AGRICULTURE 
45 
over 90 per cent. In 1928 the province produced 13,090,029 pounds of 
sugar and 909,646 gallons of syrup. The value of the total maple sugar 
and syrup production in 1928 was $3,604,417 or 643 per cent of the total 
value for all Canada. Quebec in 1927 produced 92 per cent of all the maple 
sugar made in Canada, and 66 per cent of all the maple syrup. The 
maple product of Quebec is largely marketed in the United States. 
For the purpose of assisting the farmers to supply the market with 
a superior product, the Provincial Government gives an annual grant to 
a sugar making school. Six travelling Government inspectors ‘also give 
instruction in the sugar-making districts. The Quebec Maple Sugar Pro- 
ducers Association was organized in 1926 with a view to higher grade 
production and better marketing methods. The Association has recently 
established modern factories for the preparation of maple sugar products 
at Quebec and Plessisville. The Association also makes known the best 
methods of obtaining products of the highest quality and protects the 
customer by means of a special trade mark. The Association was instru- 
mental in having a Federal Act passed imposing fines for adulterating 
maple syrup and sugar. 
MARKET GARDENING 
In the environs of Montreal market-gardening is extensively carried 
on and the proximity of large cities provides an inexhaustible market 
for all kinds of garden produce. The soil and climate are favourable 
for the growing of a large variety of vegetables and garden fruits. The 
Society of Market Gardeners, recently established with headquarters at 
Montreal, has proven itself to be of great co-operative value. 
FRUIT GROWING 
Apples and Pears.—Apples and pears were introduced into New 
France by the early settlers and records show that the apple was grown 
as far back as 1663. Apples of the finest appearance and best quality 
can be produced in Quebec and there are many thousands of acres in the 
Ottawa and St. Lawrence valleys, in the Eastern townships, and other 
parts of the province where they can be successfully grown. The Horti- 
cultural Service and the Pomological Society of the province by means 
of demonstration orchards, nurseries, lectures and inspection, have become 
important factors in improving and standardizing orchard products for 
commercial purposes. Statistics show, however, that the marketed crop 
is not sufficient for the local demand, and large quantities are, therefore, 
annually imported. The capabilities of the province for the production 
of apples are very great and the industry can easily be developed.* The 
perfection of the Quebec Fameuse apple, which is considered to have origin- 
ated in the province, and of the Macintosh Red, is well known. 
Tn 1925 Quebec produced 109,004 bbls. of apples valued at $741,227. In 1926. 111,600 bbls., valued 
at £474. 300. In 1927. 104.600 bbls. valued at $481.160-