THE POTATO. , 37 



A few years since, this variety was ex- Long Bed. 



ceedingly abundant in the market, and was 

 esteemed one of the best sorts for use late in spring and 

 early in summer. It was also remarkably healthy and 

 productive, and was considered one of the most valuable 

 kinds for general cultivation. The Jenny Lind and other 

 varieties are now rapidly superseding it in most localities. 



An old and familiar variety ; Mercer, 



at one period almost everywhere 

 known, and generally acknowl- 

 edged as the best of all varieties. 

 As a potato for early planting, 

 whether for family use or for 

 the market, it was a general 



, ... 



favorite ; but, within a few years 

 past, it has not only greatly deteriorated in quality and 

 productiveness, but has been peculiarly liable to disease and 

 premature decay of the plants. 



When well grown, the tubers are of good size, rather 

 long, a little flattened, and comparatively smooth ; eyes 

 slightly sunk ; color white, with blotches of purple, before 

 cooking, somewhat purple under the skin ; flesh, when 

 cooked, often stained with pale purple ; in its crude state, 

 zoned with bright purple. Quality good ; dry, mealy, and 

 well-flavored. 



It originated in Mercer County, Penn. : whence the name. 

 Mr. Paschal Morris, of Philadelphia, states that it went 

 West, taking the name of Meshannock, from the name of 

 the stream, in Mercer County, along which it originated. 

 In Canada, the Provinces, and throughout most of New 

 England, it is known as the Chenango, or White Chenango. 



Originated with Mr. D. A. Bulkley, Massa- Monitor, 

 chusetts. Tubers very large, oblong, of a dull, 

 rusty, pinkish-red color, and strongly depressed eyes ; flesh 

 light and dry, and described as of good quality for the table. 



