226 MUCK CROPS 



No part of potato growing seems to be so 

 universally neglected as spraying, and none 

 pays as well for the expense put into it. It 

 costs about a half cent per gallon to make the 

 bordeaux, and with an up-to-date spraying 

 outfit, it will cost about a half cent per gal- 

 lon to apply. The total cost per acre per ap- 

 plication would be from 90 cents to $i. Eight 

 or 10 sprayings would therefore, cost $8 to 

 $10 an acre. As a result of this spraying, it 

 has been found that the crop is increased on 

 the average over 50 bushels an acre. This 

 spray cost is amply reimbursed. 



Harvesting and Marketing. When the 

 tops are dry either from natural ripening of 

 the plant or from having been injured by 

 blight, the potato crop is usually harvested. 

 Sometimes it is allowed to remain in the 

 ground a limited time longer. For table 

 use, the potatoes are left to ripen, because 

 the growth may continue as long as the 

 leaves are in a condition to perform their 

 function. When the potatoes are dug they 

 are left on the ground long enough to dry 

 the outside. Care is exercised, however, 

 that they are not exposed to the strong, hot 

 sun any longer than is necessary to dry the 



