292 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



shipped in a manner that will retain the full vigor and hardiness gained 

 by its production in the North. 



HOW WE KEEP OUR POTATO CROP HEALTHY — SCAB AND ITS PRE- 

 VENTION. 



I wish here to speak of two things that, although not exactly new^ 

 as they have been recommended by oar Experiment Stations for sev- 

 eral years, yet, are new to the great mass of potato-growers. I refer 

 to the soaking of the seed in Corrosive Sublimate, as a preventive of 

 the potato scab, and the spraying with Bordeaux mixture to prevent 

 the early and late blights. 



No one should ever plant a field of potatoes without first soaking^ 

 the seed in the Corrosive Sublimate solution ( 2 oz. of Corrosive Sub- 

 limate to 16 gals, water). Even if the seed appears perfectly free from 

 every trace of scab, soak it, as the germs of scab may be clinging to 

 the skin of the tuber. The expense is small, and the remedy sure, if 

 the treated seed is planted upon land free from the germs of the scab. 



HOW TO PREVENT BLIGHT. 



Bordeaux mixture is just as sure a remedy against blights as is- 

 Corrosive Sublimate against scab. But one thing must be remembered, 

 and that is that it is not a cure, but is a preventive. In using it yoa 

 must commeRce early and apply it as often as necessary to keep every 

 leaf coated with an armor plate of copper. Then the germs of the 

 dreaded blight will not be able to gain entrance. Don't apply it once 

 or twice and think that will do, as you will very likely to lose entirely 

 the labor expended in the first applications. If you take up the battle 

 you must keep it up until the season is over, or your labor may be m 

 vain. In a wet season you may have to go over your field as often a» 

 once a week, or even oftener. The only safe way is to keep that armor 

 plate solid or the little foe may enter. In an ordinary season, four or 

 five applications give very satisfactory results. 



POTATO SEEDLINGS. 



There is one other new idea that has been advanced by one who 

 has had considerable experience as an originator and grower of many 

 kinds of potatoes, that is so far in error that I wish to speak of it here. 

 I refer to a theory expounded by E. S. Carman, the venerable editor of 

 the " Rural New Yorker," who says : " That in growing seedlings, the 

 best shaped tuber from the hill should be selected the first year, as a 

 foundation for the new variety, and that it will follow that shape or 

 type in the years to come." 



