66 



Problems in Potato Growing. [may, 



published shows a somewhat greater yield from un-boxed than 

 from boxed seed of a certain variety ; but it is explained that the 

 former, a very small quantity, had been packed between straw 

 divisions in a careful manner and covered with a thick layer of 

 straw above, so that they had made only short sprouts when they 

 were required for planting, and then they were placed carefully 

 in boxes without breaking off any of the sprouts. The trial, 

 therefore, was merely one between seed sprouted in straw 

 enclosures and seed sprouted in boxes. The preservation of 

 the first shoots, the most important result of boxing, was equally 

 attained in the two lots ; whereas, if the unboxed seed had been 

 kept in bulk in the common way many of its first sprouts would 

 have been lost before the sets were planted. 



The superiority of seed potatoes obtained from Scotland for 

 planting in England to those grown more than once in the latter 

 country has been proved beyond all question by a multitude of 

 precise trials ; but there is not yet sufficient direct evidence 

 to confirm the common statement that a Scottish stock grown 

 only once in the south is of equal value with seed obtained direct 

 from Scotland. Further experience with seed from Ireland 

 is also needed. 



It is commonly asserted as beyond doubt that immature 

 seed is superior in productiveness to mature seed ; but upon 

 what evidence the assertion is based it is impossible to say. It 

 may be that it has been proved by private trials, or it may be 

 based on hap-hazard observation, or again it may be the mere 

 acceptance and repetition of the verdict of one high authority 

 on potato growing. At any rate, only two reports of precise 

 trials of this point have come under my notice, and in one of 

 these the results were conflicting. It is hardly justifiable to 

 assume that the reason why potatoes from a comparatively 

 cold part of the kingdom do better than seed grown in the south 

 of England is that the former are less mature than the latter. 

 They are later in coming to maturity, no doubt ; but, as they 

 are taken up several weeks later, the statement that they are 

 less ripe is open to doubt. Many kinds of seed other than 

 potatoes from a district of cold climate are more robust and 

 productive than corresponding kinds grown in comparatively 

 warm districts, and it has not been assumed that the only 

 difference was one of degree of ripeness. Therefore, until 



