AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. 115 



possible. The next spring, two lots of seed that had shown no 

 evidence of rotting in the cellar, were selected and planted as 

 follows : 



1. Two rows, one of each kind of seed, on the ground where 

 potatoes rotted badly the past season. 



2. Two rows one of each kind of seed upon land that had not 

 grown potatoes for two seasons. 



3. Two rows planted as in lot 2, but each hill infested with 

 the rotten potatoes buried the fall before. 



All the rows were fertilized alike with phosphates and ashes. 



Besults. 



The disease did not appear in any of the rows. 



This would indicate, so far as one experinjent goes, that the 

 germs do not survive the winter in the soil, and would emphasize 

 the importance of selecting seed free from the rot. "We are not 

 satisfied with the results and will repeat the experiment. 



Bordeaux Mixture for the Hot. 

 Mr. B. Walker McKeen has experimented with Bordeaux Mix- 

 ture the past season, to prevent potato rot and we give below his 

 interesting and suggestive report. 



Augusta, Dec. 31st, 1892. 

 Dear Prof. Harvey : 



In reply to your favor of yesterday, asking for my experience 

 with the Bordeaux Mixture for potato blight, I will say, that I 

 used the mixture quite thoroughly through the entire season, put- 

 ting it on three times, but the results were not such as to warrant 

 me in recommending it to farmers without another trial. I raised 

 a very fine crop of potatoes, all of good size, and the rust did not 

 affect them to any great extent. Still there were some other 

 pieces quite near me that were not affected materially. Other 

 pieces suffered quite badly. I am inclined to the belief, that a 

 liberal fertilization of the ground for potatoes will tend to place 

 them beyond the reach of the rust, and that in this way farmers 

 may prevent its ravages, in a great measure. Still I am prepared 

 to say that I shall certainly use the mixture another year, as I am 

 not yet prepared to condemn it, as I certainly think my crop 

 was increased by its use. I hope to be able to report more fully 

 after another trial. 



