The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1855-04-27
AGRICULT U RAL.
Ysr As Union and EasfsrH Journal.
POTAT ES.

From various indications, we are inclined
to believe that the "rot," or, as it is popu-
larly denominated-the "Plague," which
mas proved 90 universally destructive to this
valuable edible, will not this season prove
very destructive. 1t is quite possible that the
crisis ofthe disease, for disease We cannot 9th.
erwise than regard it, has been reached, and
that hereafter moro favorable condition Of
things may be expected, especially where
the proper means IRE adopted to prevent its
temperance, and to preserve the seed in an
unemaasculaied and undeteriorated state.
It may not perhaps be supercroga.ory to
remark in this place, that those farmers who
have used uncut sud, and planted without
manure or plaster, on lands imbued with q
medium degree Of richness-i. e. Of natire
humus. have been far moro generally sue
cessful during the past season, and, indeed.
during the previous seasons, than those who
have followed the opposite and more COM
mon course. In communication to me,
upon the subject Of potato culture, dis
tinguished farmer in Cumberland County,
whose efforts for some years past have been
mainly directed to this important branch Of
our agriculture, observes:
"I am more than ever convinced, that.
in order to restore the potato to its original
state Of purity aud health, the present sys-
tenn Of excessive forcing must be discontin-
ued. So long rs | cut my seed and manur-
ed highly, my potatoes were greatly, and,
in many cases, fatally injured by the Plague.
In some seasons, my crop was not worth
harvesting, and the very few tubers did
obtain, though apparently in q healthy and
sound condition when placed in the bins,
invariably rotsed, or were greatly deteriOra-
ted before Spring.
commenced planting whole posatoes-
procuring my seed from remote locality,
when practicable, and selecting good. but
no, excessively rich soil, which had sufhc-
lent staple to ensure good yield without
the assistance or stimulus Of manure.
made it point to get my crop in as early
in the season as practicable-generally be-
fore my Iudian corn, and to harvest as soon
as any symptoms OF decay were apparent
in the tops. Some Of my neigbbors, who
have petinaceously pursued the opposite
course-cutting their tubers, and manuring
highly, either with putrescent or mineral
Misunderstanding the "old way" the
best, although their operation, have been
conducted in adjoining fields, have invaria-
bly, been unsuccessful. Whether my sue.
cess is lesitimately to DO attributed 10 the
somewhat peculiar course have adopted, or
not, l am, Of course, unable 10 decide. /
can only say that il has more than realised
my expectations, and that am fully conf
dent those who adopt it will end it more Of
fectual in obviating this serious evil, than
any other that has hitherto been discover
ed.'
Another farmer in Massachusetts,, who
has long been in the habit Of cultivatins
early potatoes for the market, informs me
that for many years he was accustomed to
use large quantities Of gypsum, or plaster
Of paris-his sOil being at the same time al
auently manured with excrementitious or
strongly fermentable manures. for the pur-
pose Of exciting tho system to an early de-
velopement, and that he failed entirely Of
success. lie finally desis.ed from using ei-
ther animal or mineral manures with the
exception Of ashes and lime, witch he
though, might tend to check the progress Ol
the disease) and restored his crop to its nor
NAL condition Of productiveness and health.
He thinks lime from its well known alkales
cent proper,ies-and ashes from the tenden.
oy they have, whom applied rs manure, to
correct aeidisy, and check the Development
Of parusiticul Jamgi, "operate as pre-