to Sept., 1909.] The Yicioriaii Fotaio Industry. 6ot 



touched a small piece of a diseased tuber all the conditions for the propaga- 

 tion of the disease may be secured. It will therefore be seen how all import- 

 ant it is to use new ground, particularly in a crisis of the industry such as 

 has occurred at the present time. If "we are able to prevent the disease 

 re-appearing during the next six months Victoria is practically safe from 

 invasion. 



Rotation of Crops. 



The resistance of the crop to attacks of disease of all kinds is un- 

 doubtedly to a large extent measured by the general healthfulness and 

 vigour of the stalks and foliage. In order to secure this, certain conditions 

 have to be fulfilled. In all countries farmyard manure is regarded as bemg 

 essential for the best results in potato growing on account of the changes 

 which it produces in the condition of the soil as well as on account of the 

 additional plant food which it adds per acre. Leguminous crops, particu- 

 larly peas and clover, have also a world-wide reputation for placing the 

 soil' in the best possible condition for the potato crop. In the Journal for 

 years past Mr. G. Seymour, Potato Expert, has preached this doctrine with 

 comparativelv little effect. Now that the crisis has come it is to be hoped the 

 farmers will' be aroused from the apathetic condition of considering "their 

 old methods good enough " and make up their minds to adopt the only 

 method which is permanently successful all the world over in growing 

 potatoes. On the other hand, excessive amounts of farmyard manure when 

 not balanced with corresponding increases in the phosphoric acid and potash 

 available for the crop, and especially in seasons of heavy rainfall, may 

 give rise to excessive growth of stalks which weaken them through over- 

 growth. The variations in the rainfall and soil conditions of different 

 potato-growing districts, along with the remarks that have already been 

 made upon the complexity of the influences which affect animals and plants, 

 will be quite sufficient to reconcile the above advice with statements that 

 may be read in other publications dealing with this desease that may at 

 first sight appear to be in conflict with what is said here. 



Resolutions of the Conference. 

 Transfer of potatoes from Victoria to any of the other States can only 

 be carried on under the following conditions embodied in the resolutions 

 of the Inter-State Conference of Ministers of Agriculture : — 



1. That immediate effort to secure uniform and effective legislation be made by 

 all States with regard to potatoes and other solanaceous plants. 



2. That each State shall subdivide its whole area into districts, and take 

 immediate steps to ascertain the extent of the prevalence of Irish Blight within its 

 borders, with a view to quarantining all districts where the disease is found to 

 exist. 



3. That each State shall furnish the other States with a marked map, indicating 

 by number the respective districts, and whether they are infected or clean. 



4. That any declared infected district shall include an area of not less than 

 one-half mile in width immediately within its boundaries wherein potatoes or other 

 solanaceous plants shall not be grown. 



5. That all imports of solanaceous plants (including fruit) between the States 

 be accompanied by a certificate stating that such products have not been grown 

 within an infected district. 



6. That only new bags or cases (branded in such a way as to indicate the 

 district in which the contents were grown) shall be accepted by each importing 

 State. 



The following resolutions were also adopted ; they refer more especially 

 to fruit and vegetables, but some of them also affect potatoes : — 



7. That all fruits, vegetables and plants exported from one State to another 

 should be inspected on their merits. 



