Weekly graphic. [volume] (Kirksville, Adair Co., Missouri) 1880-1949, 1885-02-20
Potato Scab Again.

EOtdGV CCdD hSdIu,
A correspondent of the Prairie
Farmer asks whether using scabby
potatoes for seed would affect the next
crop. He states that last spring
while planting Early Rose which were
somewhat affected with scabs, he found
one of another variety clean and
smooth, that was cut in seven pieces
and planted in so many hills in the
same row with the Earely Rose; it
proved to be later variety, but when
dug we're almost entirely free from
scab, while Early Rose was badly affec-
ted.
Prof BurrilI, of III. Industrial Uni
versity to whom the question was re-
fered. kindly replies through Prairie
Farmer, as follows:
The cause of the injury called "scab"
upon the potato has not been well
worked out, and it cannot be asserted
as certainly known. Probably several
diseases are included under this COM
mon name. But a negative point
which may be considered thoroughly
settled, is that insects are not the au
thors of the mischief. There is, to be
sure, an appearance Of insect work,
but nothing whatever has been observ-
ed to prove that they have anything to
do with the malady, while many facts
disprove it. The disease has been at
tributed to earth-worms, but in this
again we have only guess.work, and
the negative evidence is quite srorg.
One or more species of fungi have
been accredited with the destructive
work, yet little is really known abou:
these as agents rather than results. A
fungus named Rhisoetnia solaaf is
found on potatoes leaving either singly
or in groups, little pussules in the skin
making peculiar roughness, which is
called scab by many. This, however,
is certainly different from the corroded
spots to which the na,ne is more ap-
propriately applied.
If any one will take the trouble to
look at the year-old twigs Of most trees
and shrubs, he will readily find in the
bark little hght-colored, rough specks.
These are know to bosanist as ientdles,
and consist OF cork-like formations, the
cells of which soon lose the power of
absorbing water and Of course
die. They are, however, normal
growths. and can not be classed as dis.
ease products. They likewise occur
on the potato tuber, which it is worth
the while to remember, is true branch
ofthe stem, and in this respect IS like
ordinary aerial branches. But it is
claimed that under some circumstances
these lenticles are beginning points of
rupture and decay In the skin, and that
the final result of this is the scab. with.
out the Intervention OF any living, ex-
ternal agent. Too much water and
too much nitrogenous manure are the
principal causes given for the cork
like development. The disease is Ger.
tainly worse on rich and wet land. In
answer to the question / will say that
o tar as known, the depressed, rough
pots on potato tubers, usually called
cab, are the results of nomal growths
cared to an excessive and destructive
Development through surroundings ad-
verse to the potato, and that there is
nothing Of contagious character in
tie malady. The scab on the seed can
not, in this view, affect the next crop.
The difference in the structure of the
SKIN of different varieties, is quite
enough to account for the facts noted
in the letter oflnqulry.
Member of firm to applicant fol
position: We want an experienced
packer, one who can crowd these
goods into boxes, SO that there will no,
be an inch Of air space. I'm your
man: I've been conductor on 4 street
car. Accepted at once.
Cause and effect: The cold wealth
froze up nearly all the pumps and
outdoor hydrants. Effect: The re-
ported supply OF milk fell off 50 per
cent.
Please give me quarter; Pm just
from Spain, where / lost everything by
the earthquake. But you don't speak
Spanish. Well, you see, the earth
quake so broke up my language tina.
| dare not attempt to speak in that
language here.
Street Urchln: Shan't carry your
bag! I'll do it for dime. Traveller
l don't want il carried. Urchin: Why
don't you set it down, then s-lMer.
chant Traveller.