652 POTATO ROT. 



Tufts, Marshall, Lexington (four papers). Seems to think 

 this disease like the cholera, " a scourge for the sinful in order 

 to amendment;" and the remedy, simply nipping the disease in 

 the bud. 



TuTTLE, Francis, Acton, says, — "The weed called Roman 

 wormwood is the sole cause of the potato rot. The blossom, 

 or flower of that weed lodges on the leaf of the potato, making 

 a sore, which mortifies. This mortified juice of the leaf con- 

 nects with the healthy part of the leaf, which circulates through 

 the vine to the potato, and causes the rot in the potato. Now 

 for a sure and practical remedy — Keep this weed with all other 

 weeds, out of your field." 



Wells, Chas. A., Boston. Cause. — Certain animalculae on 

 the potato, so small as to be invisible to the naked eye, and in- 

 numerable. Cuj'e. — " Put a table-spoonful of sulphur, or brim- 

 stone as it is called, in each hill," before putting in seed. This 

 gradually undergoes decomposition, and evolves gases which 

 keep the potato free from this destructive animal. Then plant 

 and cultivate in the usual way. 



White, Williajvi, F., Framingham. Cause. — A very small 

 black bug feeding on the vines in their early growth, leaving 

 the leaf completely perforated with small holes. A blight or 

 rust follows, descending to the tuber and causing its decay. 

 Remedy. — Select new land, manure lightly, putting a small 

 portion of wood ashes in each hill before planting ; then dust 

 ashes thoroughly upon the upper and under sides of the leaves 

 of the vines during their growth. Lastly, should the blight or 

 rust appear when the potato is full grown, mow the vines. 



Winchester, Jonathan, Ashburnham, having thought much 

 on the subject from the commencement of the potato disease, 

 gives the result of his experience, which, in one respect, at 

 least, is like that of many others ; that a dry, light soil, is much 

 more congenial to the soundness and health of the potato, than 

 low, moist, heavy land. He says: — " In the spring of 1844, I 



