536 



BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



[Jan. 



result of the season is, to say the least, an indifferent one, as 

 far as the action of the various solutions of antiseptics as a 

 preventive of scabby potatoes is concerned. 



The conclusion arrived at in previous years has evidently 

 received an additional support by the results of the past 

 season. Every one of our observations thus far made in 

 this connection points towards the soil as the bearer of the 

 cause of the scab on potatoes. The inquiry into the first 

 cause of the scab will be continued. 



Those of our readers Avho are not familiar with the present 

 views entertained by scientists regarding the real character 

 of the scab on potatoes, will find Professor Humphrey's dis- 

 cussion of this subject, which accompanies this chapter of 

 our annual report, very interesting and profitable reading. 



It has been considered of interest to photograph the seed 

 potatoes, and subsequently some specimens of a correspond- 

 ins: size of those raised from them. This course it is thouo-ht 

 will furnish us in time with an exact record of the exterior 

 characteristics of genuine varieties, and assist us in dis- 

 criminating between new and old. As the Beauty of Heb- 

 ron, Early Rose and Polaris (originated by H. F. Smith of 

 Waterbury Centre, Vt.) have been the principal varieties 

 raised upon the fields of the Station during the past season, 

 their photographs accompany this report. A picture of 

 the Colorado wild potato, raised on our lands, may not be 

 without interest in this connection. The pictures are in 

 every case taken at an equal distance, and thus allow a com- 

 parison of relative sizes. 



Description of Photographs of Potatoes. 



