636 POTATO ROT. 



in gardens, by a few persons, for almost a century. The year 

 1663 is mentioned as the date when it began to be more gen- 

 erally cultivated — i7i gardens. It did not become an article of 

 field culture till the early part of the eighteenth century, 1730, 

 in Scotland ; soon after, more at large in England ; probably 

 not earlier in this country. 



The flavor of the potato is said to depend on the quality of 

 the soil. The same variety of potatoes " will have a strong, 

 unpleasant flavor in one soil, that has a sweet, agreeable one in 

 another. In a heavy, wet soil, or a rank, black loam, though 

 the crop is often abundant, it is scarcely ever palatable. Si- 

 liceous soils, even approaching to gravel, are always to be 

 planted in preference to the above. A dry, mouldy, fresh and 

 moderately rich soil, is unquestionably the best for every vari- 

 ety of the potato. The black skinned and rough red thrive 

 better than any in moist, cold soils." 



There is a marked difi"erence in the nutritive quality of pota- 

 toes, which was supposed to be depending on the variety, 

 though quite as likely on the soil. 



The common mode of cultivation by the tuber, or eyes of 

 the tuber, being the only profitable and convenient mode, has 

 aff'orded a temptation, when a good variety was obtained, to 

 continue to cultivate that variety, by the tuber, too long — till 

 the decay of old age had manifestly affected them. Varieties 

 obtained from the seed of old plants will sooner feel the debility 

 and decay of old age. When resort has been had to seed, it 

 has generally been from those varieties which had long been 

 in popular favor, — that is, the oldest. A greater mistake could 

 not be made. The seed should be selected from the most 

 vigorous plants. 



Mr. B. condemns the practice of planting cut potatoes, in- 

 stead of whole ones. 



The question of locality, or native place of the potato, is 

 becoming one of interest, as it may become necessary to resort 

 to the wild stock again to replenish and renew our own. 

 Humboldt says the potato is not indigenous in Peru, and not 

 to be found wild in any part of North America, but on the 

 western side of South America only. This is controverted by 



