Wisconsin tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1847-1854, 1850-10-11

On G ntsitod ef protecting Po11f9-s af1er fFcy
iare been harees.sd. frqos tie further spread
ing Of tts Po'atge disease.
we are indebted TO J. !, Teschemacher.
Esq. for the first demonstration Of the causes
of the present destructive disease in the pota-
toe, being fungus growth. The subsequent
inquiries, 10 the latest oSsorvatic have only
slightly modified the conclusions arrived al in
this country. by substituting for the changes
produced by vegetating fungus, those indu-
cod by the decay Of that growth.
The rapid decay which continues after the
roots have been removed from the soil is often
Of the most remarkable character, aside from
its economical bearing, Is 4 subject Of scienti-
ic Importance. During the last season,
made trial Of some chemical agents, which
specifically arrest all vegetation. Hopelng
to discover an application . hIch would enable
US to preserve the diseased potatoes from FUR
ther changes. EearIy in the course of tho
experiments It was noticed shat a reduction of
temperature by exposure u cold air, greatly
diminished the raPidity Of decay; while I
slight increase OF temperature hastened il
moisture being present or not
Heat in j moist atmosphere, increased the
destruction, and samples which had been
cooled. and thereby partly protected, readily
passed through all mild air. Alter using sew
eral substances by direct contact with diseas-
ed parts Of potatoes SOON found shat the mix
ture Of sulphuroGs acid, Nitrogen and common
air. such rs exists when Sulphur is burnt in
closed vessels, would prevent the further pro-
gress OF the disease IN ta5ers already affected
and when exposed iE cOEiact vita tubers. pas
sing through all stages Of the disease, no fur
ther change IN the prepared ones was indu-
ced.
The trials were varied, and the uniformity
al the results has led me 20 conclude that the
fumes Of burning sulphur, flowing in contact
with potatoes partly diseased. will arrest the
further progress Of the disease aud preven- de-
cay. Il Is proper that tais conclusion should
be received a an expression Of fact, under the
circumstances Of experiments OF small seals
and with no 00Te thaH tWo varieties Of pota-
toes; but can confleEtly expect that the i'm
poTtInce of the application Vil be seen in the
largest exhibition Of IFS effects.
The practical Use Of the sGlPhu -ous acid gas
II vc.y simple and not eN peHsIve. Crude sui
PhUr inti1med IN d shallow cast~iron vessel,
or an earthen pot. furnishes the fumes which
may be led by wooden pipes. 70 the lover part
of bins filed with the roots, until The unocel-
pied space l. filed with them. As the fumes
cool, they become heavier 'han air, and viii
enter every interistice. BE- placing the pot uf
burning phur in an empty barrel and inver-
ting over II a barrel filled with potatoes. hav-
I01 light rack IN place Of head, the fumes
viii slowly rise within and impregnate the
mass: the barrel and contents being then re-
moved, aad tie head repiaced. ihe exposure
may by considered as ample. Where The
quantity IS large, It would be more economical
to leave a space vacant, bslJyg the loose foof
on which they repose, aud introduce Theses
fumes until every part Of tina heap Of potatoes
has received share.
Il should be remembered that this appliea-
tion viii injare, if not destroy the vegetating
power Of the tabers, and that although this re-
sglt uiay be highly desirable, for all that are
preserved for food, those intended for seed
should not be 90 treated.
Respectfully.
(Siguedl A \. HAYNES, VI. ID.
State Asssyer.
No. /, Pine ST, Rosfon, J4a. 10, 1850.
Mr.. J. f. Teschemaker. Of last Boston,
well and favorable known as scientific aud
practical agriculturst, at the same meeting
before which his letter was read, expressed
his confidence ia the aaaPtion Of this remedy
in the prevention Of the Pata,oe rot. Will
some Of our agricultural readers Try the feins'
dy and communicate TIE results