BUREAU OF PLAXT INDUSTRY. 147 



mum number of strings, those liavino- ^ maximum number of first- 

 grade table potatoes, those having a maximum yield irrespective of 

 size or shape, tlKi latter having its particular application in the pro- 

 duction of potatoes for stock feed and the making of sirup, sugar, 

 starch, or alcohol, where a large yield is the primar^^ feature. The 

 object of the selections is self-evident, except that one where the 

 selections are made with a view to producing the maximum number 

 of strings ; the importance of this is simply a matter of comparison 

 and for securing a definite demonstration of the results in selection. 



Investigational work in the curing of sweet potatoes was also car- 

 ried on with very satisfactory results, it being shown that with 

 proper handling and storage conditions sweet potatoes can be car- 

 ried through the winter and as late as April 1 with not to exceed 1 

 per cent of loss from decay. 



The work with peanuts has been along lines comparable with those 

 followed in the sweet-potato work. IVfithods of planting, selection 

 of seed, the improvement of yield, and cultivating and handling the 

 crop have been studied. The study of varieties has made evident 

 the fact that most of the so-called varieties now to be found in the 

 trade are in fact merel}' old standard varieties with new or local 

 names and that there are only about six distinct varieties grown in 

 this country. Selected strains of some of these varieties are being 

 made, with a view to producing those particularly adapted for 

 definite purposes, such as the making of peanut oil a high-grade table 

 and cooking oil, also employed in the manufacture of olemargarine, 

 and to some extent in making soap, etc-, and also strains that are 

 adapted for human food in the form of peanut meal, peanut butter, 

 and other products. High-yielding strains are desirable for stock 

 and dairy feeds. 



IRISH POTATO INVESTIGATIONS. 



The work under the Irish potato project previously inaugurated 

 has been continued during the past year. These lines include a 

 study and classification of varieties, a study of the adaptability of 

 ^ arietics to different conditions, selection studies in connection with 

 the development of improved strains, a study of seedlings produced 

 in breeding, studies of the best rate of seeding and of the use of 

 whole or cut seed, and various other problems of a similar character. 



In addition to these studies, all of which have been in progress for 

 a number of years, attention was especially devoted to the devclop- 

 nient of improved seed stocks, it being realized that the seed stocks 

 commonly available to potato growers contain many mixtures, not 

 infrequently diseased and as a rule not as productive as they should 

 be. It is a recognized fact that the yield of potatoes in this country 

 i.s far beloAv that secured in Germany and in some other countries. 

 Tliis difference is commonly attributed to the use of relatively in- 

 ferior seed stock. 



A collection of South American varieties of potatoes, including a 

 number of the yellow-flesh types, has been grown for study each 

 season for a number of years past. The full collection was grown 

 in 1918, as it was the preceding year, at Swannanoa, N. C, and 

 Presque Isle, Me., but. without any very promising results, those 

 obtained in 1018 being even less promising than were those in 1017. 

 It now seems evident that, with the possible exception of two or threo 



