898 



Experiments in Potato Growing. [feb., 



produce. It is obvious then that the smaller sets are much 

 more profitable to use than the others. 



Cutting of Sets. — This is ah important question for the 

 grower who must purchase seed potatoes in a distant market, 

 for if he can safely cut the sets, a considerable saving will be 

 effected. 



Experiments on this question have been made for several 

 years, with this result, that in some years, 1904 and 1905, it 

 was found that cutting was distinctly favourable, and in 

 others, 1903 and 1906, cutting the tuber seriously injured 

 the crop, reducing it by 30 to 40 per cent. 



In comparing the effect of cutting it should be mentioned 

 that approximately the same weight of tubers was planted 

 for each plant. 



Weight 



planted. Total crop. Ware. 

 Cwt. Tons. Cwt. Tons. Cwt. 

 Royal Kidney, i|" — i^" planted whole ... 15 13 3 96 



„ ,, ff" — 2" cut in two 14 124 9 9 



2" — 2^" cut in three ... 15 u 14 90 



The growth of haulm on the "whole set" plots was 

 generally more vigorous than on either of the "cut plots," 

 but the yield was not proportionate to the vigour of the 

 haulm. 



In the above figures it may be seen that though the total 

 yield was reduced, the weight of marketable potatoes — or 

 ware — was scarcely changed; this was pretty general in all 

 these experiments. Another point which is worth noting was 

 brought out, the Kidney-shaped varieties do not give such 

 satisfactory results when cut as do the round- or pebble- 

 shaped varieties. 



Boxing of Sets. — The general results of the investigations 

 into this part of the subject have clearly shown that for 

 ordinary purposes there is no advantage to be gained in 

 southern and eastern districts from the sprouting of the sets 

 of late varieties. The season is sufficiently long to permit 

 of the full development of the potato crop, and thus the 

 sprouting tray is not required. 



The experiments have shown that second earlies are 

 slightly benefited, and about 10 cwt. per acre increase may 

 safely be expected in consequence; and for earlies a larger 

 increase still may be looked for. 



