336 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [Pub. Doc. 



cut into pieces with two or three eyes each. I am aware 

 that larger yields have been obtained by planting whole 

 tubers ; but the increased cost of the seed and the greater 

 probability of a larger proportion of small tubers are dis- 

 advantages which I believe offset any slight gain in total 

 yield. 



For the last five years we have used the Aspinwall potato 

 planter, which is undoubtedly the best machine for the work ; 

 but, after thorough trial of the machine, I have decided to 

 plant hereafter by hand. Under the most favorable condi- 

 tions we have had at least one vacant space for every ten 

 pieces planted. This of course means that one-tenth of the 

 ground is unoccupied, and, with our average crop, signifies 

 a shortage of from 25 to 30 bushels, which, even at this 

 year's prices, bring more than enough to cover the increased 

 cost of hand planting. 



Culture. 



The harrow and Breed's weeder, and Prout's horse hoe for 

 ridging, which we find to be necessary to prevent exposure 

 of tubers to the light and air, make the care of the crop easy 

 and inexpensive. The labor cost of the crop on our best 

 field, in 1894, when stored in the cellar, amounted to about 

 12 cents per bushel. The cost of labor and seed, with a 

 poorer crop, in 1895, was 19 cents. The fertilizer draft 

 upon the soil is covered at the cost of 5 cents per bushel. 



Protection from the Bugs. 

 During the last two seasons we have used Leggett's Paris 

 green gun for the application of this poison, with most satis- 

 factory results. This little implement, which costs about 

 eight dollars, applies the unmixed "green" in quantities as 

 desired, in an excellent manner. A man will cover about an 

 acre an hour for a short time ; a day's work would be about 

 six acres. I estimate the saving in labor and plaster (ordi- 

 narily used where the "green" is applied dry) to amount 

 to about; $5 per acre. 



Protection from Blight and Rot. 

 That well-nigh perfect protection from blight and rot is 

 afforded by seasonable spraying with Bordeaux mixture is 



