222 AGEICULTUEAL EXPERIMENT STATION. [Jan. 



Fig. 4 is a reproduction of Brunchorst's photograph. 

 Until more positive evidence can be obtained from the 

 study of specimens, it seems safest to assume that the 

 " Skurv " studied by him is quite different from the other 

 diseases, and of different origin. This view removes diffi- 

 culties not readily explained otherwise. 



Bulletin No. 34 of this station, published last June, 

 contained a series of questions concerning potato scab, 

 addressed to fiirmers, especially those of this State, which 

 they were requested to answer from their experience, for 

 the assistance of this department in the study of the disease. 

 Some ten thousand copies of this bulletin were sent out, 

 and some agricultural journals showed their interest by 

 printing and calling attention to them. The replies to 

 this widely circulated request were six in number, and, 

 of these, fou7' came from neighboring States. It is fair 

 to ask the farmers of Massachusetts to imairine how irreat 

 is the encouragement derived from such a result by those 

 who are working in their interest, and wish their co-opera- 

 tion and assistance. The facts stated require no com- 

 ment. 



In conclusion, it may be remarked that the results of the 

 year are more negative than positive. It is certain that our 

 disease is the same as that discussed by German writers, 

 and that it is not caused by any parasitic organism. 



Several years' observations at this station point, also, to 

 the correctness of the view that the cause of our trouble is 

 to be sought in peculiar physical or chemical conditions of 

 the soil, though the opinion that excessive moisture is a 

 sufficient controlling cause seems hardly tenable. 



It seems to be generally conceded that potatoes become 

 most scabby in heavy, close soil, and least so in light, loose 

 soil ; that worse crops in this respect are raised on land 

 which has been cultivated for some time than on freshly 

 broken ground. Indeed, the belief is quite general that 

 new soil will give a smooth crop. This was not the case, 

 however, at this station, the past season, when land broken 

 for the first time in years gave a badly scabby crop. It 

 should be added that this was on a stiff, heavy, poorly 

 drained soil. 



