17 



will have developed to the full size. By this time an expe- 

 rienced judge of potatoes will be abie to form an idea of 

 the probable value of the stock; an estimate of the vigour 

 of the variety, its yielding powers, shape, depth of 

 eyes, colour, habit of growth, cooking capabilities, and 

 other characteristics can be arrived at, so that its 

 probable value as a new introduction can be ascer- 

 tained. The stock may not be altogether of one type,, 

 as potatoes are liable to " sport," that is to produce, 

 among others, specimens which differ from the majority. 

 These sports should not be discarded without attention, 

 for many good strains and varieties have been obtained 

 in this way. 



New Stocks. 



If there is nothing particularly valuable and dis- 

 tinctive about the new stock it will probably be best to 

 discard it, and give attention to other selections. If, 

 however, the stock appears likely to possess exceptional 

 value, its further development should be proceeded 

 with. This is a simple matter. Every living eye is a 

 plant in embryo, so the potato should be cut in such a 

 manner that as many plants as possible shall be obtained. 

 Sufficient substance of the tuber should be left about the 

 eye to ensure its growing. All that is necessary is that 

 enough food shall be left to start the young plant into 

 life and maintain it until the rootlets take possession of 

 the soil sufficiently to support it on the food found 

 there. It is obvious that the food in the soil shall be 

 plentiful and in such condition that it may be easily 

 seized by the roots. To ensure this it must be well 



C 



