EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 347 



corrosive sublimate solution. The tank can be made water tight by lining 

 it with canvas and giving the canvas a coat or two of asphaltum paint. 



The corrosive sublimate solution loses its strength with use, because the 

 potatoes and dirt condense the chemical and take it out of solution. From 

 one-tenth to one-fourth of the corrosive sublimate is removed with each batch 

 of potatoes treated. The treating solution can be kept at the proper strength 

 by adding corrosive sublimate from time to time. If the potatoes are placed 

 in the solution loose and are comparatively free from dirt, add one ounce of 

 corrosive sublimate dissolved in one quart of hot water for each 30 gallons of 

 Uquid after each second batch is treated. 



If the potatoes are dirty and are treated in bags, add one ounce of corrosive 

 sublimate for each 30 gallons of liquid after each batch is treated. When the 

 treating solution gets very dirty, discard it and make up a fresh solution. 



One pound of corrosive sublimate will treat from 30 to 60 bushels of 

 potatoes. 



Corrosive sublimate is a deadly internal Poison. Do not pour the solution 

 where livestock or poultry can get at it, and do not use treated potatoes for 

 eating purposes. 



After the potatoes have been taken out of the solution they should be 

 spread in a cool, shady place and allowed to dry thoroughly. It is a good 

 plan to soak the bags or crates used for handling the treated seed in the cor- 

 rosive sublimate solution in order to prevent any possible reinfection. ' 



Cheen Sprouting 



By being exposed to the light potatoes will develop stubby green sprouts 

 that are generally an aid in securing good stands. Potatoes that are green 

 sprouted come up more quickly and usually mature a crop a few days ahead 

 of potatoes that are dormant when planted. The potatoes should be treated 

 several weeks before planting time and put in a cool, well ventilated place 

 where they will be exposed to hght. 



When potatoes are left in the cellar until planting time, they often develop 

 long white sprouts, and the tubers become wilted. This wilting caused by 

 loss of moisture lessens the vitality of the potato for seed purposes. Potatoes 

 that are green sprouted in a cool place remain quite firm well up to planting 

 time. Green sprouting gives the grower a chance to recognize and throw 

 out potatoes that have weak sprouts. 



Cutting the Seed 



Smooth, well shaped potatoes that average five to twelve ounces in weight 

 should be selected and cut so that each seed piece will contain one or more 

 strong eyes. The pieces should be blocky and should weigh from one and 

 one-quarter to two ounces. Potatoes that show discoloration in the flesh 

 should not be used for seed purposes. 



Where it is impossible to plant the seed as soon as it is cut, it should be 

 spread out in a thin layer in a cool place that is well ventilated. Flowers of 

 sulphur or gypsum can be sprinkled over it. The cut seed should be turned 

 over once or twice a day until the cut surfaces are thoroughly dry. Cut seed 

 when placed in bags or in piles will heat very quickly, and its sprouts will be 

 seriously injured. 



Whole seed will give better stands under adverse weather and soil condi- 



