Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1905-08-11


longing 70 the association presented
statistics TO show the annual yield OF
potatoes to the acre. and the cost OF
culture. and his figures actually proved
that at the present yield, the potatoes
did not pay as well as other crops.
Supposng the yield could be dou-
bled would potato raising pay starch
manufactures? said Ned rising aud
addressing the man with statistics.
1T would be fair business then.
replied the man; but that is not pos
sible. by adding fertilizers we increase
the crop and the expense. In fact. the
potatoes appear TO be running out, i.A
cur yearly returns grow less and less.
'supposing." said Ned, that Won
plant larger kind, one that is nat
urally large, then your yield would oe
| more.
True said the speaker.
The chemical analysis of the pota-
to- continued Ned. shows that
though different varieties indicate
slightly different proportion OF con
stituents. fair standard reveals the
tact that seventy-fiye parts in one hun
dred are water; that fifteen or little
more are starch, three are sugar, three
hbre. and that the remainder contains
several elements not necessary TO name
in this connection. The great value of
the potato consists III rs starch,
whether we regard il for nutrition, or
| Tor Its Importance as employed in
manufactures. Those varieties which
contain the greatest amount OF starch
are the best for the table, and those
that have less are usually poorer
Those varieties usually do not yield
as abundantly as the poorer kind.
| What would be the effect of the pro-
ducers If kind could be obtained that
| yield an equal or greater amount in
! proportion of starch 10 that found In
another potato and yet produces from
three to four times the usual crop
II would be a bonanza for the pro-
Queer. even at present prices, said two
or three in the audience.
1t has been almost impossible 10
find large potato that yields as much
starch as the smaller ones" said the
| leading starch manufacturer when
! certain kinds have been brought In
they were so lacking in starch that
we felt Obliged TO reduce even the
price. Our association have had al
ways willingness 10 help the pro
| Queer. We once offered a prize OF
, soUV cash 10 one VINO would Introduce
into the market potato like what the
young gentleman suggests as posi-
bility, but which We claim is not
probability"
Does that prize still hold in force?'
queried Ned
1t does replied the manufacturer
The secretary desires the name OF
the young gentleman who has spoken.
that he may record il in the minutes
of the meeting. said the president.
Ned Jackson" he responded.
Ned noticed that there was quite a
little sensation in the assembly as he
spoke his name. and several arose in
their seats and looked over TO where
he sat More than this. several OF the
leading men present began TO whisper
with each other. and at last one man
went up and whispered a moment with
the president.
Said the president a moment after
will Mr.. Jackson please inform us il
he is in any way connected with a
man OF the same name of whom the
papers have so often spoken of as hav-
ing produced a remarkable potato from
the seed OF the ball We understand
that he is a man who has made the
potato study and has been remark
ably successful. Perhaps he is your
father or near relative"
Il myself am the person to whom
you refer
A look of incredHity spread over the
faces of half the crowd
You are quite a young man TO have
done all that the papers say you have"
said the president but the convention
is very glad TO see Mr.. Jackson pres
ent
will Mr. Jackson inform the CON
vel ton il he sees any way to solve
the problem before us to-day" said a
gentleman on the floor.
II see no reason why the question
cannot be solved by using what call
the starch Seeding
us that the one that the papers have
said so much about? queried the pres
ident
1T is not" said Ned. 1T is one that
have been propagating for this purpose
for four years Its yield this season on
old ground was at the rate of six hun
dred bushels TO the acre. | have had
IL examined by our High School chem
list. and he finds nearly twenty-per cent.
starch. ] presume am entitled TO the
$500 prize.
And IL is gladly awarded" said the
starch manufacturer enthusiastically.
as he looked at Ned with wonder, ''if
you prove your statement"
Il can produce a certified statement
Continued next week.