POTATO 211 



The seed-piece. Many experiments have been made, 

 to ascertain the proper size of the seed-piece. Each 

 Potato has a seed or a bud end, which sprouts early 

 and has the most eyes; and a butt or stem end which 

 is slow to start, and which is rejected by many growers. 

 It has been proved that the size of the piece, rather 

 than the number of eyes on it, is of importance in 

 giving good results; consequently, whole Potatoes have 

 been shown to give the largest yield both of salable 

 and small Potatoes. If used whole, 

 moderate-sized, rather than very large 

 or very small Potatoes, are the best to 

 use for seed. 



But the expense of planting whole p . g joi A 

 tubers is so great that practically to potato cutting, 



, , , . . or seed-piece. 



plant half or quarter pieces is wiser, 

 except for small areas. All pieces should be chunky, 

 and not thin; pieces the size of hens' eggs are proper, 

 weighing about three ounces. If they have to be stored 

 after cutting, keep them in a cool place with wet cloths 

 laid over the box to keep them from wilting. 



Starting before planting. For early results, Potatoes 

 may be artificially started. Ordinary methods allow 

 the Potatoes to be exposed to light and air in a room 

 of moderate warmth until the Potatoes sprout, when 

 they are cut and planted. 



A better method is to select the Potatoes of a 

 uniform size, and to range them, seed-end up, either in 



