38 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



hot days whicli occurred in the month of last August. Not many 

 hours were required to change the exposed surface to such a degree 

 that the expanded fluids burst through the cuticle and stood in 

 black, inspissated masses upon the tuber. In such instances, we have 

 seen the potatoes entirely destroyed in less than thirty-six hours. It 

 may be suggested by some persons that the fungi which exhibited 

 themselves in the diseased matter of the potato might have been after 

 all the exciting cause of diseased action, but we think the fact that 

 the first stage of the disease, upon a most careful examination, mani- 

 fested not the slighest trace of any fungus, is amply suihcient to war- 

 rant the conclusion that the sporules which by some yet hidden law 

 exist in every conceivable position, vegetate whenever the decaying 

 matter of the nidus in which they are deposited, affords the requisite 

 nutriment for the fungus. 



After a very careful consideration of all the facts which we have 

 observed, and in connection with the perfect uniformity exhibited by 

 the disease to which we have called attention, we are constrained to 

 regard it as an epidemic disease having a strong analogy to the inflam- 

 mation of animal tissues, but diflering of course from animal inflamma- 

 tion, because of the difference in the kind and number of tissues and 

 artal actions involved, yet bearing a marked resemblance in its access 

 and subsequent progress to ulceration. In concluding our report, we 

 wish to make one suggestion to our brother farmers, the reasons for 

 which we may give after Ave have had more extended opportunities for 

 experiment. Let every farmer at the proper season of the year care- 

 fully save a quantity of the capsules or balls of the potato, and plant 

 the seeds in suitable soil. It is probable the first year will exhibit 

 marks of disease in some of the varieties obtained. Throw such 

 aside, and plant only such as manifest vigorous growth and in every 

 way a healthy appearance. Pursue this plan year after year, reject- 

 ing every variety which easily takes on disease, and planting seeds 

 each year to supply, the want for good potatoes, and carefully note 

 year by year the results, -which we think, in any view of the matter, 

 will be found to be valuable. Asking leave of the Board to continue 

 our investigations, and proposing, if opportunities should occur, to 

 make an examination of the other disease which has sometimes 

 ravaged our potato fields under the common name of " dry rot," we 

 submit the foregoing, with the hope that what is therein contained 

 may, if of but little value in itself, be an aid in any farther investiga- 

 tions that shall be carried on in the future. 



John C. BartltlTT. 



Jabez Fishek. 



Nathan Durfee. 



