PROCEEDINGS OF THE FARMERS' CLUB. 177 



in the result. I found that when I cut them immediately before 

 planting there was a new skin formed, and I could see no advan- 

 tage from cutting them either the day before or the week before 

 planting. 



Prof. Nash. — I agree with Prof. Mapes upon every point except- 

 ing the depth of planting in heavy soils, and that I suppose is 

 really no exception, for with such tillage as he would recommend 

 they would cease to be heavy soils. 



Prof. Mapes. — I would not vary the depth of planting in heavy 

 soils, but I would manipulate differently, for I would cover the 

 potatoes first at the depth of three inches, and when they had 

 grown through that, add the other three inches of covering. 

 The new potatoes are formed further beneath the surface than 

 if merely covered three inches, and are less liable to be exposed 

 to the deleterious action of the light and atmosphere. As to 

 the cutting of potatoes, if a suflScient amount of pabulum is 

 furnished all the eyes will germinate, thus answering the objection 

 to planting them whole. 



The subject of the proper method of cultivating potatoes, was 

 referred to a committee consisting of Alessrs. Mapes, Carpenter, 

 and Fuller. 



PREMIUMS OFFERED. 



The Chairman read a communication from the Board of Mana- 

 gers of the American Institute, with regard to the exhibition to 

 take place in February next, and referring to the Polytechnic 

 Association and Farmers' Club, the subject of the award of pre- 

 miiums, to be reported upon prior to the 15th day of January 

 next. 



To the Farmers^ Club of the Institute, the Managers have assigned 

 the following subjects : 



1. Flax. For the best mode of preparing the fibre — long or 

 short staple. Large gold medal. 



2. For the best seed machine for sowing cereals, drilled or 

 broadcast. Gold medal. 



3. For the best vegetable seed sower. Silver medal. 



4. For the best mode of packing and preserving apples and 

 pears. Gold medal. 



5. For the best portable mill for grinding corn, by hand power, 

 for farm use. Gold medal. 



[Am. Inst.] L 



