J Oct., 1916 1 Potato Cultivation. 593 



shown could not be handled at planting time withoixt breaking off the 

 excessive growths produced by them. If these sprouts were removed, 

 the shrivelled tubers could not again produce vigorous shoots, because 

 their store of nourishment has been almost depleted. 



This, of course, is an exaggerated case, but it serves to show how the 

 vigour of seed potatoes is impaired by faulty storage conditions, condi- 

 tions which force the sprouting of tbe tubers to such an extent that 

 desprouting becomes a necessity. Storage of seed in seed potato boxes 



Fig. 3. — Potatoes with Shoots too far Advanced. Due to insufficiency of 

 ventilation and light during storage period. 



eliminates a difficulty of this kind, and improves the power of reproduc- 

 tion of the seed so treated. 



Time to Cut. 

 It is advisable that seed, when cut, should be planted in the ground 

 as soon as possible. It is courting failure to cut seed and .store it for 

 some days before planting. The results of hundreds of tests prove 

 that seed planted on the same day as that on which it is cut gives the 

 heavier vield. 



