Abstract
IN a shilling pamphlet published at the offices of the Mark Lane Express, Mr. W. J. Maiden, of the Colonal College, Hollesley Bay, discusses the merits of ten new potatoes with money in them. Hundreds of new varieties have been raised in the past few years; but nearly all of tho e named in the pamphlet have been produced by one grower—Mr. Findlay, of Markinch-and this face indicates that to raise valuable new kinds very special gifts are necessary. On the other hand, the developing of new sorts already on sale in limited quantities is much less difficult, and Mr. Maiden shows that handsome profits may be made by those who are shrewd enough to recognise the coming varieties. Last year, for example, the kind known as “Northern Star” was selling at 10s. per lb.; this season the price was 5. per lb., but it has now advanced to 155. The tubers exhibited at the Smithfield show were priced at 7s. 6d. each! By growing plants from a single “eye” under garden conditions, the produce may be increased a hundredfold in one season. Thus Mr. Maiden produced 168 plants and 418 lb. of tubers from 4 lb. of “setts” planted in the spring of 1902. At the present time, there are a number of first-class kinds awaiting development, and it is to be hoped that Mr. Maiden's remarks may induce a larger number of farmers and gardeners to give attention to the subject. From the public standpoint, it is much to be desired that good new sorts should be rapidly multiplied and brought into the vegetable market.
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M., T. Agricultural Notes . Nature 67, 354–355 (1903). https://doi.org/10.1038/067354b0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/067354b0