24-4 Bureau ou Farmers' Institutes. 



of the poison to 1,000 of water, is said to prevent it. It is caused 

 by an alkaline condition of the soil. Lime and wood ashes con- 

 tribute to it. 



To Mr. Terry. — Will lime, used on land, cause scab on potatoes? 



Mr. Terry. — Dr. Jordan says that an alkaline condition is favor- 

 able to the appearance of potato scab. Lime contributes to it. 

 We know that the scab germ will continue in the soil at least 

 three seasons. If the germ is in the soil no amount of soaking 

 of the seed will prevent scab on the tubers. 



Will Mr. Terry tell us his experience in spraying potatoes, also tell us 

 what implements he uses to furrow out his potato rows? 



Answer. — I began spraying potatoes several years since, using a 

 horse-power pump. Have used both a planter and a device of 

 my own. The latter has proved best, which plows the furrows — 

 two at once, throwing them in an opposite way; the seed is then 

 dropped in the furrows, then levelled with the harrow. It costs 

 more than it does to use the Aspinwall planter, probably one dol- 

 lar per acre, but it pays. 



What do you say about plowing under rye for potatoes? 



Answer. — I prefer clover, for the reason that it furnishes nitro- 

 gen from both tops and roots, also humus, which potatoes need. 

 Rye will produce humus, but no nitrogen for the potatoes. But 

 there is more danger from plowing under a large crop of rye than 

 of clover, because there is more danger of producing acid in the 

 soil. I would most certainly try clover in preference to rye. 



AYhat variety of potato is the best for marliet? 



A Farmer. — Green Mountain, of late, has proved best. We 

 raised last year, 4,000 bushels. Some fields yielded 240 bushels 

 per acre. We have also grown Carman No. 3. It is good, but 

 does not produce as heavily as does Green Mountain or Rural 

 New Yorker. In fact, the two are so nearly alike that one 

 is sold for the other by some farmers. On some soils, last year, 

 Green Mountain was much more scabby than were some other 

 varieties. 



