8 ^fAV. 1Q08.J Imported Variclics of Potatoes. 293 



second reason, viz., the testing of the cropping and cooking qualities, is a 

 minor matter when compared with the first ; for particulars^, see page 651 

 of the Journal for November, 1907. 



In distributing the varieties the early maturing sorts were, as far as 

 possible, allotted to the early districts near Melbourne and to the northern 

 areas where potatoes are not generally grown, the object being to find an 

 early variety that would develop with the spring rains and mature before 

 the summer set in. The main crop and late sorts were sent to the later 

 districts. The replies to circulars co\er widely separated districts extend- 

 ing from Bairnsdale in the east to Warrnambool in the west and from South 

 Gippsland to Rutherglen in the north, so that a good general idea of the 

 value of the varieties will l)e obtained. One thing brought out in the re- 

 ports is the poor results obtained in all the districts — attributed in the 

 main to the unusually dry .season. Upwards of forty districts reported 

 " a light yield," " partial or total failure." owing to dryness of season; 

 in similar reports received from Geelong, iHeathertoii, Nagambie. Oakleigh, 

 Rutherglen. Springhurst, and Warrandyte the cause of failure was ascribed 

 to earlv or late frosts. There is little doubt but that the light crops in the 

 earh districts around Melbourne were due to frost followed by continuous 

 drving winds which in some cases carried aAvay seA'eral inches of the soil. 



Profuse Growth and Xo Tubers. 

 iNIanv complaiirts regarding a profuse growth of haulm and no tub.ers 

 have come to hand. Inquiries as to what should be done to make the 

 ^hnts tuber have accompanied the complaints. Some have suggested 

 mowing off the haulm, but it is difficult to see h(j\v depriving the plant 

 of its leaves would produce tuliers. This condition is brought about by 

 favorable weather conditions during the growth of the plant followed by 

 dry weather and consequent stoppage in the flow of sap when tubers should 

 be forming. If the tops are cut off and favorable weather should follow, 

 the first thing the mutilated plant will do will be to set up a new growth 

 of leaves. 



Effect of Heavy Fall of Rain. 



Many re])orts to hand show that the heavy rain on 26th December did 

 much harm to the crop by setting up what is termed " second growth." 

 This is realK a first growth, for if the tubers are examined it will be found 

 that) the heat has caused the tubers to send out a shoot, generally at the 

 crown or rose end (see illustration on page 292). Rain at this stage, coupled 

 with heat, frequently causes a string of tubers to form. Varieties that are 

 produced by bud variation are more prone to this grow^th than those raised 

 from seeds. True second growth is caused b\- rain setting up a new^ growth 

 of the plant which sends a fresh supply of sap into a tuber which has 

 ceased growing. If the tubers are not too firm the food finds its way along 

 the channels to the exes and produces a prong or horn (see illustra- 

 tions 2 and 3). which sometimes exceeds the original in size and feeds on it 

 leaving the original tui)er a withered mass (see plate Xo. 4). 



The Varieties. 

 The varieties reported on most favorably are Warrior, Factor, Up-to- 

 Date, Scottish, Triumph, and Duchess of Buccleuch. These are the sorts 

 which ha\-e been the most consistent croppers through all the tests. An 

 exception has to be noted in the case of General Kitchener which, in most 

 of the previous tests, gave poor results. This potato is classed in Great 



