734 



Journal of Agriculture. 



[lo Nov., 1909. 



anything like the returns of last season can be obtained, the extra cost, 

 which does not amount to more than ^\ per acre, is not worth considering. 

 Another matter that must not be lost sight of is the quality of the produce. 

 A light crop generally yields a large proportion of small or mi.sshapen 

 tubers. This was the case in the experiments under review, as the following 

 table shows : — 



Tap.lk I. 



Name of Variety. 



Carman No. 1 

 Bismarck 

 Up-to-date 

 Clarke's Main Crop 

 Black Prince 



3rd August. 



18th September. 



Percentajjfe of Small. 

 14-8 

 44 

 27-0 

 42-0 

 510 



Percentag^e of Small 

 10 4 

 10-8 

 15 5 

 160 

 18 



Table II. shows the averages per acre of the sprouted and unsprouted 

 seed, and also the increased yield obtained by sprouting, together with re- 

 marks as to condition of the produce. 



Table II. 



4. At all the centres mentioned the crops were clean and free froir. 

 disease of any kind. At the Cheltenham plot advantage was taken to test 

 the effects of spraying, the dressing used being the copper soda solution- 

 Two sprayings were given with a hand pump, but as no disea.se appeared 

 in the crop, no difference in the yield was fouiul in the sprayed and un 

 sprayed portions. There was, however, a noticeable difference in the plant 

 as the sprayed jjortions ke])t green longer than the unsprayed. 



As much loss has been sustained this season on account of scab and eel 

 worm, it may not be out of place to state that these diseases have only 

 been met with in the experimental plots in two instances in four years — 

 one of scab in 1905-6 plots, and one of eel worm in 1907-8. The 

 variety attacked by scab was Carman No. i. Before planting the fol- 

 lowing season, this seed was treated with corrosive sublimate, i|-oz. to- 

 7 gals, of water soaked for \\ hours. The case of eel worm was met with 

 in an isolated spot, and all the affected tubers were rejected. No ap- 

 pearance of either disease has been met with since. 



5. The results of the various manures used are given in Mr. Lee's report 

 published herewith. 



