44 



We observed among the best looking, though not largest, pota- 

 toes on exhibition at the late Show, were some raised by Nathan- 

 iel Crane, of Dorchester. They were exhibited simply as a 

 matter of curiosity, — having been grown from tubers of one of the 

 oldest varieties now extant, and cultivated on the same farm for 

 a period of more than fifty years, without any more indication of 

 disease or tendency to rot than the latest varieties produced from 

 seed. They are familiarly known as the " Early White" pota- 

 toes, and arc thus described by Mr. Crane : 



" This variety of potatoes formerly bore an abundance of seed 

 balls, but since the prevalence of the ' rot,' have borne very few 

 — the blossoms falling oif in consequence of the blight, before the 

 formation of capsules. There was no blight on this kind, the past 

 summer, and there were more seed balls than I have seen for 

 many years. They were planted April 15th, without forming 

 sprouts ; were ripe soon after the 1st of August — the vines dying 

 prematurely from the effect of the dry weather, — and were dug 

 on the 1st of September. I think they may be the oldest variety 

 now in existence. I remember no other, except the old " Round 

 Red," before the " La Plata" or " Long Red" were introduced 

 about 1806. I have good evidence that my father raised them 

 before 1795 ; and they have been grown, under my immediate 

 observation or direction, for more than fifty years. Their size or 

 yield is not large and I have never depended on them for the prin- 

 cipal crop. As they bear seed so abundantly, when free from 

 blight, I would suggest the plan of surrounding them with other 

 varieties to experiment with seedlings. They are very hard and 

 solid, and are excellent when sliced and fried. 



" I did not exhibit them for a premium or gratuity, but only to 

 show that an old variety may not blight or rot any more than a 

 new one." 



Turning again to the farm already alluded to, — that upon 

 w'hich the greatest improvement has been made by drainage and 

 the removal of needless stone walls, and where an example of 

 hard, unflinching labor, persevering industry and good judgment 

 may be pointed to, with satisfaction, — we award to its owner, Mr. 

 Otis G. Cheever, of West Wrentham, the Society's first premium 

 of twenty dollars. 



In conclusion, we would remind the farmers of the County, of 

 the dignity, usefulness and happiness of their vocation ; of the 

 importance of good tillage, and of thoroughness in all their work ; 

 of the necessity of education to those Avho are to pursue the same 

 calling ; of the probability that success Avill be proportioned to the 

 skill and science employed in it ; and of their absolute dependence 

 upon a Divine Providence for the ability to labor, and the privi- 

 lege to enjoy in peace the fruits of their labor. 



