I905-] 



Experiments with Potatoes. 



33 



different methods of storing seed, the influence of change 

 of " seed," and the value of cut tubers for seed purposes. A 

 report on the experiments conducted in 1904 affords interesting 

 information on some of these points, particularly with regard to 

 the practice of sprouting seed potatoes in boxes and of liming 

 them for the prevention of wet rot, subjects to which reference 

 has previously been made in this Journal. 



Varieties. — A number of varieties are found to answer ad- 

 mirably in a favourable season, but large crops, good quality, 

 and disease-resisting powers are associated with comparatively 

 few in an unfavourable season. It is the varieties upon which 

 reliance can be placed in all seasons that are chiefly wanted. 



In 1904 the following varieties were tested : — British Lion, 

 British Queen, Challenge, Charles Fidler, Conquest, Empress 

 Queen, Evergood, Northern Star, Royal Kidney, Up-to-Date, 

 and Up-to-Date No. 2, all except Northern Star being planted at 

 two centres, and the seed drawn from stock grown under the 

 same conditions. 



Although the order of merit, as regards yield, was not strictly 

 the same at both centres, the same six varieties cropped best in 

 both cases, viz., Evergood, Up-to-Date, Royal Kidney, Empress 

 Queen, British Queen, and Up-to-Date No. 2, and the results 

 emphasised the fact that success or failure in potato growing 

 may be determined largely by the choice of variety. Although 

 grown under uniform conditions, one variety has been found to 

 yield several tons less per acre than another, and this notwith- 

 standing the fact that the seed has been in first-class con- 

 dition. 



Cooking Quality of Potatoes. — The cooking or table quality 

 of the potatoes is as much affected by soil, season, and manurial 

 conditions as their capacity for cropping, and too much reliance, 

 therefore, should not be placed on single tests. Tests were carried 

 out in 1903 and 1904, which enable the potatoes to be compared 

 as regards quality as well as regards production and disease- 

 resisting powers. The results are shown in the table on p. 34. 



British Queen, Charles Fidler, and Up-to-Date maintain, it 

 will be seen, their reputation for cooking quality. Three of the 

 new varieties, Northern Star, Sir John Llewellyn, and Discovery, 

 have likewise taken high positions. These three are of particu- 



D 



