228 REPORT OF THE ASSISTANT HORTICULTURIST OF THE 
seed the smoothest and knobbiest tubers were selected ; conse- 
quently the smooth tubers were of medium size, while the knobby 
tubers were very large. 
When the crop was harvested, the following, data were obtained : 
The yields of the rows planted with smooth seed amounted to 
5214 pounds, and of those planted with knobby seed 649% pounds. 
This shows a very striking difference in yield in favor of the 
knobby seed. It is interesting to note that the larger yield was | 
from the larger seed tubers. 
The rows planted with smooth seed had 121 knobby tubers ; 
those planted with knobby seed had 184 knobby tubers; which 
shows that for every 100 pounds of yield from the rows planted 
with smooth seed there were 23.20 knobby tubers, while from 
those planted with knobby seed there were 28.34 knobby tubers 
to the 109 pounds. The influence of the seed is quite strikingly 
shown in this instance, yet itis hardly safe to draw a conclusion 
until further data are obtained. 
In planning this experiment it was intended to be continued 
through a number of years, selecting each year the smooth tubers 
from the rows planted with smooth seed and the knobby 
tubers from those planted with knobby seed, for planting the 
following season. In this manner reliable data could be obtained 
and settle the question. 
A Trst oF INSECTICIDES. 
For the purpose of determining the comparative value of Paris 
green, London purple and Zoektein in destroying the larvee of the 
potato beetle, Doryphora 10-lineata Say, the rows planted with ~ 
the different varieties of potatoes were divided into six equal 
parts. Each part being fifteen feet wide and extending across the 
rows of all the varieties, was treated with an insecticide as follows: 
1. London purple, one part to 150 parts of land plaster. 
2. London purple, one ounce to ten gallons of water. 
3. Paris green, same proportion as No. 1. 
4, Paris green, same proportion as No. 2. 
5. Zoektein powder, same proportion as No, 1, 
6. Zoektein paste, same proportion as No. 2. 
The poison was thoroughly mixed with the land plaster in each 
instance and applied to the tops of the potatoes by means of an 
arrangement for that purpose, consisting of a tin vessel with 
perforated bottom. 
