642 POTATO ROT. 



May, on old land — spreading manure on the surface, hoeing it 

 under — cutting large potatoes — placing the pieces a foot apart. 



Beaman, C. C, Wellfleet. Remedy. — Plant sprouts instead 

 of the bulb, three inches under ground. A lady has tried this 

 successfully. She believes the disease is in the bulb, affected 

 only by the soil and climate. 



Burke, P. B., Boston. Preventive. — Take equal parts of 

 hen-manure and loam, mixed, one quart in each hill at planting. 



Ohard, Granville, Gloucester. Cause. — Mildew. Remedy. 

 — " When the blossoms begin to fall, cover them with earth." 



Dadd, G. H., Boston. Essay of twenty-two pages. He 

 thinks the causes, like those of the cholera, are involved in 

 much doubt and uncertainty. He believes the disease conta- 

 gious, and may be transmitted by atmospheric agency from 

 one region to another. Vegetables are capable of receiving 

 into their organization infectious matter, and of respiring pois- 

 onous miasmata as readily as animals. Both require atmos- 

 pheric food." A knowledge of the similarity between vegeta- 

 ble and animal nature enables us to preserve their identity and 

 prevent diseases. He compares the commencement and growth 

 of vegetables with animals — the diseases of one, with those of 

 the other — the potato-rot with the cholera. Diseases may be 

 hereditary or acquired. The same laws of propagation and 

 improvement apply to vegetables and animals. " Like be- 

 gets like." An unhealthy plant cannot produce good fruit. 

 Due care should be observed in the selection of seedlings, as 

 well as preserving them in their purity. The vital principle 

 must not be compromised by mixing good seed with inferior 

 varieties. Potatoes may be affected, as grapes, wheat, &c., are 

 known to be, by soil or manure. 



Many theories have been suggested, all of which have been 

 more or less conflicting and unsatisfactory ; as the " Fungus 

 theory," " Insect theory," &c. &c., many of which are effects 

 which require a cause. Fungi are not found in healthy veg- 



