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paration of the seed bed deteriorates. On roughly 

 prepared land in poor condition there is a wide 

 difference between the value of cut and uncut sets. 

 From an experience of many years on a vast number 

 of varieties we find there is one broad rule in con- 

 nection with cutting, and that is that the white 

 blossoming varieties, which trace to the softer types 

 of modern American introductions, are far more in- 

 jured in the cutting than are the lavender flowering 

 kinds, and we rarely hesitate to cut the lavender 

 flowering sets if they are unduly large. It is im- 

 portant that when potatoes are cut they shall be 

 planted within a very few days. If left in a heap 

 they are liable to heat, which causes much injury to 

 the young shoot. It is better, therefore, if from any 

 cause the sets cannot be planted at once, that they 

 should be sprinkled with quicklime, which cauterises 

 the cut portion and prevents waste of sap. Seed 

 dressed with lime in this way is less liable to insect 

 attacks. Liming is, therefore, a useful practice at all 

 times. It is highly important that cut seed be not 

 left in large heaps, as it rapidly ferments. The chief 

 injury arising from cutting is occasioned by fermenta- 

 tion, as the eyes are killed or weakened. Always 

 spread cut tubers thinly about the floor of a barn if 

 circumstances prevent their being planted immediately 

 after cutting. 



It is strange, considering that cut potatoes are less 

 reliable for seed, that it is often recommended that a 

 small piece should be cut from the heel end of the set. 



