REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON VEGETABLES. 115 



has received through B. K. Bliss, Esq., of New York, the fol- 

 lowing reply : ' 



New York, December 19, 1872. 

 C. N. Brackett, Chairman Vegetable Committee Massachusetts Horticul- 

 tural Society : — 



Dear Sir, — Yours of the 18th iust. is at hand, and in compliance with 

 your request, I enclose herewith Mr. Woodhouse's report of the history 

 of his seedling which we have named the " Extra Early Vermont." 

 Very respectfully yours, 



B. K. Bliss. 



"West Rutland, Vt., January 19, 1872. 

 B. K. Bliss & Sons : — 



Gents, —In reply to yours of the 17th inst., making inquiries as to the 

 age, habit of growth, productiveness, &c.,of my Early Seedling Potato, I 

 have to say, I started these potatoes from a ball of the Early Jackson, and 

 have had the same under cultivation for sis years. Adjoining the Early 

 Jackson's, from which the ball was picked. Garnet Chilis were planted, 

 and it is the opinion of experts in potato culture that these seedlings 

 have the blood of the Garnet Chili in them. Their habit of growth is 

 much the same as the Early Rose. The tops are light, and the tubers 

 grow very compactly in the hill. For three years I have grown them side 

 by side with the Early Rose, and have each year obtained ripe potatoes in 

 from ten to fifteen days earlier than from the Rose. They yield at least 

 as well, I think better, than the Rose, and keep much better. I have 

 invariably grown them under the same cultivation as the Rose. 



The seedlings are firm, white-fleshed, very dry and floury, and in every 

 way a superior potato. This has been my experience so far, and I am 

 satisfied that, with proper cultivation, they can still be improved. 

 Yours respectfully, 



George W. Woodhouse. 



From the above, it will be seen that this seedling has been 

 named the " Extra Early Vermont," and under that name has 

 been entered for the Whitcomb Premium. Specimens will be pre- 

 sented for trial the coming season, when your Committee will be 

 able to report more fully with regard to its merits. 



Sept. 7. — A seedling Potato was exhibited by Ransom Free- 

 man, called Independence Potato, raised by him at Fort Independ- 

 ence, Boston Harbor ; but your Committee have no further infor- 

 mation with regard to its history. 



