FOR THE VEGETABLE GARDEN. 33 
POTATOES. 
Kurtoffel, GER. Pomme de Terre, FR. Potata 6 Papas, SP. 


The soil best suited to the Potato isa rich, sandy loam, but it seems’ to thrive in almost any soil or climate. The 
potato being a gross feeder, requires a liberal application of manure; if stable manure is to be used, it should be well 
rotted, and not allowed to come in contact with the tubers. On no other crop are the results from the use of phos- ' 
phates so manifest as on the potato; almost invariably the tubers are smoother, brighter, and freer from rust and the 
destructive influence of wire worms. ‘The best fertilizers are plaster, lime, super-phosphate of lime, and bone-dust, for 
heavy and wet soils especially, as they promote growth and at the same time prevent disease. Plant as early in the 
spring as the ground can be thoroughly worked, in rows 3 feet apart and 1 foot in the rows; covering in light, warm 
soil about 4 inches, and in cold, wet ground 3 inches deep; draw the earth to the plants as they advance in growth. If 
an early crop is desired, sprout the tubers, or cut potatoes, in a light warm room, from four to six weeks before plant- 
ing, then lift carefully and plant out; by this process shoots are obtained that, as soon as planted out in the open 
ground, will send out roots, and grow more rapidly than if treated in the ordinary way. The soil should be constantly 
stirred through the season to prevent the surface from baking. Many seem to consider it harmful, after the potatoes 
have set, to disturb the soil in any way; this is contradicted by the experience of the best growers, who run the culti- 
yator until the vines are dead. In some sections “flat culture” is preferred to “ridging,” especially where droughts 
prevail, or the soil is very loose and sandy. 
For seed potatoes, select well-formed tubers of good size. Some growers cut to one eye, leaving as large a piece as 
possible attached. About 8 bushels are required by this method to properly seed an acre, 
Many successful growers plant medium sized potatoes whole, maintaining that, though there is an increase in small 
potatoes, there is a corresponding increase of marketable stock. That this is borne out by results the following table, 
which has been made from careful competitive trials, will show. Taking 100 asa basis, the account stands: Whole 
Potatoes, large, 100 per cent.; Whole Potatoes, small, 79 per cent.; single eye, 36.16 per cent. 
Some growers cut their seed in halves Jengthwise, while others cut them in quarters, both using large potatoes. 
Under ordinary cultivation the process of cutting to a single eye is to be deprecated, for the young plants, not having 
sufficient nutriment, often start off weak, while many fail to grow at all. By using larger seed the vines grow more 
vigorously at the start and are better able to stand the changes of the season and yield satisfactory returns. More 
seed is required per acre for planting, but the erop will be in every way more satisfactory and profitable. 
If the Potato Bug makes its appearance the vines should he dusted with Paris Green thoroughly mixed with fifty 
parts of plaster, and applied while the dew is on the plants, with a pair of bellows or duster. Slug Shot is also a very 
convenient and efficient remedy. 
Dreer’s Standard. A splendid extra early variety, of] Burbank’s Seedling. A white-skinned, medium early 
fine quality, beautiful appearance and extraordinar 
productiveness, free from disease or rot and an excel- 
lent keeper. Peck $1.00, bu. $3.25, bbl. $6.00. 
Ohio Junior. Closely resembling its parent, the Early 
Ohio, but is rather rounder and said to be more pro- 
ductive. A good keeper and of excellent quality. 
variety, with few eyes; flesh fine grained and of ex- 
cellent flavor; producing a large crop ef marketable 
potatoes. Peck 60 cts., bu. $2.0u, bbl. $4.00. 
Chas. Downing. A new potato having sterling merit, 
hardy and productive, and possessing the highest 
quality for eating. Although early in ripening it is a 
good keeper. Medium size, slightly flattened oval 
shape, light lemon color, with smooth skin. Eyes 
few, small, and nearly even with the surface. 
Peck 75 ets., bu. $2.25, bbl. $4.50. 
Peck 75 ects., bu. $2.25, bbl. $4.75. 
Early Puritan. A _ first-class early Potato, of hand- 
some, oblong shape; flesh pure white; matures with 
the Early Rose. Peck 75 ets., bu. $2.25, bbl. $4.50. 
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Early Ohio. A seedling of the Early Rose, ripens about 
a week earlier. Itis round and oblong in shape, of 
vigorous growth, and excellent quality. 
Peck 75 cts., bu. $2.25, bbl. $4.75. 
Early Rose, Prince Edward Island. A leading 
variety for earliness, quality and productiveness, The 
stuck we offer is the best Prince Edward Island. 
Peck 60 cts., bu. $2.00, bbl. $4.00. 
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EarLty Onto. 
Rural New Yorker, No. 2. A valuable variety, of 
UAE distinet appearance; large size, very smooth and a 
an great cropper; in quality unexcelled. 
i al Peck $1.00, bu. $3.25, bbl. $6.00. 
iy ul i Clark’s No. i. An early sort resembling Early Rose 
but considered more prolific. It cooks mealy, is. of 
excellent flavor, of first quality, and is a profitable 
variety for the farmer or market gardener. 
Peck 75 ets., bu. $2.25, bbl. $4.50. 

Beauty oF Hesron. 
Beauty of Hebron. A little earlier than Early Rose,| Garfield. An oval, smooth-skinned white potato; flesh 
very productive, of excellent quality, white fleshed, pure white, fine grained, mealy and fine flavored. 
and will yield at least a quarter more; a good keeper. The tubers are of uniformly large size; medium, early 
Peck 60 ets., bu. $2.00, bbl. $4.00. and productive. Peck 75 ets., bu. $2.25, bbl. $4.50. 




Prices of Potatoes are subject to market changes. Potatoes are forwarded by express or freight as directed, purchaser 
Paying charges. We use our discretion in regard to time of shipment, as frequently, when orders are received, the weather 
for a week at a time will not permit safe delivery. We assume norisk on Potatoes. They are forwarded strictly at pur- 
chaser's risk. 
3 
ss, 
