The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1869-05-06
VOLUME 80.

cultivated, has added millions to the popnla-
ton of Europe, and has there rendered almost
unknown those famines which formerly were
so frequent and so distressing.
In this country, the extent to which this root
is cultivated would appear amazing, if fully
known; out rivaing king Cotton In his palmi-
est days. As some approach to the amount,
the Department Of Agriculture, at Washington,
reports the production of ls66-Maine, five
million three hundred and five thousand and
forty-f bushels, 6, 3o5, ,o45) being the third
potato State in the Union-the great State of
New York producing about six times, and
Pennsylvania three times as much. In all the
States, l07, ,976 bushels.
In our own county (Waldol it has come to
be the great staple production; and add to the
amount cosunmed by the people the countless
bushels sent from our shores, the sum would
be astonishing. This city alone has exported
of the last crop probably not fewer than &C, 900
bushelsone dealer, 10000
| And in an interest of SO much magnitude
and Importance, it behooves all, both producers
and consumers. to foster and enlarge this pro-
duction by obtaining larger knowledge Of the
facts, means and conditions which apply to It..
That this Information Is very essential is seen
in the TACT that scarcely any two persons will
recommend the same kind of potato for cult-
vation. Desiring, before the planting season,
to Icy before our readers some reliable infor-
nation on this subject, we have taken pains to
learn Tie views of many cultivators of this root,
as to the best kinds, &C. One of large expert
ence says the Sebec Early is just the thing
excellent for the table, productive, and free
from rot another in the same neiehborhood
perhaps, says the Sebec is womhless-yelds
poorly, rots badly, and is watery and good for
nothing when sound. And we find the same
contradictions i'll the other varieties.
Now We nave 10 doubt all these opposite
opinions are reasonable and true; some differ
ence in the soil, dressing and mode of culture,
making all the difference. How important then
that these conditions should be widely known,
if We would guard against serious loss, and
still more develop, as we ought, this great in
terest. Hence, while we are endeavoring 10
collect valuable facts on this point by consult
ing all the farmers we meet, we trust that MANY
send US, in writing, by the first of May, their
experience in these things. The best kind of
potatoes as to flavor, its productiveness, free
dom from disease, and market value; kind Of
soil, high or low, wet or dry; what kind of
dressing and how used the method of cultiva-
ton, &C. Also as to corn, peas, beans and all
the eatables which you cultivate
In this way alone can the farm and the gar
den take their true places among the most prof
table and desirable callings of men. In the
professions the arts, mercantile pursuits or
in all the sciences, the members OF them all
not only feel just pride but find their true in
terest' in ilnparting for the good of the whole
whatever Information they may possess. Let
Agriculture awake, though late, and turn at
once into this only true path of Improvement
and profit.