The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1891-12-30
The PorArO AND THE APPLE.
As Discuss ed at the Ohio HOrticui-
Iural Meetings

THE POIA1O AN u HE Ar AA1s
As Discussed at the Ohio HOrticui.
Iural Meeting.
In his paper upon the Perfect Potato, Mr..
Ford said that he hardly knew what was expect
ed of him, when he was asked to speak upon
this subject. He has grown, perhaps thou
sand different varieties, and has not yet had one
that he could call perfect in all respects, and did
not believe that perfection had yet been obtain
ed. Still, he could give his idea of what per-
feet potato should be, but an ideal OF pertechon'
and perfection of product, are two widely differ
ent things.
The ideal potato should be of good quality
1t should cook easily clear through, dry and
mealy, without falling to pieces. II should have
a pure faver. The form should be, preferably,
the elongated oval. The eyes should be few,
and should be on a level with the surrounding
surface of the potato. They should be quite
uniform in size and shape. They should be
productive. The yield. on good soil, well cul-
tivated, should be from two to four hundred
bushels to the acre. 1t should be strong
grower, able to resist, in a large measure, the
attacks of insects and disease. 1t should be
good keeper, retaining its flavor until the next
crop is fit to use. He considers the color of
little importance, although many contend for
potato that cooks white all through.
Although no one potato possesses all these
qualities in the highest degree, he mentioned
the following which come more nearly to it than
many others: Brownells Winner (although 1t
is somewhat liable to rot). Dandy, and Halo
Dakota OF all the early varieties, he believes
that Lees Favorite comes the nearest to perfec-
ton. 1t is large yielder. having been far in
the lead in this respect at several experiment
station trials, as well as on private grounds. 1t
is of excellent quality. yet not as good keeper
late in the season, as some-Yery early, and
never rots. Paris Rose is another good early
variety.
The varieties mentioned are not the largest
yielders. If you are looking for the potato that
will give the largest crop, choose one of poor
er, coarser quality.
Only few miles to the north of US is Mantua
Station, where probably as many potatoes are
shipped as at any place in the U. S. The pota-
to growers thereabouts who plant large areas,
plant the varieties of. coarse quality, like the
Pearl and Star.
The yield depends much upon the time of
planting. If drouth comes just as the pota-
toes are setting, we cannot expect large crop.
While those that do set may grow to good
size, there will not be many in a hill. Large
growers hereabouts commence planting reason
III, md offa I'M n
fourth of Tuly. He said if he were planting but
half acre, he would not plant all at the same
time. "In conclusion, he said, ' believe that
the only place to find the perfect potato is in
the seedman's catalogue"
In answer to questions, he said that the Chi
cago Market was good potato and fair yield
er, the Everett a good second early, and the
Monroe Seeding very good potato, but not as
good yieider as some.
Mr.. Pierce said that Mr.. Terry claimed to be
able to carry his potatoes successfully through
the drouth by shallow cultivation.
In his paper upon the Perfect Apple, Prof.W.
R. Lazenby, of the Ohio State University, said
that as wheat among cereals and the potato
among vegetables, so is the apple among fruits.
1t is the staple, the most valuable, the one in
dispensible. 1t is futile TO expect perfection in
all respects in any one variety of any kind OF
fruit. That variety which succeeds best in near
ly all localities for term of years. is most likely
to do well in any given locality. Locality can
not change the merit of good fruit.
The perfect apple should be-
I. Of good quality, that is, it should be rich
and OF good flavor.
2. Uniformly productive.
8. long keeper.
a. OF good color.
< Adherent to the tree.
6. Regular in size and shape.
7. OF even maturity.
8. Small core and seed.
9. Good skin.
10. The tree vigorous ard healthy.
The first two of these are of the most impor-
tance, with the third following close to them.
In an apple for market. the color should be
red. The fruit should adhere firmly to the twig,
that it may not easily be blown from the tree.
The stem should be short, not expanding beyond
a level of the fruit. A long stem is liable to
bruise the other apples with which it is packed.
And yet the stem should not be too short, as
that has tendency to force the apple from the
twig. Regularity of size, within certain limits,
is of more importance than large fruit. The
best size is from six to eight ounces in weight
The shape should be nearly globular- Even
maturity is of very great importance. All the
apples of one Winter variety are usually picked
at nearly the same time, and they should be OF
about the same degree of maturity. The seeds
make a very heavy draft upon the necessary
fertilizing qualities of the soil-from 90 to 100
times as much as the same weight of the edible
part of the apple. They should be small and
few.
Mr. Pierce was sorry to see the thought ad-
vanced that the coming apple should be adapted
to large area. 1t is contrary to experience in
other fruits and also in animals. We should
not try to spread too much,
Mr.. Aldrich said that person going into a
section of country where fruit growing had not
been tried, should choose variety that has CIV
en- success in a number of places similar to 1t in
situation and climate. Buff he be in locality
where fruit has been grown TO some extent, he
should choose variety which has done well
and proved profitable in his locality.
aN. II. Albaugh said that the Ben Davis had