SELECTION AND CARE OF THE SEED POTATO 35 



and if the use of good seed were persisted in, the grower 

 would be paid the higher price for the better quality pota- 

 toes, and consequently the subject of "Improvement of the 

 seed potato" hence "The development of high grade mar- 

 ketable tubers" is receiving more attention than heretofore. 



The successful grower gives his most careful attention 

 to the source of his seed supply. He either becomes an ex- 

 pert himself in the growing of the crop or buys of some rec- 

 ognized seed potato grower or seed firm. As a result his 

 average yields are enormous in comparison to the one who 

 is careless in his seed selection. 



The development of the best grade seed potatoes is not 

 a perplexing problem; however, great care, attention, good 

 judgment, and correct methods must be persisted in year 

 after year. If the grower has not the time to develop his 

 own seed into the best grade seed of the best quality and 

 highest productiveness he must, for several reasons, buy 

 his seed from a recognized seed potato grower one who 

 makes a specialty of growing varieties of a pure, strong, 

 and vigorous type. It is preferable to buy of one whose 

 seed potatoes are grown on rich soil, as this seed is more 

 vigorous and will be more disease-resistant. Thus he will 

 obtain better results from the seed grown in this soil than 

 that grown in lighter soils. Never obtain seed from a seeds- 

 man whose stock is not free from mixtures with other vari- 

 eties. To insure the maintenance of their strength and vi- 

 tality the seed must be kept pure. The grower's average 

 yield of marketable potatoes should be from two to four hun- 

 dred sacks per acre. This insures the buyer the best of 

 seed. 



Considerable dependence can be placed upon the appear- 

 ance of the tops in hill selection. The vine with one hardy 

 stem is always better than two or three weaker ones. When 



