FIELD CROPS. 139 



as follows: Potato, 61^; cross-bred varieties — Waverly 09, Tartar 

 King- 92, Pioneer 86 bu. per acre. The same varieties of oats Avere 

 grown in 1899 and several other varieties, including American Beauty, 

 were also tested. The yield of the grain and straw and the analyses 

 Avith reference to the food constituents of the straw of the different 

 varieties tested are tabulated. In general the fields in 1899 were 

 considerably less than for the preceding year. The yields of the new 

 cross-bred varieties fell off in amount from 57 to 58 per cent and the 

 Potato oat 36.5 per cent. In 1899, American Beauty, with a yield of 

 11 bu. per acre, was the best variety grown, followed by Yellow oat 

 13, "Waverly 12, and Aliundance 10 bu. per acre. 



The Irish potato, R. H. Price and H. Ness {Texas Sta. Bui. BJ^.^ 

 pp. 109-l'28.,figs. 10). — A continuation of the fertilizer, variety, and 

 storage tests with potatoes previously noted (E. S. R.., 9, p. 830). In 

 addition data are given of tests made to determine the relative merits 

 of northern and southern grown potatoes for seed and the value of 

 different-sized pieces for planting. Potato machinery is discussed and 

 suggestions given regarding the growing of a second crop of potatoes 

 during the season. 



Of the 33 varieties of potatoes tested Triumph has proven the best 

 early variety grown during a period of 1 j^ears. Red Triumph has 

 sold better in the market than White Triumph. By planting second- 

 crop potatoes grown in Virginia better yields were secured than with 

 potatoes grown in New York. Tubers averaging 2i oz. each, planted 

 whole, gave larger returns than 2 or 1 oz, tubers cut to i or ^ oz. 

 pieces. 



In the fertilizer test the use of chip dirt, rotten sawdust, unfer- 

 mentcd cotton-seed hulls, or muriate of potash has resulted in a loss 

 in both wet and dry seasons. Both cotton-seed meal and sulphate of 

 potash have been used with profit but the best results have been secured 

 by the use of stall manure from cattle fed almost exclusively on cotton- 

 seed meal and cotton-seed hulls. Scab was most abundant on the plats 

 receiving the largest amount of nitrogenous fertilizers. It increased 

 from 19 per cent in the case of cotton-seed meal applied broadcast to 

 30 per cent when the meal was applied in the furrow directly on the 

 seed. In these experiments both cowpeas and sorghum have immedi- 

 ately preceded the potato crop. The different fertilizers used in these 

 tests and the results obtained in the two seasons of 1898 and 1899 are 

 recorded in detail. No definite conclusions are drawn and the work 

 is considered in the nature of a report of progress. 



No entirely satisfactory method has as yet been found for storing 

 large crops of potatoes for any considerable length of time. The 

 authors' conclusions from the results of 1 j'ears' work along this line 

 are as follows: 



"Plant very early varieties and ship the crop just as early as it will do to harvest. 

 If the season be dry and the markets crowded, let the crop stay in the ground about 



