140 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



^lanv other experiments might be cited having .1 bearing on these 

 points with simihir results. It would seem IVom these experiments 

 that the points in connection with planting large or small potatoes, 

 and in connection with planting whole or cut potatoes, are as defi- 

 nitely settled as they are ever like!}- to he. It is perhaps not neces- 

 sary to cite any experimental data to show that the potato tubers 

 are increasing in size (weight) as long as the tops remain green. 

 Fittgogen, Gruuland and Fraude, however, have presented such data 

 which have been verified by the work of Nobbein the same direction. 



Nobbe has done some very instructive and practical work in con- 

 nection with the preservation of potatoes after harvesting. Tubers 

 of known weight and composition were taken for the experiment 

 and were kept at a temperature varying from 50° to 70° F. for a cool 

 temperature, and 77° to 86° F. for a warm temperature. For a dry 

 atmosphere tubers were kept under a glass bell jar over sulphuric 

 acid, wliich keeps the atmosphere in the confined space ver}' dry, 

 owing to the absorptive power of the acid for moisture. Those tu- 

 bers kept in a moist atmosphere were under a similar bell jar over 

 water. The condition of the experiment for eajh lot of tubers is 

 shown in the following table : 



I In light, dry, cool, V Dark, dr}', cool, 



II In light, dry, warm, VI Dark, dr}', warm, 



III In light, moist, cool, VII Dark, moist, cool, 



IV In light, moist, warm, VIII Dark, moist, warm. 



The experimental tubers were weighed ever}' week, but the final 

 weighings, which took place at the end of six mouths, will be suffi- 

 cient for our purpose. 



Loss. Loss. 



Dry, cool, < In light 34.05 per cent. Dry light, ^ Cool 34.0.5 per cent. 



( " diirk 34.50 per cent. ( Warm 57.05 per cent. 



Dry, warm, On light 57.05 per cent. Dry, dark, C ^ool 34,50 per cent 



\ " dark G8.tj5 per cent. I Warm 68.75 per cent. 



Moist, cool, < In light 20. 15 per cent. Moist, light, C Cool 20. 15 per cent. 



\ " dark 13.35 per cent. ^ Warm 57.70 per cent. 



Moist, warm, On light 57.70 per cent. Moist, dark, 5 Cool 13.35 per cent. 



I " dark (32.10 per cent. ( Warm 62.10 percent. 



Cool, light, < Dry 34.05 per cent. 

 \ Moist 2U.15 per cent. 



Cool, dark, < Dry 34.50 per cent. 

 I Moist 13.35 per cent. 



Warm, light, ^ Dry 57.05 per cent. 

 Warm, dark, \ Moist 57.50 per cent. 



Warm, dark, < Dry 68.75 per cent. 

 i Moist 62.10 per cent. 



