332 



taking the trouble to investigate and determine by experiment whether actual results in 

 field practice will confirm those impressions. I have for several years flattered myself that 

 there was something in intelligently cutting potatoes for seed, and yet, while I strongly urge 

 the importance of selecting only good, sound, well-matured potatoes for planting, I now fear 

 that my theory of intelligence in the cutting of tubers is in danger of being entirely upset 

 when reduced to actual practice. If so, a great point is gained. It demonstrates that, with- 

 out detriment, machines may be employed for cutting, dropping, and covering ; thus dis- 

 pensing with a large amount of hand-labor. One of the main ideas in conducting these ex- 

 periments was to determine the best method of cutting and preparing seed, and its relativ« 

 bearing upon the yield and value of the harvested crop. 



The variety used for this purpose was the "Oneida peachblow," a seedling of the 

 Garnet Chili ; tlie latter having been the main variety cultivated in this locality for several 

 years past. I prefer this peachblow to the Chili, because it is a better-looking potato, better 

 for the table, and far more prolific. It originated in this immediate vicinity, and is well 

 adapted to our locality, elevated about 1,500 feet above sea-level, and to our short seasons. 

 The plat selected for experimenting was well manured the previous season with rotted barn- 

 yard manure, and planted to sowed corn. The soil would be termed a clay-loam. The 

 plowing was done early in May. The ground was fuiTOwed with a light plow, 3 feet apart 

 in rows, and planted 2 feet 9 inches by 3 feet, making 5,280 hills to an acre. The planting 

 was commenced May 21, and the potatoes were dug October 14 and 15. The result is fig- 

 ured out as if by the acre, and the number of bushels given in each column upon the basis 

 of 60 pounds to the bushel. 



Season of 1873. 



' Only three or four small potatoes. 



t These hills were throughout the season later and less vigorous in their growth than those cut in the ordinary 



