Poratrors 1883 
In many cases, from an economic standpoint, potash may be left 
out or reduced to the minimum. I would pay no more for 
potash in the sulphate form for potatoes than for the muriate. In 
spite of the contention that chlorine in the latter will give the 
tubers a strong flavor, all tests fail to show any difference, even 
when an excessive quantity is used. The amount of fertilizer per 
acre will depend on the condition of the soil, usually not less than 
500 pounds in combination with manure, or on very fertile soil, 
or with a clover sod. When these are lacking, 1,000 pounds seems 
to be the most profitable amount. True, many use as high as 2,000 
pounds and claim it pays. Professor Sirrine has made exhaustive 
tests on Long Island soils, extending over a period of years, with 
the following result with potatoes at 50 cents per bushel. Had 
the price been higher the larger quantity might have paid. 
Increased yield 
Fertilizer Cost per acre Money gain 
500 Ibs. $ 6.25 23.3 bu. $ 5.40 
1000 Ibs. 12.50 44.3 bu. 10.60 
1500 Ibs. 18.75 55.4 bu. 8.97 
2000 Ibs. 25.00 61.4 bu. 5.70 
My own practice has been, when using only 500 pounds, to 
apply it all in the drill; with a larger quantity, the balance broad- 
cast, because the feeding roots extend all through the soil. This 
seems logical. Further, if a large amount is put close to the 
seed, and heavy rains follow planting, there is often injury to the 
seed. Hence, it is always wise to mix the fertilizer with the earth. 
PRESERVATION OF THE GREEN LEAF 
Anything which destroys the leaf surface reduces the starch 
making machinery, and though there may be an abundant water 
supply, ample available plant food of the right sort, and greatest 
vigor of plants, if the leaf surface is impaired or destroyed, all 
will be for naught. 
INSECTS 
In many sections the flea beetle is very. destructive, but where 
bordeaux is used the damage has been very slight. Not that it kills 
the beetles, but being very distasteful it drives them away, per- 
haps to feed on something less valuable, or it may be they starve. 
