Seed Husbandry in Greenwood
BY: BG EDITOR
Aug 12, 2017 — GREENWOOD, BC (BG)
With a substantial population to feed in the early 1900s, agriculture in and around Greenwood was of prime importance. The costs of transporting food supplies into the Boundary were priced in terms of money and labour, and it took no small measure of either one to feed the residents. Local farmers and home gardeners alike were concerned with maintaining the best seed stock.
Greenwood participated in two important programs spearheaded by the government sponsored Experimental Farm in Ottawa. In 1903 and 1910[1-2], seed stocks of several essential varieties were being given to farmers, at no cost, to proliferate the best producing varieties across Canada.
The 1910 program announcement gives us some interesting details on the seed stock varieties considered to be top performers at the time. From the Boundary Creek Times, November 1910:
Bees Pollinating
SEED FOR FARMERS.
Distribution of Grain and Potatoes for 1911
"By instruction of the Hon. Minister of Agriculture a distribution is being made this season of samples of superior sorts of grain and potatoes to Canadian farmers for the improvement of seed. The stock for distribution has been secured, mainly from the experimental farms at Indian Head, Sask, Brandon, Man., and Ottawa, Ont. The samples consist of oats, spring wheat, barley, field peas, Indian corn (for ensilage only), and potatoes. The quantity of oats sent is 4 lbs., and of wheat or barley 5 lbs., sufficient in each case to sow one twentieth of an acre. The samples of Indian corn, peas and potatoes weigh 3 lbs. each. A quantity of each of the following varieties has been secured for distribution:
Oats — Banner, Danish Island, Abundance, Wide-Awake, Thousand Dollar, Improved Ligowo — all white varieties.
Wheat — Red varieties: Marquis and Early Red Fife (early beardless sorts of high baking strength), Red Fife, beardless, Preston and Huron, early bearded. White varieties — White Fife beardless, Bobs early beardless.
Barley — Six-rowed: Mensury and Manchurian, a selection from Mensury, Two-rowed: Stand-well and Invincible.
Field Peas — Arthur and Golden Vine.
Indian Corn for ensilage, early sorts — Angel of Midnight, Compton's Early and Longfellow. Late varieties — Early Mastodon, Selected Learning and White Cap Yellow Dent.
Potatoes — Early varieties: Rose Rochester, and Irish Cobbler. Medium to late varieties — Gold Coin, Carman No. 1, and Money Maker. The later varieties are, as a rule, more productive than the earlier varieties.
Only one sample can be sent to each applicant, hence if an individual receives a sample of oats he cannot also receive one of wheat, barley, peas, Indian corn or potatoes. Applications on printed cards or sheets, or lists of names from one individual, or applications for more than one sample for one household, cannot be entertained. The sample will be sent free of charge through the mail.
Applications should be addressed to the Dominion Cerealist, Experimental Farm, Ottawa, and may be sent in any time from the 1st of December to the 15th of February, after which the lists will he closed, so that the samples asked for may be sent out in good time. Applicants should mention the varieties they prefer, with a second sort as an alternative.
Applications will be filled in the order in which they are received, so long as the supply of seed lasts. Farmers are advised to apply early to avoid possible disappointment.
Those applying for Indian corn or potatoes should bear in mind that the corn is not usually distributed until April, and that potatoes cannot be mailed until danger from frost in transit is over. No postage is required on mail matter addressed to the Experimental Farm, Ottawa."
Distribution of Grain and Potatoes for 1911
"By instruction of the Hon. Minister of Agriculture a distribution is being made this season of samples of superior sorts of grain and potatoes to Canadian farmers for the improvement of seed. The stock for distribution has been secured, mainly from the experimental farms at Indian Head, Sask, Brandon, Man., and Ottawa, Ont. The samples consist of oats, spring wheat, barley, field peas, Indian corn (for ensilage only), and potatoes. The quantity of oats sent is 4 lbs., and of wheat or barley 5 lbs., sufficient in each case to sow one twentieth of an acre. The samples of Indian corn, peas and potatoes weigh 3 lbs. each. A quantity of each of the following varieties has been secured for distribution:
Oats — Banner, Danish Island, Abundance, Wide-Awake, Thousand Dollar, Improved Ligowo — all white varieties.
Wheat — Red varieties: Marquis and Early Red Fife (early beardless sorts of high baking strength), Red Fife, beardless, Preston and Huron, early bearded. White varieties — White Fife beardless, Bobs early beardless.
Barley — Six-rowed: Mensury and Manchurian, a selection from Mensury, Two-rowed: Stand-well and Invincible.
Field Peas — Arthur and Golden Vine.
Indian Corn for ensilage, early sorts — Angel of Midnight, Compton's Early and Longfellow. Late varieties — Early Mastodon, Selected Learning and White Cap Yellow Dent.
Potatoes — Early varieties: Rose Rochester, and Irish Cobbler. Medium to late varieties — Gold Coin, Carman No. 1, and Money Maker. The later varieties are, as a rule, more productive than the earlier varieties.
Only one sample can be sent to each applicant, hence if an individual receives a sample of oats he cannot also receive one of wheat, barley, peas, Indian corn or potatoes. Applications on printed cards or sheets, or lists of names from one individual, or applications for more than one sample for one household, cannot be entertained. The sample will be sent free of charge through the mail.
Applications should be addressed to the Dominion Cerealist, Experimental Farm, Ottawa, and may be sent in any time from the 1st of December to the 15th of February, after which the lists will he closed, so that the samples asked for may be sent out in good time. Applicants should mention the varieties they prefer, with a second sort as an alternative.
Applications will be filled in the order in which they are received, so long as the supply of seed lasts. Farmers are advised to apply early to avoid possible disappointment.
Those applying for Indian corn or potatoes should bear in mind that the corn is not usually distributed until April, and that potatoes cannot be mailed until danger from frost in transit is over. No postage is required on mail matter addressed to the Experimental Farm, Ottawa."
It's interesting to see how many of the seed stock varieties offered above as superior for Canada growing, are still being cultivated today. We did a quick survey:
finding no mention of any of the oat varieties still be planted today, although they were popularly mentioned in agriculture books from the late 1800s and early 1900s;
in the wheat category, Marquis, Red Fife, Preston, Huron and Bobs are still readily available; both Mensury and Standwell barley is still grown, as are the Golden Vine field peas;
we found few sources for the Indian Corn varieties — only Longfellow and White Cap Yellow Dent;
and more in the potato category: Irish Cobbler, Gold Coin, Carman No. 1 and Money Maker are all still grown today.
in the wheat category, Marquis, Red Fife, Preston, Huron and Bobs are still readily available; both Mensury and Standwell barley is still grown, as are the Golden Vine field peas;
we found few sources for the Indian Corn varieties — only Longfellow and White Cap Yellow Dent;
and more in the potato category: Irish Cobbler, Gold Coin, Carman No. 1 and Money Maker are all still grown today.
Boundary Creek Times ad - Apr 16, 1898
There were quite a few companies selling seed stock to farmers in the Boundary, and some came quite a distance to sell here. A 1910 Times item[3] announced that "R. H. Coleman, traveller for the Ferry seed house, paid a business visit to the city last week." Ferry Seeds was headquartered in Detroit, Michigan.
Boundary Creek Times ad – Nov 27, 1908
Closer to home, another 1910 announcement[4] told Greenwood farmers and merchants that "D. A. Jeffrey, representative of the Steel Briggs seedsmen, Vancouver branch, is here hustling for next year's seed trade."
The practice of vetting good seed is as old as the practice of cultivation. In early Greenwood, seed testing facilities were available to those who sent their samples off to the laboratory in Calgary. From a March 1907 issue of the Times:[5]
SEED TESTING LABORATORY FOR THE WEST
"The new seed testing station established by the Dominion department of agriculture at Calgary for the convenience of the farmers and seed merchants of Alberta and British Columbia is now fully equipped and in operation. Seed will be tested at this laboratory for PURITY and GERMINATION.
The purity test shows the amount of weed seeds or other impurities contained in a sample, and the names and quantities of each kind. When a farmer is buying seed or if using his own, it is important that he ascertain whether or not it is free from noxious weed seeds.
The germination test shows what percentage of the seed will germinate under favorable field conditions. Many conditions affect the vitality of seed such as unfavorable weather, immaturity, freezing before harvesting, lack of proper storage or old age. Appearances are deceiving and often very good looking seed is low in vitality.
A report of the result of each sample sent in for purity test will be forwarded within a couple of days from the date it is received at the office. The time required for final germination test of wheat, oats, barley and clovers is ten days, timothy, rye grass, etc., fourteen days, vegetables ten to fourteen days. A preliminary report will, if requested, be forwarded within four to six days from the date of receipt of sample.
Samples should be securely wrapped in strong paper or enclosed in cotton bag, and should contain not less than one ounce of grass seeds of all kinds or white or alsike clovers, two ounces red clover, alfalfa or other seeds of like size, and three ounces or a small handful of wheat, oats and barley or other large seeds. The rate of postage is one cent per ounce and should be pre-paid. All testing is done free of charge.
Address
Dominion Department of Agriculture,
Seed Laboratory, Calgary.
"The new seed testing station established by the Dominion department of agriculture at Calgary for the convenience of the farmers and seed merchants of Alberta and British Columbia is now fully equipped and in operation. Seed will be tested at this laboratory for PURITY and GERMINATION.
The purity test shows the amount of weed seeds or other impurities contained in a sample, and the names and quantities of each kind. When a farmer is buying seed or if using his own, it is important that he ascertain whether or not it is free from noxious weed seeds.
The germination test shows what percentage of the seed will germinate under favorable field conditions. Many conditions affect the vitality of seed such as unfavorable weather, immaturity, freezing before harvesting, lack of proper storage or old age. Appearances are deceiving and often very good looking seed is low in vitality.
A report of the result of each sample sent in for purity test will be forwarded within a couple of days from the date it is received at the office. The time required for final germination test of wheat, oats, barley and clovers is ten days, timothy, rye grass, etc., fourteen days, vegetables ten to fourteen days. A preliminary report will, if requested, be forwarded within four to six days from the date of receipt of sample.
Samples should be securely wrapped in strong paper or enclosed in cotton bag, and should contain not less than one ounce of grass seeds of all kinds or white or alsike clovers, two ounces red clover, alfalfa or other seeds of like size, and three ounces or a small handful of wheat, oats and barley or other large seeds. The rate of postage is one cent per ounce and should be pre-paid. All testing is done free of charge.
Address
Dominion Department of Agriculture,
Seed Laboratory, Calgary.
Dr. William Saunders, 1897
Director, Experimental Farms, Ottawa
Library and Archives Canada #74468
Dr. William Saunders, who signed the 1903 announcement in the Boundary Creek Times offering "Seed For Farmers", was a pioneer in Canadian agricultural science and Director of the Experimental Farms in Ottawa for 25 years.
"Saunders' most important contributions were made in the field of horticulture. In 1869 he bought a small farm near London, planted fruit-trees, and began experiments in hybridization. The results of his work were published by the Fruit Growers' Association of Ontario, another organization in which he was involved. By 1880 Saunders was regarded as the leading authority on agriculture and horticulture in Canada.
Consequently, in 1885, when the Canadian government was considering ways to improve agricultural output, they asked Saunders to investigate the feasibility of implementing an experimental farm system similar to the model used in the United States. Saunders visited several experimental farms in America and delivered his recommendations the following year.
The government accepted Saunders' recommendations on the establishment of experimental farms and appointed him director in 1887. For the next 25 years Saunders led research into horticulture, forestry, and animal husbandry. The focus was on practical solutions to the problems faced by Canadian farmers. In particular, the experimental farms produced improved varieties of grain, livestock and fruit trees that were adapted to the Canadian climate. He began the work that was completed by his son Charles E. Saunders to develop the important wheat cultivar 'Marquis'."[6]
Consequently, in 1885, when the Canadian government was considering ways to improve agricultural output, they asked Saunders to investigate the feasibility of implementing an experimental farm system similar to the model used in the United States. Saunders visited several experimental farms in America and delivered his recommendations the following year.
The government accepted Saunders' recommendations on the establishment of experimental farms and appointed him director in 1887. For the next 25 years Saunders led research into horticulture, forestry, and animal husbandry. The focus was on practical solutions to the problems faced by Canadian farmers. In particular, the experimental farms produced improved varieties of grain, livestock and fruit trees that were adapted to the Canadian climate. He began the work that was completed by his son Charles E. Saunders to develop the important wheat cultivar 'Marquis'."[6]
Experimental Farms, Ottawa
Dr. Saunders travelled all over Canada in 1886 to monitor crop adaptability in various places, and determined that the standard Red Fife wheat particularly struggled to reach maturity in the late autumn frosts of western Canada. He proceeded to refine the Marquis wheat cultivar, which was among the seed stocks offered to Greenwood farmers. Marquis wheat went on to become a cornerstone of Canadian seed stocks.[7]
"Dr. Saunders' Marquis wheat stemmed from the best seeds of the Marquis B variety, which proved to be superior according to the doctor's testing. Marquis wheat matured 7-10 days earlier than Red Fife, was shorter, generated a huge yield of around 41.6 bushels per acre, and produced high quality baking. Not only did Marquis wheat become famous across Canada, it earned Dr. Saunders a $1000 prize for the "best wheat variety in Canada," as offered by the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1911.
Marquis wheat was soon planted across 80-90% of the total wheat acreage in Canada. It covered more than 20 million acres and reached a total value of 500 million dollars. This high-quality wheat was exported across the world and even aided Canada's allies in wartime — the UK, France, Belgium, and Greece. This is why Marquis wheat has such a respected legacy in Canada today, where we continue to produce some of the highest value wheat in the world."
Marquis wheat was soon planted across 80-90% of the total wheat acreage in Canada. It covered more than 20 million acres and reached a total value of 500 million dollars. This high-quality wheat was exported across the world and even aided Canada's allies in wartime — the UK, France, Belgium, and Greece. This is why Marquis wheat has such a respected legacy in Canada today, where we continue to produce some of the highest value wheat in the world."
Harvesting Wheat
FOOTNOTES
[1] Boundary Creek Times — Jan 16, 1903, p. 4
https://open.library.ubc.ca/collections/bcnewspapers/xboundarycr/items/1.0170931
[2] Boundary Creek Times — Nov 25, 1910, p. 1
https://open.library.ubc.ca/collections/bcnewspapers/xboundarycr/items/1.0171242
[3] Boundary Creek Times — Jul 29, 1910, p. 4
https://open.library.ubc.ca/collections/bcnewspapers/xboundarycr/items/1.0171624
[4] Boundary Creek Times — Jul 22, 1910, p. 4
https://open.library.ubc.ca/collections/bcnewspapers/xboundarycr/items/1.0171340
[5] Boundary Creek Times — Mar 15, 1907, p. 2
https://open.library.ubc.ca/collections/bcnewspapers/xboundarycr/items/1.0171646
[6] William Saunders
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Saunders_(scientist)
[7] "Marquis Wheat: A History of Wheat Developed to Grow in Canada"
http://www.abreadaffair.com/bakery-vancouver/marquis-wheat-a-history-of-wheat-developed-to-grow-in-canada/
[8] Boundary Creek Times — Jan 27, 1911, p. 2
https://open.library.ubc.ca/collections/bcnewspapers/xboundarycr/items/1.0172198
