The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1892-06-30

nS .no Paienls anu keeping up the
practice for few generations. These
statements, though often backed up
by alleged evidence, failed to convince
unbellevers in the theory of evolution.
The latest experiment bearing OH
the hereditary transmission of multi
atoms has just been published in the
Medical Record by A. J. Shiddell of
Lexington, KY, and may interest
those interested in the foundation of a
hornless breed of cattle.
White mice were selected for the
experiment, on account of the rapid
succession of generations, as they
breed every thirty days, and when
thirty days old are able to reproduce
themselves.
Mr.. Shiddell selected pair, which
he kept by themselves, and took their
young and clipped their tails off.
When they were old enough TO breed
he selected pair from those with
clipped tails, and performed q SINH
lar operation upon their offspring.
After the seventh genera ion some
of the mice were born witLou,
tails; and after a few more
trials breed of tailess mice was firm
ly established. The process was then
reversed, by mating all ordinary tail
ed mouse with one of the tailess breed,
and after number of generations the
breed of mice with the usual caudal
appendage was once more obtained.
Incidentally to these experiments,
the sin and in" breeding of the mice
was continued through ninety-six
generations, all the sickly and defec-
tive animals being destroyed, and
only the best specimens selected to
continue the race. The result was a
production of pure blooded animal,
much larger and finer than the origi-
nal pair.
These experiments are apparently
trustworthy In every respect, and are
of such Importance from scientific
point of view-especially in their
bearing upon the theory of evolution
that we hope they will be confirmed
by repetition by independent investi-
gators.
POTATO POINTS.
The Utah Experiment Station has
been investigating the mysteries of
potato culture, and reports that in
creasing the size of the pieces of seed
planted increases the yield, but it is
doubtful if pieces larger than fourths
will yield enough more to pay for the
extra amount of seed used. Seed from
the stem end of the potato yielded bet
ter than from the seed end. No con.
clusion was arrived at as to any diff.
ference in the value of large and small
potatoes for seed. 1t was found that
level cultivation gave better results
than ridging.
Kerosine emulsion was found to be
the safest and most effective insecti
side for use OH vegetables.
Potato growers in the South have
been accustomed, more from necessity
than choice, to buy Northern grown
tubers for seed. This necessity arost
from the difficulty ofkeeping potatoe
grown in the spring in sound condi
tion till the following spring. Tn
Northern potatoes do not mature til
the fall, and the cool climate retard
decay, hence their superiority for see'
over those maturing in early summer
But experience has shown that South
ern fall grown potatoes are vastly su
perior to Northern for seed. This
accounted for by their being later il
maturing and therefore a shorter in
terval between maturity and sprout
ing, and consequently their havin
more vitality. 1t is just beginning t
be understood that fall crop
about as certain as one plante,
in the early spring This is poin
in which we of the south have grea
advantage. We can raise two crop
in a year, and as the second is no
harvested till November, or Decemb
in the extreme south, we can suppl
sound, unsprouted potatoes for tn
northern merket, instead of having t
depend upon the north for both see
and feed potatoes. Those wishing t
avail themselves of a full crop shoul'
set about preparations at once b.
saving small unstable tubers fror
the spring crop.
The Austin market has been chief,
supplied, for the past winter an
spring, with potatoes from Colorado
They were noticeable from their larg
size and irregular shape. Merchant
and commission men knew them a
Colorado rose, but they did not bea
any of the characteristics of the earl.
rose family. The quality was goo
and they were popular with con
sumers. ] decided to test them il
this section, and planted six bushel
on various soils from February Is t
March /. They made a vigorou
growth. Those first planted wer
killed back by frost, but came agair
Those sprouted later grew unchecked
They make an enormous "weedn an
potatoes as large as those from Cole
RADIO, hut very few to the hill A to
that would indicate bunch of six O
eight good tubers in some other va
rieties will often bear one solitar,
potato. They make more top an
fewer potatoes than any have tried
Change of soil and climate may b
the cause. and repeated trials ma
give better results. The beauty {
Hebron and early Ohio can hardly b
excelled for this section.
DOUBTFUL ECONOMY.
The appropriation bill making pre-
vision for the carrying on of the ayr
cultural department makes cut {
$4,000. This is done on the ground {
economy, while lavish sums are al
lowed for pensions and other question