Howe’s Potato Manual for 1892, 
-BY- 
<& c TD>. HI O IE s 
North Hadley, Hampshire County, Mass. 
1TH each recurring issue of any publication that comes to us. we look for some- 
thing new. Some new development in the line of our business, some new and 
better way of doing old and familiar tasks, some new receipt for making two dollars grow 
where only one grew before. An old saying is, “ there is nothing new under the sun,” and if 
it is true, it would be vain to attempt to present to my readers anything new this year. 
While there may be considerable truth in the old adage, yet for individuals there is some- 
thing new to learn continually. In the matter of growing potatoes, I find that new experi- 
ences are constantly modifying my methods and views on the subject. Things that were 
thought to be settled become doubtful, theories come and go and the problem of successful 
potato growing seems to be as far from being confined to definite rules for proceedure, which 
the novice can take up and follow with success, as it ever was. However, I will sum- 
mari ze some of the points on the subject that seem most pertinent to me, judging from my 
experience, study and observation. Potatoes seem to do best in warm loam, sandy or gravelly 
soil. The land should be thoroughly fitted to a good depth, though not deeper than the soil 
really is. If commercial fertilizer is used, as it should be in preference to yard manure, 
which can be.better used on other crops, thoroughly mix it with soil or it will do little good 
and perhaps actual harm, because of its strength. If not using a planter, open furrows and 
sow fertilizer, then follow with cultivator closed up as narrow as possible, before dropping seed. 
The time of planting seems to be of more importance than I formerly considered it. Plant 
as early as the season will permit, just as early as the soil gets dried off sufficiently to work well 
without packing. This time in my vicinity is the last week in April or first week of May. 
Don’t make the mistake of getting the seed in too early, as it may be as disadvantageous as get- 
ting in too late. I use the Aspinwall Planter and wouldn’t think of planting a field crop in any 
other way, now that I am familiar with its many advantages over hand work. 
Before the plants get up and while they are fully a half inch from the surface, go over the 
field with a Breed’s Weeiler if you can possibly have one, and the best substitute if you cannot. 
Either a heavy bush or a very light smoothing harrow will do very well. Kepeat the operation 
after plants are fully up, one to two inches high, and again once or twice as circumstances re- 
quire, until plants are eight or ten inches tall. Cultivate them, throwing a little loose soil up 
around the plants with winged teeth then hand hoe only as necessary to keep down a few stray 
weeds that have escaped the previous processes. At all events, kill all weeds while they are 
very small and keep the piece clean till digging time, and that final work on the crop will be 
correspondingly easy. 
The killing of beetles as quick as they make their appearance, is a very important matter, 
as they grow very rapidly and before you are aware of it your potato plants are divested of 
their leaves and dollars are taken right out of the crop in a day’s time. I have found this one 
of the most perplexing problems in the culture of potatoes on a large scale, and have tried 
about all methods and machines until I think I have found a very satisfactory way. If apply- 
ing Bordeaux mixture, put the poison (London Purpie is preferred on account of its lightness) 
into that and prevent blight and kill beetles at the same time. If not using the Bordeaux mix- 
ture, make a common white wash and apply the poison in that, and you will be surprised to find 
how many hard showers it will require to wash it off. With my horse power machine, ten acres 
can be poisoned in a day. 
With the crop grown, dig it as early as possible after the vines are fully dry, for the eating 
qualities of the tubers deteriorate seriously by remaining in the ground ; though I am of the 
opinion that they improve for seed stock by remaining a' longer time in the soil. Sell right 
from the lot if any fair price is offered. Observe the methods of your most successful neighbors 
give the matter thought and you will be pretty sure to find the culture of potatoes increas- 
ingly interesting and profitable. Wishing you all success, and looking for communications 
from more than my usual number of patrons, I am faithfully yours. G. D. HOWE. 
