 their rate of growth in different periods of life ; their adapta- 
 Inlity to conditions of soil and climate ; the best mode of pro- 
 pagation and treatment in the forest generally ; the time of 
 their maturity ; their value as timber ; their value as con- 
 servers of forest capacity ; their yielding capacities ; their 
 behaviour towards each other (a most important and, in this 
 country, almost entirely disregarded consideration for the 
 forest grower) ; and many other points essential to a successful 
 forestry. In the face of the utter ignorance on the forestry 
 of our native species, I will not mention the subject of accli- 
 matization of desirable foreigners. 
 
 " Close observations and scientific experiment are needed to 
 arrive at this fundamental knowledjje. 
 
 " In this work one point particularly should not be over- 
 looked, namely, that observations on tree growth for use in 
 forestry must be made under forest conditions. The nursery- 
 man and gardener have very different ol)jects in view. They 
 work under different conditions ; their experiences may often 
 mislead the forester, and their methods, in most cases, he can- 
 not adopt. If anything, therefore, is to be accomplished in 
 forest experimentation, the experimenter must stud}' forest 
 conditions, and employ them in his experiments. 
 
 " I see that the Dominion Lands Act, as amended, provides 
 for reservations on the slopes and crests of the Rocky Moun- 
 tains for the purpose of preserving an even water supply. 
 Such reserves should be placed under the .same direction as the 
 eventual forest experimental stations. Other reserves in the 
 plain, giving the opportunity of studying different forest con- 
 ditions and of applying conclusions for practical results, are not 
 only an essential adjunct to forest experimentation, but may 
 eventually form the nucleus for sj'.stematic forest economy. 
 
EXPERIMENTAL FARM STATIONS. 
 
 71 
 
 " Such reserves, while in the first place designed to serve as 
 experimental grounds, should be made large enough to estab- 
 lish and support a regular forest department, and, with a con- 
 servative polic3\ may be so managed as to demonstrate 
 financial possibilities, and could in time be made to pay for 
 the expenses of all forest experimental stations. Germany, 
 with a forest area of 3o,000,000 acres, of which only 33 per 
 cent, are State forest, expends on experimental stations alone 
 in the aggregate over $30,000, out of which only few salaries 
 are paid, the experimenters being otherwise paid officers. 
 Experimentation in forestiy then, as in agriculture, is of a 
 double charactei-, the nursery and forest garden in connection 
 with the botanical laboratory corresponding to the laboratory 
 of the agricultural chemist, while the model farm finds its 
 counterpart in the natural forest and the plantation. 
 
 " It would lead me too far to enter into the details of organi- 
 zation, except to say that centralization of the work is a neces- 
 sity, and that the centi'al station .should l)e connected with 
 agricultural colleges or experimental stations, where the aid of 
 scientific apparatus can be most readily and chtaply secured. 
 Forestry- being based, somewhat similarly to agriculture, upon 
 a knowledge of natural sciences, the aid of the scientific stafi 
 of such institutions would be an advantage : specialists in 
 botany, chemistry and technology, geology, etc., can be directed 
 to give attention to their subjects as related to forestry-, and 
 occasional or regular lectures on forestry matters, by the forest 
 director and his staff, will soon eniraije close attention from 
 the students of agriculture, and practical application in the 
 management of their wood lots at home. 
 
 " I hope you will find in the foregoing suggestions some- 
 thing to aid you in deciding whether and how your Govern- 
 ment should take steps to provide for the future, not only of 
 Canadian forests, but also of successful agricultural settlements 
 on the treeless plains. If I can aid you further, please indi- 
 cate in what manner, and I will cheerfully do so. 
 
 " Yours very truly, 
 
 " BERNHARD E. FERNOW." 
 
w 
 
 T 
 
 72 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGES. 
 
 Forexli'ii E.rpenditare in Germanif. — I add, as an interest- 
 ing item from the Budget of Prussia (the most economical of 
 the (ierman a(hninistration.s), for tlio year 1st April, 18<So-86, 
 the following figures (rounded off') : 
 
 Total expenditure for State $3ir>,000.()00 
 
 Total area 86,000,000 acres. 
 
 Total State forest area 6,000,000 " 
 
 Total expenditure for Forest Depart- 
 ment 8,250,000 
 
 Of which special appropriation for pur- 
 chas(! of waste lands and removal of 
 easements 575,000 
 
 Of balance for admijiistration — 
 
 Personal (4,600 officers of all grades). . 34 per cent. 
 
 Material 58 
 
 General expenses 8 
 
 For forest schools and scientific pur- 
 poses $ 48,250 
 
 Total gross receipts of Forest Depart- 
 ment 13,250,000 
 
 Of which, for wood (260,000,000 cubic 
 
 feet) 11,700,000 
 
 Net income from Forest Department . 5,000,000 
 
EXPERIMENTAL FARM STATIONS. 
 
 78 
 
 II. AGRICULTURAL COLLEGES, EXPERIMENTAL 
 STATIONS AND SCHOOLS OF HORTICULTURE 
 AND FORESTRY IN EUROPE. 
 
 In further proof of the fact that tliere is a general move 
 ment in niost civilized communities to encourage research an<l 
 experiment, and to provide an<l impart information with tlie 
 view of promoting agriculture, a few facts will now be sub- 
 mitted relating to some of the scliools of agriculture, horti- 
 culture, experimental stations and schools of forestry in other 
 countries. 
 
 During i)ie autumn of ISHJJ Prof. A. S. Welch, late Presi- 
 dent of the Agricultural College of Icnva, visited Europe at 
 the recjuest of the Connnissioner of Agriculture for the United 
 States, for the purpose of inquiring into the organization and 
 management of the principal agricultural schools in England, 
 (jrermany and Belgium. He remained some months, and on 
 his return, in ISiSi, submitted a report, recently published by 
 the Department of Agriculture in Wasliington, from whicli 
 much of what follows has been gleaned. 
 
 ENGLAND. 
 
 ROYAL A(JRICULTURAL COLLEGE AT CIRENCESTER, ENGLAND. 
 
 Tliis well-known institution was estalilished in 184.5 by a 
 company of noblemen, headed by the late Prince Albert, and 
 was incorporated at the same time under a charter granted by 
 Queen Victoria. By the sale of corporation shares a sufficient 
 sum was realized to erect the main college building, which is 
 an imposing Gothic structure, located a mile and a quarter from 
 Cirencester. The building has a frontage of 200 feet, and 
 contains the apartments of the resident professor, students' 
 dormitories, library, lecture rooms, laboratories, museums, etc. 
 
74 
 
 AGRICULTURAL COLLKGKS. 
 
 In 1880 the institution was tiist naim'd ])y Her Majesty tlie 
 " Royal A<,'ricultural t'oUojjre of Knj^laml. " The formal patron 
 is the Prince of Wales, an<l the J)uke of MarlboroujLjh is Pre- 
 sident. The collej^e has no endowment fund ; its support is 
 wholly derived from students' fees and the patronajje of the 
 association. 
 
 There are alnnit 70 students, .')0 of whom reside in the 
 eoUej^e; the others are out-students, who Vtoard in the town. 
 The in-students pay fl8.") (8658) per annum ; the out-students, 
 for tuition alone, £75 (.^365). 
 
 The instruction consist.s of eour.ses of lectures on practical 
 and scientific agriculture, mechanical work of the farm, 
 experiments in the field and veterinary hospital practice. 
 With the.se suhjects are as.sociated chemistry, geology, botany, 
 zoology, mechanics, physics, mensuration, practical engineer- 
 ing, land .surveying, book-keeping and architecture. The 
 .students composing the cla.s.ses take careful notes on the topics 
 presented to them, then consult works of reference, and pre- 
 pare themselves for a weekly written examination, b}' the 
 results of which their standing is in part determine<l. 
 
 The chemical lalx)ratory is thoroughly equipped and th^ 
 studies directed by a staff of competent teachers, who instruct 
 the students in chemical prociSoes, particularly the analyses 
 of .sultstances a.s.sociated with aijriculture. 
 
 In the lecture I'oom is a collection of wheat plants, with 
 roots and heads well ])reserved, showing the results of an 
 experiment by Sir J. B. Lawes, of Rothemsted, on a single 
 variety of wheat cultivated for nineteen successive years in 
 twenty-eight small plots, one of which received no manure, 
 while the others were annually treated with definite quantities 
 of special fertilizers. In this manner, by nineteen repeated 
 applications, the exact effect of every fertilizer was ascertained 
 and a most instructive .series of specimens .secured, the un- 
 nianured examples showing about half the size and weight of 
 those best manu ed. The relative size and yield of the dif- 
 ferent .samples showed that super-phosphate of lime and 
 ammonia salts produce«l the best results. 
 
EXPERIMENTAL FARM STATIONS. 
 
 7r> 
 
 The biological lultorutory is well supplied with iiii.serosc'opos 
 an<l other apparatus. 
 
 An excellent botanic ganlen is an int»'restiTig feature; it is 
 well stocked with plants, es])ecially with grasses and other 
 economic species. 
 
 A large nniseuni is another valuable aid. It contains a full 
 collection of connnercial fertilizers, forage cakes, including 
 those iiukK' from hemp, rape, palm, coeoanut, cotton and flax 
 .seeds; also a collection of sugars, starches, animal and vege- 
 table oils and mineral phosphates. An interesting feature is 
 a series of wax models representing Knglish j-oot crops and a 
 large nund)er of neatly preserved British grains and cereals. 
 The veterinary display is also large, including a set of papier- 
 mache models for teacbing the anatomy of the domestic 
 animals. 
 
 The department of pbysics is well fitted with apparatus for 
 illustrating the subjects of light, heat, electricity, etc. The 
 prominence given to model engines, pumps, water-wheels and 
 other mechanical appliances, indicate that the practical rela- 
 tions of this department to agriculture are fully recognized. 
 
 The college farm consists of 500 acres of land divided into 
 twenty fields, in which are raised a great variety of crops on 
 an approved sj\stem of I'otation. In the stock department a 
 specialty is made of (yotswohl sheep and Berkshire pigs, and 
 some of the most perfect specimens of these breeds, as well as 
 good specimens of all the other leading breeds of sheep in the 
 world, are to be seen here. Horses and cattle are also bred, 
 but to a more limited extent. 
 
 DOVVNTON ("0LLE(;E OF AGRICULTURE. 
 
 This college, located at Downton, near Sali.sburv, was estab- 
 lished, in 1880, for the purpose of preparing students for 
 positions of land owners, farmers, etc. The farm comprises 
 550 acre.s, and on account of the variability of its soil, is well 
 adapted for purpo.ses of instruction. A flock of Hampshire 
 Down sheep, numbering about 700, is a prominent feature in 
 the stock department at this place. 
 
w 
 
 76 
 
 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGES. 
 
 Both Professors Freaiii and Slieldon, well known in tins 
 coiintrv from their writinurs on the auricultural resources of 
 Canada, are activel}'^ enj^^at^ed in this college. 
 
 The conrses of lectures are vej'y similar in character to tiiose 
 of the Royal College of Agriculture, and cover the whole 
 tield of agriculture and the allied sciences, the teachino- heimj 
 aid(Ml hy well-titted laboratories, with the newest forms of 
 apparatus. In this college students are required to work in 
 the fields and to help in the nuuuigument of live stock. 
 
 The expenses, including board, lodging and tuition, arc 
 .€l'2\) (SO^.S) a year ; for students boarding outsi<le the college, 
 £()() ($292). 
 
 FRANCE. ' 
 
 jDLai)id progress is being made in experimental agriculture in 
 France. From the report of the Select Committee of the 
 House of Conmions, already referred to, much of the following 
 information is gathered. 
 
 In 180S, the Minister of A'aiculture. of France, connnis- 
 si(med a gentleman w^ell versed in agricultural science, Mr. L. 
 Crandeau, to visit the agricultural stations of Germany, and 
 " to report on the working of these institutions, on the services 
 which they rendered *he German population, an<l as to the 
 advantage there would be to French sigriculture by encourag- 
 in<j the creation of analogous establishments.'" He returned 
 full of admiration for these agricultural stations, which he 
 describes as producing the ha])piest results, and fui-ther says: 
 "At whatever cost, our farmers must be made familiar with 
 the art of experimenting. In a word, it is henceforth indis- 
 pensable that agricuh iir<', which in our country hns licen 
 hitherto a science of observation, should become at the same 
 time an experimental science. In tliis manner, and in this 
 numuer only, can lie reach.-d better conclusions which will l)e 
 more abundantly remunerative, and which will more than 
 compensate the increased labour which the husbandman will 
 undertake in following the new order. 
 
EXPERIMENTAL FARM STATIONS. 
 
 77 
 
 u rpi 
 
 Tlu- II jnl'ost (leinonstration of the protit, ii'snlting to 
 agriculture from the union of chemical science and pln'.sio- 
 logical experiment wliicli was realized at the stations, inade 
 impression every day more and more, on practical farmers. 
 The mistrust (/f those whom they called the learned lessened 
 from day to day, and they liastened to come and ask, at the 
 station, counsel and instruction as to those things iii their 
 daily labours on which they most wanted information." 
 
 Following this!,l',ere were, in the year I87H, in France forty- 
 three agricultural experimental stations suhsidize<l ))y the 
 Government; twenty four received from IToOto l(!,4(i7 francs 
 each, and nineteen from .')00 to .S.OOO francs. 
 
 To France is also due the c)'e<lit of havino- solvcl the ditH- 
 cult problems which formerly stood in the way of the beet 
 sugar industry, a result brought about chiefly by the liberality 
 of the French Government. In the encouragement of tree 
 planting France has also taken a prominent part, and some 
 portions of her territory once l)arren and arid are now clotlied 
 with a luxuriant growth of pines. 
 
 GFRMANY. 
 
 THE ROYAL AOIMCLLTIUAL ACADEMY AT I'OPI'EI.SDOUF, NEAR 
 
 BONN, PRUSSIA. 
 
 The Hoval A<jricultural Acailemy bdonus to the hi'diest 
 class of agricultural schools under the Prussian system. It 
 aims to give a complete cours<- of instruction in the sciences 
 on which progressive agriculture is based, as well as practical 
 instruction in all the details ;nvolve<l in agricultural opera- 
 tions. It also undei-takes to ca ry on extensive experiments 
 in every department of agriculture, f(U- the pui-poseof improving 
 its processtis and increasing the vahu^ of its products, and aims 
 to make orimnal in\ cstijrations in the sciences which underlie 
 agriculture. 
 
 To accomplish these objects the institution is liberally 
 supported by the (Jermnji Government. It has a faculty of 
 lenrned men, a well-managed farm, gardens, extensive experi- 
 
78 
 
 AGRICLLTOKAL COLLEGKS. 
 
 mental grouiRls and stables, domestic animals, a museum, a 
 botanic garden and coiiservatories, and numerous laboratories, 
 in charge of scientific I'xperts, abundantly supplied with 
 sci*-'ntitic apparatus. 
 
 The faculty consists of a Director and 18 professors, each 
 of whom has one or more assistants. There are also other 
 officers and clerks to attend to the routine business. 
 
 The I)ir(>ctor is the general executive officpr, has control of 
 all the funds appropriated by the Government for the support 
 of the Hcademv, and reports annually to the Minister of 
 Agriculture. 
 
 The course of instruction is for two years, and is not open to 
 the peasantry ; only the middle or higher classes can avail 
 themselves of its advantages. The usual attendance of 
 students is about 8.5 ; more than half of the innnber take the 
 airricultural course ; the others take the course of auricidturi i 
 engineering. 
 
 Some idea can be formed of the extent of the experimental 
 work undertaken at this academy, when it is known that 
 in winter wheat alone (iOO varieties have been tested, so as to 
 aNScertain tlie kinds best adapted to German soils; also, 050 
 varieties of American, English and (jrerman potatoes for the 
 same purpose. In many other departments similar exhaustive 
 courses of experiment have bean pursued. 
 
 THE UOVAL INSTITUTE FOR FRUIT AND WINE ("ULTURE. 
 
 This in-stitute. which was established by the Prussian 
 Government twelve yearK ago, is situated at Geisenheim, on 
 the Bphine, in the centi'(» of the gj-ape-growing district. 
 
 The i'aculiry con.v' ' four ^o<#;ssors, all of whom are 
 men learivid in sc't;nce, - assintawft^i and gardeners. The 
 experimental groiim' and Wf^W ■«tocked, each division 
 
 being placed in chai <^ *fxj^rt. The buildings, 
 
 museum, iaboraitories ijuu c.ii.. **< • ain{^^, convenient and 
 well adapted to their .se"—' ■"■)-,-/..; and an excellent 
 librar}' is kept weil .-iuppli ii., Jri this establish- 
 
 ment the number of students i.s limit law t') ')0. 
 
EXPf:RIMENTAL FARM STATIONS. 
 
 7i) 
 
 While mainly designed to <five instruction in fruit culture, 
 this institute also includes in its course vegetable culture, 
 market gardening and, to some extent, tree-growing. Special 
 attention is given to the cultivation of the grape and the 
 manufacture of wine : also, to the growing of apples ami 
 pears. 
 
 In the experimental apple orchard there are nearly 400 
 varieties, which are being tested for compar'-'tive excellence, 
 both .standards anrl dwarfs ; 400 varieties of pears, 60 of 
 plums, .50 of peaches, and 24 of apricots, all of which, as they 
 fruit, are submitted to careful comparison l)V(iualiiied experts. 
 In the small fruit section tliere are G() varieties of goose- 
 berries, 4.5 of raspberries and 100 of strawberries. 
 
 In the experimental vinej-ard ;i.")0 varieties of grapes from 
 all parts of the world are being tested as to their productive- 
 ness, their quality for table fruit and for wine making. Here 
 also are greenhouses and propagating houses atibrding eveiy 
 facilitv for nndtiplving (lesirable sorts for move extensive 
 experimental work. 
 
 The immense expense incurred in carrying on these schools 
 for .so limited a number of students, and that number being 
 limited bv law, would seem to indicate that a much higher 
 value is attached to the general vsults of the experimental 
 work, of which the entire public receive the full beni'tit in 
 the yearly reports, than to the teaching given. Further, with 
 so large a teaching staff, and so comparatively small a nundter 
 of .students, the teaching can be carried on either by th(,> 
 professors or their assistants, without interfering much with 
 experimental work. 
 
 BELGIUM. 
 
 THE ROYAL FOREST SCHOOL OF RAVARIA. 
 
 This school, which is situated at Aschattenburg, attbids very 
 thorough instruction in forestry. In addition to a f)dl stati' 
 of professors, who give instruction in all the sciences grouped 
 around wood craft and forestrv, there are large museums and 
 
80 
 
 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGES. 
 
 excellent laboratories supplied with all sorts of scientific 
 instruments. Here there are (So students. 
 
 AURK TLTT'IUL EXl'EHIMENTAI. STATU >NS. 
 
 In Belijiuiii there are also nine agricultural expei'iniental 
 stations, supported jointly by the Government and the local 
 agricultural societies. The work carried on at these stations 
 is chiefly chemical. In the station at (Ihent. which may be 
 taken as a type of the group, there is a director, a chemist 
 and three assistants; a chemical laboratory, well supplied 
 with apparatus for conducting analytical work, a stable and 
 a feeding room. 
 
 At these stations analyses are conducted of foods and of 
 products from the farm, of gras.ses and fodders used for the 
 production of flesli or milk, for the purpose of determining 
 their comparative value: also of manures, l»ut more particu- 
 larly the commercial fertilizei's, such as are purchased and 
 u.sed bv the Belgian farmer. 
 
 Formerly the small farmers of that country were shame- 
 fully imposed on by the vendors of spurious fertilizers and 
 cattle foods, the deficiencies in which they were unable to 
 detect until after they had sunk a large part of their means 
 in testing them. Now. through the agencies of these useful 
 instituti<Mis, the farmer can have determined for him before- 
 hand the actual value of all such substances, and thus be pro- 
 tecteil from imposition. 
 
 The .sugar beet is grown in laige (juantities in Belgium from 
 ii'iported seed, some samples of which are much adulterated 
 with old and worthless material. The stations have rendered 
 most valuable service to the farmers b\- testing the vitality of 
 the various lots ofierevl in the market, and have thus been the 
 means of preventing, in large niea.sure, the waste of labour 
 ami other losses which attend tlie use of worthless st "d. 
 
 Feeding experiments have been most carefully condueted 
 with ditleient breeds of animals, and the results made public. 
 The officers of this station have al.so devoted some attention 
 to counterfeits in conniiercial fabrics, determining the precise 
 
EXPERIMKN'TAL FARM STATIONS. 
 
 SI 
 
 «{UHiitity of cotton in mixed ^oods. No teaohincr is cnrrietl on 
 at anv of these stations. 
 
 THE HoRTrrn/rrit.vi, school at ohest. 
 
 This is one of two such natiduil schools supportvd hy tlie 
 Belgian Government. The hoard of instruction consists of 
 seven professors, and the course of study extends over three 
 years. The nuinhei* of students is limited to 25. 
 
 At this scliool the cultivation of tiowci-s is a pi-oiiiiucnt 
 feature, receiving the principal attention hoth as to instruction 
 and practice. On this account much time is devoted to iKitany. 
 As aids to study, there are lai-ge collections of plants in the 
 conservatories, and an innnense herharium of 80.000 specimens, 
 comprising species from all pai-ts of tlie world. Collections, 
 charts and casts illustrate the structure and cliaracter of 
 flowers and fruit, while a number of excellent microscopes 
 enable students to investigate the minute structure and tis.sut's 
 of plants. There is a large propagating liouse, wIumv instruc- 
 tions are given in that part of th<' gardeners art. arwl many 
 experiments are conducted. Bulb culture, which is an im- 
 portant connnercial branch of tloricultui*' in Belgium, is 
 thorouiihlv taught at this school. 
 
 The conservatories are very extensive. Thr juain .>«tnMlMiP 
 is 2oO feet long, 60 feet wide and 40 feet high. Tim is 
 stocked chiefly with ti'opical plants. For such a^^ re(|uir»* m 
 lower temperature, another glass house is provif^U-d 200 fent 
 long and -SO feet wide. A special house has alsi> l»een buik 
 for orchids and acpiatic plants. 
 
 OTHER COUNTRIKK. 
 
 To pursue in detail the work being carried on m other 
 countries in furtherance of agi-i^'ultwre would prolmbly i-e 
 wearisome, since a vohnne w^ould \uA «ochaust tJ^r i*ubj**et and 
 the work is everv where much alike in its character. A ft- w 
 general remarks will enable the reacW to form some id*»* oi 
 the extent of the work (juietly going on in many ot>uulries, 
 6 • 
 
82 
 
 AGRICULTL'UAL COLLEGES. 
 
 some of wliich are supposed, hy tlic uniiit'onned, to Ite Itehiivl 
 in such undertakings. 
 
 Tlie agrieultural college at Petrovsk, near Moscow, in 
 Russia, is very large, well conducted and well patronized, and 
 is supplied witli every reipiisite for efficient teaching. It hiv-- 
 1,200 acres of land, with nurseries, arboretum, forestiy belLs. 
 etc.; an excellent selection of stock is ke]>t, and all kinds of 
 field crops grown. About (SOO students are in attendance. 
 
 Other agricultural and pomological ' institutions are a]si» 
 doinof irood work in that countrv. The ])otanic i^arden at 
 St. Peteislmrgh, inider charge of Dr. Kegel, ranks among thi' 
 largest and most complete in the world. In forestry Russia 
 has made enormous progress, and has now, according to Pro- 
 fessor Budds report, no less than 12,502 named forest.*', 
 covering .^0,000.000 of acres. There are 7()2 large (lovernment 
 forestry stations thrcaighout the Empire, under the charge 
 of an eipial nund)ei" of educated directors. In the Steppe 
 districts much land, formerly ))ai-i'en, owing t(» insuflicient 
 rain-fall, ha.s, within the last half century, been brought into 
 condition for cultivation by the planting of tracts of foi-ests 
 of from 15,000 t(» -SO.OOO acres each, which has had tlie effect 
 of inducing local rain-fall sufficient to admit of successful 
 aoriculture. In one Province, that of Tula, where lait little 
 wood formerly existed, the (Jovernment has seven plantatiou>. 
 rany-iniif in si/e from IS.OOO to 21,000 acres each. 
 
 In Silesia, the Kiny:"s Pomohjgical Institute at Proskau i> 
 one of the best schools of hovticultiae and forestry in Euro}>e. 
 where .SOO acres of land are devoted to testing all the haixiiesi 
 fruits of northern and eastern Europe ; and similar institu- 
 tions exist in almost every countrv on that continent. 
 
 In Ireland a system of agricultural education has l:»een 
 recently introduced into the elementary scliools, which is full 
 of pi-omise. The sch(X)ls are associated with school farms and 
 gardens, where children are taught the principles of agricul- 
 tuiv and horticulture. 
 
 In a i-ecent report it is stated that from 45,000 to 50,000 
 chi]<lren are ainiually examined as to their proticiencv in 
 
EXPERIMKNTAL FARM STATIONS. 
 
 ^J$ 
 
 M^rieulturrtl studit^. an<i that al)out luilt' tliat nuinlK'r ha\«> 
 succeeded in piinin^ passe?; for their proficiency in this hranch. 
 The All)ert Aj^rieultnral Institute at Ulasnevin, liesidcs carry- 
 ing on other qood w<ti-k. is traininir teachers tor tliat purposj*. 
 and all those now eiiixaije<l in •■lenientarv schools in Ireland are 
 re<|nii'(>d to iviss an examination in this subject l)et'oi'e enter- 
 in^j on theii- duties. Were s^onie such n»easui-e as this adopted 
 in ('ana<la, and the inteix*st of t-liildren ot" all classes awaki-ned 
 by presenting- to their niin»l'i some of the more attractive 
 features in agi-icultural pui"suits. there is every reason to be- 
 lieve that the effect on a<;!:»'ic-»ltural progress \vou]<l l)e very 
 marked in a single generation. The Minister Agricultural 
 and Daiiv School is rendering eminent service to farmers in 
 the county of ( V)rk. 
 
 A large number of agrieultiiral expei-imental stations have 
 been established in different pirts of Clermany, some eighty 
 in all: many similar stations aiv in active opeiation in Austria. 
 Hiiugary, Italy and other ci»untries of Europe, most of them 
 supported or subsidize<l by the respective (Jovernments. The 
 growing of tind»er on a lai-ge scale lias engaged the attention 
 of manvof those countries, and is also beinu' can-ied on in a 
 very large way both in Austi-iilia and in India. 
 
 Japan, too. is moving in this matter. Some years ago tlu' 
 Japanese establi,she<l agriciiltiinil testing farms near Tokyo, 
 wdiere trees, shrubs and fruit> fnnu foreign countries were 
 grown, and the most pnnnising s«>rts propagated and dissemi- 
 nated. Recently the Japan Government has enoaued tlu^ 
 services of an eminent American agriculturist for a term of 
 years, at a liberal salary, for the purpose of establishing, in 
 the Japanese Empire. ex|X'rin>»'ntal agricultural stations on 
 the American plan. 
 
ill 
 
 84 
 
 AGRICL'LTURAL COLLEGES. 
 
 III.— AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION AND EXPERI- 
 MENTAL WORK IN CANADA. 
 
 ONTARIO. 
 
 The Ontario Agricultural Colle<;e is the onlv institution of 
 its kind in Canada. It is located aUmt one mile from the 
 city of Guelph. The buildings occupy a commanding position, 
 overlookinfj the farm and the citv. The farm consists of o.50 
 acres, which was purchased in 1873 at a cost of ?<7.'),000. 
 From the report of the college for lHi^'2 we learn that the 
 t(>tal cost of land, buildings, live st<x-k. implements and drain- 
 age — all of which is charged to capital account — up to tlie 
 end of 1880. was i?22.').889.46. Subsenuent reports and annual 
 statements of the public acc(junts of the Province show the 
 following additional sums expended in excess of revenue: 
 
 To 81st Deeend.er, 1881 Sril),;i24 .SJ) 
 
 do 1882 .51,050 40 
 
 do 1888 .55,801 8(j 
 
 do 1884 yO,291 98 
 
 From these expenditures there is chargeable to capital 
 account the following sums: 
 
 In 1881 S27,859 95 
 
 1882 15,353 09 
 
 1888 12,400 68 
 
 1884 52,512 98 
 
 Total ii5l08,12f; 05 
 
 Which, added to the amount given above, makes the invest- 
 ment on capital account to the end of 1884, $834,016.11. 
 Deducting the moneys charged to capital account each year 
 from the total expenditure, the account stands as follows : 
 
p:xperimental farm stations. 85 
 
 I '^'S 1 . Expenses of teachinor collefc, as 
 stated in colloijo ropoi-t ovei- an<l 
 
 above revenue S14.!)8() 85 
 
 Kxpenses of experimental farm... |:J,4.77 .50 
 
 828.464 44 
 
 1882. Expen.ses of teaching college s18,.S].t 0;i 
 
 do experimental farm 17;}81 42 
 
 i<:in.(m .S7 
 
 I88.S. — Kxpense.s of teaching college .... .Sl8,7l)7 97 
 do expei-iniental farm 24.(iO:i 21 
 
 .S4:j.401 18 
 
 1884. — Expense.s of teaching college .... .^10,760 .5(1 
 do experimental fai-m 18,018 44 
 
 1^-S7,770 00 
 
 This points to an average net expenditure on maintenance 
 account for the past four years of .^5:^6,885. 47, and on capital 
 account of Jil;27,0:3 1.66. 
 
 The land is utilizeil as follows: College and ornamental 
 grounds, 45 acres : garden, 5 acres ; experimental grounds. 
 24 acres: orchard, 20 acres; under general cultivation, :324 
 acres: natural pasture, 60 acres: bush, 65 acres; roads, 
 7 acres. 
 
 All college expenditure is controlled by the Principal : the 
 farm expenditure by the Professor of Agriculture. In the 
 astimate of farm expenses the large sums paid foi- student 
 labour are included, as follows : 
 
 For 1881 .S5,202 61 
 
 1^^2 4 421 5^ 
 
 '^^^''^ : 4,000 42 
 
 l^^'*--- 4.284 98 
 
8r> 
 
 AGHICULTrilAL COLLKCtKS. 
 
 A^ this laUour is no douht paid for ut a iniu-li liiulirr rate 
 than its intrinsic Nahic will warrant, it remains >in open qucs- 
 tion as to what jiroportion of it is fairly fhaj-ircahlt' to the 
 farm account. 
 
 On till- othi'r hand, the .salai'V of the Profe.s.sor of Airricul- 
 tun* is charged entirely to the C()llei>e aeeoiint, whereas much 
 of his time is necessarily occupied in superititendint,' the 
 Work on the farm. 
 
 Tin- Facultx' consists of six professoi's. with .salaries varvinir 
 in amount from SI. 200 to S2,0()() each, the heads of the two 
 departments receivino;. in addition to theii- salaries^ furnished 
 houses, h(»rses, servants and table supplies. 
 
 The numlier of students at pi'esent atten^ling is !M. In the 
 course of insti'uction ai:;riculture occupies a promin<'nt place. 
 in connection with lessons on live stock, duiryinLT. arltoricul- 
 ture. chemistry, veterinary .science, hotany, entomology. 
 En'^iish literature, liook-ki'cpino-, etc. Tlx' full cour.se covers 
 a period of two years, each year beiui;' di\ ided into four terms, 
 one of which is (le\-oted entirely to wt)rk in the outside depart- 
 ment. Durino' each of the other three tei-ms, extendiuij in all 
 from the first of ( )ctoher to the 1st cf June, there are rei^ular 
 courses of lectures, associated with a certain amount of out- 
 d(»or W(jrk. The numi)er of hours of compulsory lal»our lias 
 lately l»een reduciMl. and students now spend one hour each 
 mornini; and e\ery alternati' afternoon in this department. 
 The numltei' of grailuates during- the past four years, as given 
 in tlie rep»)rt for 1MS4. is as follows: For 1.S81, J); 1.SS2, li); 
 l<S.s:i. J>: and for IS«4. II. 
 
 Stock. — No institution in America can compare with the 
 Ontario College in the variety and excellence ol its stock. All 
 the best breeds are represented here — Durhams. Herefords, 
 Pollt'd Angus, Oalloways, Jerseys, Ayrshires, Holsteins, Devons 
 an»i Guernseys. These breeds are each repi-esented by a bull 
 and two cows, recently importe<l. There are also specimens of 
 the West Highland breed of cattle, which is said to l>e valu- 
 able foj- its hardiness, but is rather slow in maturing ; besides 
 which there are two Quebec native cows, which are good 
 
KXPERIMKNTAL FARM STATIONS. 
 
 H7 
 
 milkers: tlu'so are about the size of .Tcrscvs, and Ity crossiii«>; 
 tlu'Ui witli piirc-bred Jerseys, it is expoeted tlmt a ^nuh; 
 animal very valuable for milking; purposes will he ol»tained. 
 
 The (lirtereiit breeds of sheep are also well re])resL'nted by 
 lu.'wly impoi-ted stock, the number, in most eases, bein<( two 
 rams and three ew«>s of eaeh. The eoUeetion includes (yots- 
 wolds, Oxfoi-d Downs. Hampshire Downs. South Downs, 
 Shropshires. Lincolns. Black-faced Higldands, Jjesters. Merinos 
 and Cheviots. 
 
 In piiirs there are two sows and one boai' of eacli of the 
 followinu' bi'eeds : Berkshire, Esse.x and Middle York. The 
 services of male animals continue to be <fiven to farmers, 
 the chai'u'cs vai'viny from ii^l to J510. This is said to cause 
 •some (h'ssatisfaction amoni^- prominent breeders of thorough- 
 breds, whose charges for such services are liigher. Experiments 
 in cattle feeding luive been carried on for eiglit or nine years, 
 but have now almost ceased, daii'ying occupying most atten- 
 tion. 
 
 Field AV;w/7">(*e/i^s'.— Twenty-four acres are devoted to 
 experimental work, divided into ItSO plots of one-tenth of an 
 acre eacli, with suitable spaces between them. The situation 
 of this field is low, and hence unfavourable for grain culture, 
 Imt is well suited for grasses, and answers faii'ly well for roots. 
 Ill the centre of these plots there is a small l)uilding for 
 meteorological observations, supplied with an excellent rain 
 gauge and a series of .soil thermometei-s. Part of the interior 
 is fitted up us a chemical lal)oratory, supplied with apparatus 
 for the analysis of .soils, n.iilk. etc. 
 
 Forty varieties of cereals have been experimented with 
 during the past year, and foui- sorts of peas. The experiments 
 with grasses have been satisfactory, and seem to have estab- 
 lished the value of some varieties for permanent pasture, 
 especially the meadow fescue, meadow foxtail and perennial 
 
 rve ffi'ass. 
 
 Many experiments with ensilage have been conducted, and 
 the conclusicm readied, that where roots can be advantage- 
 ously grown ensilage is not much needed: but where circum- 
 
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 IMAGE EVALUATION 
 TEST TARGET (MT-3) 
 
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 Hiotographic 
 
 Sciences 
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 id WEST MAIN STREET 
 
 WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 
 
 (716) 873-4503 
 

«8 
 
 AGRICULTlTIt\L COLLEGES. 
 
 stances arc adverse, and difficulties stand in the way of 
 thoroughly drying such fodder as may he grown, this mode of 
 preservation may he useful. 
 
 Hortn'nUnre. — There is an apple oichard of ovin- 10 acres, 
 with aVwait 80 varieties of trees; one of cherries and plums, o*' 
 2 acres with 50 varieties; five acres of small fruits, including 
 stittwherries, rasphei'ries, g«K)sel>erries and currants. The 
 vinery covei's three acres, and has al>out 80 sorts; last year 
 was tlu^ first year of l>earing. 
 
 The five acres of veojetalile jraiden an; Itordered with fruit 
 trees and vines. 
 
 Greenhnitscn. — There are three glass stinictui'es, one ust'd as 
 a con.servatorv, one as an intermediate house, and one as a 
 propagating house. The.se are very plain huildings, about 80 
 feet in lentjth, heated bv brick flues, which smoke to that 
 extent that it is almost impos.sible to grow hard woo<led 
 plants ; they are very ptK)rly adapte<l for the purpose for 
 which they were designed. These houses are used partly as 
 a means of instruction, but chiefly foi- the raising of bed<ling 
 plants for outdoor derMraticm during the smnmer. 
 
 Tree (Jlwinps. — There are five of these in all, covering about 
 half an acre each. The trees have been .several years planted, 
 and most of them are now making fair growth. The varieties 
 are black walnut, sugar maple, Kuropean larch, butternut and 
 one mixed clump. 
 
 Arhnretavi. — This is situated ]>artly in front of the build- 
 ings and partly in the rear. The groups con.sisting of the 
 smaller trees and shi-ubs are planted on a lawn of about 12 
 acres in front of the Imildings, and the larger trees arranged 
 in the rear, where, when the planting is completed, they will 
 occupy fully 10 acres. They are gnmped in their natural 
 orders, some twenty-five ortleix being represented in the col- 
 lection. Most of the shrubs and trees, although still small, 
 have made fair growth, and the arlM)retum now contains about 
 300 species and varieties in all. 
 
 A collection of herbaceous plants has also been procured » 
 consisting of about 200 species and varieties, and there is a 
 
EXPERIMENTAL FARM STATIONS. 
 
 89 
 
 small nursery tor propagating;; youn*; stock ami growing trees 
 for th«> arlH)retiin« an«i ornamental grounds. These collec- 
 tions are found to le very useful for teaching pur|)oses, while 
 at the same time they add much to tlu^ appearance of the 
 grounds. 
 
 The altitude and location of Guelph are such »is to render 
 the climate unfavourable to the growth of manv of the less 
 hardy sorts of trees and shrul)s, which can he successfully 
 grown in the more favoureci districts of Ontario. This has 
 cau.sed disappointment in many instances, when the att«'mpt 
 has been made to intro<luc«^ half hardv thing.s. 
 
 A course of instruction is given in practical horticulture, 
 including grafting, budding, potting, etc. 
 
 Mech(imct<. — The.se ar«' taught to a limited extent, but 
 sufficient perhaps for the requirements of a farmer: but the 
 buildings neetl enlarging and improving, in order to give the 
 re<juisite facilities. The carpentei's sliop is fitted with four 
 benches, aftbrdiny; accomuKMlation for eijjht students at a time; 
 a black.smith shop is also being constructed, with two forge.s. 
 
 Lahovatorti.—k large riMnn in the niain building is used as 
 a conibine<l laboratory and lectuie r(H)m, with accommcxlations 
 for giving practical instruction to .'iO students at a time. This 
 is insufficiently lighted, poorly e<|uipped, an<l inconveniently 
 situated. So important a department should have a detached 
 buildinsr for its own u.se. 
 
 Readiiuj Rooiu and Library. — A large, commotlious and 
 well-lighted reading room is provided, with 42 papers, journals 
 and magazines, including all the leading (^anadian, British 
 and American periodicals. The library, which is being con- 
 stantly augmented, consi-sts of o,000 volumes, and includes a 
 large number of works on agriculture, horticulture and veteri- 
 nary science. 
 
 Museum,. — A general museuni has been established in a 
 large room in the college building, and contains upwards of 
 3,000 specimens illustrating agricultural and horticultural 
 products, Ixitany, geology, entomology, mineralogy and zo- 
 ology. 
 
 
90 
 
 AGRICI'LTURAL COIiLEGES. 
 
 Kiperi mental Dairy. — This is a small building in which 
 dairy pnxUicts are made on a small scale, and where the 
 proportionate protiuce of cream, l»utt«»r and cheese contained 
 in the milk of different breeds of cows is tested. By means 
 of a centrifugal separator of one hoi-se j)ower. the cream fn)m 
 the milk of 15 cows can be separate*! in an hour. Lectures 
 are juriven on this subject twice a week throughout the winter. 
 
 Creauioy. — The creamery has only been in opei-ation for 
 one year. It is under separate management, and is ctmducted 
 in a buiMing on a distant part of tlu' farm, without reference 
 to the college stock or the college recjuirements jis to butter 
 supply,, but students have the opportunity of visiting it and 
 ob.serving the manner in which the operations are conducted. 
 The cream is collected almost wholly from farniei-s in the 
 neighbourho(Hl. It is gathered imce a day and chunied the 
 following morning. Eight teams are employetl dunng the 
 season, which lasts from about the loth of May to the loth of 
 October, the route extending from .seven to ten mile.s. During 
 the most productive p«M-iod the yield of butter is said tt) have 
 averaged 000 lbs. per day, and the product has l»een of such 
 a ((uality that while ordinary farm butter commanded not 
 more than 12.^ cents, this averasjed li)h cents throuj;hout the 
 sea,son. It is asserted that this creamery has thus far l»een 
 .so conducted as to pay all working expenses and leave a small 
 margin of profit. There has been ready sale for all the butter 
 made. 
 
 Ofltf'r Orifdnlzafioiis. — Excellent work has been done Ijv 
 the Fruit (Jrowei-s' As.sociation of Ontario by di.stributing 
 among its members promising fruit trees, vines, etc. In this 
 way the whole Pi-ovince has been made a testing gii)und: 
 many excellent varieties have been tried and thus bi-ought 
 prominently into notice. Fruit culture has l>een further pi-o- 
 moted by the publication of the annual reports of the associa- 
 ticji, which are always full of useful and practical infonnation. 
 
 The Entomoloffica.1 Society of Ontai'io ha,s also rendere<I 
 eminent service to farmei*s and fruit growers by dis.seniinating 
 among them information regarding injurious insects affecting 
 
EXPERIMKXTAL FARM STATIONS. 
 
 91 
 
 both tield ami ganien cn)ps, witli suggestions as to tlie iimst 
 useful renwMlies. Both these societies receive vearlv ifmnts 
 fnnii the PrxAincial (Jovennneiit. 
 
 grKBP:c. 
 
 Mr. E. A, Banianl. Director of Agriculture of the Province 
 of Queliec. wrii«-s a> follows: 
 
 "The Provino- of t^u«"lM'c suhsidizes three farms, giving to 
 each J*2,000 annually. Ijesitles paying the board of ten stu«lents 
 in each scli<»i»l. at ih»* rate <»f $00: besides an allowance to as 
 manv studenLs of jHO each, which thev can earn for them- 
 selves by la!«»uriiii^ on the farm. 
 
 " Neither of thes^* t>stablishments, however, can properly lie 
 called ' experiMi«-nta! or stock farms' Very few experi- 
 ments, if ai;y. hav»- U'en made: and the stock, although gotnl 
 of its kin<l. i.** by no means remarkable. 
 
 "All the.-*e provincial sch<M)ls stand on the same ba.sis 
 exactly. The farm and .schools, »'tc.. belong to the (Corpora- 
 tion of the C'ollt-fe at St. Anns, Richmond and L'A.ss<imption. 
 They have each but tme regular professor — that on agricul- 
 ture, although a ft-w l»*etures are given in the • curse of the 
 year by outsidt-rs. Tju-sr corporations manage pretty much 
 as they pleaj*»-. A Boaiil of Inspectors is sent annually by 
 the Council of Agriculture to visit the school, and the gi-ant 
 is paid aft*^r thi> in-spt-ction. ' 
 
 In addition t»» what luvs l>een accomplished at the college 
 farms referre*! to. much praise is <lue to Mr. ('ha.s. Gibb, of 
 AblK»tsford, for his self-sjicriticing individual efforts in fur- 
 thering the cauv- of horticulture, not only in Quebec, but 
 also in Manit<>l«i an»l the North- West Territories. He shares 
 with Prof. Budd. of Iowa, with whom he travelled to Ru.s.sia, 
 the credit of liavin'4 thoroughly investigated the subject of 
 hardy Rus.<:ian fruits, and settled the (juesticm as Ut their 
 quality and extreme hardines.s. By his writings he has done 
 much t<» impre^ upon the minds of the fruit-growers, Ijoth of 
 the Unite<l States and l*anada, the importance of introducing 
 manv of thes<* fruit and forest trees to be tested in tlie colder 
 
■i- 
 
 OS 
 
 Mifta]tflCILErB.VL COLLEGES. 
 
 climate's <»f th'iK <!t»mnnr 3fr. (liW) has combin"*! practi<c»- 
 with theory, and htwinfj: -^fen ami tasted thr fruits of north- 
 oast^^ni Russia mill +mnlii><l the cHinatic conditions to which 
 the tn»es are th«j'e'*"^.poH<^<l. he has imported and is t^'stinj; 
 many of them oiiilw-nvn farm, and is fully convinced that 
 there are man}' M*Tii+nie»f of lioth fruit and forest trees which. 
 if thev were disH«nrhiuied. would hr a sTi'eat l)oon to the settl<*r* 
 in the noi-th-weai w'^^imnry. 
 
 Mr. (lihh is ieHtiur '^>' varieties of ap])les, 41) of peai-s. 10 of 
 cherries and 4(rf'7iiunj+. the o^reater part of which ar«* fnun 
 Russia, the others •ftrrom; 3forth (rermany and Poland. 
 
 The annual re}KMTt+ .»€ the Montreal Horticultural Society 
 have l»een full <rf iH4*tJiii ;uid instructive matter relating to all 
 
 c? 
 
 branches of horti<mJmire. The officers and directors of this 
 S(x;iety deserve uiudl pntise for the able manner in which it« 
 aflfairs have bi't*n ujm:nj!:ed, and for the valuable infiuiiiati^tn 
 which they have cnlU^ned an<l disseminated. This s<»ciety is 
 subsidized by th*- '^UtitJ^ee fiovei-nment. 
 
 NUOVA sroTiA. 
 
 The Fruit (jrr(»w«j5f A-4soeiation (»f Nova Scotia has J»eeii 
 actively enjjaired ioi luiuiv Fears in distributintj information 
 relating to fruit jrnwinur in that Province, an<l has suc©ee<led 
 in stimulating thai <i*partn»ent of industry to a remarkable 
 degree. The iuw««-K»«{; t^xports of fruits of late years from 
 this Pro%'ince are <itH. in a great measure, to the activity of 
 this useful associartiiom ;md the <levoti(m shown by the officers 
 and mem1»ers in tlmij r*tfi>rt.s to extend and pronmt*' the culti- 
 vation of fruit. 
 
 %EM Bai'NSWICK. 
 
 In tlie repoj-t td* iille Select Committee appoin./ed by the 
 House of ( ■omuK^H^ ito'obcain information »xs to the agricul- 
 tural interests of < >aimitL. we tind a statement from Mr. J. L. 
 Inches, Secretary tii Ji^pncalture for New Brunswick, in refer- 
 ence to whathaf^ Ikhil i^one to aid agriculture in that Province, 
 as follows (p. 30): H«wme three veal's since the Governm^it 
 imported a nuuiW- .i>tf (yittle. sheep and swine, and placed 
 
KXPEKIMENTAL FAUM STATIONS. 98 
 
 about .'JO cattle. 40 sheep and G swine on a farm, as the begin- 
 ning of a sttx'k farm. Witli the exception that the farm 
 selected has not proved suitable, this act on the part of the 
 Govtrnment has been much aj.proved, an(i the short expe- 
 rience we luive ha<l of it shows that we can supply our farmers 
 with a larjjer lunuber of tine animals for the same amount of 
 monev than bv imixntini;. There is no evidence that anv 
 experimental work 1ms been untlertaken on this farm, beyond 
 stock raisinji- 
 
 DOMINION MEl'AKTMKNT OF AfiKHl'I/ri^RE. 
 
 With reference to what has hitlierto been done by the 
 Dominion Department of Agriculture for the encouragement 
 ami promotion of that intlustry, we tjuote again fn)m the 
 excellent report alK>v<' referred to, froui the testimony of Mr. 
 John Lowe. Secretary of the Department. When .speaking of 
 the work done by the Department, he .says: "The tirst in 
 ordt^' in the enumeration of its functions is agriculture. There 
 has, however, been no general vote for the purposes of 
 agriculture. There have been special votes for particular 
 branches — for instance, cattle (juarantine and in.spection, the 
 gathering of statistics in certain particular cases, and also 
 grants to exhibitions. Hitherto, these have comprised the 
 whole functions of the Department in relation to agriculture." 
 Much good has doubtle-s been accomplished by the measures 
 which have been carried out l)y the Department, especially 
 the prompt action taken in preventing the spread of disease 
 among animals: but when we consider the enormous interests 
 involved in agricultural pursuits, and the fact that they ati'ord 
 employment for so large a proportion of the population of the 
 Dominion, it is evident that increased attention might protit- 
 ably be given to all the important subjects on which the 
 prosperity and advancement of this great national industry 
 depends. 
 
 As an indication of the rapid extension of the C^anadian 
 trade in stock, dairy products, poultry, eggs and fiuit, atten- 
 tion is invited to the following compilation of figures kindly 
 furnished by Mr. Lowe, Secretary of the Department: 
 
AORICULTUKAL COLLKUKS. 
 
 X 
 
 il 
 
 H 
 
 
 
 X 
 
 X 
 
 c 
 
 > 
 
 
 9 
 
 S 
 
 s 
 
 Is 
 
 s 
 
 a 
 55 
 
 
 s 
 
 ©r^ s «* m' — " X* r:" — * »"' n* i - 
 :c « i.~ © a: -• C •* — r- ;£ i^ 
 ?f 'm' 7* «' ^^* ?•* sc" M* ?i* — * —" — 
 
 11 
 
 © I' :£ c: K -^ *.''', "^^ " 
 
 gf ac ©' — * ^ t-^ I-:" r" — •— * •■•;" •■s* 
 
 rf ©' m" -j^ r:* — " X t^ •-* r* x' x" 
 
 «!£«?»?? — 5^C<«S«. © — 
 
 i5 I* i.i c x^ c X — r; c_ ;2 x 
 
 *> ©KcxexMi- ni--^ 
 t^ « It '" -^ r-. •— r: ?• 31 o n 
 
 © ■* ^^^ X^ Ci C^ t'^ — 5C_ -!•_ -F ■!« 
 
 siiN — ® « x*x'— '— T'-r'*^" 
 
 '(?'*•*©•»©;;•" — ©©9! 
 5<i8>» — ?»r»«rtr:rt?t35» 
 
 fiu;»^i-.n:'"'*x ?:©©© 
 
 <*> 1^ r> © 
 
 -iM-^i.tMvr — -*;sx — X 
 '- 2? S — '- ~ — - '" ~ X © 
 
 31X ©l---©t-'^?j3C^^O 
 
 ->. X I- © >": © — I - iT © rt 
 
 © I 
 
 :«©?: Li SiS^—K ■?»'»• 
 
 SJ or >R K ' 
 X n n 9x ■ 
 
 ?i t o © © S X 
 
 'I't-ecJj^JSit^ccrcss?!© 
 >.?5Cwnt-r-wc;£nx»^ 
 
 ©" ©" c^' cT «:£©■»" cT =5 t-^ ©* 
 ii-»«-^t-?»3:x©s»««« 
 
 osa>ic;cc5sa«5f:©©».-© 
 Otaosv©t^?ics©^ — s; — 
 ««?»«— ©«s;s:©»2W 
 
 L-f V •*" X* ■** © — * — ©" jf — -i 
 
 t-t*r^t~i--i^3Cxxaoxa5 
 
 XXXXOBODSOCXXXaO 
 
KXPKRIMKNTAL lAlUl STATION'S. 
 
 »ff 
 
 15 13 ;5 ?• •!• * *-c at T •-: X 
 
 r: ?i 3 S « -x S «* 5. i q 
 
 
 5» 
 
 1 
 
 
 ■« 
 
 as 
 
 
 us 
 
00 
 
 ACiKKlLTUHAL C()LLK(iKS. 
 
 Thf n'CH'iit (liininution in the quantity and value (»f the 
 butter exported may partly he accounted for from the fact 
 that it is impossible to make the same ni'lk do duty satisfac- 
 torily for iioth butter and cheese, since no sufficient market 
 could l)e found for cheese made from skimmed milk. The 
 very rapid exj)ansion of the one department of dairy industry 
 mi<;ht reasonal)ly be expected to result in a diminution of 
 the other: nevertheless, it is hij^hly probable that the relative 
 inferiority of much of the butter exported has aided in brini;- 
 inj^ about this result, a view which is strengthened by the 
 fact that the shipmeTits in IHM, althouc;h less in (juantity 
 than those of 1885, broujrht $1 •28,000 more. 
 
 That so much has been «lone independent of any direct 
 stimulus from the Department of Agriculture, is strong proof 
 of the industry and enterprise of the farming community, 
 and also oi the caj)acity and adaptability of the soil and 
 climate of the Dominion for still more extended work. 
 Surely the fosterini; care of the Government should Vte given 
 in aiding farmers to solve the many difficult problems which 
 are invariably associated with agriculture, and are increased 
 and intensified bv the varying conditions of our climate antl 
 soil. 
 
EXPERIMENTAL FARM STATIONS. 
 
 07 
 
 IV.-GENERAL CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMEND- 
 ATIONS. 
 
 PRELIMINARY. 
 
 From the facts which havo ht'tni pn-scnttMl in the prt'ccdinjif 
 pages regardifig the expeinliture coimecteii with agricultural 
 education in teaching colleges in America, a<l<led to the nece.s- 
 sary cost of eijuipping the various institutions, it is evident that 
 the outlay is very large in prop^ivtion to the numV>er of persons 
 directlv benefited. Further, it has been shown that ajjricul- 
 tural experimental stations have been of very great service in 
 supplying much needed information and stimulating progress 
 in agriculture wherever they liave been established, and that 
 these go(xl results have been ami are being brought about at 
 comparatively small cost. In Canada agriculture may be 
 said to lie at the foundation of the nation's prosperity, and 
 involves interests of such magnitude and importance that any 
 reasonable expenditure might well be incurred, provided the 
 results were likely either to add directly to the profits of the 
 tiller of the soil, by enabling him to increase the pi-oducts of 
 his land, or to save him from some of the losses incident to 
 want of knowledge or experience. The consideration of so 
 important a .subject should be no longer delayed, but since 
 any very large outlay at the conunencement might be in- 
 judicious, it would perhaps be better to consider first the mo.st 
 pressing needs, and provide for them as soon as practicable, 
 leaving the important subject of agricultural education in 
 colleges for future consideration. 
 
 The following plan or outline of a proposed system of 
 agricultural experimentation for Canada has been prepared, 
 with the idea of securing for agriculture here the greatest 
 good with the least possible outlay, and has been so arranged 
 that it may be adopted in part without materially lessening 
 its relative efficiency. 
 
•(M 
 
 AORlCL'l/nUAK C(>LLK(iKS. 
 
 DIVISION OF KXPKRIMKNTAL AiJHK IM/rURM 
 
 IMIOI'OSKI) OIUJANIZATION AND MAXACJKMKNT. 
 
 'riicrc. sliould !»»• pi-osiilcd (»n»' «t'iitral station, situated near 
 the capital, the dividini^ line iK'twccn the itiipoi'tuiit Pr(»- 
 viiiees of Ontario and Quel»eo. with not h-ss than 400 acres 
 of land. \vlii(!h should serve as an experimental station for 
 these Province, jointly. Here the climate represents the 
 avera«.((f con<litif)n of a laroe pai't of the settled portions of 
 Canada, whei'e all the cereals and many other field ci-ops can 
 he suc(!<'ssfullv yfiown, and where most of tlu' best varieties 
 of ^raj)es i^rown in the open air rij)en well, a!id many sorts of 
 apples and otlu-r fruits are raised with advatitaj^e. At such 
 cj'utral point all the different classes of experimental work 
 miu'ht he conducted. There should also he one suh-station 
 for the Provinc«\s of Nova Scotia, Ni^v/ Brunswick and Princ<( 
 Edward Island jointly, and one each for Manitoha, the North- 
 VVest Ten-itories and Britisli Columliia. In the Maritime 
 Provinces and in British CohuuKia 200 acres would prohahly 
 he sutficient foi* the puipo.ses of each station, hut in Manitoha 
 and the North- West Territories, where land is .so ahundant 
 and cheap, there .should not he less than a section of 040 
 acres belonuinj; to each station, so that there mii;ht be land 
 sufficient to curry on experiments in stock raising and forestry 
 on such a .scale as the circumstances of each case maj' re<juire. 
 
 With the varvini; conditions of climate and soil nece.snu,rilv 
 as.sociated with a stretch of territory covering 4,000 miles, 
 from ocean to ocean, all now accessible by lail, a station on 
 the Atlantic, another on the Pacitic, with three intermediate 
 ones, would be absolutely re«|uired if the work is to be carried 
 on with reasonal)le efficienc}'. It would also be expedient 
 that the (jrovernment should reserve, at suit»xble points in the 
 North-West Territories, from the available and unt)ccupied 
 Dominion lands, blocks of one, two or more sections each, for 
 future experimental work in tree planting. The setting 
 apart of these blocks of land for forestry purposes would not 
 in any case be a loss to the countiy, since if they should only 
 
EXPKRIMKNTAL KAUM SIAIIONS. 
 
 00 
 
 Im' i>laiito<l ill purt. this wouM iiicn'as«' tlic vuliif of tin- rcniaiii- 
 iiig portion nii<I also tliat of all the lamls in tlu> iiuigiilKMirliooil. 
 Bv a(i«iiiitjto tlio valui* of tli** tuliaceiit lands tht'V wouM imrth" 
 pay for tliciiis^'lvrs, an<l at the saiim tini<' prepare the way for 
 extendt'il «'xporinM'ntal work if drsircd, ms soon as youii;^ 
 trees wore available for the purpose. 
 
 Tlie whoh' should he under tiic contrc)! of one head, known 
 as Director or ('hief. whose rt'sidcnee should he at the central 
 station, and wiiose duty it should be to visit tiie sub-stations 
 as occasion re(juired, and, in conference with the man rr'J'H of 
 the sub-stations, arrani^e for the course and character ; the 
 work to be carrie(l on at «'ach, subj»>ct to the aj)pro\al oi' the 
 Minister of Aifiiculture. This arranj-eineiit wo'' i ensure 
 dt'sirablr uniforniitv- in the chara<-t«'r of the woik perfonneil, 
 and pri^veiit the Sxisti' which would re.-^ iilt from the n »it' ces- 
 .«iary dupli 'tion of experiments. 
 
 Ce)itr(il Sfnf ion.— At the central station there would be 
 re((uirtMl, in ad<lition to the Director, a sui)erinten»h'iit of a«^ri- 
 cultur*' charged with the care of farm stock and the dairy 
 and field »!xperiiiients. 
 
 A superintendent of horticulture, who should conduct 
 experiments in fruit and vegetable growine^, in determinin<^ 
 the vitality and purit}' of seeds, and have char<^e of the 
 nursery and propagating houses. 
 
 A superintendent of forestry, who shcmld direct all fonvstry 
 experiments, and eiKjuire into all questions relating to tree 
 culture and tree protection in the Dominion. 
 
 An entomolojjist, whose dutv it should be to investiijate the 
 haltits of insects destructive to farm and garden crf)ps, fruit, 
 etc., as well as tho.se affecting animals, with the view of test- 
 ing such remedies as mav be availaV)le for their destruction. 
 He should also prepare such collections for the mu.seum at 
 the central station as would illustrate the insects injurious and 
 beneficial to vegetation, and duplicate collections of a similar 
 character as early as practicable for each of tlie sub-stations. 
 
 A botanist, to whom should be entrusted the special duty of 
 in \ estigating the injury done to field and garden crops, fruit 
 
I II 
 
 100 
 
 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGES. 
 
 and forest trees, by the lower iorins of vegetable life, sueli as 
 fungi, rusts, moulds, etc.; to study the character and modes of 
 growth of the noxious weeds prevailing in all parts of the 
 Dominion, with the object of devising means for their sub- 
 jugation or destruction. He should also take charge of the 
 botanic garden or arboretum, and of that portion of the 
 central museum illustrating vegetable products. 
 
 A chemist, to whom should be referred all questions relat- 
 ing to agricultural chemistry, such as analj-ses of fertilizers, 
 the determination of the chemical constituents of any sub- 
 stances which it may be desirable to use in experimental work 
 in feeding; to make analyses of milk in connection with 
 experiments in dairying, of wheats, to determine their relative 
 ({uality for milling ; and to have charge of all other subjects 
 requiring special chemical investigation in connection with the 
 work being carried on at any of the stations. 
 
 A veterinary surgeon, whose services should be available 
 when required for the treatment of diseases of animals at any 
 of the stations, and whose duty it should be to study such 
 diseases, and prepare and submit a yearly report thereon. 
 
 Provincial or SnJj-Stations. — The officer required at each 
 of the sub-stations would be a superintendent of agriculture 
 and a superintendent of horticulture. The superintendent of 
 agriculture to be chief of the station, subordinate only to the 
 Director, and responsible to him for the proper government of 
 the station, and for the due performance of all work directed 
 to be undertaken. The superintendent of horticulture and 
 all other employees to be subordinate to the superintendent of 
 agriculture, and under his direction. 
 
 Reports. — The outlying stations to report to the Director as 
 often as required, and the reports of the officers of all the 
 stations to be presented through the Director to the Minister 
 of Agriculture. 
 
 Nurseries and Propagating Houses. — At each station there 
 should be established a nursery for the propagation of such 
 varieties of plants, fruit and forest trees, etc., as may be 
 desirable for the purpose of distribution, so as to rapidly 
 
EXPERIMENTAL FARM STATIONS. 
 
 101 
 
 extend the area of experimental work. Each station should also 
 be provided with a propagating house to facilitate these under- 
 takings, and for the purpose of testing the vitality and purity 
 of seeds for farmei-s and others. 
 
 Museum. — A general museum should be established in con- 
 nection with the central .station, where examples of all the 
 varieties of produce raised from year to year should, as far as 
 possible, be kept for reference and comparison, as well as for 
 the instruction of visiting farmers. Specimens of injurious 
 insects and their work, of injurious and beneficial birds, and 
 other subjects of interest, should find a place here. 
 
 Other Duties of Offi,cers. — In addition to the special duties 
 already referred to, the officers of the several stations should 
 be required to visit, whenever practicable, the public meetings 
 of the farmers and fi*uit growers in different parts of the 
 Dominion, for the purpose of conferring with them, and aiding 
 in the discussion of the many problems connected with agri- 
 cultural and horticultural pursuits. 
 
 Disposal of Produce. — In the management of the stations 
 all the products should be sold, and a strict account kept of 
 the returns. No officer or employee should be allowed to 
 receive any portion of the produce without paying a fair 
 value for the same. 
 
 Immediate Needs. — If the outline submitted be approved, 
 it is important that the organization of the central station 
 should be begun without delay ; also a station in the North 
 West. The sections intended for future forest belts might 
 also be reserved, and sites for the other stations secured as 
 early as practicable. Possibly some arrangement might be 
 effected whereby the cost of the sub-stations and their man- 
 agement might be jointly borne by the Dominion and the 
 Provinces in which they are situated. 
 
 CONSIDERATIONS OF ADVANTAGE. 
 
 Improvemerit of Stock. — In the report of the Ontario 
 Agricultural Commission, published in 1881, several qualified 
 witnesses gave evidence in relation to the comparative value 
 
 i 
 
'tl 
 
 Km : 
 
 102 
 
 AGRICULTUBAL COIiLEGES. 
 
 Pf 
 
 of a well-brod tliree- year-old steer as compared with one of 
 coimnon stock. It was stilted that, with the same (quantity 
 and (juality of food, there would be an average difference in 
 the market vahie of tlie well-bred animal of aliout ^30. If 
 the breeding of better stock could be nmde more general, and 
 but one-third of the estimated gain be nnide ($10 a-head), a 
 reference to the table of exports will enable the reader t<» 
 calculate the saving which would be elt'ected. 
 
 In all the Provinces there are townships where improved 
 stock is seldom seen, and where farmers do not appear tt) be 
 fully aware of the importance of introducing it. Some ertbrt 
 should be made to remedy this defect. 
 
 The opinion has also been ailvanced that in the ordinary 
 breeding of sheep, if a proper selection of stock were made, 5 
 per cent., at a moderate e.stimate, would be added to the value 
 of the carcass, and an additional pound of wool to each fleece. 
 Farmers who pay no attention to breeding get an average of 
 about 5 pounds of wool per fleece; those who make this 
 subject a matter of some consideration an«l practice get from 
 6 to 7 pounds, and fancy breeders I) to 10 pounds. Good 
 feeding also gives a desirable lustre to the wool. Slovenly 
 farming always leads to loss, and in this particular good 
 breeding and careful management will result in good wool 
 and good mutton. 
 
 In the more general improvement of horses and of swine^ 
 similar beneficial results might be obtjiined. 
 
 Poultry and Egffs. — By reference to the statistics given of 
 the exports of poultry and eggs, it will be seen that the egg 
 trade has increased enormously, and will, on account of the 
 c»)n8tant and general use of eggs, admit of almost unlimited 
 expansion. The results of experiments with different breeds 
 of fowls, for the purpose of ascertaining their relative merits, 
 would be of great use to the agricultural community every- 
 where. 
 
 Dairy Products. — Since the general introduction of the 
 factory system, cheese made in Canada has acquired an excel- 
 lent reputation, owing to the uniformity of its character, an<l 
 
EXPERIMENTAL FARM STATIONS. 
 
 108 
 
 meets with a ready sale at fair prices ; at the same time, the 
 (|uantity exported has increased to a lemarkable degree. 
 On the contrary, tlio exports of Viiitter have slightly decreased* 
 partly, it is said, owing to inferiority being in most localities 
 the product of individual and unskilled labour. Since Canada 
 is one of the best countries in the world for dairying, why 
 should not our butter rank equal in quality and demand with 
 the cheese ? Evidence is not wanting to show that wherever 
 creameries have been estal)lished the price of this product has 
 been enhanced, in conse<(uence of its uniformly good quality. 
 
 Prof. Aniold, of Rochester, estimates the annual loss to 
 (Janada, on account of the inferior quality and low price 
 obtained for our butter, at five millions. Much lo.ss might 
 doubtless be avoided were creameries to be established in all 
 the principal butter districts. 
 
 Gniin CropH. — All cultivate*! cereals manifest, sooner or 
 later, a tendency to deteiiorate or run out; some much earlier 
 than others. New varieties freshly introduced into a country 
 often show great vigour and a high average of productiveness. 
 Hence the importance of introducing new or untried sorts, 
 and of the exchange of seed between localities having different 
 conditions as to climate. Spring wheat has been for some 
 years past a comparative failure in Ontario, producing, it is 
 said, of late, an average of 12 bushels, as against a former 
 yield of nearly 20 bushels. This is attributed to various 
 causes, such as climatic changes, eichaustion of soil an<l insect 
 pests. All these probably have some part in the result, yet it 
 is likely that the deterioration is an important element in the 
 case. More knowledge as to the proper rotation of crops, 
 more thorough tillage and thorough drainage, wou'd materially 
 aid in advancing productiveness. 
 
 When we consider that a single grain of wheat carefully 
 grown as a separate plant will yield an average of about 
 three hundredfold, and how small compared with this is the 
 ordinary yield in field culture, it is evident that there is 
 abundant room for experiment and improvement as to methods 
 of cultivation and treatment. The results of some researches 
 
104 
 
 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGES. 
 
 are of such a nature, that after definite conclusions have once 
 been reached and published, there is no special need of their 
 being repeated. Not so with the growth of agricultuml 
 products; the circumstances of climate and soil are so variable, 
 and changes in the character of plants so frequent, that 
 experiments may be constantly conducted with profit. 
 
 Recent researches in Russia, lately published in St. Peters- 
 burgh, demonstrate the fact that wheat gro\ni in the northern 
 provinces of that empire ripens in less time than that grown 
 in the southern, the diflference being aViout sixteen days. 
 How much of this difference is due to varietv has not been 
 determined, but there is no question that could we obtain 
 for our vast wheat fields in the North- West earlier ripening 
 varieties of good quality, the area of wheat culture would be 
 extended, and the benefits resulting difficult to overestimate. 
 Other field crops could, in all probability, in like manner be 
 extended. 
 
 Fruits. — There is no question that most of our l^est varieties 
 of small fruits would succeed well in many of the northern 
 townships of our older Provinces, where they are, as yet, but 
 little grown, and equally well in many localities in the North- 
 West. From the experience related regarding the hardy 
 Russian fruits in Iowa, it is highly probable that many of 
 these also could be successfullv cultivated in the same districts 
 — not only apples, but pears, plums and cherries also. The 
 early introduction of these fruits would he highly appreciated. 
 
 In the more favoured sections of our Dominion we have to 
 consider not only the variableness of the existing climate, but 
 must endeavour to prepare for changes which will probably 
 occur, sooner or later, from the deforestation of the country. 
 Last winter the extreme cold killed a large proportion of the 
 fruit trees in many parts of Ohio and Michigan and in 
 southern Illinois; in the latter district it is estimated that at 
 least one-third of the apple trees were ruined, and some 
 orchards are reported as entirely destroyed. Such experiences 
 point to the importance of introducing varieties possessing 
 great hardiness. 
 
EXPERIMENTAL FARM STATIONS. 
 
 la? 
 
 The fruit trade of Canada is rapidly increasing. It is ten- 
 fold greater than it was a few years ago, and with proper 
 selection of late keeping sorts, and the more general intro- 
 duction of fruit evaporators, the trade might be almost inde- 
 finitely extended. 
 
 Ins&is. — Deficiencies in crops often arise from the depre- 
 dations of insectsL The yearly loss in Canada from this cause 
 is very laiige, almost every farmer suffering from it to some 
 extent Sach losses cannot be entirely prevented, but might 
 be greatly lessened by the diffusion of more general informa- 
 tion on the .<mbject Were a skilled entomologist appointed, 
 whose duty it would be to visit districts where insect plagues 
 occur, and give all the information obtainable as to the best 
 preventive and remedial measures to adopt, the annual losses 
 might be greatly reduced. 
 
 Fertilizers. — The establishment of a chemical station in 
 connection with the central experimental farm would provide 
 the means of thoroughly testing and establishing the value 
 as a fertilizer of Canadian mineral phosphates, and undoubt- 
 edly aid in developing this important industry. Ashes are 
 shipped in large quantities from Canada to the United States, 
 where they are sold as a fertilizer, at a cost of from 25 to 33 
 cents a bushel Canadian farmers hesitate to pay 10 cents per 
 bushel If the actual manurial value of ashes on farm and 
 garden crops was demonstrated to our farmers, it is altogether 
 probable that this useful article would be consumed at home. 
 
 A few years ago Canada had important belts of wheat lands 
 east of Montreal What has become of these ? An indifferent 
 and careless system, or lack of system, has prevailed in those 
 districts; nuury crops of wheat have been grown in .succes.sion, 
 and little or nothuig done to replace the elements taken from 
 the soil This has led to its exhaustion to that extent that 
 wheat growing no longer pays ; a judicious system of fertili- 
 zation and rotation of crops would doubtless restore the 
 fertility of such worn-out lands. 
 
 The character of the work involved in the complete analysis 
 of fertilizers is such as to require special forms of apparatus 
 
f 
 
 ■H 
 
 106 
 
 JfiiftftfflrULTUILVL COLLEGES. 
 
 •I. I 
 
 whiclj are eomjiltis iuoii expensive. Appliances of thii« charae- 
 ter would l»e ii+«til«i va. the laboratory at the central station 
 for the speciaJ woufe &> be undertaken there; and when that 
 departujeut mu^ jufo^nrly enuippetl, all the work of this nature 
 re(|uired for tW Ib^vniinion could be efficiently and ecooo- 
 niically done tlitiir*; The .savinf» which would l)e eifecUxi in 
 the fees M'hicii uuG*c che existing law are to be paid to the 
 public aualvht*. A^Hiiiti -^o far towards rlefraying the exptmsts 
 of the cheuiicaJ -HHioiiia of an agricultural station. 
 
 Botanic GarfifiH — Dc has long been a reflection on Canadian 
 taste an<i projt^T+Ni*- oliaA we have no botanic garden in the 
 Dominion. In jiiu+oniJia and India there are several sueh 
 gardens su])poru«<] IW nhe (jroveminent. Botanic gardens have 
 als(j been long ewtuiltHlied in Ceylon, the Mauritius, Jamaica. 
 and several (ith«i (i>iJ tlie West India Islands. Canada i#, 
 indeed, the ouJx iiu^nortant British colony where such an 
 instructive iuHtiDuiiiia in wanting. In such gardens, trees are 
 tested as to tlj«ir ihtardiness, for the production of tinil^er. for 
 their bark for ectni'juiic purposes, and for their fruit, and al^ 
 sorts of uiedimiuij ;uiii other flowering plants are grown. 
 There all the naiiTStt^ nrees, shrubs and flowers of the Dominion 
 could l»e broujiicixi tDtrfttlier as far as conditions of climate 
 would permit, anil aew and useful species introduced an<l 
 propagated. Hniiij ^ garden would be a very instructive 
 feature in eoun«inii»aj with the proposed central experimental 
 station, and could tin carried on there at a relatively small 
 cost. 
 
 General CMffdHaum-. — The agricultural experimental farms. 
 properly condu«t«ti would soon become bureaus of informa- 
 tion for all who tuft (loncemed with agriculture or horticulture, 
 which the lanmu^Mii I fruit grower should be encouraged to 
 visit and inspem niiit work going on, and where they should 
 feel free to r«jiojti Df*garding such difficulties as they may 
 experience in thei!H«i?f»e of their work, and seek informatkn 
 from the offic+*r*; iiu ciiarge 
 
 As the Bucoews citf tthiw undertaking woulw depend mainly on 
 the skill of tlieaumitminnwted with the work, and the earnest- 
 
EXPERIMENTAL FARM STATIONS. 
 
 107 
 
 ness with wliich they engaged in it, all appointments siumld 
 be well considered, and none made without satisfactory evi- 
 dence being given as to the fitness of the individual for the 
 work assigned to him. With a view to economy at the outset, 
 and until the requirements of the stations were such as to 
 demand the full staff, some of the appointments might be 
 deferred, and others, such as the superintendent of agriculture 
 and horticulture, and entomologist and botanist, combined. 
 
 Opinion of Dr. George M. Dawson. 
 
 Dr. G. M. Dawson, A.ssistant Director of the Geological and 
 Natural History Survey of Canada, whose wide reputation as 
 a careful and accurate scientific observer adds weight to any 
 opinion he may advance, having spent the greater part of the 
 past twelve years in exploring the North-West and British 
 Columbia, and during this time acquired an intimate knowledge 
 of the conditions which prevail there, thus expresses himself, 
 in a communication addressed to the Minister of the Interioi-, 
 when asked for his opinion regarding the propriety of estab- 
 lishing agricultural experimental stations in Manitoba and 
 the North -West: 
 
 Memo, on Experimental Agricultural Statiuns. 
 
 Ottawa, 27th February, 1884. 
 
 "In connection with the proposed establishment of an 
 experimental agricultural station or stations for Manitoba and 
 the North- West, I beg leave to oflier the following sugges- 
 tions, based upon personal acquaintance with the country 
 during my connection with the International Boundary Com- 
 mission and Geological Survey since 1873. 
 
 "In the establishment of such stations it would appear 
 desirable to keep two main objects in view: 
 
 " 1. The introduction and careful trial of all species of trees, 
 shnibs, cereals, grasses, fruits, etc., under the varying condi- 
 tions of soil and climate found in different parts of the 
 country, attention being directea specially to the Proxnnces of 
 Quebec and British Columbia, the Northern and Western 
 

 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGES. 
 
 States and the interior portion of Europe, as sources from which 
 plants and seeds likely to be of special value may be obtained 
 In connection with this function should also be included 
 experiments as to the rate of growth and best means of propa- 
 gation and cultivation of native trees and useful plants ; and 
 further, the publication and general distribution of the results 
 of these and other experiments in the form of reports. 
 
 "2. A second and very important function should be the 
 propagation and cultivation, on a large scale, of the more 
 valuable and quick growing timber trees, and their gratuitous 
 distribution, or sale at the lowest pos.sible price, with the view 
 of encouraging extensive tree planting on the great plains. 
 To this may be added the propagation and distribution of 
 such new or improved varieties of fruit trees, cereals, etc., as 
 may prove to be adapted to the country. 
 
 " For the second class of objects a single station for Mani- 
 toba and the Noi*th-West might suffice, though the existence 
 of two or more stations would greatly faciUtate the distribu- 
 tion of trees and plants, tor the first, or purely experimental 
 class of objects, it would appear to be almost absolutely 
 necessary, in view of the diversity of soil, climate and eleva- 
 tion in this great region, to establish two or more stations. 
 In the event of the establishment of one station only, it might, 
 I believe, best be placed in the western portion of the 
 Province of Manitoba. If two stations be established, one 
 might be selected in the Red River plain, the second in the 
 >'icinity of the 104th meridian, near the Touchwood Hills or 
 Qu'Appelle Valley. I believe, however, that three is the least 
 number of stations which would satisfactorily serve the 
 objects in view, and would suggest that in addition to the two 
 last mentioned, a third should be placed either in the vicinity 
 of Calgary or near Edmonton. 
 
 "In no event should the proposed stations be placed in the 
 river valleys, as owing to their great depth the conditions 
 found in these differ considerably fi'om those of the general 
 surface of the plain. It would also be desirable to select 
 spots for these stations where belts or groves of trees already 
 
EXPERIMENTAL FARM STATIONS. 
 
 100 
 
 exist, such as to tbrin wind-breaks, and afford the shelter 
 necessary for the proper cultivation of seedlings, etc. 
 
 "To achieve their proper degree of usefulness, such experi- 
 mental agricultural station or stations should be under the 
 superintendence of one experienced scientific agriculturist, 
 besides those incident to immediate management of the stations, 
 whose duty it should be to obtain suitable plants and seeds 
 for experiment fi'om all parts of the world in which such are 
 likely to be found, to familiarize himself with the results of 
 similar experiments elsewhere, and to publish the information 
 so obtained with that resulting from his own experiments, for 
 the guidance of farmers and others in the North-West. Should 
 two or more stations be decided upon, it would probably be 
 found most convenient for the scientific superintendent to 
 have that in the Red River valley under his immediate super- 
 vision. This station might be made the principal one for the 
 reception and distribution of plants and seeds to thosc^ farther 
 west. The western stations might be placed in charge of 
 intelligent practical farmers, and occasional visits of inspection 
 made to them. 
 
 " In conclusion, I may be allowed to refer to the recom- 
 mendations as to tree planting in the North-West contained 
 in my report on the geology and resources of the 49th Parallel, 
 published in connection with the Boundary Commission ex- 
 pedition of 1873-74. 
 
 " G. M. Dawson." 
 
 Remarks. — Since cheap railway and water conveyance of 
 agricultural products from distant countries is rapidly chang- 
 ing the economical conditions of successful agriculture in 
 many parts of the world, it is of the utmost importance that 
 all those who are interested in the cultivation of the soil in 
 Canada should endeavour to remedy all that is faulty in prac- 
 tice, or wasteful in effect, and to introduce new methods and 
 new products, as far as they are likely to be profitable, and 
 thus increase the chances of our being able to retain the posi- 
 tion we have acquired as producers and exporters of farm 
 produce. A relatively small proportion of the land, even in 
 
r 
 
 110 
 
 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGES. 
 
 i 
 
 riji J 
 
 our most atlvanced Provinces, is under the hfnt of culture 
 while self-interest and the circumstances of our position 
 (leniand that we shouhl inak*' tlu; best of evervthinn' we 
 possess. LiebijLj has well said that "the prosperity of any 
 nation depends much on the condition of its agriculture," and 
 to produce the best results, practical skill must be associated 
 with suitalile information. C'anada has a climate in many 
 respects favourabh;, and a soil in many districts unsurpas.sed 
 in fertility, advantaj,a»s which, if properly utilized, will enable 
 her to continue to furnish from her surplus for the millions in 
 Kurope food products of prime quality. To aid in this good 
 work every eftbrt should l>e put forth, both by the J)ominion 
 and Provincial authorities, to place within reach of willing 
 hands all iieeded information, and also supplies of .such 
 ec(momic products as will be likeh' to add to the profit and 
 attractiveness of agricultural pursuits. 
 
 FORESTRY. 
 
 There should be a competent forester in charge of this 
 department, one who thoroughly understands what is needed, 
 and under whose direction all work connected with the forest 
 industries of the ])omini(m should be carried on. Such would 
 include experiments in reclothing denuded land, testing the 
 comparative value of our native trees, also of those from all 
 other parts of the world, where similarity of climate or other 
 circumstances render it probable that they will prove useful. 
 It would also include the propagation of trees of eccmomic 
 value for general distribution. 
 
 General Summary. 
 
 The following is a general .^ummarj' of the work which it 
 is desired .should be undertaken : 
 
 (a.) Conduct researches and verify experiments designed 
 to test the relative value, for all purposes, of different breeds 
 of stock, and their adaptability to the varying climatic or 
 other conditions which prevail in the several Provinces and 
 in the North-West Territories; 
 
EXPKHIMKNTAL FARM STATIONS. 
 
 Ill 
 
 (b.) ExainiiK* into scifntitic and economic (jucstions involved 
 in tin* production of hiittcr and cliuese; 
 
 (c.) Test the nu-iits, hurdinciss and ada[»tal>ility of mw or 
 untried varieties of \ylieat or othe)* cereals, and of Held ciups, 
 grasses and forage plants, fruits, vegetables, plants and ti'ees, 
 and disseniiiiatit among persons euL^aj^ed in farnjin<f, iraiden- 
 ing or fruit growing, upon such conditicMis as are [)iescril)ed 
 hy the Minister of Agriculture, .samples of such surplus |)ro- 
 (Jucts as are considered to he specially vvoi-thy of introduction; 
 
 (it.) Analy/c fertilizers, whethci- natuiid or artihiial, and 
 conduct experiments with sucli fertilizers, in oi-dcr to test 
 their comparative value as applied to crops of diffei'ent kinds; 
 
 (c.) Examine into the composition and digestibility of foods 
 for domestic animals; 
 
 Cf.) Con<luct experiments in tlio planting of trees for tindier 
 and for shelter: 
 
 (ff.) Examine into tlie diseases to which cultivated plants 
 and trees an^ subject, anrl also into tlie ravages of destructive 
 insects, and ascei'tain and test the most useful preventives and 
 remiMlies to be used in each case; 
 
 (h.) Investigate the diseases to which domestic animals ai"e 
 subject ; 
 
 (i.) Ascertain the vitality and purity of agricultural seeds; 
 and 
 
 (j.) Conduct an}'' other experiments and researches bearing 
 upon the agricultural industry of ('anada, which may be 
 approved by the Minister of Agricidture. 
 
 The whole respectfully submitted. 
 
 \VM. SAUNDERS. 
 
 London, Ont., 
 
 Februarv 20th, 1880.