Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1872-01-17
Something About Potatoes.

There is tendency in all potatoes to fall
back to their original natural condition, and
it is only by selecting for seed those specimens
that are in all respects true, that any variety
can be kept pure. A large part Of almost all
the varieties in cultivation are more or less
impure-tbat is, they are not just like the first
specimens Of the variety. They vary in
shape, in color, in quality and in productive
ness. By most growers these variations are
not at first particularly noticed, but when
they have gone so far that the variety has be-
come run out, the result is clearly seen by
all.
There is also tendency TO produce new va
rieties that are really good for instance, uD-
der certain circumstances, early potatoes will
produce tubers that are in all respects late
potatoes Of fine quality, and late ones will
produce early equally good. The experts Of
the New-York Farmers Club have, in answer
to inquiries, denied this repeatedly. But
have by me at this time, late potatoes that
were raised from early, and early that were
raised from late, without the seed ball at all
Years ago | discovered the secret Of this, and
have experimental till eau change them al
most as | please.
am aware that this will seem strange to
most readers, and perhaps some will deny it
altogether, but let them try as | have done,
and they will not find it difficult. Indeed, it is
done only too much every season, by simple care
lessness alone. But any one can do it for him
self, and if he have potatoes on the brain, he
will find it pleasant if not profitable ex-
ercise.
Begin with the early Rose that is popular
and is easily changed, Take strong, healthy,
late white variety, of good quality, as near
the shape Of the Early Rose as possible, plant
with the Rose, three hills of late to one OF
Rose, and let no other be planted near them.
Choose the time of planting, so as to have, if
possible, both varieties bloom together Save
all the tubers of the Rose, both large and
small-the sports are oiienest found in the
small late grown tubers-plant them one in
bill uncut. They will not all ripen at once.
One or more hills will be later than the others,
and perhaps some earlier, though that is not
likely, as the general tendency rs to late. You
will get a late variety, shaped like the Early
Rose not quite as smooth, and perhaps light
or in color; the quality and productiyeness
will almost certainly be improved. These are
the "sports," or new varieties.
1t is possible you may not succeed the first
time, but the probabilities are that you will.
But let no one suppose that varieties raised
in this way will prove as hardy and as lasting
as others raised from seeed-ball. Besides be-
ing more liable to rot they will be continual
ly given to sport Some will go back to the
original, many will be deformed and scrubby,
and in from three to five years all be worth
less. | have made many experiments, and
know well the facts Of which | am writing.
lift is desired, will in another article tell
how raise my own seed and keep it pure,
and also l will send you some Of my finest
"sports" to show to your friends and to plant.
William Hunt, IN Country Gentleman