376 GARDEN FARMING 



yield is concerned. In some localities, however, particularly where 

 excessively wet or excessively dry planting periods occur, it has 

 been determined that whole potatoes are safer for the early crop 

 than cut seed. 



Rapid germination of second-crop seed. A novel practice for 

 securing quick growth from second-crop seed has been adopted by 

 a successful potato grower in Texas. Mr. Morrell has developed 

 an idea which is closely akin to the practices of the potato growers 

 of the Channel Islands. The method consists in storing the tubers 

 of the second crop in a tight building, which by the use of artificial 

 heat can be kept frost proof. At harvest time the tubers are stored 

 in slatted crates and the temperature of the storage house held as 

 low as practicable without freezing until within four or six weeks 

 before planting time, when the temperature is raised to 68 or 70 F. 

 This temperature is maintained until the eyes of the potatoes show 

 activity. The sprouts should not be allowed to develop to any 

 considerable length before planting the tubers, on account of the 

 danger of breaking them in the necessary handling at planting time. 

 If the sprouts are one-eighth inch or less in length there should be 

 little loss from handling. If the house can be well lighted at the 

 time the temperature is raised, the sprouts will be much stouter 

 than those developed in the dark. This plan provides a congenial 

 temperature for the germination of the tubers and makes it pos- 

 sible to delay planting until outside conditions are generally favor- 

 able for the rapid growth of the plants, and to use for seed only 

 those tubers which are actually viable. With good preparation and 

 cultivation this method should give a perfect stand, a decidedly 

 increased yield, and early maturing of the crop. 



This plan has been used for Northern-grown seed, but it is 

 found that this seed when mature responds more quickly to a given 

 heat stimulus and consequently does not need to be placed in a 

 warm room more than ten days or two weeks before planting. 



The practice of the Channel Islands accomplishes the same 

 results in a slightly different manner. The tubers are placed one 

 layer deep on germinating trays, which are arranged on racks or are 

 provided with corner posts a few inches long so as to admit air 

 and light. The tubers are induced to germinate in the trays, and 

 at planting time only those with well-developed sprouts are used. 



