The Potatoe Plague. 67 



frequently asserted by the authorities, namely, " that curl is 

 sure to increase, and that curled sets are to be avoided Jike the 

 plague." The explanation of the rule and of this exception 

 to it, appears to me to be as follows : 



Curled potatoes ripen early, some weeks before the healthy 

 plante, and consequently are almost always too ripe, when 

 taken up, to make good sets, and if so used the disease will 

 rapidly increase each successive season. 



In this instance, however, the infected potatoes were taken 

 up before they were ripe, and proved tc be as good sets as 

 could be used. The potatoes above-mentioned were taken 

 up the second week in November, 1841. Having been 

 planted so late the round reds were not ripe ; the black kid- 

 neys, a much earlier variety, were. 



1842. The same potatoes were used for seed this year. 

 The unripe reds produced an excellent crop,, without, so far 

 as I am aware, a single failing plant. The ripe black kid- 

 neys were again a failing crop. In the middle of May I 

 planted, with these black kidneys, a small piece of old grass 

 land, as a_ preparation for forest trees. This plot of ground 

 had been from time immemorial flowed over by^the waste 

 water from an old and ill-constructed farm yard, immediately 

 adjoining, and was therefore as rich as could well be im- 

 agined. The potatoes had immense tops, but very small tu- 

 bers ; and, when beiled, the favorite black kidneys seemed 

 quite to have changed their character. t Instead of the fine 

 mealiness for which they are remarkable, they now bore 

 much resemblance to a piece of yellow soap. They also 

 continued growing till the frost and snow made it dangerous 

 to leave them any longer in the ground, and they were taken 

 up still thoroughly unripe. The round reds, grown on old- 

 going land, were taken up ordinarily ripe, and were mealy 

 and good. 



1843. These two kinds were again used for seed, and 



