The Question Box. 243 



What Is the best method of growing potatoes near Madrid? 



A Farmer. — I do not raise many potatoes, but I plow my land 

 deeply, turning under as much manure as I can. The rows are 

 furrowed out three feet apart and the seed dropped eighteen 

 inches apart. I grow from 300 to 400 bushels per acre, and 

 have no trouble in growing smooth, handsome potatoes. But 

 the main point is in having good seed. My land is a limestone 

 soil, which produces good potatoes. 



Mr. Litchard. — We raise a good many potatoes in our county, 

 and we find a dry, loamy soil the best, both for quantity and 

 quality. We prefer a clover sod, either for corn or potatoes. 

 Since we have our silo, we follow potatoes with corn. Our ma- 

 nure is all drawn out as fast as made and spread on the sod. 



Mr. Pickens gave his method, which did not vary much from 

 Mr. Litchard's, although he uses a hiller, while Mr. Litchard 

 does not. 



Mr. Litchard. — There are three essential things necessary to 

 grow potatoes: First, soil; second, seed; third, sense; but the 

 best results are obtained when the crop receives constant culti- 

 vation; so I never would put in a shovel plow, for the reason 

 that it cuts off the small feeding roots. Give only level shal- 

 low cultivation. 



Will the planting of ill-shaped potatoes produce the same? 



Answer. — In the main, yes. As a rule, one gets about that 

 which he plants or sows. 



At what season would you advise planting potatoes for the local 

 markets? 



Answer. — Be governed by climatic conditions and soils. If 

 you are in a high altitude, get the seed into the ground as early 

 as possible. We want to have them ripe before the early fall 

 frosts. 



To Dr. Jordan. — What Is the cause and remedy for scab on potatoes? 



Answer. — The germ that causes scab on potatoes lives in the 

 Boil. I am not a bacteriologist. We ought to have about twenty 

 men in a force to answer all the questions that come up. The 

 Boaking of the seed in a solution of corrosive sublimate, one part 



