220 MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURE. 



any other tolerable theory, in regarding the result as proof of 

 deterioration ? 



Does it not favor this theory, that potatoes planted on light, 

 dry, and especially on new land, are less liable to rot, than on 

 heavy, wet, and manured land ? It is reasonable that tliis 

 should be so, because the former condition is an approximation 

 to that of the original plant. Potatoes thus grown will produce 

 a smaller stem and fewer leaves, and though the tubers may 

 also be small, they will be good flavored. In the new and fer- 

 tile land on the bayous of Louisiana, the tubers are said to be 

 as large and as good flavored, as dry and nutritious, as any 

 raised elsewhere. From Bermuda also are brought our best 

 early potatoes. If such a culture will not restore health, it 

 may cause the disorder to assume a milder form. And while 

 the whole subject is environed with doubt, and the origin of the 

 disorder has baffled the sagacity of the wisest phytologists, we 

 may well speak with modesty of remedies. But there seems 

 to be reason in planting either on new land, or on light land, 

 enriched v/ith straw, clover, leaf, or other vegetable manure. 

 Whatever manures be used, the land should be light and dry, 

 and easily accessible by the sun.* 



Great care should also be exercised in selecting and planting 

 the finest varieties of seedlings. Nor should it be forgotten 

 that too much importance has been attached to the transporta- 

 tion of potatoes for planting to localities distant from those in 

 which they grew. The gain from that practice will hardly pay 

 the expense. Seedlings adapt themselves to their home, and 

 do as well there as elsewhere. 



But it seems to me that our chief hope of success lies in 

 planting potatoes and seed brought directly from their native 

 country and their wild state. Even should it be true, as it has 



* It may be in place here to inquire whether a part of the failure of the potato 

 crop may not have resulted from the slovenly manner in which this plant is fre- 

 quently cultivated. We plough once, throw into a hole some strong manure, and 

 press upon it the half-pulverized earth. Heavy rains beat down the ground, and 

 render it so solid as to be almost inaccessible to atmospheric influence. If the 

 ground were ploughed deep, then cross-ploughed, then harrowed and made fine 

 and light, so that the sun, air, and rain might have free access to the plants, there 

 is reason to believe that the increase of the quantity and the improvement of the 

 quality, of the crop, would repay the additioiud expense. 



