DECEMBER 31. 1936

(BY W. R. SHAW) (Deputy Minister of Agriculture) Based oh the farm production

mu revenue of the year 1936 Prince Edward Isiand farmers may wpl] cuter the new year with re- newed faith and Optimism. The season just completed marked ade- cided improvement 1n the field of agriculture. Some difficulty was gxperlenced by a number of prod- ucers in securing full seed require- ments for the spring seeding, but this condition was carried over from the, previous year or was due to neglect to provide at an early date against seed shortage. The Iituation was relieved to a very great extent by the prompt action or the Department of Agriculture in locating much needed supplies

~10 doubt seed deficiency had some- thing to do with recorded decrease

The wheat crop, as already lilti- mated, was the poorest harvested in the province for many ycais. The cool season and attacks of in- yoct 3nd disease pests wcrc to a very great extent responsible. 111 all parts of thc province, howc-vcr. an excellent oat, barley and ni zzcd

" grain crop was harvested. Prom the standpoint of average distrib- ution, seldom has the production in these branches been better. Brokcn weather proved an obstacle in some cases to the saving _of grain of good quality and colour. Mixed grains, the a is on the increase, yielded it valu- able supply o! feeding material's.

u: r: O >- 5 S. 9 id

Pasturage conditions were the best for many years and wcrc maintained on an unusuaiy hlgh

level during the whole season. Oui- standing results were in the form oi improved health and conditions of livestock and in a greatly iii- rli-aseci production of dairy and ity-products. i

Heavy Hay CH‘?

The heaviest crop of hay for the past twenty years was saved, most of it in excellent condition. Slip- plies of old hay were practically exhausted at the beginning oi the growing season, but the ncw sull- ply will take ample care of dom- cstic requirements aild provide u highcr than average quantity for export purposes. Clover mixturesi in pastures and hay have been ab- undant and thc rolrghnilfi f0!‘ will‘ , fer purposes will as a consequence; carry a higher than usual PIOQEIII‘ content. This provides a valuable feed asset, particularly for dairy; feeding.

Undaubtgdly a substantial _iii- cease in the use of ground limfi- stone for the past two years has had something to do with improv- rd quality and bulk in hay and pasture. During the year over 210 Pars of ground limestone was ini- portcd» into thc province. Statis- Lics regarding supplies coming through other sources are not av- aiiabic.

Root yields were excellent in both quality and bulk. A substan- tial increase in the acreage of tur- nips was evident aild a large sup- ply has been offered for extroi-t purposes. Conditions for an in- creased Production of potatoes were also favorable. and the farmers harvested a large quantity of tub- ers of excellent quality.

Livestock Industry

The livestock industry, althouBh in some respects decreased in point 6f numbers, nevertheless returned I very satisfactory revenue. It was predicted in our statement to the press a year ago that hog prices would remain steady for the sea- son 0f<1936 and that a substantial increase in numbers would be ei- fccted. This prediction has been substantiated by subsequent devel- opments. The hog population oi the province has increased by about twenty-five percent and consider- able dcvelopmentfhas taken Pl!“ ln districts which previously had not emphasised this phase 01D!"- duction. The Department of AI- riculturc and the Livestock Branch has exercised a, consistent md constructive pressure in the way oi encouragement and develop ‘in Iwinc growing. We believe that the ultimate ObJUCMVIP-fl brood sow for every farm and thc extension 0i thb industry to cover all Pl"! of thc province-is being attained. Irrespective of market fluctuations. it in our opinion that the swine industry year in and year out i! one of the moat substantial and reliable phases oi agriculturaliiro- ductiofi, and is a strong supple- ment to-thc dairy industry. A very fine export trade in» little pigs WI! experienced during the season, and large numbers were stripped to out- lltldmtnts... _'I‘hi|. trade provides a very satisfactory ‘and ready rev-

Comprehensive Survey Of Princei Edward Island ’s Main Industry During The Past Year.

in the grain acreage for the year. The growing season while cool

the whole year showers were fre- quent and growth was abundant. Practically all farm crops, with thc possible exception of corn and wheat, were in excess in point oi yield when compared with the prc- vious years production. This con- dition was in striking contrast to the prevailing conditions operating for the previous three year period, when dry weather in the middle of the growing season played havoc with hay, pasturage and other crop conditions. The following tablc gives an idea of the acreage and production of field crops in the year 1936 as compared with the previous three-year period. This table is not to be considered a-l

final and may yet undergo a icw

- sfight changes.

AVERAGE - 1033-34-35 1936 Acreage Yield Value Acreage Yield Value

Wheat 24,050 404.234 s 434,000.00 24,030 102,240 0 211,404.00

(m. 151,070 5,393,043 1,377.11s.00 104,000 5,002,400 2,352,000.00

Barley 3,520 105.013 54,103.00 5.200 170,000 100,000.00

Buckwheat 2,240 25,000 32,203.00 3,030 103,410 07,210.50

Mixed

Grains . 22,007 047,900 375,537.00 24,700 009,200 444,000.00

flay and .

Clover 221,407 270,002 3,074,200.00 223,000 000.400 304300000

Fodder

Corn 850 2.800 0,000.00 400 3,030 0.06700

Potatoes 30.007 4.370.000 133000000 33,400 0.000000 2,072,000.00

Tlii-iiiP-‘i 9,743 3.774.500 099,403.00 12,050 11,073,500 000,320.00 $5»586-8_9'1-0Q 00.370.007.50

enuc for those who are in a Mll- flwi in provide adequate 0119911“-

liIR. W. R SHAW

Deputy Mi stcr Assistance was prov;dcd by thc Department in the importation from Ontario points of improved breeding stock. The new blood will undoubtedly benefit the whole in- dustry.

Menace to Shccp Industry

Somewhat discouraging has bccn the cxpcriencc with the shcep in- dustry and existing influences scorn

i to have a gradualy depressing iti-

fcci: upon this branch of livestock production. The chief difficulty ls the dog. The past season hos been the worst in the experience of thc oldest sheep 1111501‘ in the prov- ince. Approximately one thousand Il,000> dollars has been spent in compensations and about 50) head have been wantonly slaughtered by sheep-killing dogs. If this talu- nble phase of farm production, particularly suited to many sec- tions of Prince Edward Island, is in be preserved, drastic measures will have to be provided against the miiurauding dog.

Some rcductioli has taken place in thc numbcr of catt'c in the pro- vlncc, but this reduction has been more than offset by improved pro- ductive processes. During the win- ter and carly spring large num- bers oi cattle, particularly young heifers, wcrc purchased at veryloiv prices and exported to outside cen- tres. This process is st‘:l coiitin- hing and ls having its affect in n

lesser number of mature breeding,

cows. The -poor demand within recent years, of course, has also had an adverse affect on the cai- tle industry. Production. however, of dairy products, as already stat- ed. has substantially increased. and DOBBibIy the reduction in numbers has been more or less of a blessing after all in that farmers have been able to provide the fewer cattle with much more liberal feed sup- plies. There has been n very ilile demand for an improved breeding stock and some very outstanding sires have been distributed to ncw sections of the province. There has been an awakening i0 the ne- cessity oi improved breeding pract- lilif-‘s "m0!!! our farmers. A con-. sistent demand has been experien- ced ior bulls of beef and dualpur- pose strains.

Successful Exhibitions

Exhibitions both within and "ll-hm" i110 Drovince hvae indicat- ed the very fine work that is being accomplished by our foremost cat- tle breeders. The industry at large ""8 "We Drolreslve cattlemen a very great debt. The cost of the upkeep oi high class herds. espo- f-illly ii they are taken to our main exhibitions, is n very nigh one, The breeder is under heavy expendit- ure of money. time and iabouiyand do“ 110i It In! time receive the credit which is his due. Our fore- most herds are the mninsprings from which flow UIEIIIOVGIDGIIB eciioycd by tlfc induce», Q large.

was particularly favorable. During!

Optimistic Review Of l Agicultural

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IION. W. II. DENNIS vltlirristerfof Agriculture

The horsc industry has been l5- sistcd substantially during tllc year by the importation of a number o. valuable stallions. Ollc of thcsc a Clydesdale, was purchased by the Department of Agifculture and was declared Grand Champion at the provincial exhibition. This horse is an outstanding type of draft an- imal and should prove of great assistance in siring heavy horses Another Clydesdale stallion of very high quality was located at the Experimental Farm. Charlottetown. Mr. Cecil J. Stewart, oi Hamp- shire, also imported a full brother» of the horse owned by! the Deport- ment of Agriculture. A ilumbcroi other changes took place and there has been a general tendevcy to secure the very best possible sires.

While the province is today sup- plied with horses the average age limit of which is above that which is desirable for all- practical pur- poses, nevertheless there has been an increase in the number of‘ foals found on the farms. This should in a short tlinc corrcct thc condi- tion referred. to. An important de- parture in horse improvement pol- icy was established duriiag thc year when n. new enrolment act. calling for thc inspection of all stallions, WEiS passed. Acting un- dcr ihc provisions of this Act, Dr. J. A. Sinclair, of Cannington, On- tario, and the writer conducted an inspection during the early aut- umn. A total of 62 registered stal- lions and 7i grade stallions were inspected. The new enrolment cer- tificates for all stalions that have passed the inspection will includc the official grading of the 110,59, This grade must be inserted in all ilclvertislng, thus giving to thc farmer a kilowledgc in connection will the quality of thc stallion which heretofore he did not p95. scss, It is intended to enforce rigidly thc provisions of this Act. It is felt that its application will prove a great asset in horse linprovcmcz-it work.

Pcu‘try Improvement

_ The poultry industry continues io provide a permanent and sure source oi rcvcnuz- to Prince Ed- ward Island farmers. Poultry pop- ulation and quality has improved during ihc year. A large bu5ine53 was done in day-old chicks and many of our foremost poultiy men wcrc able to dispose of well grown ni-llcts at very favourable prices. The following statistical tablc glvcs

tho livestock population for the

ycar: 1935 i936

Horses 27 950 27,640

Cattle 95,600 92.7.10

' Hogs 38.300 41.830

Shccp 50.200 411.800

Poultry 779,100 851,600

‘There has been a general all- round improvement in market coll- ditions in thc your 1936. Hog prices although sliglit‘y lower than intho previous year, wcrc maintained at n strong aild steady level. The in- creased nuinbcr of hogs along with a satisfactory price level has brought in a substantial rcvcnuc in this field. Tile price oi lambs has been up to some extent, and r1 brisk demand hi, “nod priccs has been experienced right up to ihc time of writing. Improvement has also taken place in bccf leveis. while the market for dairy cattle has undergone an abrupt upward tone. A great many buyers have hccn in thc province, particularly from United States points, seek- ing their dairy cattle requirenlenis. The prices have been satisfactory, but the supply has not been ade- quate to the demand. It would al- most appear as if thc province will bc up against n considerable short- age in good dairy cattle if thc practice of selling young heifers is continued on one cnd while ihi. bcst mature cows are disposed of on the othcr. There is an oppor- tunity. however. for our dairymcn who keep their herds up to full strength, health and quality in this particular trade.

Enhanced Farm Prices

Prices of horses and dairy prod- ucts have also been enhanmd dur-. ing the year. In farm crops. per- hops ihc brightest spot in the field is centred in potatoes. The mar- ket has been maintained at a very satisfactory level for both seed and tablestock, and the revenue de- rived from this branch of produc- tion should be very substantial. Grain prices are also strong and the indications point to higher levels. ‘The market for hay. of course. owing to large supplies is not keen. Taking the whole field of agricultural product! into consideration, the markets during the past year have been satisfac- tory and thc farm revenues will

it;

THE CHARLOTTETOWN CuARin/xixw

1936 A¢tivities Tricia-urological;

Agtivities Prov. Department

OfPubicg Works

Financial Reviews

The information contained hi the following review of work carried. on during 1936 was supplied by thc Provincial Department oi Public Works.

Under the heading of relief pro- jects ihc Rustico Highway. begun in 1935, was widened, the sub grade gravellcd and aspliait pavc~ ment placed. Of the ten miles oi i".:r'. eight were buiif this ylra" About one third oi a mile of parc- incnt was laid at Wllniot, the fill- ing 111 of this gap completing thc Pi"ovlilcc's share oi‘ the trails- Canada highway.

Projects involving the prcpara tlon and widening oi the road bed and gravelling were carried out 0.: follows: from Pownal to the Cross ‘toads at Lot 48, 6 1-2 miles on the 40 Road; and from Bcdford to St. Andrew's. 8 miles oil the St. Peters Road. The Island Paving Company were the 49 Road contractors. The work on the St. Peter's Road was

HON. J. l". BIACINTYRE

Minister Li‘ Public Works and Iiighways done by day labor under the sup- ervision of the Government.

In King's County» four simlla.‘ projects, involving l2 miles of road. were carried out. ’Fhcy were, from Plummcrs Corner ivcst 4 1-2 lIlllBZi on the 49 Road to New Pcrth wcsi; from Rolio Bay west 3 miles; from St. Peter's west 2 1-2 miles; and from Morell Bridge west 2 miics. The contractors for the projects were‘: Messrs. John P. Beer and Herbert Poole, Montague; llcnlgv Phillips, Charlottetown; and the

Standard Construction Company.‘

The last three projects named wcrc 0n the main road from Charlotte- town io Souris.

In Prince County Prince County DFOjCCis included:

on the western Road from Suin- mcrsidc to Mlscouclie, scvcn milcs.

undergo a substantial increase ovcr

that of the previous ycar. Departmental Activities

The Provincial Department, of Agriculture has been exceedingly busy during the season in its pro- motional work and has endeavored to sprcad its efforts as fairly as possible over cvcry phase of farm production and encouragement. Reference has already been niiidc to new departures in support of thc horse and swine industries. New policics have also becn insti- tuted. designed to assist cattc breeding. Two men wcrc placed in thc field to undertake the cillling of poultry for inrmcrs nncl to geri- crally assist this important indus- try. Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs. School Fairs, and other institutions rc- reivcd nor: than ordinary cal-r. At thc same time extra (lutics oi ihc departmental staff was inviti- \'(‘il in ilic csiabllsllmcllt of ncw

i-ducationril policies within thc pro- 1

wince. One of thcsc, which has taken a very large amount of time and which is en important devel- opmcnt of the year. is in tlic form of an Adult Education League. This League was organized to dc- vote its time to the cstabllshniont 6f Study Club organization through- out thc province, in ordcr to effor- tively conduct n comprehensive program of rural and urban study. Lectures on various topics have been prepared and will be broad- cast during the new year. Mater- ials dealing with the various silb- jccts to be investigated have also been prepared and will be distrib- uted gccording to thc requirements of each Study Club. The response to this effort has been very grati- fying and the promoters have been greatly encouraged in their cflorts to dcvclop study along rural ini- provcmcnt channels. One of the great necessities is a more thor- ough understanding oi the many productive and economic problems of our people. Economic improve- merit will develop in direct propor- tion to the ability oi those affected io understand and grapple with their own affairs. A prominent part of the AdultEducational Lea- gue program is concerned with ag- riculturul and cooperative instruc- tion. A iarge number of Study Clubs have been organized to take up the work. The preparation of the necessary materials has im- posed a thought provokln_g task

(COIIU-IIUOG M1 PBIC 13)

The Warren Paving Company had the contract. Included in the pro- jcct was the rc-bulldillg 0f Green's bridge, a. concrete structure at Sunlmcrsidc; the widenillgof Crac- wells Corner at St. Elcanors, and tnc elimination of two curves at Miscouche.

On the vivcstcrn road from Wcl- ilngtoil to Richmond, 4 miles, con- rractors Messrs, John A. Arscnault 1nd J. D. McLcllah; from Caric- toii Lot ii to Elmsdale,9 miles,i:oil- tractors tho Island Paving Co. lil- cludcd lil the last project was (hi: rebuilding of McAusiands Bridge. a 28 foot steel span on concrete piers

Other Projects

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_‘ aid, Soutliporl, on ihc 31st.

ikecords And i Seasonal Notes l l! TAKEN AT Cl-IARLOTTI-ITOWN. P. E. ISLAND DURING 1936

(By Dr. J. A. Clark, Superintend-

ent, Dominion Experimental Sta- tlon)

January, 1936, was stormy with one

and one third inches oi rain 011.1 44 1-2 inches snow.

above a 36 year average. Teinpcl- aturcs wcrc inodcratc, hlgll wlilcls prcvailcd. February weather con- litions wcrc moderate. The cold- est clay of thc“ year occurred on ihc

Precipitation ' being one and three quarter lilCilflo

i '~~q. ‘l8

liery Tutti

fifS/lows Increae“ i lCatch And

(BY J. J. LARABEEJ ‘

(Supervisor of Fisheries:

The total catch u.‘ all fish laii

iil Prince Edward Island (in. ihc year 1936 mow {Ill invrrni... , 3.660.800 lbs. O\'l‘l' l.'i'| yi-ar. 11H»

and also an illcri-iisc ill Llii‘ \-.:!=ii of $87,200 ovcr thc _vc;~i' 157.;

Cod struck iil cai-ly ill .1 good calchcs liiivc b"-

l = l l ~ o ~t- 10 1- . , I-lrgcsvlllcllotulc zzrlomnxlllllerfzl was (fin ‘n’: m” "lumen N” . .. .. . .

abundance of bright s-iilsliinc c1153“ m (‘ummll “m” '"“" l v :1 ‘ ~ ' _ . .

March was tile nllldcst rccordczi ‘ ' l“ " h ‘ ‘ _| izcrc. The moan temperature. 3.3.4 “

ilcgrccs, was about l0 drgrccshigli- ri" than twenty hi? on year ZIHCHJ‘ Uli lilo ltlili tho [Cllillcfaitlfv irnchcri (i0 drgcccs l-‘. mid grain iins rcportcd sown by Mr. McDon- April

, was mild with several heavy snow-

i falls and grain ivas sown on thc ;

l l

Othci- rclici projects included thc ,

iebuildilig of Hyde's Mill bridge at Middleton, a 25 foot stccl bridge on concrete piers; at Portage two dangerous curves were eliiillnatcci and thc road drained; and at Bcatolrs bridge on thc Western Road, Lot 6, two curves wcrc wid- ciicd.

Repairs were made to Southwest bridge. Lot 16, and steel raiiiilg was placed on bridges on the trans- Canada. highway.

Tile West River bridge with a span of 261 fcet was rebuilt o! crcosoted lumber. Tile long ap-

proaches were rebuilt also.

The approaches to Bay View and Stanley bridges were rlprappcd ivllli stone, railed and graded.

A concrete bridge was built at Flnnigans, Vernon River alld thc approaches railed and graded.

Concrete slab bridges on creosote piles were built at Livingstone; and Beers bridges on the Ball- rockburn Road and at thc Corli- wall bridge.

McCloskcys bridgc at Emyvalc,‘ the Riverdule bridge and thc Glcn- i

ilnnan bridges, wooden structures were urcs.

Low lying sections Albcrry Plains and on the Proctor Road, Brnckley Point were rebuiit.

A ncw concrete bridge was built at Hunter River and extensive re-

pairs made to‘ Fllil0l't0li'5 Msrsil bridge.

At Glcncorrzidtilc a crcoootcd timber culvert 40 icci. loilg ivas

built and Duggaifs bridge ncar Pciikels. a wooden structure. was replaced by a crcosotcrl timber bridge ‘.20 fcct long.

At Smclt Crock 1108i‘ Aiurrny‘ Rivci" a ncw concrctc slab on crco- sote pilcs was crcctcri.

Sturgeon bridge approaches wcrc rebuilt and thc Bilrnt Bridge. Lorne Valley. a wooden bfldgtJVflfl rebuilt. St. Pcteiis bridge, 8C0 fcct long was rebuilt and widened.

At Souris brat-ii 3C0 icct oi tiiu- bcr brcastvsork was built and C0il fcet oi’ stone rip-rap placcii.

McRacs Mill bridge, Hcathcrdiiic had a ncw icuudzytoil placcd un- iicr the old siccl span and a 111:3’

I 20 foot span added.

Panmurc ISliiilti bcuoh road, r. mile and a half long, was built up and gravellccl,

Part of thc approach to the Lower Cardigan ferry wharf was rebuilt and gracicd and one wing of the slip rebuilt.

A large part of the Georgetown

ferry wharf was rebuilt with crco- ,

replaced with >100] struct- ‘

of road at, The grain

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' 71gb.