248 Bureau of Faumeks' Institutes. 



lowed to sprout in the cellar, because it injures their vitality. 

 The third reason is neglect of the crop when the fungus and bugs 

 attack the vines. If a good crop of tubers is secured, there must 

 be a good, strong healthy growth of leaf and stem. To obtain 

 that, the seed must be good, the cultivation proper and constant 

 and the vines sprayed with the Bordeaux and the poison, to fore- 

 stall the blight fungus and the bugs. 



How should we dispose of oui- small potatoes? 



Mr. Cook. — Feed them in moderate quantities to the cows, pro- 

 viding they assist in balancing the ration. They are rich in 

 starch, so should be fed with protein foods. There is succulence 

 enough in them. A few oats, some bran or cotton seed meal will 

 balance them. If you have ensilage, take it out, but I would not 

 feed more than a peck at first; possibly the amount may be in- 

 creased a little at a time, till more are fed. It will depend on the 

 cows's ability to digest and assimilate them, together with the 

 other foods eaten with them. 



Should ground be rolled before dragging for potatoes? 



Mr. Converse. — I would certainly roll a clover sod. to pack 

 the furrows closely. Then I would finely pulverize it and fine the 

 surface before planting the potatoes. 



What is the value of potatoes as a milk-producing food? 



Mr. Litchard.— Fed judiciousW — that is, not too many, and 

 with other proper foods — I think they are worth for such a pur- 

 pose eleven cents a bushel. 



Mr. Cook. — When potatoes are worth twenty-five cents a bushel 

 the question is not worth considering. I used to think that pota- 

 toes could not be fed and good butter and cheese made, but I 

 have changed my mind somewhat. Begin with two quarts and 

 increase the quantity gradually up to a peck or more, when they 

 are low enough in price. 



"What is the best potato digger on the market? 



Mr. Litchard. — The Hoover is the best digger I have tried so 

 far. But there may be a better one, however. 



