REPORT OF THE HORTICULTURIST 



133 



SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 



Potatoes — Scotch versus Englisu Seed. 



It will be seen that the varieties from Scotch seed averaged at the rate of 10 bushels 

 per acre higher than those from English seed. This is not a large amount in itself, 

 but considering that the average 3'ield of the ten varieties was only at the rate of S4 

 bushels 29 lbs per acre,, the increase is considerable. If the year had been an average 

 one the difference would probably have been nearer forty bushels as the yield might 

 easily be four times as great as in 1906. 



The reason why potatoes from Scotch seed give better results than those from 

 English seed is that in Scotland, and in Ireland also, the climate is more equable than 

 it is in England during the growing season and the tubers are developed more slowly 

 and are not so liable to be checked by dry hot weather. It has been shown that im- 

 mature seed will give greater crops than mature seed, one reason probably being that 

 immature seed keeps in better condition until planting time than that which is ma- 

 ture, which will sprout earlier. Thus the Scotch and Irish seed potatoes which are 

 not so mature as the English produce better crops. At the Central Experimental 

 Farm it was found that immature seed gave better results than mature seed of the 

 same variety, both grown at the experimental farm, but one not planted the previous 

 year until July and hence not maturing. Whether potatoes would eventually increase 

 or decrease in yield by planting immature seed every year has not yet been proved. 



TOjVJATOES. 



test of varieties. 



The number of varieties of tomatoes tested at the Central Experimental Farm 

 has been gradually reduced each year and in 1906 there were 38 kinds under test 

 compared with 93 five years ago. Those tested last year included the best of the older 

 varieties and the novelties. The number tested seems large when one considers that 

 in half a dozen varieties or less would be included all the very best, but it is often 

 not possible for a farmer to get the very best and by his knowing a few others which 

 are alm.ost as good he can get them instead. 



The best strains of the Sparks' Earliana and Bruce's Dominion Day for early, 

 and the Chalk's Early Jewel for early and main crop are three of the best scarlet 

 tomatoes to plant. Where an early pink or purplish pink variety is desired the June 

 Pink, a novelty of 1906, gives promise of being one of the best. 



