894 IOWA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



chances of getting a good stand in an unfavorable season, because they 

 have less exposed surface than small pieces, hence are less liable to dry 

 out excessively when drought follows planting. They are also better 

 able to resist rotting if wet weather prevails. 



When cutting the potatoes the operator should begin at the stem 

 end and the pieces should be cut in a compact shape, and of as nearly 

 equal size as is practicable. Follow the same rule if cutting one ,two 

 or more eyes to the piece. When finishing up at the seed end if the 

 potato is of medium size or large the seed end should be cut in two, 

 three or more pieces according to size of potato and this last cutting 

 should be made from the seed end down. The seed end cuttings may 

 be kept separate if desirable, and not planted with the other cuttings. 

 In this connection it may be said that the seed end half gives an earlier 

 crop than the stem end, this suggesting the expediency of cutting a 

 potato lenghtwise when halves or quarters are to be planted, thus secur- 

 ing on each piece one or more of the eyes which germinate first. Another 

 advantage of cutting lengthwise is that it insures a more even distri- 

 bution of the eyes on the several pieces. 



A SINGLE EYE. 



A single eye may give rise to severed stocks, for each eye is a com- 

 pound bud or cluster of buds. An eye can be bisected and each half 

 or part may then grow successfully if it is not a victim to dryness or 

 decay to which its exposed condition subjects it. 



EFFECTS OF SPROUTING. 



The growth of sprouts before planting is made at the expence of the 

 tubers from which they draw their support, hence if these shoots or 

 sprouts are rubbed off before planting there is a total loss of the nutri- 

 ment contained in them, moreover numerous weak shoots grow from the 

 injured eye. To prevent the evil consequences of premature sprouting 

 seed potatoes should be stored in as dark, dry and cool place as practi- 

 cable. Only potatoes that have not sprouted should be selected for plant- 

 ing. 



PLANTING. 



After the soil is plowed and well pulverized, and a good seed bed 

 formed, the rows should be laid off as close together as practicable, with- 

 out interfering with horse cultivation. Much care should be taken that 

 the furrows be run straight and of as even a depth as possible, and the 

 seed pieces dropped twelve to eighteen inches apart. The distance 

 depends on the variety, the season, the condition of the soil and so 

 forth. Varieties with strong growth of vines or which set many tubers 

 in a hill should have greater distance between plants than is necessary 

 with less vigorous varieties. 



The seed pieces should not be covered more than two or three inches 

 at first; this will give the sun a chance to warm the soil and start the 

 germ much sooner. Then in about eight or ten days work more soil 



