Omaha daily bee., 1906-11-04
Land. Arc Reing improved.

This oIsulct OF COuntIy, eAuvpL in the
extreme western portion, Was homestead
lanus, MED on ana proven up years az,
the owners becoming dissatisfied ana dis
courased with the agricultural prospects
during the intervening period from 1881 to
lsy5, in which crop failures and hard times
prevalied, driving out the greater portion
Of the settlers, who never returned. These
deserted LANDS became the property OF
loan companies, land spectators and real
estate traders, until during recent years
OF crop prosperity, when this entire dis
triet changed from its seasons Of short
moisture supply to that of abundant rain
fall. AS result of these changed condI-
tions. under which there has been pro-
duced large yields Of all farm crops, these
lands have gradually been falling into the
hands of a very desirable class of home
seekers and farmers, who are culuvating
and improving \them into beautiful farm
homes
The growing of potatoes In this section Of
the state holds the same relative Importance
20 the farmer In farm industry as docs the
growing OF corn in the eastern part Of the
state TO the farmer in that locality. II Is
the crop best adapted to the agricultural
conditions and consequently the best paying
crop to raise.
The growing Of potatoes as a business or
farm industry is carried on much differently
than with the farmer who raises his little
patch Of potatoes for home USE, The Quilt
walton OF potatoes as a field crop demands
special machinery and appliances for rap
IDLY and economically carrying on the work
and labor Of handling them. This is as
truly 50 as that the grain farmer must have
the assistance Of the machinery peculiarly
suited and adapted to the planting cultiva-
ton, harvesting and preparation Of his crop
for the market
The potato growers In the northwest Ne
braslxa potato district are fully and properly
equipped for the prosecution OF this indus
try The machines and implements found
on the potato farm, Independent OF the
usual soil ulling machinery, plows, harrows
disks, etc. are as follows: The seed potato
cutter, a machine that is operated by hand
and cuts potato into eight equal sections
or parts ready for the planter Is esteemed
an indispensable device. This machine cost.
$40 and is said to have a working capacity
whereby one person can I'm a single even,
inF. after his other work is done. prcpar,
Fufcient seed to keep a planter in opera
tir~ or o fun day
TEE "l'rtcr is more costly implement
Is ARRANGED to plant various depths an.
spaces In rows. at the discretion Of the op
orator This machine costs SG5
The plan Of cultivation most generally IT
usa is 10 harrow the field twice. once jus
before the plants are out Of the ground IN.
once after they are a few inches high. Thg
destroys all weed -growth that may hav.
started and serves 20 keep The surfac.
broken and In condition TO retain the mos
ture These borrowings are followed by TN
use OF tho cultivator set for shallow Guilt
walton. The aim IS 20 keep the ground a
al times mellow and free from crustiug
Frequent and thorough cultivation as Il
the case IN all other cultivated crOrs IN al
farming districts governs IN the Yield TIN
bsst farmers produce the largest yields
The potato digger Is the machine o