BUREAU OF PLAXT INDUSTRY. 147 



mum number of strings, those havino- a maximum number of first- 

 grade table potatoes, those having a maximum j'ield irrespective of 

 size or shape, the latter having its particular application in the pro- 

 duction of potatoes for stock feed and the making of sirup, sugar, 

 starch, or alcohol, Avhere a large jdeld is the primary feature. The 

 object of the selections is self-evident, except that one where the 

 selections arc made vrith a view to producing the maximum number 

 of strings ; the importance of this is simply a matter of comparison 

 and for^securing a definite demonstration of the results in selection. 



Investigational work in the curing of sweet potatoes was also car- 

 ried on with very satisfactory results, it being shown that with 

 proper handling and storage conditions sweet potatoes can be car- 

 ried through the winter and as late as April 1 with not to exceed 1 

 per cent of loss from decay. 



The work with peanuts has been along lines comparable with those 

 followed in the sweet-potato work. Methods of planting, selection 

 of seed, the improvement of yield, and cultivating and handling the 

 c]-op have been studied. The study of varieties has made evident 

 the fact that most of the so-called varieties now to be found in the 

 trade are in fact merely old standard varieties with new or local 

 names and that there are only about six distinct varieties grown in 

 this country. Selected strains of some of these varieties are being 

 made, with a view to producing those particularly adapted for 

 definite purposes, such as the making of peanut oil a high-grade table 

 and cooking oil, also employed in tlie mannfacture of olemargarine, 

 and to some extent in making soap, etc., and also strains that are 

 adapted for human food in the form of peanut meal, peanut butter, 

 and other products. High-yielding strains are desirable for stock 

 and dairy feeds. 



IRISH FOTATO INVESTIGATIONS. 



The work under the Irish potato project previously inaugurated 

 has been continued during the past year. These lines include a 

 study and classification of varieties, a study of the adaptability- of 

 varieties to different conditions, selection studies in connection with 

 the development of improved strains, a study of seedlings produced 

 in breeding, studies of the best rate of seeding and of the use of 

 Avhole or cut seed, and various other problems of a similar chai'acter. 



In addition to these studies, all of which have been in progress for 

 a number of years, attention was especially devoted to the develop- 

 ment of improved seed stocks, it being realized that the seed stocks 

 (■()]nmonly available to potato growers contain many mixtures, not 

 infre({uentiy diseased and as a rule not as productive as they shoidd 

 be. It is a recognized fact that the yield of potatoes in this country 

 is far below that secured in Germany and in some other counti'ies. 

 Tliis difference is commonly attributed to the use of relatively in- 

 ferior seed stock. 



A collection of South American varieties of potatoes, including a 

 niiinber of the jellow-flesh types, has been grown for study each 

 season for a number of Aears past. The full collection was grown 

 in 1918, as it was the preceding year, at Swannanoa, N. C, and 

 Presque Isle, ]Me., but without any very promising results, those 

 obtained in 1018 being even less promising than were those in 1017. 

 It now seems evident that, with the possible exception of two or threo 



