THE SELECTION OF SEED POTATOES 



429 



on any but the very best soil, unless care is used in the selec- 

 tion of seed. The first indication of the "running out" of 

 a stock of potatoes is seen in the tubers becoming somewhat 

 pinched or constricted at the seed end, and longer in propor- 

 tion to the thickness than is typical of the variety. One 

 must have clearly in 

 mind the desirable type 

 of the variety, and select 

 persistently to that type. 

 If this is done, potatoes 

 may be grown success- 

 fully for years without 

 deterioration, or without 

 the necessity of introduc- 

 ing new seed. Some of 

 the desirable types of 

 potatoes are shown in 

 Figure 133. 



The only condition 

 which seems to require a 

 change of seed is found 

 in the South. This con- 

 dition is not brought 

 about by deterioration in 

 the stock, but by the 

 difficulty experienced in 

 keeping the seed till 

 planting time, owing to 

 the warm climate. Much 

 of the seed used in the South is shipped in, and in Maine, 

 Michigan, Minnesota, and some of the other northern 

 states a considerable business has been developed in 

 providing seed stock for the South. This seed is usually 



Fig. 133. Types of potatoes. No. 1 is an 

 undesirable type, irregular in shape and 

 with deep eyes. The others are smooth and 

 regular and have shallow eyes. No. 2 is Bur- 

 bank; No. 3 is Carman; No. 4 is Early Ohio. 



