LESSONS OlSr POTATOES FOR EUEAL, SCHOOLS. . 7 



1. The time to dig will vary with market conditions and other 

 factors. They should be dug as soon as vines die, earlier if mature. 



2. Small areas may be dug by hand, with hooks or potato forks. 

 All large acreages are now dug by machinery. 



3. Make field trials on the given soil before adopting any digger. 

 Unless the field has been kept very clean it will pay to mow, rake, and 

 burn all weeds before digging. Weeds and tops tend to clog digger. 



4. After digging, let tubers lie on ground long enough for dirt 

 to dry out, also to toughen the skin against bruising. 



5. Careful handling pays at every stage. Bruised or cut potatoes 

 decay readily and every tuber lost reduces the profits. Hardening 

 process must not be prolonged to the extent of sunburn (especial care 

 with some varieties). 



6. Sorter may be used in field if weather permits. Potatoes sold 

 in field weigh more than stored potatoes. 



7. The careful sorting and grading of potatoes is quite as impor- 

 tant as the grading of fruits. 



Practical exercises. — Discuss the methods of harvesting potatoes in 

 this district and elsewhere. Arrange for the class to take a field trip 

 to observe the methods of harvesting and sorting potatoes at one of 

 the most approved and successful potato farms in the district. Dis- 

 cuss methods of sorting. Need of keeping varieties separate Sorting 

 by sizes. Keeping out diseased potatoes. Find out what the farm- 

 ers are doing with culls. If potato-digging machinery is used, make 

 a study of the different machines with a view of finding out which 

 one is best adapted to the soils of this section. Visit a dealer 

 and inspect the machines he carries in stock. What is the common 

 method of sorting potatoes? What sorting machines are used? 

 Wliat type seems to be the best adapted for its work? Note the 

 methods of handling the crop, such as packing and hauling. 



Correlations. — Arithmetic: Use local yields and prices and make 

 problems suited to advancement of the class. Obtain State records 

 of potato crop and the market price for further problems. 



Language : Utilize for written or oral exercises such topics as : "A 

 trip to observe potato harvesting," " How to sort potatoes," " Potato- 

 harvesting machinery." 



LESSON III. 



Subject. — Marketing potatoes. 



Prohlem. — To discover the best farm methods of marketing potatoes 

 in order that they will bring the highest market price and reach 

 consumer in first-class condition. 



Sources of information. — Farmers' Bulletins 365 and 753 ; Office oi 

 Secretary, Circular 48; Document, Markets, 17; publications from 

 State college of agriculture ; articles in farm papers. 



