THE POTATO 313 



carefully brushed with a soft brush — to remove all 

 dirt and dust — then wrapped in soft paper and 

 carefully packed in slatted crates. If potatoes are 

 left in the sun too long they turn green. 



Exhibition potatoes must be kept in a cool, dry 

 place and should be examined frequently to make 

 sure that all conditions are right. The kind of 

 potato that wins in the shows is one that is of the 

 greatest commercial value — a smooth even tuber 

 weighing ten to sixteen ounces, with clear, disease- 

 free skin, shallow eyes, and the lustre and bloom 

 that make an attractive appearance. It must be 

 true to the type of the variety, and each potato as 

 nearly like the others as possible. 



Shows encourage growers, keep old varieties dis- 

 tinct and bring about the production of new ones of 

 higher quaUty and usefulness. 



The big overgrown potato is no longer a factor 

 at a show except as a monstrosity. 



At the show, the ideas of the exhibitor as regards 

 attractive display make the individuality of the 

 exhibit. The one important thing to keep in mind 

 is that pretty decorations should be made second- 

 ary to displaying the quality and uniformity of 

 the potatoes. Bushel market baskets may be used 

 to advantage in display, and plates are sometimes 

 used. 



A large quantity of potatoes, displayed in a pile 

 or against a wall, impresses the observer with the 

 idea of plenty, and that they must come from a big, 

 rich country or farm that is well adapted to the 

 production of the crop. Such a display is espe- 

 cially striking when in the same show there are 

 exhibits consisting of only two or three specimens 

 of a variety. 



At the English and Scotch shows very fine dis- 



