32 SELECTION AND CARE OF THE SEED POTATO 



because such potatoes are very scarce. In fact, it is a hard 

 matter to find them. That is the reason I advocate so 

 strongly the use of good seed. 



You may ask, "How will we tell good seed ?" By look- 

 ing at them it may be ascertained whether or not they are 

 sound, firm, or diseased to a certain extent. But whether 

 or not the seed will produce a good crop cannot be deter- 

 mined. The only way, then, is to try several varieties in 

 your particular soil. By hill selection year after year of 

 the best (that is, the most productive and of the best quali- 

 ty), your potatoes may be brought up to a high standard of 

 development. But if the growers cannot take this time to 

 learn the best, it is always advisable to buy of some recog- 

 nized seed potato grower, or a reliable seed firm. 



I have some potatoes that cannot be surpassed for peat 

 land or damp, heavy soil, although when planted in the peat 

 land they would not sell for marketable potatoes, as they 

 are too large, rough, and deep-eyed. This same potato, 

 when planted on other loamy soil, makes the largest yield of 

 any I have ever tested. They are of a good size and exceed- 

 ingly good for market. It is quite a remarkable fact, the 

 difference in size and shape in a variety of potatoes grown 

 in different soils. Those grown on weaker, light soils are 

 likely to be more smooth and uniform, as far as looks are 

 concerned. When seed quality and vitality are considered, 

 the tubers that are grown on the rich soils are far superior, 

 though they be rough, deep-eyed, and ill-shaped. This po- 

 tato, if changed to a lighter loam, will come out smooth and 

 large ; also the yield will be greatly increased. Inheritance 

 plays an important part in the size and shape of the tuber, 

 yet to a great extent these factors are determined by the 

 kind of soil, fertilizer, and care given the crop. 



There is an increasing demand for fancy table stock, 



