282 New Potatoes. 



Now and then we find an appeal in behalf of the old Mercer or Che- 

 nango, with various suggestions as to the best method of restoring it to 

 its original productiveness and excellence ; showing, that, whatever may 

 be the merits of the new, there are still those who cling with wilful perti- 

 nacity to the old. Such persons we pity. They may find encouragement 

 from the experience of the past ; but it affords none for us. Their efforts 

 we can only regard as so much time and skill expended in the vain en- 

 deavor to impart to age the freshness and vigor of youth. Though there 

 may be seasons of partial success, failures will be frequent and complete. 

 Depend upon it, such cultivators will often be found begging in harvest, 

 having nothing. 



It would not surprise us to find this class of people determinedly endeav- 

 oring to raise the old St. Michael, Chaumontelle, and other now superan- 

 nuated and utterly worthless pears, because these sorts were grown in such 

 perfection a half-century or more ago ; and this, too, in the face of the fact 

 that their neighbors were yearly gathering the Bartlett, T.ouise Bonne. 

 Sheldon, and Lawrence in the greatest abundance and excellence. Such 

 cultivators are beyond persuasion, and we can only leave them to the enjoy- 

 ment of such of the precarious luxuries of a by-gone age as they may 

 succeed in producing. 



We are aware that new varieties are not necessarily improvements ; but 

 where are we to look for improvement except to these ? While we would 

 not be understood as advising the purchase of seed at the extraordinary 

 prices demanded for some kinds, still we think it poor economy to plant 

 any of the old, sickly, and unproductive potatoes, however cheaply they 

 may be procured. We think it doubtful, whether, among all those who cul- 

 tivated the Early Rose, an individual could be found who would hesitate 

 to say, that the raising of these potatoes from seed purchased at one dollar 

 the pound was much more profitable than would have been the raising of 

 almost any other sort within his knowledge, had the seed been obtained 

 at one dollar the bushel. The merchant is successful, who, wisely availing 

 himself of the means of information at his command, keeps pace with the 

 progress and spirit of the age ; and so will that cultivator be who follows 

 his example. Fearing Burr. 



