320 THE POTATO 



sprout from one strong bud dominates and the 

 others remain practically dormant. The terminal 

 bud is the one found first, and European growers 

 consider it the most important part of the seed 

 tuber, and it normally starts first. 



"Cutting seed to one eye," or two eyes, or some 

 other number, is supposed by some to carry a 

 mysterious charm that will affect the crop. All 

 there can be of importance in this notion is that 

 the larger the seed piece the greater supply of 

 nutriment available for starting the new plant. 



"To irrigate when potatoes are in bloom" is a 

 practice relied upon by growers in some irrigated 

 sections. This may or may not be the right time, 

 depending on the condition of the soil. The time 

 to irrigate is when moisture is required by the 

 plant, regardless of anything else. 



"Do not use manure on potato land, it makes 

 scab," is a belief so strong in the minds of some 

 growers that the crop is grown continuously on 

 land without manuring until it becomes impover- 

 ished. It is probably true that fresh manure ap- 

 plied to land immediately preceding the planting 

 of potatoes furnishes conditions favorable to the 

 growth of the scab bacteria, but when used in a 

 rotation, as on the grass crop that precedes po- 

 tatoes, manure, especially when well rotted, is a 

 benefit. Growers in Europe place great depend- 

 ence on its use. 



"To plant potatoes on Good Friday" is believed 

 by some people to insure the crop, regardless of the 

 conditions. If all conditions are right, it would be 

 as well to plant on this day as any other, but no 

 better. Soil and climatic conditions must be the 

 guide for time of planting. 



Color and shape are factors that govern some 



