Hints for Country Settlers

Feilding Star, Volume XII, Issue 142, 23 May 1891, Page 2

Hints for Country Settlers

THE POTATO „ (Continued.) j/M It seems to be still a vexed question ' ?^ whether" single eyes, two or three eyes* or whole tubers are test for 'seed. Prof. Sanborn, of the * Missouri Agricultural College, after a number of experiments decided that the heaviest crop per acre is to be obtained from whole tubers, 'and that single eyes yield less than two or" three, eyes. Dr Sturtevent, director of . . the New York Experimental Station, . . likewise experimented.' He says -Single - eyes yielded satisfactory crops per hill, and a more uniform crop than-wbole potatoes or ordinary cuts, and that single eyes .yielded a smaller per - centage of email potatoes than did ordinary cuts , or whole potatoes used for seed." Although he speaks in favor of single eyes he does ! not say whether they yielded the heaviest ' crop per acre. Again, .a series of experiments were carried out in the gardens of the Horticultural Society, London, under the direction of -the late Professor Lind- ~ ley, with a view to ascertains the relative productiveness of tubers and sets. The result was decidedly in favor of single eyes. James Pink, a noted English governor, says " The whole" tuber produces the largest number of potatoes, but the single eye will produce the most uniform sample, and the heaviest crop per acre." There now. You see how doctors differ. Until you can satisfy yourself that another plan is better I should say use , single eyes, nay own experience is decideldy iv favor of siugle eyes. Admitting that they are as good, if not better, than larger sets, it is economy to use them, as a less quantity will be required to ' plant per acre". When cutting the sets notice that each has^an .equal amount of. flesh, which" is to start it into a strong healthy growth, and be sure to' plant them as soon as they are cut. I haye omitted to mention that the potatoes used for. seed should be medium size and the finest " and best shaped you have. In my next I shall have something to say about planting and after culture. — I am, &c, L _, - ■> • Spud.