LUTHER BURBANK 



the tentative results of early experiments in Mas- 

 sachusetts, to offer in response to such criticisms. 

 So it seemed best to trust to my own resources, so 

 far as possible, and prove my case according to 

 my own method. 



I would not be understood, however, as saying 

 that my brothers did not give me friendly co-op- 

 eration. On the contrary they were, as suggested, 

 ready to extend a helping hand, and their aid was 

 sought at the outset in the matter of the propaga- 

 tion of the Burbank potato, the ten tubers of which 

 constituted, in my judgment, my most important 

 tangible asset. 



The ten potatoes were planted on my brother's 

 place; and the entire product of the first season 

 was saved and planted, so that by the end of the 

 second season the stock of potatoes was large 

 enough to offer for sale. 



The sale of the Burbank potato helped out a 

 little, but did not at first bring a large return. Not- 

 withstanding the very obvious merits of this 

 potato, time was required to educate people to 

 appreciate it. They were accustomed to a red 

 potato, and a white one, even though larger, 

 smoother, and more productive, did not seem at 

 first a suitable substitute. But in the course of 

 time the Burbank potato made its way, as has else- 

 where been related, until it became the leading 



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