The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1839-06-18
THH H. FARMER.
WILL POTATOES MIX.


exact experiments we are as confident that pota-
toes will not mix in the root as we are to any
fact whatever in agriculture. So we have no
hesitation in answering the above question most
positively both ia affirmative and negative, &C.
cording as we have reference to the root or seed
Potatoes will mix in the seed that is contained
in the balls but they will not mix in the tubers
or roots.
Some years ago, before we had paid par,icu-
lar attention to those principles in the science Of
botany which show the manner in which mix
ture of different varieties of the same species is
produced, 1--WE considered the mixing of pota-
toes doubtful subject and suitable for expert
ment; accordingly we selected red and yellow
potatoes, carefully selecting all that had not the
color distinct, that there might be no mistake.
We planted ow of one color, then of the 9TH
er color, and so on till we had planted ten or
twelve rows, amounting to five or SIX hundred
hills. .....
These potatoes were planted in the usual sea-
son and blossomed as much as usual, and if po-
tatocs are ever liable to mix, in any situation,
these would have had good opportunity. On
digging these potatoes, not the least mixture
could be perceived each kind still continued
perfectly distinct.
Besides this experiment, we have planted to-
gether red and white potatoes for six eight
years, about an equal quantity of each, the two
kinds frequently planted in the same hills, and
we never perceived the least mixture. Every
potatoe was distinctly red or white. In plant
ing potatoes in this manner, there was every
advantage to promote mixture that could be at
forded.
So much for practice. There may be cases
named where exerments favor the opinnian that
potatoes will mix in the root, but in such cases
we think that the apparent mixture will be found
to result from different cause.
Two varieties ofpotatoes, of different colors,
may be planted together, and some Of the pro-
ducts may from its color appear to he mixture.
This mixture OF colors results from a variety not
being distinctly fixed in it's color, having been
sufficiently long from seed to have its color per-
manently the same. -.,
A variety Of potatoe, MS well as of other vege-
tables, is liable to change without mixture with
other kinds, and when variety is planted near
another kind Of the same color that to which
it is liable to change, then the change will by
some be attributed to a mixture This shows
tice in Agricultural improvement without both
we shall be liable to run into error, while search
ing for truth BY experiments and observation
We learn the principles on which nature operates
these principles arranged into system form sci
ence by which The knowledge Of many may be
easily obtained by one.
A correct view OF the principles Of botany in
regard to vegetables mixing, will show that
potatoes cannot mix in the root and that those
cases that have appeared to occur, if any must
be ascribed 20 some other cause---so change of
one or both Of the varieties planted, without one
kind being effected by the other. There is no
mixture Of plants accepting in the seed and this
mixture is caused by the dust or pollen of one
variety falling up OIL another variety while in
blossom, and thus affected the seed. The dust
from the spindle Of corn falls upon the silk, and
is conveyed to the cob; in this waya mixture
may be produced when varieties are planted near
each other. so near that the dust of one is
blown upon the silk of the other.
Potatoes mix in the seed when two kinds are
planted near-thal is, in the real seed produced
in the apple; but the potatoes the roots will
no more mix than two varieties of turnips or
beets will mix in the roots, because they
set near when in blossom. The mixture of DO
tatoes in the flower will no more affect the root
than the mixture of two different varieties of APP
piles in the same tree will affect the scions cut
from the limbs land SO far from producing this
effect, the nixturc viii not even affect the
fruit, but the seed only. ... .-..
We intend to publish other articles soon on
the principles Of botany Intimately connected
with agriculture, which will further illustrate the
views here offered. We know that there are re-
spectacle names against the position we have
taken, but we are supported by the well essab-
lished principles of science and careful expert