AMEEICAK POTATOES: CLASSIFICATION AISTD DESCEIPTIONS. 3 



While this is an easy and simple classification to follow, particu- 

 larly in the Rose group, it is impossible to make any close study of 

 varietal relationship based on the shape of the tuber alone. Milward's 

 classification is, of course, only intended to represent three standard 

 market types of potatoes which are commonly recognized by the 

 dealer when pm'chasing table stock. All of the varieties of the Eural 

 and Green Mountain types fall into the roimd group, and these are 

 generally kno■w^l as Rurals. Those of the long- tuber type are gen- 

 erally known as Burbanks. The Rose group includes all varieties 

 havmg elongated or ovoid tubers with flesh-colored or pink skin. In 

 some respects this classification is most unfortunate, since it does not 

 encourage the purification of varieties as regards mixture. Unscrupu- 

 lous dealers have taken advantage of this situation and have disposed 

 of such stock for seed purposes, thereby contributing in a large meas- 

 ure to the present nomenclatorial difficulties.^ 



The object of this bulletin is to furnish a working plan which may 

 be used in determining the group or family to which a variety belongs. 

 It is hoped that in many cases it will also make possible the determi- 

 nation of the varieties themselves. 



PROPOSED SYSTEM OF CLASSIFICATION. 



In presenting the following classification key and group descrip- 

 tions, no one realizes more clearly than does the writer that there is 

 still much to be desired. It is hoped, however, that this classifica- 

 tion will serve as a starting point upon which to base further studies. 

 It is quite probable that the groups here presented will in many cases 

 resolve themselves into one or more subgroups or sections which are 

 based on finer distinctions than those given for the group as a whole. 

 It is equally certain that some new groups will have to be made in 

 order to include those varieties which do not at present seem to fit 

 into any of the classes now proposed. 



The value of studying varietal groups, rather than a collection of 

 varieties as a whole, can not be too strongly emphasized. When 

 the varietias falling into such groups are planted in adjacent rows the 

 comparative differences, as well as similarities, are more easily noted. 

 The recognition of old varieties under new names is almost certain 



' Since the preparation of tiiis manuscript, the Agricultural Extension Department of the Iowa State 

 College of Agriculture has published Extension Bulletin No. 20, entitled "Identification of I'otato Vari- 

 eties." The author of this bulletin, C. L. Filch, makes the followiiiK statement: " The identification of 

 varieties of potatoes will be considered under three heads: 1. The varieties of interest to Iowa Kfowcrs 

 and merchants, pp. '.i-4. 2. Tubers described and tuber parts named; the influence of conditions on 

 Bbapf: and color, pp. 5-14. .'}. Varieties described and identified by the tuber form and color markings, 

 pp. 14-rj2." 



Under part .3 the author discu.sses seven groups, or classes, as follows: Ilural, Early Ohio, Irish Cob- 

 bler, «ircen .Mountain, IJnrbank, Peerless or I'earl, and IJiiss Triumjih. Each K'oiip is well illustrated 

 by photographs showing the range of variation in shape of the tubers. Taken as a whole, the bulletin is 

 an exceedingly Interesting one and should |)rovc of considerable value In the study of potato varieties. 



