59 



single eyes. Each variety was planted by itself in the above order, and 

 then a row of whole tubers was planted." 



Details of the experiment are given in tables. The average results 

 of the trials with the three varieties were most favorable for the halves, 

 as shown in the following summar3^, in which the yields are calculated 

 per acre : 



Size of scetl. 



Halves 



Quarters^ 



Ei^'hlhs 



Singh? eyes . . 

 Whole tubers 



Auiount of seed. 



20 bush., 19 lbs 

 9 bush., 54 bs 

 5 bush., 41 lbs 

 4 bush., 10 Ib.s 



41 bush., 40Ibs 



Net gain 

 from 

 using 



halves. 



Bush. 



53 

 82 

 133 

 46 



In another experiment, but in this case a single trial, u e. with one 

 variety, whole potatoes of different sizes were compared with halves 

 and single eyes, as indicated in the following summary, in which the 

 results are reckoned per acre : 



Whole tubers weighing 4 J ounces. 

 Whole tuber.s weighing 3i ounces. 

 Half tuber.s weighing IJ nuni'es . . 

 Whole tubers weighing \% ounces . 

 Half tubers weighing \ ounces . . . 

 Single eye, cut deep 



Quantity Market- 

 of seed. able. 



Bush. 



Bush. 

 370 

 361 

 433 

 349J 

 305J 

 173i 



Small. 



Bush. 

 62i 

 31i 

 31 

 45 

 44 

 21i 



" We have here a repetition of the first experiment so far as the re- 

 sults were concerned, a half tuber weighing IJ oz., or at the rate of 

 22 bushels per acre, giving the best results. Whole tubers at the rate 

 of 44 bushels per acre gave a larger yield than whole ones at the rate of 

 22 bushels, but the gain in yield was not equal to the increased amount 

 of seed. It would also seem that the halves of medium sized potatoes 

 are better than whole ones of the same or even of a much larger size, 

 and are by far preferable to strong eyes from the same potato ; while, 

 as shown by the previous experiment, the eighths and quarters, con- 

 taining from two to four eyes each, are also much less productive than 

 larger pieces. 



"It is often claimed that a strong eye, planted in good soil, will yield 

 as many marketable potatoes as if a half or whole tuber was used. 

 The soil used this year was far better than the average potato land, 

 and it was well prepared for the crop. If they will do well anywhere 

 they certainly ought to have done so in this case, especially as the dis- 

 tance, one foot, between the pieces wa.s again.st the large tuber.s. 



" From the time the plants appeared above ground there was a differ- 

 ence in favor of the large pieces, the height and vigor of the plants 



