INTRODUCTORY, 
In presenting you with this manual on potatoes , the writer wishes 
at the outset to be distinctly understood. He does not claim to be 
one of “the lights” on the subject and does not put forth any 
ideas as authoritative, but rather offers what he says as suggestions 
for further thought and discussion. 
He wishes to be considered a fellow-searcher after new light, as 
well as a prover of the old, in the art and science of successful pota- 
to growing. He has had some experience, has some ideas of his 
own, has read quite extensively on the subject and gives in this little 
pamphlet some of the thoughts that have seemed particularly valua- 
ble and worthy our consideration. 
If the reader finds some new idea here which proves valuable to 
him, or if he looks at an old familiar fact displayed in a new light, 
and is therefore better able to appreciate it, or is in some way en- 
couraged to new effort, then both vour time and mine will have been 
profitably spent; but if, on the contrary, you find nothing to cheer, 
enlighten, or awaken your soul to renewed zeal then our time will 
have been worse than wasted. 
This pamphlet is not put out as a target for critics, though such as 
have any fault to find with it, or any ideas in it, will receive my 
thanks for making their grievances known to me before they give the 
public the benefit of it. 
On the other hand, as a little cheer and gooct will are quite as es- 
sential to a man’s happiness in life as some more substantial things, 
it will be the source of some gratification to know whether any are 
encouraged to take a step in advance, or are set to thinking and ex- 
perimenting in a direction that will prove profitable or if our business 
acquaintance proves pleasant and satisfactory. 
Wishing you much success, I am, faithfully. 
G. D. Howe. 
North Hadley , Mass ., Jan. 7, 1889. 
cents where one was before. 
to give each, von and me, two 
one grew before, and to get to 
to make two potatoes grow where 
than ever before, and therefore 
market with them a week earlier 
The Long .and Short of It is 
