28 Diseases of the Potatoe. 



space of time. But from the frequent and searching investi- 

 gation of the subject by the most competent and practical 

 men, a preventive against the failure has been ascertained, 

 namely, the planting of entire tubers. When the cut sets 

 have failed, the entire tubers have resisted premature decay ; 

 whether it arises from atmospheric influence or debility of 

 constitution, or from any of the conjectured causes, the entire 

 tubrs exert their noxious influences, and germinate healthily 

 and freely. All reports agree on this point ; there is no 

 risk in this case, if the tubers be sound when planted ; and 

 it may be added that in all stages of their growth, the uncut 

 tubers maintain a decided superiority and yield a correspond- 

 ing produce.* 



In this country, the most prevailing disease that has been 

 noticed is the rust, which, by some, is regarded as an entirely 

 new disease, while others speak of it as having prevailed 

 years ago. As a general rule with us, the potatoes have 

 been more exempted from disease than any other cultivated 

 crop, the least liable to injury from insects, and, of conse- 

 quence the most certain crop which our farmers could culti- 

 vate. The scab and curl have been the only known diseases 

 . in Europe, and probably not one in a hundred of American 

 cultivators ever saw an instance of the latter disease. 



In 1839, the potatoe in New England found a formidable 

 enemy in the black rust, which has caused great loss wherever 

 it has shown itself. It has been most destructive on low 

 lands, sluggish streams, near ponds, or on low meadows or 

 plains ; the more elevated, airy, and dry situations, have 

 generally escaped. The following, respecting this new dis- 

 ease, is from the Farmer's Monthly Visitor, and I invite 

 particular attention to this account, and the observations 

 which follow, as I believe it will be found closely allied to 



* Dictionary of the Farm, p. 413. 



