THE POTATO 251 



sey. The principal varieties of the yam group are 

 the Southern Queen, the Pumpkin Yam, the Geor- 

 gia, the Florida, and the Red Bermuda. Of the 

 varieties mentioned there are a large number of 

 special strains known under many local names. 



"In the selection of varieties for home use one 

 must be governed largely by locality. As a rule 

 those of the Jersey group will thrive farther north 

 than those of the so-called yam types. For market 

 purposes the particular variety or strain grown in 

 the vicinity should first be selected, and afterward 

 other varieties may be experimented with in a 

 small way. 



'*The following brief descriptions of a few of the 

 leading varieties may be of assistance in selecting 

 those best adapted to various conditions of soil 

 and climate: 



^'Big-Stem Jersey, — This variety is the most 

 popular among growers who are supplying the 

 Northern and Eastern markets. It is a form of the 

 Yellow Jersey, having been selected for its pro- 

 ductiveness and dry, yellow flesh. The vines are 

 slender and long; the potatoes are of spindle shape 

 and inclined to grow rather large; color of potatoes 

 yellow; color of flesh light yellow or deep cream. 

 ^Vhile this variety yields heavily, it is unfortu- 

 nately a rather poor keeper, and its flesh is inclined 

 to become dry and 'punky' toward spring. It 

 will thrive well toward the north, but is better 

 adapted for use as a commercial variety than for 

 home consumption. 



''Southern Queen, or Hayman. — The vines of 

 this variety are strong and vigorous; the potatoes 

 are large, thick, and blunt at ends or of short 

 spindle shape; the color is white or light cream, 

 while the flesh is of cream color, becoming darker 



