The Question Box. 79 



toes. You may treat the seed just as much as you please, but the 

 scab will get into the soil where potato-growing is continued. So 

 1 should not plant potatoes quite so often on the same land. 



Mr. Smith. — Mr. T. B. Terry of Ohio, has followed a three- 

 year rotation, clover, potatoes and wheat, on the same land for 

 years. He has no scabby potatoes. 



Question. — Would salt be of any value to prevent scab in pota- 

 toes and furnish moisture in a dry season ? 



Prof. Cavanaugh. — I do not believe that salt will prevent the 

 appearance of potato scab. 



Question. — When ground is in good condition to grow clover, 

 will it grow smooth potatoes ? 



Prof. Cavanaugh. — I do not believe there is any connection be- 

 tween the growing of smooth potatoes and clover. Potato scab is 

 caused by a germ in the soil. If it is there, scabby potatoes will be 

 the result, no matter whether clover or some other crop preceded it. 

 Lime corrects an acid condition of the soil, but an alkaline condi- 

 tion is better for the potato. I should not plant potatoes on land 

 on which lime had been applied, until at least two years had 

 passed. Treating the seed potatoes in a solution of corrosive sub- 

 limate, two ounces in a barrel of water, a half hour, will destroy 

 the scab germ. Have the water hot or warm. 



Question. — Are small potatoes as good for seed as medium-sized, 

 cut two eyes to a piece ? 



Mr. Chapman. — I prefer a medium-sized potato to a large one, 

 if it is mature. 



Question. — Which system will produce most potatoes to the 

 acre — three feet apart each way, or three feet one way and fifteen 

 inches the other? 



Mr. Smith. — I dcn't know; it would depend on the season and 

 other conditions. I don't believe that any iron-clad rule can be 

 laid down for all soils, all seasons and all growers. 



Question. — What is the best fertilizer for potatoes? 



Mr. Smith. — The best fertilizer for potatoes is a good clover 

 sod, well fitted. 



A Farmer. — We don't want to plow up a good clover sod and 

 plant potatoes on it. 



Mr. Smith. — Why not? Clover will live not longer than two 

 years at most. If, after a crop has been taken off, you plow under 

 the aftermath, you will get a large quantity of humus as well as a 

 good per cent, of nitrogen, which was stored in both the roots and 

 tops. The potato needs moisture, to get which there must be 



