42 MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURE. 



Early Ohio, have differed so little from their progenitor as to 

 be practically worthless. 



The procuring tubers of the native wild stock, on the pla- 

 teaus of Peru, and the raising of seedlings from these, has 

 not, so far as my knowledge goes, given the satisfactory 

 results anticipated. In Mexico, varieties of potatoes are 

 grown which have never suffered from the rot. Should this 

 great plague again become prevalent, this may be a good 

 source to obtain potatoes from which to raise new seedlings. 



Science suggests that the pollen of choice varieties might 

 be crossed, and thus choice seedlings be ensured, and I have 

 known of one experiment in this direction which promises 

 well ; yet the sum of extensive experiments in this direction 

 may be like those of the distinguished Van Mons of Belgium 

 with the pear, — from many thousands of trials he secured 

 as result but two or three high-class pears ; while another 

 cultivator, among comparatively a few chance seedlings, 

 produced more and better varieties than his distinguished 

 cotemporary. 



