AMEraCAN INSTITUTE. 389 



Small potatoes correspond to stunted portions of the stem, in 

 wliicli the buds are crowded, and, consequently, each bud supplied 

 with less amount of nutriment. Large potatoes do not necessarily 

 contain more buds than small ones, as they are merely the small 

 ones expanded; hence they furnish to each young plant a greater 

 supply of food than small ones, during the period in whicli it is 

 dependant on the tuber. 



But the whole amount of pabulum furnished by the tuber 

 becomes so insignificant, when we compare it with that furnished 

 by the soil, during the whole life of the plant, that it becomes 

 exceedingly difficult to appreciate its effects on a crop. Tlie proper 

 period to measure these effects would be, if it were a practicable 

 one, that at which the young plant ceases to depend on the tuber. 



It is very possible, that the advantages to the buds of isolation, 

 may more than compensate any injury and loss of substance to 

 the tuber from the gouging or cutting process. It is a well-known 

 fact, that the potato is not injured as much as the apple by section. 

 Tubers that have been clipped with the hoe, in digging, are found 

 the next spring with the surface of the wound dry, and the inter- 

 nal structure unaffected. It is true, too, that the plants may be 

 more evenly distributed in planting, if cuttings are used. The 

 question is, after all, a question of fact, that must be settled by 

 repeated and very careful observation. 



Professor Mapes asked, whether, if the starch, instead of becom- 

 ing sugar, became converted into acetic acid, the integrity and 

 success of the future growth would not thereby become vitiated ? 



Dr. Waterbury replied, that, undoubtedly, in such cases where 

 such perversion from unknown and unforseen causes did take 

 place, acetic acid would not serve as a substitute. 



Professor Mapes observed, tliat such was frequently the result. 



The Chairman, remarking upon the whole subject, observed, 

 among other things, that he " should no more think of planting 

 whole potatoes, than he should think of flying." 



Professor Mapes would ask whether the difference in size might 

 not result from this — was it not hilling the stem that produced 

 these numerous additional small potatoes? The chairman 

 had no doubt, been an accurate operator; but the nature of his 



