For information concerning these obstacles to successful potato 

 culture the question was asked: "If potato rot has appeared in 

 your vicinity, state date when first noticed ; also state date when 

 the blight came," Correspondents in Douglas, Leominster, North 

 Orange, Barre, South By field and Ludlow reported no rot yet, but 

 that the blight appeared about August 15. Correspondents in 

 Enfield, Harvard, Sandisfield, Tolland, East Charlemont, North 

 Westport, Monterey and Pelham reported rot between the 1st and 

 26th of August and blight between the 6th and loth of August. 

 From Worcester blight was reported as appearing July 18 and rot 

 about August la. 



Professor Humphrey of the State Experiment Station reports 

 that several specimens sent to him as blight turned out to be simple 

 withering caused by drought. 



As bearing upon this subject the following is condensed from 

 the report of the section of vegetable pathology. United States 

 Department of Agriculture, 1888 : — 



The potato rot {Phytophthora infestans) probably originated in 

 South America, whence it was brought to this country about the 

 year 1840. Since that time it has been the cause of very serious 

 losses to farmers, and in years favorable to the disease has swept 

 away nearly the entire crop. No variety has j^et been discovered 

 that has remained free from the disease under all circumstances, 

 although in some localities some varieties are more resistant than 

 others. The fungus attacks the stems and leaves as well as 

 the tubers. On the leaves pale j'ellowish spots first indicate 

 the presence of the disease ; these veiy soon turn brown, and, if the 

 weather be warm and damp, rapidly blacken. The stems may be 

 attacked directly or the disease may reach them through the leaves. 

 If infected tubers are stored the rot will progress in the cellar 

 and healthy tubers may be infected by those already diseased. 

 IMoisture and a moderately high temperature are the conditions 

 which favor rot. It is also generally conceded that stable or 

 barn-yard manure, especiall}' if used fresh, favors the rotting of 

 the tubers. Treatment must be preventive. Potatoes used for 

 seed should be perfectly sound. When possible a light and 

 thoroughly drained soil should be selected for the crop. If the 

 weather conditions favor the disease, the vines must be protected 

 by the application of fungicides. Preference is given to the 

 Bordeaux mixture. Apply when there is no wind and the plants 

 are wet with dew. Begin before the blight makes its appearance. 

 While digging the crop the tubers may become infected, as they 

 are taken from the ground, by spores from the decaying tops ; 

 hence care is requisite. Potatoes should be entirely free from 



