SECRETARY'S REPORT. 9 



The variety of potato experimented with, is a rank and late 

 grower, not given to rot— the tops being about four feet average 

 length, and green and growing when dug, October 10, 1862. The 

 manure was spread upon the ground and plowed and harrowed in. 

 The rows at two and a half feet apart. 



A remarkable degree of regularity will be noticed in these re- 

 sults, with the exception of the first lot, and they show, so far as 

 they show anything — 1st, that one foot by two and a half is better 

 than any greater distance. 2d, that whole seed of medium size is 

 better than cut. 3d, that the larger the seed, the larger the crop — 

 all of which, with the exception of the last, agrees with my experi- 

 ence for thirty years past. In regard to the last point, in raising 

 White Blue Nose potatoes, an early maturing and small foliaged 

 variety, (the kind formerly cultivated almost exclusively here for 

 market,) I never, in but one instance, could perceive that small 

 seed was not equally as good as large. Perhaps the very different 

 habits of the varieties may make the difference. The one growing 

 with small amount of vines or tops, getting its full growth and 

 ripening in September or August sometimes — the other growing a 

 perfect swamp of tops, and never getting its growth or ripening — 

 but withal a very good potato, and very free from rot. I have 

 aimed at accuracy in this experiment — doing the work myself, and 

 weighing the seed and crop, calling sixty pounds a bushel for con- 

 venience in reducing, one pound (1-60) bearing the same propor- 

 tion to a bushel, that one hundred hills at three feet bear to an acre 

 (1-60.) 



North Perry, Oct. 11, 1862. 



Some discussion having followed the reading of this report, on 

 motion of Mr. Chamberlain, it was voted to continue the sul^'ect 

 of potato culture as one of the topics for consideration during the 

 interim. Messrs. Percival, Lee and Leach were appointed a Conii- 

 mittee to report on this topic at the next session, and the following 

 resolutions were introduced by Mr. Chamberlain : 



Whereas, It is desirable that we should know more in regard to 

 the best methods for the general culture of the potato, and whereas, 

 the experience of past years has led to the cautious application of 

 stable manure as a fertilizer for this important crop, thus inducing 

 a practice of planting extensively for small returns, and whereas, 

 it is important that we should learn at an early day the value of 

 fish guano, and to what crops it may best be applied ; therefore. 



