--_Amer. Jour.
Science._
* * * * *
[RURAL NEW YORKER]
COLD STORAGE FOR POTATOES.
Upon this subject I am able to speak with the freedom habitually enjoyed
by some voluminous agricultural writers--my imagination will not be
hampered by my knowledge.
In debatable climates, like Ohio, Illinois, Kansas and southward, it is
conceded that a great point would be gained by the discovery of some
plan--not too expensive--that would make it safe to put away potatoes in
the summer, as soon as ripe, so that they would go through the winter
without sprouting and preserve their eating qualities till potatoes come
again. As it is, digging must be deferred till late, for fear of rot;
the fields of early varieties grow up with weeds after they are "laid
by." In the spring a long interregnum is left between old potatoes fit
to eat and the new crop, and the seed stock of the country loses much of
its vigor through sprouting in cellars and pits. Most farmers have had
occasion to notice the difference between the yield from crisp,
unsprouted seed potatoes and that from the wilted, sprouted tubers so
often used. Some years ago Professor Beal made a test of this
difference. I speak from recollection, but think I am right in saying
that, according to the published account which I saw, he found one
sprouting of seed potatoes lowered the yield 10 per cent.
Pages:
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141