SEED 229 



their seed potatoes from Scotland and Ireland ; 

 Jersey, for instance, taking considerable 

 quantities from the Isle of Skye. 



Perhaps there is no crop on the farm 

 for which a farmer goes more frequently 

 into the market for " seed " than potatoes. 

 Not only is the yield found to be increased 

 by obtaining fresh seed from a more incle- 

 ment district, but new varieties are con- 

 stantly being put on the market which are 

 distinguished for some desirable property 

 prolificness, resistance to disease, etc. and 

 enterprising potato growers naturally desire 

 to make trial of such new sorts. It is found 

 that in the course of time, varieties, which 

 in the early years of their existence were 

 practically immune from disease, lose their 

 constitutional vigour, and are no more 

 resistant than those that they supplanted. 

 When this stage has been reached, the neces- 

 sity for a change of seed becomes pressing, 

 so that from one consideration and another 

 potato growers are constantly on the market 

 for fresh seed. Twenty years or so ago 

 the varieties that held the field were the 

 "Champion," "Bruce," "Prince Regent," 

 etc. ; and, more recently, " Up-to-date," 

 " Farmer's Glory," " Factor," " Abundance," 

 and others, have enjoyed a high reputation, 



