Corn Groivers' Association. 



155 



to sixty degrees in temperature; another in a cold frame open 

 above, bottom temperature eighty degrees; another in a barn 

 window, temperature near out of doors; and the last in a green- 

 house, temperature seventy to ninety degrees. 



The following table shows the comparative yields and the in- 

 crease obtained by allowing the seeds to slightly sprout in the 

 light. The seed in each case being stored by the methods indicated 

 for thirty-six days, May 2 to June 7 : 



Seed stored 36 days (May 2 to June 7) in trays as below: 



The sprouts on all of the tubers exposed to the light were 

 strong, dark green, but were only from one-half to three-quarters 

 of an inch long. On those from the cellar, the sprouts were three 

 to four inches long, white and brittle. 



The results of the above two experiments and the results 

 which have been obtained in numerous other experiments, show 

 that it is desirable to expose the tubers for a short time in a light, 

 moderately warm place before planting. If they are to be planted 

 by machinery they should be exposed to the light and warmth be- 

 fore planting only long enough to allow the buds to begin to sprout. 

 If they push out for any great length they will be broken off and 

 injured in the planting. Under ordinary conditions, exposure in 

 a light warm place for from eight to ten days is probably suffi- 

 ciently long. 



The very largely increased yields w^hich have been obtained 

 from seed properly handled and properly selected indicate that 

 there are no other factors more important in the production of a 

 large crop, and potato growers everywhere should be urged to give 

 these factors very careful attention. 



