124 CULTIVATION OF THE POTATO. 



tive of this root ; and it is its great and peculiar advantage over the 

 grains, legumes, and most other esculent vegetables, that it can be 

 cultivated where no other can be profitably grown, and at small ex- 

 pense, and also, that it is less subject to disease, and more secure 

 against degeneration on such soils than many that are richer. 



The propagation of potatoes is commonly by putting them into the 

 ground divided, into as many parts or sets as they have eyes. The 

 blossoms are now often pinched off, on their appearance, this being 

 thought to increase the root an ounce in each potato, or more than a 

 ton to an acre. The plant is likewise propagated by cuttings or lay- 

 ers of green shoots, and by the seeds. The first is only to multiply a 

 rare sort speedily ; the second produces few and small tubers at first, but 

 it may improve the quality, and form varieties without number, while 

 the cultivation by the tubers enables one to extend and perpetuate 

 good varieties once obtained. 



Jl nursery system for the potato would be of the greatest importance, 

 for the purpose of obtaining the best seedling tubers. Quite too little 

 attention, it is very evident, has been paid to the improvement of this 

 invaluable esculent in this country. It has been, in fact, for the most 

 part, scarcely fit for swine. Three years being required to bring it 

 forward from the seed, it should be the pleasure, as it is the duty, of 

 every cultivator, to plant superior seeds annually, for the purpose of 

 forming new and improved varieties. Grown on the same soil for a 

 few years it invariably depreciates ; so that instead of requiring the 

 least care, as commonly supposed, it requires the greatest care. A 

 new variety, called the Kelseyan, or Perfectionist, originating near 

 New Haven, Ct., produced last year from 2 tubers 494 potatoes. The 

 eyes are numerous, and are cut singly, and 3 placed in a hill. It is 

 said to be equal to the Mercer. The Pinkeyes have a very great num- 

 ber of eyes, and it has been thought that two are most productive, and 

 that the stems should not exceed five. 



A new variety, called the Bakewell potato, is spoken of as of supe- 

 rior quality, even to the Pinkeyes or Rohans. Tubers will also im- 

 prove by changes from one place to another. 



*# disease called the curl, or curl-top, attacks the plant, during 

 which the top-leaves shrink about the time the tubers should form ; 

 the growth ceases and the plant afterwards looks yellow and sickly and 

 the product is but little and that of a bad quality. If the seed tuber 

 be taken up it is found firm and less exhausted than others, showing 

 that it has been too compact for the vegetative powers of the plant. 

 This is avoided by selecting seed tubers which are not quite ripe. 

 The ripe potato has performed all its operations, and becomes inert 

 and worn out with age ; but the circulation in the unripe tuber having 

 been arrested by removal from the soil, it starts again readily and with 

 increased vigor when planted. The over ripeness appears therefore 



