THE POTATO 233 



stand and a decidedly increased yield, together 

 with the early maturity of the crop. 



"This plan has been used for Northern-grown 

 seed, but it is found that the mature Northern- 

 grown seed responds more quickly to a given heat 

 stimulus and consequently does not require to be 

 placed in a warm room more than ten days to two 

 weeks before planting. 



"The practice on the Channel Islands accom- 

 plishes the same results in a slightly difiFerent 

 manner. The tubers are placed one layer deep 

 on germinating trays which are arranged on racks 

 or are provided with comer posts a few inches 

 long so as to admit air and light. The tubers are 

 induced to germinate in the trays, and at planting 

 time only those with well-developed sprouts are 

 used for planting. As the work is all done by 

 hand there is little danger of damage to the seed 

 from breaking oflf the sprouts. In all sections of 

 the South where hand planting is practised this 

 method of procedure is perfectly practicable, and 

 would entirely obviate losses from poor stands 

 resulting from uncongenial conditions due to cold, 

 damp spring weather, and inferior seed. Planting 

 could be delayed until conditions were favorable 

 and poor seed would be detected before it was 

 planted. 



"Early potatoes grown as market-garden or 

 truck crops and intended for immediate con- 

 sumption are, as a rule, harvested as soon as they 

 have reached marketable size, regardless of the 

 maturity of the crop. Because of the immature 

 condition of the tubers it is essential that the crop 

 be handled carefully and quickly. The tender 

 tubers are easily bruised and damaged in ap- 

 pearance; consequently care should be exercised 



