The Newtown bee., 1880-12-29
FARM, GARDEN AND HOUSEHOLD.
Exnerimsnts in pntato culture.

" to use large quantities of seed in plant ing 8 potato field, when at least one whole tuber was placed in each hill, and if small in size two or more were used. or late years the tendency has been to- ward the other extreme, many planters cutting their seed potatoes to single eyes. From the employment of small quantities of seed others have, with new and expensive varieties, gone to farther extremes and used sprouts in plsce of tubers. Where the tubers were cut to single eyes they were oftenest split lengthwise, the aim being to expose the greatest number of eyes possible. The results of various and conflicting methods practiced in potato culture the past twenty years by American grow CTS do not appear to justify the indcrse- ment of either extreme of very large or very small quantities of seed, both fail- ing to produce remunerative crops when not supported by proper cultivation and generous manuring, and gaining desir- able yields under favorable circun- stances.
 A general rule growing out of conflict ing experiences and their differing zee suits appears to be: Select for seed none but the best, and when the tuber is cut leave bulk enough to insure suffi- y plant until it has passed out of its em- bryonic condition and seeks for differ ent food through it's growing leaves and roots.
 German investigators have also been busy with numerous experiments on the best modes of propogating the potato. The conclusions arrived at by them after nearly quarter of century's ob- serva ion and experiments will not be unreservedly accepted by many of our fore Lost farmers, but their mention may induce thoughtful ones to fresh ex. periments, and furnish valuable sugges- tions to others. The first conclusion arrived at by the German growers was tbat there exists between the weight of the seed tuSer and the plant developed, a constant relation. The larger the seed tuber the earlier the plant natures, and the heavier is the resulting crop. " From this conclusion, therefore this natural deduction is made large pota- toes should be used for seed.
 The second conclusion growing out of experiments presented to show the difference in the pr0pagatipg value Of the different eyes is that the crown eyes of the tuber are the ones that produce the vigorous plants. Therefore when potatoes are cut previous to planting 1t is advised to divide them across, not engthwise, and use the crown half for seed and tho remainder as food. But these German investigators are not all agreed that it Is wise thing to divide seed potatoes, thoIgh they are in unison as regards ,he selection of large tuberS for seed, and that the eyes at the top of the potato produce the best results. Not a few of them believe the best plan to be the use of the whole tuber with all eyes cut out, except those on the top part. Professor Franz from his experi- ments reported the largest yield from whole tubers with all but the crown eyes removed. Professors Stabler, Rim pau, Jarrowsky, Drechler and Fesca, after continued experiments, all con- oluded that whole tubers yield heavier crops than do tubers divided lengthwise; also that the crown half of the potato produces better results than the half obtained by division through the length, and that the whole tuber is superior to the crown half.
 Experiments conducted with a view to ascertaining the proper distance at which tubers should be planted failed to support an absolute rule, owing to the Valiation in soils, seasons and size of the seed employed. Heidcn, from the results of two years planting, inclines to the belief that for medium soils 8 distance of about twenty-elght inches between rows and fourteen inches in the row Is best.
 Experiments with the action of ma nures on the potato crop in Germany, as at home, have led to con sradictory results, which proves the necessity for knowing the true condition of the soil previous to the application of fertilizers for economical result. Deheran found
  economical result was obtained from mixture of equal parts of nitrate of soda and super phosphate, applied in four dressings -he,O York World.
 Care or Brood Mares.
 As Q rule, except among those who make it specially, enough attention is not given to feeding brood mares. The best food is chopped barley, mixed with equal portions of bran, which enables her to iced the growing foal on the very best kind of feed to make the most bone and muscle. On the care and treatment of the mare depend the size and con- dition of the colt at birth. We often see farmers working their brood mare in a heavy team and treating and feeding them in the same manner as they do other horst 8, up to within few days of their foalIng This is . very un- profitable course to pursue, to say the least. The dam should have moderate exercise, but it should be regular. If she IS used in team she should not be driven faster than 8 walk, or loaded heavy, for in either case there is danger of injuring the mare and running the olt.
 Recipes.
 QUICK PUDDING.-Boil some rice; when done soft break in three eggs, half H. I n suit the taste. Give it one boil and send it to the table with bits of butter on the top.
 BUCKwHEAT CAKEs.-One quart of buckwheat, one teaspoonful of salt, two tablespooniuls of Indian meal, one of molasses; put in tepid water to make a batter, with yeast sufficient to make them light; compressed is the best.
 PUMPKIN FRTTERs.-JTse cold boiled pumpkin or squash which has been served at the dinner table; to each pint of the vegetable and one egg well beaten, two tablespoonfuls four, and pepper and salt to taste; fry them on 9 hot griddle, and use them as soon as they are cooked
 MINoE MEAT.-Two quart bowls of meat (chopped), four quarts of apples, one quart of molasses, one quart of sugar, one pound of raisins, one pound of entrants, one pound or less of citron, one tablespoonful of cinnamon, four nutmegs, two tablespoonfuls of salt, three lemons Guice only), one-half pound of suet chopped fine; scald all together three hours. Five pounds of meat makes three bowls.
 Remedy for Worms in Pigs. A Western paper says that flour ot sulphur is a simple and effective remedy against worms in pigs. and the animals readily partake of it, when mixed in gruel ol other sloppy food. For pigs under three months old teaspoonful