THE POTATO IN BRITISH COLUMBIA. 43 



The benefits derived from field-crop competitions are readily noticeable upon 

 visiting those districts vvbich have conducted competitions for a number of years, 

 and there is striking evidence of what can be done by selection of seed and seed- 

 plot work with such an important crop as potatoes. (Fig. 36.) 



rv 



, | ! ^M .'"**'' * i > f \J W7 



Fig. 36. A group of enthusiastic growers and the judge examining a potato- 

 field entered in a field-crop competition (original). 



BOYS' AND GIRLS' COMPETITIONS. 



Potato competitions in connection with the Boys' and Girls' Clubs have been 

 going on for some time now and splendid success has been attained. All competitors 

 within the same club district use the same variety of potato and preference is given 

 to one of the standard varieties. The growing crop is judged and scored during the 

 summer according to the following score-card: 



Points. 



Selection and preparation of plot 15 



Method of planting 15 



Uniformity of stand 10 



Method and thoroughness of cultivation and freedom from weeds 25 



Freedom from disease blight, scab, etc 25 



General field conditions 10 



Total 100 



When the crop is harvested and placed on exhibition it is scored according to 

 the following standard: 



Points. 

 Uniformity of exhibit: Uniform in size, colour, shape, and 



character of eyes 20 



Trueness to type: Each potato typical of the variety to which 



it belongs 10 



Shape of tuber : Flat, round or oval preferred 15 



, Size of tuber : Medium-sized (about 10 oz.J* l.~ 



Eyes : Well marked, not too deep or too numerous 5 



Skin : Of a colour typical of the variety, healthy, fairly thin, not 



sunburned 5 



Texture : Fairly fine and brittle 5 



Soundness : Flesh not diseased or hollow, no discolorations 15 



Freedom from blemishes 10 



Total 100 



Instructions regarding type of soil, preparation of the plot, and selection of 

 seed, together with information regarding seed-treatment, the cutting and planting 

 of seed, cultural methods, spraying, and digging, are fully given to the boys and 

 girls. 



