Historic, archived document
Do not assume content reflects current scientific knowledge, policies, or practices.
a
ILLUSTRATED AND DESCR}
CATALOGUE | igs i919
1919 *
is er @, 8 Department of Agrivalture.
FOR SALE BY
B. XK. BLISS & SONS.
AT THEIR
Seed and Horticultural Warehouse, \
Nos. 23 Park Place and 20 Murray Street, P. 0. Boz 5,712, NEW YORK.
YX Kew Remarks upon Potato Culture.
Preparation of the Soil.—A deep, thoroughly-drained, light, sandy loam or peaty soil is most suitable for the Potato. If the soil is new, (other things being equal,) so much the better; well-drained muck-soil, if matured by culture, is:appropriate. The application of stable manure, unless thoroughly decomposed, is now generally considered to increase their liability to disease, to bring it on at an earlier period than would otherwise be the case, and also to produce large crops of imperfectly matured tubers, which, if they escape the disease while in the ground, are more liable to be attacked after they are lifted than those grown on poorer soil. The ground selected, therefore, should be in fair condition from having been moderately manured for some exhausting green crop the previous season. Butif the only
land to be had is so poor as to render it necessary to apply manure in order to insure a fair’
crop, then use charred vegetable refuse, superphosphate of lime, or a very light dressing of well-decayed farm-yard manure. If green manure only can be had, it should be carted to the field late in the Fall, spread evenly upon the surface, and plowed under in the Spring; or it
may be plowed before applying the manure and cross-pjpwed again in the Spring. Plow
deep, and subsoil. Many prefer Fall plowing, in order that the ground may be thoroughly disintegrated by the action of the frost. Plant as early as the ground can be found in fair working condition; let it be well leveled, harrowed and rolled. Before planting, place ineach hill a handful of compost, prepared as follows: Take one cask of lime and slake it with water, and then stir in one bushel of fine salt, and then mix in wood ashes so that it may not be too wet to handle; it will make about five barrels.
2 B. K. BLISS & SONS’ POTATO CATALOGUE. e :
Cutting Sets.—Cut the Potatoes to single eyes, commencing toward the butt, hold the tuber in the left hand, and with a sharp knife cut as large a piece of the tuber with each eye as their number will admit, drawing your knife toward the center of the butt, and turn the tuber in your hand as if you were sharpening a pencil. By this method the tubers are more equally divided, and the eyes of uniform size. They should be allowed to dry two or three days after cutting. Should this not be convenient, let the sets be well rolled in plaster before planting, to absorb the moisture. Classify the sets by keeping the most forward eyes by them- selves, and so on according to the different degrees of growth. Place all the most advanced sets in a box by themselves, and set them out in a row by themselves, as these will be the first to ripen. This careful mode of cutting is adopted with scarce seed. Ordinarily, for early sprouting, cut off the best and strongest eyes, taking one or two from each potato. One pound of medium size Potatoes carefully cut, will make 75 to 100 sets, and if planted as directed will make a row 100 feet long.
Planting.—Plant in hills or drills, as you may prefer; mark out your ground as if for Corn; if in hills, three feet apart each way; if in drills, they should be three feet apart and one foot in the drills. A single eye is sufficient in either case, though many prefer two eyes when planting in hills. By this method a great saving of seed is effected, with equally satisfactory results. An acre of ground will require about two barrels of seed when cut and planted in this way. The sets should be covered about six inches, leaving the soil over them, if at all heavy, as open and loose as possible; if light, slightly press down the soil. When the tops are two or three inches above the ground, cultivate or hoe, drawing the soil carefully about them. In the case of early sorts which may be in danger of suffering from frost, the soil should be kept ridged up about the shoots as soon as they appear above the ground, keeping them nearly covered until four to six inches, and all danger of frostis past. Before earthing up, the ground should be well stirred between the rows with the cultivator, or if in gardens, lightly forked, so as to pulverize the soil. Keep the ground clear of weeds if you wish for a good crop of Pota- toes. In digging, take advantage of clear and dry weather, as soon as the tops are dead. Let them dry upon the barn floor, and stow away in a cool, dry cellar.
To Raise Early Potatoes.—All desiring Potatoes very ear/y, should, about the middle of March, procure shallow boxes. These may be easily made by sawing soap or starch boxes into three pieces (lengthways), using top and bottom and adding bottom to the middle piece. If these should be water tight, it will be necessary to make holes for drainage. Put alittle sand on the bottom of the box; place the sets (eyes up) close together on the sand; fill up the box with sand, wet occasionally with warm water, and keep them by the stove or in the win- dow of awarm room. If they grow too fast for the season, keep them cooler and drier. In fifteen or twenty days (about the 10th or 15th of April,) they will be fit to set in the ground. Let them dry off a day or two before planting. On turning them out they will appear like a sod of grass, the roots being all matted together. Separate them by shaking gently, being careful not to separate the sprouts from the old Potato. Set them in the furrow one foot apart, cover with fine warm manure, and rake earth overall. Should the sprouts have grown too long, lay them down flat and coverthem. They will be soon up, and furnish a crop in sixty days from planting.
Hexamer’s Prong Hoe.
The highest premium, in the Horticultural Department of the Great American Institute Fair of 1867, was awarded toit. The New York Times, in speaking of this Fair, says:
Improved Prong Hoe.—This is a six-tined Hoe, exhibited by REIsSIG & HEXAMER, New Castle, N. Y.; neatly made of the best of steel, having six tines, about eight inches long and two inches apart. Each pair of tines is independent of the other, all being secured by an iron key driven into a mortise through a malleable iron head, which receives the upper part of the tines. A socket in the head receives the handle, which is about the size of a hoe-handle.
This implement subserves the purpose of a hoe and rake. It is an excellent tool for pul- verizing the soil between rows of all kinds of growing plants and for rootin g up small weeds; and it is a wonderful improvement on Hand Potato Diggers. As the tines are long, small and strong, they pass through the soil with the application of less force than is required to work the old style of diggers. Price, $1.50 each; $15.00 per dozen.
B. K. BLISS & SONS’ POTATO CATALOGUE.
POTXLTOES. —
NEW VARIETIES, NOW OFFERED FOR THE FIRST TIME.
—— HG
iN]
To the two popular varieties, Extra Early Vermont and Compton’s Surprise, in- troduced by us last Spring, we take pleasure in adding two new varieties, Snowflake and Brownell’s Beauty, as medium sorts maturing between the two, their equal in quality and productiveness—and the most beautiful varieties in cultivation. The great popularity of the Early Rose, Peerless, and others of Bresee’s seedlings first offered by us, and their general adaptation to the various soils and climates of the civilized world, has induced thousands in all parts of the country to experiment in raising seedlings, in hope of producing a better one, a large number of which have been sent to us for trial. After being carefully tested by our- selves as well as several of the most experienced cultivators in the country. the following va- rieties have been selected, which we offer to our patrons, fully confident of their superiority.
Snowflake.
This new seedling is the result of a series of carefully and intelligently made experiments by Mr. C. G. Pringle of Charlotte, Vt. Asin the raising of improved live stock, breeders will breed for certain points, and can fix these characteristics so firmly that their progeny will re- tain them for generations to come, so Mr. Pringle holds that, in the Vegetable Kingdom, simi- lar improvements may be produced and perpetuated.. His aim, in this case, was to produce a Potato which should combine the best attainable quality with the highest degree of health, and in this he has, as is proved by the result of his labors, most wonderfully succeeded, for never before has a variety been introduced which combined these qualities in as high a degree.
In the year 1869, Mr. Pringle selected from the many thousands of seedlings he had pro- duced, one which seemed to combine the desired qualities more than any other. It was the offspring of a seedling of the White Peachblow, fertilized with Early Rose. Yet he did not consider this the highest perfection possible, and this seedling, which was never named nor introduced, was again fertilized with the pollen of the Excelsior, and the result of this hy- bridization is the ‘‘ Snowflake,” the Potato we now offer for the first time.
_ Its season is second early, ripening shortly after the earliest varieties, and yet, not requir- ing as long a season as the late varieties, whose vines are often killed by frost before the tubers are fully matured. For the past three years the vines and tubers have perfected their entire growth by the middle of September. The tubers are of a good medium and uniform size; shape elongated oval, compressed, exceedingly symmetrical and remarkably uniform; eyes few, entirely flat on the base and body of the tuber, and but slightly and sharply de- pressed near the seed end; skin white, with a russety tinge, and somewhat roughish and tes- sellated. Its flesh is of exceedingly fine grain, snowy-white when boiled, and of a lightness and porosity almost approaching a snowflake. In quality, we do not hesitate to say nothing can surpass this new variety; its mealiness, its pure, delicate flavor, and the evenness with which it cooks through, have never been eclipsed by any Potato. As a baking Potato it is equally valuable, and as such is distinguished for its pure starch texture and delicate, nutty flavor. The tubers have attained the full development of their quality as soon as they are fit to dig, and do not lose it during Winter; samples kept till the first of June did not show the least deterioration. The vines are of medium hight, stout and vigorous; leaves medium, and of dark green color. The tubers are compactly clustered around the base of the stalks,—an important consideration in digging the crop. The variety has been tested on widely varying soils,—sand, gravel, loam, as well as heavy clay—and has, in every case, given the same favor- able results and produced a yield of from 300 to 400 bushels per acre. In every case it has proved healthy and hardy, while other varieties alongside of it failed to give satisfactory re- sults. Our stock of this variety is very small and our only object in offering it for sale before securing a larger stock is that growers in various parts of the country can have an opportu- nity of testing its merits. We will consider it a particular favor if those of our customers who give it a trial will give us their opinion of its quality. See recommendations on next page. Price, $3.00 per pound, by mail, postpaid.
4 B. K. BLISS & SONS’ POTATO CATALOGUE.
From Rev. John C. Wilder, Charlotte, Vt., Jan. 1, 1874.
B. K. Buiss & Sons—Gentlemen: This may certify that I have, on several occasions, tested the qualities of a new Potato originated by Mr. Cyrus G. Pringle, a skillful horticultu- ® rist of this town, and I do not hesitate to pronounce it far superior to any thing in the Potato line that has been tested by me, and I have been familiar with most of the varieties grown in this country during the last sixty years. This new variety of Potato, now known as the ‘‘ Snowflake,” is very appropriately named. For when properly cooked itis about as white as new fallen snow, and about as light. Moreover, it has a marvellous richness of flavor. So peculiar, indeed, that to me, after trying one of these, even the Early Rose tastes flat and in- sipid. That this new variety may vary in quality, as seasons and soils vary, is possible. All varieties that I am familiar with, do more or less. On the whole, I can not but regard the *‘ Snowflake” as a most valuable acquisition. Toconclude, I would express my earnest hope that my modest friend Pringle may reap the reward so justly due him for his careful, patient,
persevering efforts to originate improved varieties of vegetables, fruits and flowers.
Truly yours, JOHN C. WILDER.
From Rev. H. D. Hodge, Charlotte, Vt., Jan. 3, 1874.
MEsspRs. B. K. Buiss & Sons: Mr. Pringle gave me afew Potatoes last Fall which I tested with considerable care and very much interest, cooking in various ways. The size, general form, smoothness of surface, and slight indention of the eyes, give it the first place in these re- spects. Fora table Potato I know of nothing that equals it, either baked or boiled. I think it more nearly perfect as a whole than any variety Iam familiar with. The texture is fine and compact, and itsname, ‘‘ Snowflake,’’ truly expresses its appearance when cooked; and its flavor is all that the appearance indicates. Yours truly, H. D. HODGE.
Brownell’s Beauty.
This new and beautiful seedling was raised by Mr. E. S. Brownell, an enthusiastic farmer in Northern Vermont, and named by him ‘‘ Brownell’s Beauty.” ‘This variety was obtained in 1870, after a long series of experiments, by fertilizing the blossom of the Early Rose with the pollen of the White Peachblow, and possesses in addition to the excellent qualities of these two popular and well-known varieties, that of being, without exception, the handsomest Potato in cultivation, and a most excellent keeper, which will make it particularly valuable for shipping purposes. Potatoes kept in an ordinary cellar from October to the following August were tested by some of the best judges in the country, and pronounced superior to any of the new varieties then in the market. Samples for trial have been placed in the hands of competent judges the past season with the most satisfactory results.. Samples were also sent to the gardens of the Royal Horticultural Society of London, where they re- ceived a first-class certificate, and have also received many premiums at various Agricultu- ral Fairs in this country. At the State Fair in Albany they attracted much attention, and sold readily at $1.00 each. Size, medium to large, growing very fair and smooth. Eyes few and small, nearly even with the surface; shape oval, somewhat flattened; skin reddish, or a deep flesh color; flesh white, fine-grained and very delicate. For the table, they cook either by baking or boiling equal to the very best, and with ordinary boiling they cook through to the center evenly, dry and mealy, and are never hard, hollow, watery, or discolored at the center; flavor unexceptionable. Vine of medium growth; foliage deep green, and very healthy in all respects. The tubers grow compactly in the hill, and are easily dug, ripen- ing in about three months from time of planting, though suitable for cooking about one week later than the Early Rose, with the same culture. They are very productive, with but few small tubers. The first year, from seed, 21 tubers were produced, some of which were of fair table size; in 1872, an average of three bushels from every pound of seed; in 1873, one pound of seed, cut to single eyes, produced eight bushels. Its beautiful appearance, fine quality, extraordinary productiveness and remarkable keeping qualities will render it a most valuable variety for the market.
Prices, $1.00 per lb.; 3 lbs. for $2.00, by mail to one address, postpaid. By express or
Freight, charges to be paid by the purchaser, % peck, $3.00; 1 peck, $5.00; 34 bush., $8.00; 1 bush., $15.00; 1 bd/., $30.00.
SNOWFLAKE. Page 3.
ZL EZ
BROWNELL’S BEAUTY. Page 4.
6 B. K. BLISS & SONS’ POTATO CATALOGUE.
oe a
The following extracts from letters of commendation from gentlemen well known in the agricultural community, and others in the vicinity of where it originated, have been selected from a large number received from various parties to whom it was sent for trial, all of whom recommend it in the highest terms:
From Hon. Geo. B. Loring (President of New England Agricultural Society,) Salem, Mass., Aug. T, 18753. ‘‘The Brownell’s Beauty Potatoes have arrived, and have been cooked and eaten. They were remarkably fine. I think I have had none equal to them since the days of the old Che- nango. I think they are a great acquisition to the potato eating community.”
From Dr. F. M. Hexamer, New Castle, N. Y., June 27, 1873. “T have given Brownell’s Beauty a careful trial, and found them of excellent cooking quality. Baked they are not inferior to any I ever tasted.”
From H. S. Gocdale, Sky Farm, Mt. Washington, N. Y., Aug. 23, 1873.
‘©The seedling potatoes which you sent me for trial planting, are growing in the most promising manner, and as soon as I dig them I will report results. The ‘ Brownell’s Beauty’ tubers sent for table trial, reached me about J uly ist. They were remarkably handsome and firm, and when brought upon the table, (both baked and boiled,) were pronounced absolutely the best late potatoes we have ever tried, and many score varieties have been cooked and critically eaten during the last three years at Sky Farm.”
From Harris Lewis, Frankfort, N. Y., Sept. 23, 1873. ‘‘Brownell’s Beauty, I believe, from the tests I have made, is one of the very best potatoes LIeversaw. Theskinis thin; the flesh white and clear; of good flavor; a splendid cooking potato; yield good; and keeping qualities unexcelled. The ‘Beauty’ is all you claim for it.”
From W.H. White, Westboro’, Mass., June 25, 1873.
‘‘The potatoes are rightly named ‘ Beauty,’ for they are smooth, full and sound, as if but lately dug, in the fall. I never saw better preserved potatoes at this season of the year; scarcely showing a sprout, and, as you say, they have not been sprouted. I think I never saw potatoes keep any better, if as well; certainly I never could Keep potatoes as well, not sprout- ing or shriveling, as these are. I have tried them cooked in different ways, and have no rea- son to change my mind from what I wrote you in a previous communication. They boil, and cook through mealy and without being too dry to crumble, can be dressed to come on the table in a tasteful shape. I think they are a valuable acquisition, and if they prove equally yood in other localities, they cannot be too widely disseminated; and I feel that no one could be disappointed with them. I wish you success, and a good remuneration for your praise- worthy endeavors in improving one of our most valuable esculents.”
From P. C. Abbey, Essex, Vt., Oct. 16, 1873.
“The pound of seedling potatoes, called “ Brownell’s Beauty,’ that I received of you last Spring, were planted about the middle of May. The growth of top was uniform and healthy, and with its broad leaf made a very handsome appearance. Twelve hills from the number planted did not grow, and the yield from the balance was five bushels of handsome red potatoes. From these we cooked, October 13th; they were dry and mealy, fine-grained, and of flavor not surpassed by any potato. The Peachblow has been our standard potato for many years, but ‘ Brownell’s Beauty’ is better eating to-day, and, taking its excellent quality as a keeper, (as shown by my letter of August last,) I believe it the most desirable potato for the grower and consumer that has yet come before the public.”’
From S. F. Burdick, Winooski, Vt., Oct. 18, 1873.
‘The ‘ Brownell’s Beauties’ which you presented me for trial have just been ‘ discussed.’ They were baked in the same oven with some fine, white Peachblows, which I have always regarded as a standard esculent. In baking and eating qualities they are in no sense inferior to the Peachblow, and my wife remarks they are much easier prepared for the oven. There were six of us at the table, and all vofed them equal to the finest tubers we ever tasted.
‘*-T was present when they were tested by the Committee at the County Fair last Septem- ber, and there expressed the same opinion as above recorded. I notice they received a ‘ gra-
tuity ’ which they richly merited. Should they prove as excellent in other localities as in this and equally prolific, they will for a long time stand A No. 1.”
B. K. BLISS & SONS’ POTATO CATALOGUE. “|
VARIETIES INTRODUCED LAST SEASON,
EXTRA EARLY VERMONT. 607 Pounds Grown from One Pound of Seed.
A seedling raised by Mr. George W. Woodhouse of West Rutland, Vermont, in 1867,4rom a seed ball of the well-known Jackson White. <A patch of the Garnet Chili was growing near them, and it is the opinion of experts in Potato culture that the blossoms of the Jackson White must have been fertilized from those of the Garnet Chili, as it strongly resembles many seed- lings of that variety. The habit and growth of the new seedling are much like those of the Early Rose, as well as its general appearance. Vines of medium higlit, somewhat spreading, the tubers growing very compactly in the hill. For five years they have grown side by side with the Early Rose, both under the same treatment, and have proved from seven to ten days earlier than that favorite sort; they are more productive, fully equal if not superior in quality, flesh very white, dry and floury, an excellent keeper, and is every way a most promising vari- ety. We purchased the stock of Mr. Woodhouse in the Fall of 1871, and have had it carefully tested with the Early Rose, giving each the same culture, by many prominent agriculturists in various localities, with the most satisfactory results. Wishing to test this variety in all sec- tions of the country, in the Spring of 1873 we offered premiums for the largest yield from one pound of these potatoes, with ORDINARY FARM CULTURE, as follows:
For the largest quantity from one pound, = = = - - $1060 CO For the second largest quantity from one pound, =- = = » 75 00 For the third largest quantity from one pound, = - = - 50 00 For the fourth largest quantity from one pound, - = = - 25 00
The result of the above trial has been highly satisfactory, as will be seen by the report of the Committee selected to award the premiums, from which we make the following extracts:
‘“The Early Vermont has, as proved by the numerous reports before us, more than sustained its previous reputation. Nearly all competitors declare it from one io two weeks earlier than the Early Rose,and many even more. Its uniform and large size is recognized by every one. Mr. McLeod says: ‘There are more than 100 in the amount I raised that would weigh from one to two pounds each;’ and Mr. Salter raised one tuber weighing THREE POUNDS TWELVE OUNCES. Its superior cooking and eating qualities are unanimously com- mended, as well as its compact growth in the hill and its freedom from disease, and with the thousands of cultivators who have grown it alongside of the Early Rose, there seems to be no doubt left, that in quality, hardiness, earliness and yield, ut far surpasses that celebrated variety.””
The Premiums were awarded as follows:
For the largest quantity of EXTRA EARLY VERMONT, from one pound of Seed.
1st Premium to J. I. SALTER, St. Cloud, Minn., 607 pounds, = ~ - $100 00 2d Premium to H. C. PEARSON, Pitcairn, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.,437 pounds, - 75 00
3d Premium to J. L. PERKINS, Little Sioux, Harrison Co., lowa, 393 pounds, - 50 60 4th Premium to THOS. J. McLEopD, Black Brook, Clinton Co., N. Y., 380 pounds, 25 00
The following are names of those who grew upwards of 250 pounds, from one pound of seed, with ordinary farm culture:
RoBERT SUTER, Brady, Indiana Co., Pa., > = - - - - 336 lbs. E. S. BROWNELL, Essex, Vt., < - = = - - - - 335 lbs. SAMUEL NEAL, Wyocena, Columbia Co., Wis., - - . - - - 320 Ibs. CHARLES WHITING, Jasper, Steuben Co., N. Y., = - - - ~ 307 lbs. J.D. VAN DOREN, Hick’s Corners, Winnebago Co., Wis., . - - - 296 Ibs. D. STECK, Hughesville, Lycoming Co., Pa., - = - - > - 264 lbs. THos. CoWING, Alexandria, Douglass Co., Minn., - - - = - 254 Ibs. A. W. Titus, Wilmington, Windham Co., Vt., - - - - . - 251 Ibs. H. HAMILTON, Seneca Castle, Ontario Co., N. Y., ~ - - - - 250 Ibs.
The above reports are all sworn to and witnessed, and may be relied upon for accuracy.
8 B. K. BLISS & SONS’ POTATO CATALOGUE.
In order to have this and the preceding variety tested in Europe as well as in our own country, we sent samples of the Extra Early Vermont and Brownell’s Beauty to Dr. Masters, the well known Editor of the London Gardeners’ Chronicle and Agricultural Gazette, (the leading agricultural paper of Great Britain,) with a request that he would place them in the hands of parties who would have them fairly tested with European varieties. The following reply shows in what estimation the above varieties are held by our transatlantic friends.
GARDENERS’ CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE OFFICE, } London, England, October 7, 1873. GENTLEMEN :—Last year you were good enough to send us for trial some of your new kinds of Potatoes. Asa large trial of over 300 sorts was projected to be carried out at the Royal Horticultural Society Garden, at Chiswick, this season, I thought the fairest way would be to send your samples to be tried with the rest. I sent them under numbers, so that no one but myself knew either the names of the varieties or the senders. I have now the pleasure of telling you that a First Class Certificate was awarded by the judges to your Extra Early Vermont, and to Brownell’s Beauty. No doubt you will obtain official notice of this ere long; meanwhile I thought you would like to know how much appreciated your potatoes were. I expect the official list of awards will soon be published. . Iam, gentlemen, your obedient servant, To B. K. Buiss & Sons, New York. (Signed,) MAXWELL T. MASTERS.
Prices by mail, postpaid, one pound, 75 cents; two pounds, $1.00. By express, charges paid by purchaser, 1 peck, $3.00; 14 bush., $5.00; bush., $9.00; bdb/., $20.00.
Caution.—In consequence of the great similarity between the Extra Early Vermont and the Early Rose, many of the latter will doubtless be offered by unprincipled persons as the Early Vermont. To avoid imposition, we caution purchasers to beware of itinerant peddlers, and purchase their stock of reliable parties only. Weemploy no peddlers or agents. Address all orders direcily to our house.
Compton’s Surprise. A
Eight hundred and twenty-six bushels per Acre. 511 pounds from one pound of tubers planted.
This wonderful Potato, wonderful for its fine quality, productiveness, size and beauty, is a seedling of the Prince Albert, fertilized with the pollen of the Long Pinkeye, and was originated in 1870, by Mr. D. A. Compton, of Hawley, Penn., the author of “ The $100 Prize Essay on the Potato and its Cultivation.” This wonderful cross-breed is a standing vindica- tion of the originator’s theory that “‘ the quality and main characteristics of a variety are de- termined by the quality and character of the soil on which the variety originates,” and that ‘*the qualities imbibed from the soil at the first season’s growth from the seed adheres to the variety through all its generations, being but slightly moditied by the character of the soil on which it may afterwards be planted.” Itis probable that to the compliance of these facts, whether by accident or design, we are indebted for the most choice varieties of grain, fruit and vegetables now cultivated. And no reason can be given why, by this plan, any of the products of the soil may not be wonderfully improved, simply by putting in the soil, in a solu- ble form, the chemical constituents desired in the variety we are about to originate, that the new plant, at its first growth, may be abundantly supplied with those elements needed to give the new variety a strong development in the desired direction. The soil prepared for the origination of Compton’s Surprise, was liberally supplied with those elements needed to give strong, robust growth, and superabundance of starch. The soil was formed in a mound, that the sun striking it less obliquely, would ensure greater warmth and dryness, and consequently earliness. On this mound asingle seed, taken froma ball, the blossom of which had been artificially fertilized, was planted. The yield was four tubers, weighing one-half pound. The following Spring these were cut to single eyés and planted on soil that had not been manured for five years—the preceding crop of wheat being so poor it was not gathered. The product of the half-pound was three hundred and ninety-one pounds, sixty-two pounds of beautiful tu- bers being picked from the surface of a measured rod, as it is a peculiarity of this Potato that it matures a crop on the surface, under the foliage. Most of these, however, were lost by frost the following winter. The past year they were subjected to the trying ordeal of being planted in a thickly-set apple orchard of twelve years’ growth, from which a poor crop of putatoes had been taken the previous year, and, although the season was very unfavorable, this seedling,
SSO AOS —>
POTATOES—EXTRA EARLY VERMONT-Showing Habit of Growth in the Bill.
HAA IAN i i if f ae
i a ia
iliquin Mii i
AN itd i one Li i
| | i 3 ) | ce an i
(ji a ii i {th ti im | my i Hh y Wes usc | - in 5 i | | : all | ili vith [ita HI UAT in il i Hn a a4 ah i [; ae el A tea i‘
i i i i ag
| na il ea iit Mi i ie Ne i }
=
a SS ———S9
oe
—
——> —
SS =
ifr Mi
AT “ iy (i
—_—__——___5 =
= 7 =) ———'—) =;
= SE ==
i ) Hi
raul oy | Bs ue Gy ia i"
} ii ieee i "ie i ae i | i)
= = =! == == = = —— == = ——— SE ——— = SS |=
bal ii
‘iil
SS
: Ms At man i eae i an i it i" i lh oe Hi
fd Te
sahil a
POTATO—EXTRA EARLY VERMONT Page 7.
= ss
aw
10 B. K. BLISS & SONS’ POTATO CATALOGUE.
planted a single eye to the hill, yielded six times more than the Rose and other old sorts planted by it, and remained sound, while the old varieties rotted badly. One half-bushel, planted where the soil was but little shaded, yielded seventy-six and three-fourths bushels of potatoes, from which but one-half bushel of small ones could be sorted, the entire yield being at the rate of eight hundred and twenty-six bushels per acre.
Its shape is oval-oblong, eyes sunken, brow prominent, skin smooth, color reddish-purple, flesh white; grows to a large size, and it is invariably sound to the centre, a hollow one having never yet been found. It is believed to be much the most abundant in starch of any variety extant. It retains its quality perfectly throughout the year, appearing on the table like a ball of flour. The high quality of this potato late in Spring may, perhaps, be owing to its tardi- ness in sprouting, remaining plump and free from sprouts when kept until June, and never having that wilted appearance common to early sorts.
It is a late variety, ripening with the Peachblow. J¢s habit of growth is very peculiar, and peculiar culture is required, or much loss will ensue. In favorable weather the tops grow ram- pantly, and when they are eight or ten inches high, the plant sends out runners or shoots, which protrude through the hills on all sides, and soon cover the entire surface with a rank growth of vines over three feet in length, leaving weeds and grass no chance whatever to grow. Under this mass of fuliage is found the late or surface crop, which finds no room elsewhere. These are, apparently, of as good table quality as others—they should be picked as soon as the vines wither. Unless the plowing and hoeing is finished very early, these side shoots will be broken or greatly injured, thus destroying the natural shade, thereby greatly reducing the main crop, and causing atotal loss of the top crop. By mixing leaf mould and wood ashes ora little superphosphate in the soil, hilling high, and dusting with plaster often, the yield will be enormous. According to the originator, who has had much experience in va- rieties, and has made the potato a study for many years, the secret of raising immense crops is to give such soil and culture as will induce a vigorous, healthy growth of vines, and then, by the frequent use of plaster, keeping the vines healthy till the leaves have fully elaborated the sap, and all juices in the vines have been absorbed and condensed into the tubers. In their early growth, the leaves of this variety are very broad and glossy; later they assume a fringed or feathery appearance, very distinct from other sorts, having a striking resemblance to a rank growth of tansy. Mr. Compton also writes: ‘‘ The new seedling, the stock of which you purchased, has in my hands received no undue forcing, by manures or otherwise, but has been subjected to trying o1deals to satisfy myself whether blood would ‘tell’? under the most unfavorable circumstances. The plan on which the surprise was originated, (previously ex- plained,) 1 am convinced is the only way to proceed with any certainty, for of three hundred different seedlings raised in'the old way, many from the same ball from which the Surprise sprung, but few were even tolerable, while most of them were worthless. Being convinced that this Potato would prove a great acquisition on account of its fine quality, wonderful pro- ductiveness, etc., we secured, in the Spring of 1873, Mr. Compton’s entire stock, (except a small reservation for his own use,) and in order to have it fairly tested throughout the coun- try, we offered premiums to the amount of $250, on the same conditions of those of the Early Vermont, which were awarded by the Committee as follows:
For the largest quantity of COMPTON’S SURPRISE, from one pound of Seed. 1st Prize to ABEDNEGO ROBINSON, South Newmarket, N. H., 511 pounds, ~- #100 00 2d Prize to H. C. PEARSON, Pitcairn, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 450 pounds, - 75 00 3d Prize to J. I. SALTER, St. Cloud, Minn., 394 pounds, - = - - 50 00 4th Prize to FRANK A. SMITH, Stone Church, Northampton Co., Pa., 386 pounds, 25 00 The following growers report the amount against their names, grown from one pound of seed. Some of these would have received the premiums, but for informality in their reports:
J. H. DORMANN, Batavia, N. Y., - = = - - - - - 500 lbs. ELIJAH WoOoD, Concord, Mass., - - - - - - - - 416 lbs. FRED SEILER, Verona, Essex Co., N. J., - - - - - - - 384 lbs. A. W. Titus, Wilmington, Windham Co., Vt., - - - - - - 370 lbs. DAVID R. Woop, Morrisville, Vt., - - ~ - - - - 369 lbs. E. S. BROWNELL, Essex, Yt., - - - - - = - - 368 lbs. J. R. ATEN, Upper Mt. Bethel, Northampton Co., Pa., - - - - - 350 lbs. H. P. SHARPLESS, Fairville, Chester Co.,Pa., - . . - - - 338 lbs. EUGENE E. GRAVES, Black River, N. Y., + - - - - - 325 lbs. LEONARD WOOD, Morrisville, Vt., ~ - - - - - - 320 lbs.
H.S. GOODALE, South Egremont, Mass., . - - - - - 319 lbs.
POTATOES—COMPTON’S SURPRISE. Page 8. Showing its Habit of Growth, with the formation of Tubers from the Lateral Branches.
Hin i NN iN
ie Hila yl | V ae | aM Ga ALE K Wik : M i
Sees es, a
= SSS o> Y = a= SN ——r SA
i >
—— = fae ee = a === =
= ; : =So5 == sa Ss ot
= = = a SS Seer =~ oe =.- :
= sai 45> S52 |
=
[a i L wi rh H) Mi ae ig a a ae Ata | . i
a Ne on 3 i ey
a 3 ‘) ge t ide at Heel i ia | Ke i! NL: vv . aM Wd : "i 4] He i ies D Ye | i «ae att, NS ai HN ‘i i \ \;\ x m hal R i if ww \ i i; f \ bY Ny \\ \X
A GreaisSna
pe
TREASE
12 . B. K. BLISS & SONS’ POTATO CATALOGUE.
The following extract from the report of the Committee awarding the premiums, confirms all that was claimed for them by the originator when first introduced:
Compton’s Surprise has received the unanimous verdict for the most prolific Potato cul- — tivated at present. Yields of from twelve to twenty pounds to the hill are reported by the hundreds, and in one instance 2814 pounds were dug from one hill. Asarule, the most pro- lific varieties are not of the best eating quality, but to this, Compton’s Surprise is an exception. Thousands have testified that they never ate a better potato. Its uniform mealiness of grain, combined with the purest flavor, and its snowy whiteness of flesh, which is not in the least affected by its blue skin, cannot fail to make it highly valuable as a family potato. This variety shows a peculiar tendency to produce a surface crop, not found in other kinds.
“‘Tts rampant growing vines lying on the ground, will frequently take root, as shown in the preceding illustration, furnished by Mr. Fred Seiler, [see cut on page 11] and establish a new centre of production. Subterranean branches will likewise often grow above the surface and form self-supporting plants, which produce an additional crop of tubers.”
Per 1b., $1.00; 3 lbs. to one address, $2.00, by mail, prepaid. By express or freight, charges paid by the purchaser, 14 peck, $3.00; 1 peck, $5.00; 34 bush., $8.00; 1 bush., $15.00; 1 bd/., $30.00.
—__—_—_» 9 #—___—.
(a ts he y f New English Varieties.
The following varieties are highly recommended by our English correspondents, and are
well worthy of atrialin our own country. The descriptions are from their respective growers: C Rector of Woodstock, (Fenn.)—A superior second early round yariety, the vines of
edium hight, robust and spreading. A heavy cropper, producing a large quantity of fine tubers of a good table size to each root; flattish round in shape, skin white and smooth; flesh yellowish-white, of the finest flavor, and boils very mealy. The tubers are remarkably hand- some, and first-rate for exhibition purposes. This is a superb garden variety, and is emphati- cally the Potato for a gentleman’s table; while its heavy cropping property, fine keeping quality, and excellent flavor, instances it as particularly adapted for market purposes. Awarded a first class certificate by the Royal Horticultural Society in 1870. On every occasion that this splendid Potato has subsequently been exhibited, it has been most favorably noticed by the horticultural press. Price, $1.00 per pound.
Bountiful, (Fenn.)—This is at once the handsomest and most prolific Red Kidney in culti- vation, pre-eminent in the peculiar beauty of its form and color. It is a second early variety, the haulm very distinct, of medium hight, and branching. Very large cropper, producing an immense quantity of fine tubers of a size well adapted for table. Of true Kidney shape, skin deep rich red, and very smooth, flesh yellowish-white, and of superior flavor. In addition to being a most excellent table variety, it is scarcely to be excelled for exhibition purposes. It keeps well, and should be grown for Winter eating. Has been most favorably mentioned in the horticultural journals. Price, $1.00 per pound.
Sutton’s Red Skin Flour Ball.—One of the most popular of the English varieties, re- sembles our Garnet Chili in many respects; remarkable for its extraordinary freedom from disease, as well as its superior cooking qualities. Wery productive and of fine flavor; an ex- cellent keeper. On account of its late keeping qualities it should not be used for the table until February. Price, $1.00 per pound.
Sutton’s New Hundred Fold Fluke.—Messrs. Sutton & Co. describe this variety as follows: This valuable Potato was sent out by us in 1872, and those who have tried it describe it as the best Kidney Potato they have ever seen. It is perfectly distinct from any other va- riety, of most handsome shape, pale yellow skin, with a beautiful and distinct erimson band. It is also a remarkably fine cooking Potato, and has been free from disease when other varie- ties, grown by its side, have been completely destroyed. We can not too strongly recommend it for either garden or farm cultivation. Price, $1.00 per pound}
B. K. BLISS & SONS’ POTATO CATALOGUE. 13
General Collection. Prices subject to fluctuations in the market.
Four pounds of either of the following varieties will be mailed, postpaid, to any address in the United States, upon receipt of $1.00. 7 Not less than $1.00 worth, or more than one variety in one package, will be mailed.
V Early Rose.—This was the first of Mr. Bresee’s Seedlings, offered by us in January, 1868, | =
and has now become the standard variety for earliness, quality and productiveness. Per ‘peck, 75 cents; bush, $2.00; bbl., $5.00. mt
w King of the Earlies, (Bresee’s No. 4.)—A very early variety, vines quite dwarf, tubers large and handsome, roundish, and slightly flattened; eyes small and somewhat pinkish; skin flesh color, or dull pinkish-white; flesh white, floury, cooks well, and is of good
of quality for the table. Per peck, $1.00; bush., $3.00; bbl., $6.00.
Early Goodrich.—Early, large, white skin, smooth eyes, white flesh, first quality, perfectly sound, solid to core, keeps well. Per peck, 75 cents; bush., $2.00; bbl., $5.00.
» Climax.—Early; uniformly large; long, cylindrical; skin white; eyes sharp, shallow; flesh white and solid. This has been the most prolific early variety during the past season, and has proved hardy and healthy. Per peck, $1.00; bush., $2.00; bbI., $5.00.
Lapstone Kidney.—Of English origin. Medium early; very long, kidney-shaped; skin very smooth and white; eyessmall and entirely flat; flesh white, finely-grained, sound and solid, and is not excelled in its qualities for baking or salad. Per peck, $1.00; bush., $3.00; bOl.,
$6.00.
Vv Late Rose.—This variety, first offered by us in the Fall of 1871, has been largely cultivated the past two years in various parts of the country, and has given universal satisfaction. It ripens two or three weeks later than the Early Rose, and has proved to be much more productive, yielding the past season 250 to 300 bushels to the acre—is also hardier, health- ier, and a better keeper, retaining its good quality till new potatoes come in. Per peck, $1.00; bush., $2.00; bb/., $5.00.
™ Peerless (Bresee’s No. 6.)—Skin dull white, occasionally russeted; eyes shallow; oblong, flesh white, mealy, grows to a large size, often weighing from one and a half to two pounds, and enormously productive, frequently producing from 100 to 150 barrels to the acre. Its great beauty, superior quality, and enormous productiveness, place it among the best varieties for general culture. Per peck, Ti cents; bush., $2.00; bbdl., $5.00.
Y Excelsior.—Very productive, handsome and well-shaped; cooks white and dry; is well fla- vored, a superior table variety, and retains its good qualities through the entire season. Per peck, $1.00; bush., $2.00; b6l., $5.00.
V Jackson White.—A northern variety. Medium late; large; irregular, round to longish; skin white and smooth; eyes deep; flesh white, finely-grained, and of good table quality; is a good keeper, and very productive in some localities. Per peck, 75 cents; bush., $2.00; bbl., $5.00.
\ White Peachblow.—A seedling of the old Peachblow. Very late; medium tolarge; round; skin white, with bright pink eyes; flesh white, cooks very dry and mealy. This variety has for years been the principal market potato in New York, and has proved a remunera-
/ tive crop to the producers. Per peck, 75 cents; bush., $2.00; bb/., $5.00.
V hite-eyed Peachblow.—Irregularly roundish; of medium to large size; eyes not deeply sunken, but large; brow very distinct; skin pure white, slightly roughened; eyes and buds. in the eyes colorless; flesh white; quality best. This variety has been produced by our- selves, by careful selection of seed, and good cultivation, continued for years, with a view of improving the ‘‘ Peachblow,”’ a variety which, for a long time, has been considered the best market potato. Per peck, $1.00; bush., $3.00; bbl., $6.00.
Gleason.—Late, large; ovalorlong; skin somewhat rough, rusty, sometimes coppery- colored; eyes small, very light pink; flesh white, and, if kept till Spring, of arich flavor. Itis very productive, and entirely free from rot. Its keeping qualities are better than those of any other variety. It should not be used for the table until Spring, as its best qualities are
Y. not developed before that time. Per peck, 75 cents; bush., $2.00; bb/., $5.00.
Peachblow (Jersey.)—A well-Known variety, very productive, superior for the table, and one of the best for the market and shipping purposes. Per peck, 75 cents; bush., $2.00
bb1., $5.00. Any other varieties not in our list will be furnished at lowest market prices.
14 B. K. BLISS & SONS’ POTATO CATALOGUE.
Miscellaneous Varieties selected from the best European and American sorts
Albert, Alexandra, Amazon, Andes, Ashieaf Kidney, Ashleaf Fluke, Ashtop Fluke, Black Diamond, Black Kidney, _Black Mercer, _—~ Blue Pinkeye, _Bresee’s Prolific, ~ British Queen, _-- Buckeye, _-Bulkeley’s Seedling, ~ California, ; California Mercer, _ Callao, ~ Caimpbell’s Late Rose, Carter, Carter’s Early Forcing, Cascoe, Cayuza, Central City, _Chenango, < Chenery, Cherry Blow, Chili, No. 2, Circassian Kidney, Cluster, Colebrook, Colorado, Concord, Covpermine, Cowhorn, Cuzco, Dagger, Dana’s Seedling, Davis’ Seedling, Delmahoy, Dover, Dover Seedling, Duke of Cumberland, Dutch Pinkeye, Dykeman, Dyright, Early Black Kidney, Early California, Early Cottage, Early Dexter, Early Don, Early Golden, Early Handsworth, Early Henry, Early Indiana, Early Manly, Early Minnesota, Early Mohawk,
in cultivation.
Early Peachblow, Karly Pinkeye, Early Prince, Early Purple, Early Queen, Early Race-horse, Early Samaritan, Early Scotch Cottage, Early Shaw, Early Snowball, Early Suvereign, Early Stevens, Early Victor, Karly Wendell, Early White, Early York, Extra Early White, Fancy Red, Fluke, Fortarshire Red, Fox Seedling, Frankfort,
Galva,
Gardner,
Granite State, Great Britain, Gleason,
Great Western, Guernsey, Hamburg, Harrison,
HK ollyhock, Idaho,
Irish American, Irish Cup, Jackson White, Jones’ Seedling, Kearsarge, Ketchum’s Seedling, King of Potatoes, Lady Finger, Late Pinkeye, Lincoln Red, London White, Long Pond, Massachusetts White, Mercer,
Mercer Seedling, Merino,
Mexican, Monitor, Multiply, Nansemond, Napoleon,
New Hartford, New Kidney,
* Noblow,
Nova Scotia,
Ohio Mercer,
Ohio: Russet,
Old Flesh-colored, Old Red,
Oneida,
Orono,
Patterson’s Blue, Patterson’s Early White, Patterson’s Golden Don, Patterson’s Irish Blue, Patterson’s Pinkeye, Patterson’s Regent, Peachblow,
Penn. Searchwarrant, Philbrick’s Early White, Philadelphia,
Pigeon Eye,
Pinkeye,
Pinkeye Rustyceat, Prince, Albert,
Prince of Wales, Purple Mercer, Quinby’s Seedling, Raspberry-Leaved, Red streak, Rochester Seedling, Rough and Ready, Sandy Brown,
Scotch Blue,
Sebec,
Seedling Rock,
Six Weeks,
Skerry Blue,
Snow ball,
State of Maine, Strawberry Mercer, Titicaca,
Union,
Utica Pinkeye, Vanderveer,
Weeks’ Seedling, Western Chief, Western Ked, Wheeler's Milky White, Whig,
Whipple’s Seedling, White Apple,
White Chili,
White Clinton, White Monitor, White Mountain, White Pinkeye, White Rock,
White Rose,
White Sprouts, Willard,
Worcester Seedling, York Seedling.
Four pounds of any variety named in the above list, will be mailed, postage prepaid, to any post-office in the United States, upon receipt of one dollar. Not less than one dollar’s worth, or more than one variety in one package, will be sent by mail.
Collections of 200 varieties, one tuber of each, correctly labelled, will be mailed postage paid, for $40; 100 varieties for $25; 50 varieties, $15; 25 va-
rieties, SS.
$1,500 in Premiums. Important to Potato Growers.
$750.0
to be divided among the six successful competitors who shall produce the largest quantity of either of the following varieties of Potatoes: EXTRA
EARLY VERMONT, BROWNELL’S BEAUTY, or COMPTON’S SURPRISE,
from one-quarter of an acre of measured ground. $750 ele to be divided among the six successful coin + quantity from ONE POUN
$250 for each variety. petitors who shall produce the largest D of the seed of either of the above named
varieties. $250 for each variety. Subject to conditions named on page 23.
EARLY ROSE. Page 13.
o. 6. Page 13.
N
PEERLESS, or BRESEE’S
16 B. K. BLISS & SONS’ POTATO CATALOGUE.
REPORT OF COMMPPTHE,
For awarding PREMIUMS offered by B. K. BLISS & SONS to growers of the largest quantity of EXTRA EARLY VERMONT and COMPTON’S SUR- PRISE POTATOES, from One Pound of Seed.
NEW YORK, November, 1873. Messrs. B. K. Biss & SONS—GENTLEMEN:
In compliance with your request, the undersigned committee have met to-day, to award the premiums offered by you last Spring, for the largest yield of Extra Early Vermont and Compton’s Surprise Potatoes raised from one pound of tubers.
Prof. Geo. Thurber was called to the chair, and Dr. F. M. Hexamer acted as Secretary. The circular offering the prizes and stating the conditions for competitors, was read, as follows:
“Hive Hundred Dollars in Pema
‘‘ BEING satisfied of the superiority of the two new varieties of Potatoes offered by us this Spring, THE EXTRA EARLY VERMONT and COMPTON’S SURPRISE, we hereby offer the following premiums to those who shall grow the largest quantity from one pound of the seed, purchased from us, with ordinary farm culture.
For the largest quantity of EXTRA EARLY VERMONT, from one pound of
Seed, - - - - - $100 00 For second largest, sss ge epee el) 75 00 For third largest, - - . ~ = = = - - = os - - - 50 00 For fourth largest, i eer ee a eT
For the largest quantity of COMPTON’S SURPRISHE, from one pound of Seed, - $100 00
For second largest, - = 75 00 For third largest, - - - - ~ - - - - = - - - - 50 00 For fourth largest, - - - - ~ - - - ~ ~ - - ~ 25 00
‘‘Competitors for the premiums will be required to give the date on which they gave their order for the Potatoes, date of planting, date of digging. with a written statement of their mode of culture, characteristics of the soil—whether clay alluvial or sandy loam—nature of the subsoil, whether underdrained or not; also the kind and quantity of fertilizers used, how and when applied, with the weight of the crop when dug, which must be witnessed and sworn to before a justice of the peace, notary, or any other one competent to administer the oath, and sent to our address before the first of November, 1873. The awards will be made by a committee composed of the following well-known gentlemen in the agricultural community: PROF. GEORGE THURBER, editor American Agriculturist, Dr. F. M. HEXAMER and P. T. QUINN, Horticulturists, and will be printed and a copy mailed to each competitor. The prizes will be paid-on the first day of December, 1873.
‘*N. B.—To prevent misunderstanding, we wish it distinctly understood that no prizes will be awarded unless the above requirements are complied with, and accompanied by a sworn statement that they were grown with ordinary farm culture. Immense crops of the most ordinary varieties of Potatoes can be raised by forcing and propagating from slips, but we wish these two varieties to stand upon their own merits as a farm crop.’’
Plain and distinct as the conditions are set forth in the foregoing, it is surprising how many of the competitors neglected to comply with the same, and thereby lost the premiums to which the quantity of their yield would have entitled them.
Many sent their statements without having them witnessed or certified; others gave neither date of planting nor digging, nor the least information about the mode of culture. some had used means of forcing, expressly forbidden, and a few had procured their seed po- tatoes from other sources than your establishment. After rejecting all reports which did not comply with the necessary requirements, a very large number of applications was still left, and to the most successful of these, your committee awards the following premiums:
For the largest quantity of EXTRA EARLY VERMONT, from one pound of Seed.
ist Prize to J. I. SALTER, St. Cloud, Minn., 607 pounds, - - ~ - - $100 00 2d Prize to H. C. PEARSON, Pitcairn, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 437 pounds, - 75 00 3d Prize to J. L. PERKINS, Little Sioux, Harrison Co., Iowa, 393 pounds, - - 50 00
4th Prize to THos J. McLEoD, Black Brook, Clinton Co., N. ¥., 380 pounds, - 25 00
3
B. K. BLISS & SONS’ POTATO CATALOGUE. 17
———— a aa, ee nese For the largest quantity of COMPTON’S SURPRISE, from one pound of Seed.
1st Prize to ABEDNEGO ROBINSON, South Newmarket, N. H., 511 pounds, -$100 00 2d Prize to H. C. PEARSON, Pitcairn, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 450 pounds, - %500 3d Prize to J. 1. SALTER, St. Cloud, Minn., 394 pounds, - = = BO. 00 4th Prize to FRANK A. SMITH, Stone Church, Northampton Co., Pa., 386 pounds, 25 00
To ascertain the correctness of the statements, certificates and affidavits of the successful competitors, special pains have been taken. Most of the reports were accompanied by the Official certificates of the weighers of the respective towns, and where there appeared to be any doubt left, references of persons of undisputed reputation have been sought for and were readily obtained. Nevertheless, these products from one single pound of seed seem so mirac- ulous, that we thought it not out of place to give the names and addresses of afew of the producers of large crops, who, living in various States and localities, can give to persons in their neighborhoods sufficient proof of the correctness of their statements.
COMPTON’S SURPRISE.
J. H. DORMANN, Batavia, N. Y., - - - - - = - - 500 lbs. ELIJAH Woop, Concord, Mass., - = © = - = - = 416 lbs. FRED SEILER, Verona, Essex Co., N. J., - - = - - < = 384 lbs. A. W. Titus, Wilmington, Windham Co., Vt., - < = - - - 370 lbs. DAVID R. Woop, Morrisville, Vt., ~—- - - = = - - 369 lbs. E.S. BROWNELL, Essex, Vt., - ~ > - = ~ - - 368 lbs. J. R. ATEN, Upper Mt. Bethel, Northampton Co., Pa., ~ - - - 350 lbs. H. P. SHARPLEsSS, Fairville, Chester Co., Pa., - = = . - - 338 lbs. EUGENE E. GRAVES, Black River, N. Y., . - - = - - 325 lbs. LEONARD Woop, Morrisville, Vt., - - - - - = - 320 lbs. H. S. GOODALE, South Egremont, Mass., - - ~ ~ ~ - - 319 lbs. EXTRA EARLY VERMONT. ROBERT SUTER, Brady, Indiana Co., Pa., . - - = « - 336 1bs. E. S. BROWNELL, Essex, Vt., - - - ‘- < - - - 835 1bs. SAMUEL NEAL, Wyocena, Columbia Co., Wis., - = - ~ - - 320 1bs. CHARLES WHITING, Jasper, Steuben Co., N. Y., - - = < - 307 lbs. J.D. VAN DOREN, Hicks’ Corners, Winnebago Co., Wis., = - - - - 296 lbs. D. STECK, Hughesville, Lycoming Co., Pa., - > < - < - 2641bs. THOS. COWING, Alexandria, Douglass Co., Minn., - - - - - 254 Ibs. A. W. Titus, Wilmington, Windham Co., Vt., - - . - - - 251 Ibs. H. HAMILTON, Seneca Castle, Ontario Co., N. Y., - - ~ - - 250 Ibs.
The practical information embodied in many of the reports, is doubtless of great value to the potato-growers, and we have endeavored to condense the leading features of the modes and conditions under which these large crops were grown.
The largest yield, 609 pounds, comes from the Far West, but in proportion to the number of the largest products a much smaller proportion comes from the Western States than from the East. The very wet summer there and the ravages of the Colorado beetle, having no doubt caused this deficiency. The geographical distribution of the largest yields gives: From New York, 24 per cent.; Pennsylvania, 16 per cent.; Vermont, 10 per cent.; Ohio, 8 per cent. ; Massachusetts, 8 per cent.; Minnesota, 6 per cent.; Wisconsin, 5 per cent., New Jersey, 4 per eent.; New Hampshire, 3 per cent.; Indiana 3 per cent.; California, 2 per cent.; and 11 per cent. from as many different States and Territories.
Sornt.—The largest product, that of Mr. Salter, was grown ‘“‘on avery rich, sandy loam, rich in decayed vegetable matter to the depth of between two and three feet, and lying upona compact formation known as hard-pan, which has never been underdrained.”? Mr. A. Robin- son’s soil likewise “‘ was a sandy loam clay subsoil, where he broke up and raised potatoes last year.” Mr. F. A. Smith planted his potatoes ‘‘in gravel soil with yellow clay subsoil.”” Most crops, however, were raised with deep, alluvial lands, underlaid with gravel; others on light loam with clay or gravelly subsoil, and in a few cases on heavy clay highly manured. In but very few instances was the land artificially underdrained, which seems to be a noteworthy - fact, as mest writers consider drained soil indispensable for the production of good crops.
MANURES.—OF fertilizers and mixtures an almost endless variety has been used, but the one substance almost invariably applied was wood ashes. There seems to be no doubt left
3
18 B. K. BLISS & SONS’ POTATO CATALOGUE.
that ashes are the special manures for potatoes, and that even very large quantities of the same produced no injurious effect. In a few cases, as much as one pint of ashes has been applied to each hill as top-dressing, and in one instance the sets were actually planted in and covered with ashes. Plaster, lime and salt have likewise been extensively used and with great advan- tage. Strong nitrogenous manures have generally been considered as detrimental to the potato, but here we find that many successful growers have used large quantities of Blood, Fish and Peruvian Guano; hen manure as well as barn-yard manure, at the rate of fifty loads per acre, to the greatest advantage and without producing diseased potatoes. Whether older and less vigorous varieties would have withstood disease equally well under such a treatment, seems somewhat doubtful, however.
PLANTING.—The time of planting was in nearly all cases during the month of May, and more than one-half of the competitors seemed to have considered the 15th of May as the lucky day. In no case were larger sets than of one eye used, and a majority of these were again divided into smaller pieces, so as to give from fifty to one hundred sets from one pound of seed. There appeared to be no difference in the yield between hills with whole eyes and sections of eyes. The hills were invariably placed a considerable distance apart, rarely less than three feet each way and oftener farther. As arule, but one set was planted in a hill and covered about four inches deep.
CULTIVATION.—It will be hardly necessary to state that in many cases the cultivation and care these growing potatoes received were unremitting and indefatigable. In no case were weeds to be seen in the patch; some of the plantations received semi-weekly hoeings, and all were kept scrupulously clean, and the soil loose and mellow. Yet many large crops were grown with but ordinary care. Mr. J. I. Salter swears “that the cultivation, manuring, etc., was the same he has given his general crop of potatoes for the last five years, and in no re- spect had there been extra care and labor bestowed.’ Mr.H.C. Pearson certifies ‘‘ that these potatoes were grown with the most ordinary farm culture, being hoed only twice and receiv- ing no extra treatment in any respect.’’ Nearly all growers adopted the hilling system, and in only two cases were large crops obtained by level culture.
YIELD.—Although the Early Vermont yielded the largest crop from one pound of seed, the average productiveness of Compton’s Surprise is greater than that of the Early Vermont. In explanation of this, Mr. J. I. Salter says: ‘‘ The Compton’s Surprise will, and did with me, with the same culture and soil, yield from one-third to double the amount of the Early Ver- mont; still I obtained a much greater yield of the latter than from the former from one pound of seed. ‘I'he reasons with me are many. In the first place, the number of eyes in the Early Vermont was nearly double that of the Surprise originally, and, in digging, the number was still further reduced by an ugly gash in one of the potatoes, destroying four eyes; then again, I lost five hills by the extreme wet which followed planting the Surprise; and then the Ver- mont, being a very early potato, matured rapidly, and I was enabled to keep the Colorado beetle in check until its ravages were comparatively harmless on it, while the Surprise, being of slower growth, after the Early Vermont had ripened, required constant attention to pre- vent their ravages. This time I could not spare, and was forced to let them have it their own way, until it was too late; then came an early frost, September 7th, which killed the vine of the Surprise, while the Vermont had been out of harm’s way from the middle of August.’’ Several reports contain accurate statistics of the yield of different varieties, the result of careful experiments. Taking the yield of Compton’s Surprise as 100, the comparative yields average as follows:
Compton’s Surprise, - - ~ - 100 Early Rose, - - - - - - 62 Early Vermont, - - - - - %8 Campbell’s Late Rose, - - - 56 Niarrison,,) = ij pout = s- = 4S, Kine of the Earae-—)) = >) ee Peerless, eS = = = - %2 Early Goodrich,- - - - - $35 Late Rose, - - - = - - YO
Few new varieties have ever before been subjected to so manifold and varied a trial as these two Prize Potatoes.
Compton’s Surprise has received the unanimous verdict for the most prolific Potato cul- tivated at present. Yields of from twelve to twenty pounds to the hill are reported by the hundreds, and in one instance 2844 pounds were dug from one hill. Asarule, the most pro- _lific varieties are not of the best eating quality, but to this, Compton’s Surprise is an exception. Thousands have testified that they never ate a better Potato. Its uniform mealiness of grain, combined with the purest flavor, and its snowy whiteness of fiesh, which is not in the least affected by its blue skin, can not fail to make it highly valuable as a family Potato. This variety shows a peculiar tendency to produce a surface crop, not found in other kinds.
B. K. BLISS & SONS’ POTATO CATALOGUE. 19
Kts rampant growing vines lying on the ground, will frequently take root, as shown in the illustration, page 11, furnished by Mr. Fred Seiler, and establish a new centre of production. Subterranean branches will likewise often grow above the surface and form self-supporting plants, which produce an additional crop of tubers.
The Early Vermont has, as proved by the numerous reports before us, more than sus- tained its previous reputation. Nearly all competitors declare it from one to two weeks earlier than the Early Rose, and many even more. Its uniform and large size is recognized by every one. Mr. McLeod says: ‘‘ There are more than 100 in the amount I raised that would weigh from one to two pounds each;’’ and Mr. Salterraised one tuber weighing THREE POUNDS TWELVE OUNCES. Its superior cooking and eating qualities are unanimously com- mended, as well as its compact growth in the hill and its freedom from disease, and with the thousands of cultivaters who have grown it alongside of the Early Rose, there seems to be no doubt left, that in quality, hardiness, earliness and yield, it far surpasses that celebrated variety.
Time and space do not permit of making further extracts of the many valuable papers offered to Gur examination, yet we trust that some cf the condensed statements given above will not prove without value te the potate growers.
We cannot close this report, however, without expressing our high appreciation for your generous motives and liberality in offering these awards, and without full recognition of the great service you have thereby, in eliciting so much valuable information, rendered to the farming community. Respectfully yours,
GEORGE THURBER, EF. M. HEXAMER, P. T. QUINN.
THE FOLLOWING ARE THE
Reports of the Suécéegsful Competitors
See PRM MS. From J. I. Salter, St. Cloud, Minn.
**T planted the Early Vermont and Compten’s Surprise on the 15th of May, 1873, after cutting them to single eyes, putting one eye ina hill, and planting them two feet by four. The ground was a sandy loam, rich in decayed vegetable matter to the depth of from two to three feet, and lying upon a compact formation known as hard-pan, and has never been un- derdrained. After plowing and before planting, I applied a mixture of leached ashes and well-rotted barnyard manure broadcast, at the rate of not more than four tons to the acre, and at time of planting I hoed in a little of the mixture on about half the hills. I cultivated the Potatoes by hand twice during the Summer, hoeing the earth up, when the plants were about eight to ten inches high, until the tops were almost covered, using all the mellow earth between the rows to form large hills. I dug the Extra Early Vermont on the 6th of October, 1873, and the Compton’s Surprise on the 7th of October, 1873, the weight of the Extra Early Vermont being six hundred and seven (607) pounds, and the Compton’s Surprise three hun- dred and ninety-four (394) pounds. I also swear that the cultivation, manuring, etc., in the above instances were the same as I have given to my general crop of Potatoes for the last five years, and in no respect has there been extra care or labor bestowed. The Compton’s Sur- prise will, and did with me, with the same culture and soil, yield from one-third more to double the amount yielded by the Early Vermont; still I obtained a much greater yield of the latter than of the former, from one pound of seed. The reasons for this are many. The Vermont being a very early Potato, matured rapidly, and had thus secured a strong growth before the Colorado Beetle attacked it to any great extent, while the Surprise, being of slower growth, suffered severely from their ravages, as I could not spare the time necessary to fight them. The number of eyes, also, in the Vermont, was nearly double that of the Surprise, and five hills of the latter were destroyed by the extreme wet which followed planting. Four eyes of the Surprise were also ruined by an ugly gash received in digging. Again there was an early frost, September 7th, which killed the vines of the Surprise, while the Vermont had been out of harm’s way from the middle of August.
‘* As to quality the Vermont is fully equal to the Early Rose, if not excelling it, and I am sure it excelsit in every other way. The Compton’s Surprise is rightly named, as it will sur- prise any one by its productiveness, the ‘surface crop’ alone being more than an ordinary yield, and I had two hills which yielded fifty-seven (57) pounds.” (Signed) J. I.SALTER.
20 B. K. BLISS & SONS’ POTATO CATALOGUE.
‘*T hereby swear that I am a near neighbor of the above-mentioned J. I. Salter, and that I am personally acquainted with the planting, cultivation, manuring, digging and weighing of the afore-mentioned Potatoes, as also of the soil, draining, etc., and that I personally as- sisted in weighing the same, and know the above to be correct and true.”
(Signed) DONALD McINTOSH. Subscribed andsworn to before me this 10th day of October, 1873. (Signed) H. R. TOBEY, Justice of the Peace.
From H. C. Pearson, Pitcairn, St. Lawrence County, N. Y.
‘*The Extra Early Vermont and Compton’s Surprise were planted May 16th, side by side, on a light, sandy loam, with gravelly subsoil, possessing good, natural drainage, but not artificially drained. The land was new, being a brier patch last year, and was cleared, burned over and plowed, before plowing this year. I applied broadcast to each plot twenty bushels of well-decayed farm-yard manure, plowing it under six inches deep, and before planting I placed in each hill two quarts of a compost composed of ten bushels decayed manure, two bushels of ashes, and four quarts of salt. The hills measured three feet by three and one-half feet apart. The Potatoes were cut so that each piece contained either a whole or half aneye. I planted one piece in each hill, covering about three inches deep, and hoed them twice, my usual way, and the cultivation of each plot was the same through- out the season. They were dug Sept. 18th, and four selected tubers of the Extra Early Ver- mont weighed ten pounds, and twenty-five selected tubers weighed forty pounds. The Early Vermont were badly eaten in the Spring by the cut worm or brown grub, which made them later than they otherwise would have been; however, they were easily ten days ahead of the Early Rose. In quality they are fully equal to it, and are as good a Potato as I ever had on my table. Compton’s Surprise with me have proved late, but in quality they are perfectly splendid, ap- pearing on the table like a ball of flour. They were badly eaten in the Spring by the brown grub, and were much damaged by frost, August 24th. Both of these Potatoes were grown with the most ordinary farm culture, being hoed only twice, and receiving no extra treatment in any respect. The weight of the crop of Early Vermont when dug was four hundred and thirty-seven (437) pounds, and of the Compton’s Surprise four hundred and fifty (450) pounds.
**T hereby certify that these Potatoes were grown with the most ordinary farm culture, being hoed only twice, and receiving no extra treatment in any respect, and that the weight of the crop of the Extra Early Vermont (produced from one pound of seed) when dug, was 437 pounds, and of Compton’s Surprise (produced from one pound of seed) when dug, was 450 pounds.”’ H. C. PEARSON.
Subscribed and sworn to before me, this 23d day of September, 1873.
A. G. SHIPMAN, Justice of the Peace.
We hereby certify that having been this 18th day of September, 1873, selected by H. C. Pearson to witness the digging and weight of the crop of two new varieties of Potatoes pro- duced by him this season, the Extra Early Vermont and Compton’s Surprise, the weight of the Extra Early Vermont was 437 pounds, and the weight of the Compton’s Surprise was 450 pounds. S. ELLSWORTH.
Isaac B. PEABODY.
Subscribed and sworn to before me, this 23d day of September, 1873.
A. G. SHIPMAN, Justice of the Peace.
From J. L. Perkins, Little Sioux, Harrison County, Iowa.
“T cut the Extra Early Vermont Potatoes to single eyes, and planted them May 2d, one eye to a hill, in ground which had previously been plowed very deep and thoroughly pulver- ized, then raked level and smooth and marked out three feet each way. The soil was sand and clay mixed, with a sandy subsoil, and was new land, and not underdrained. All the fer- tilizer used was salt and wood ashes, put in the hill at the time of planting, at the rate of three bushels of each to the acre. Kept the ground loose and clean and hilled it up broad and flat before blooming. I dug them on the 25th day of August, and from the one pound I raised three hundred and ninety-three and one quarter (39334) pounds. Ido hereby certify that the above statement is true, and also that said Potatoes were grown with ordinary farm culture. The season has been very unfavorable, and there are scarcely any Potatoes in the county.”’
Sworn to before me, a Justice of Peace for County of Harrison, State of Iowa, this 25th day of August, 1873. LINvs BASSETT, Justice of the Peace.
B. K. BLISS & SONS’ POTATO CATALOGUE. 21
I certify that Isaw the Extra Early Vermont Potatoes dug, raised by Mr. J. L. Perkins, and helped him weigh them or saw them weighed. They weighing three hundred and ninety-
three and one quarter (39334) pounds. THOMAS J. LAMYOU, P. M. Sworn to before me, a Justice of Peace for the County of Harrison, State of Iowa, this 25th day of August, 1873. Linus BASSETT, Justice of the Peace.
From Thomas J. McLeod, Black Brook, Clinton County, N. Y., Oct. 8, 1873.
“Thereby certify that I planted the Extra Early Vermont and Compton’s Surprise Pota- toes on the 2ist day of May, and dug the former, September 16th, and the latter September 17th. The yield from the one pound of Extra Early Vermont was three hundred and eighty (380) pounds, and that of the Compton’s Surprise from one pound of seed, was three hundred and twenty-four (324) pounds. The soil on which I grew these Potatoes was a dark, deep allu- vial soil, not underdrained. My farm is on the banks of the Ausable River, and consists of a flat or river bottom. the soil being very dark, and from four to five feet deep before coming to hard-pan. My mode of culture was to have the ground well pulverized and a light dressing of well rotted, common yard manure workedin. I cut the tubers to single eyes, and put one piece in a hill, making the rows three feet apart, and the hills two and one-half feet apart in the rows. The only other fertilizer used was a compost made of lime, house-ashes, salt and gypsum or plaster, in equal parts and well mixed. Of this compost I put about a teaspoonful into each hill with the seed at time of planting. Kept the ground clear of weeds by hoeing until the Potatoes were large enough to hill up; hilled them up by making the hills broad and rather flat, and then hoed them no more until the crop was matured, simply pulling up the weeds as fast as they appeared. I used no forcing manures or slips, simply planted and hoed them as I would any other Potatoes for farm crop, giving them only ordinary farm culture. Perhaps some remarks about the growth and habit of these Potatoes would not be inappropriate. The season with us was very dry, and of course the Potatoes did not germinate as early or grow as rapidly as they would if there had been sufficient moisture. The Compton’s Surprise pro- duced large, spreading tops, covering the ground soon after hilling them up with a dense foli- age which remained green till a few days before they were dug, when the frost cut them down. The tubers were very uniform in size, no very small or no very large ones. Five of the large ones weighed four pounds. The tubers generally were of good size, and fair and smooth, and there were very few on the ground under the vines.
“The Vermont Potatoes produced small tops, with the tubers very compact in the hill, and considerably crowded out of the ground. They were not as uniform in size as the Comp- ton’s Surprise, ranging from very small to very large, some of them weighing two pounds and upwards, and one weighing two pounds and five ounces. I presume there are more than one hundred in the amount I raised that would weigh from one to two pounds each.”
(Signed) THOMAS J. McLEop. Essex COUNTY, SS.
“<1, J. McLeod, being duly sworn, says that the foregoing statement is a true and correct statement as to the production of, and Potatoes planted and manner of cultivation.”
Subscribed and sworn to before me, this 8th day of October, 1873.
(Signed) R. C. R. CHASE, Justice of the Peace. COUNTY OF ESSEX, SS.
“Thomas Lamoy, being duly sworn, says he assisted the above-named T. J. McLeod in planting, cultivating, harvesting and weighing the Potatoes described by him in the foregoing affidavit, made by him, and knows the same to be true.”’
(Signed) THoMAS LAMoy. Susberibed and sworn to before me, this 8th day of October, 1873. * (Signed) R. C. R. CHASE, Justice of the Peace.
From Abednego Robinson, South Newmarket, N. H.
“T sent for one pound each Compton’s Surprise and Early Vermont. Potato, April 14th, received them 23d. Planted them May 15th on sandy loam, with clay subsoil, where I broke up and raised Potatoes last year. This year I plowed in twelve large cartloads of barnyard manure to the acre. On planting, put a handful of Bradley’s super-phosphate in each hill, mixing it with the soil. Before hoeing, I put about each hill a handful more of the supers phosphate. October 23d I dug and weighed the Compton’s Surprise in presence of these wit- nesses, and the weight was five hundred eleven and one-half (511}4) pounds. The Early Ver- mont yielded one hundred and seventy-four (174) pounds.”
(Signed) ABEDNEGO ROBINSON.
SAMUEL M. ee Watieses
. ROBINSON :
alate re: STRATHAM, Oct. 27, 1873.
Personally appeared the above-named persons and made oath that the within by them subscribed is true, before me.
(Signed) ADDISON WIGGIN, Justice of the Peace.
From Frank A. Smith, Stone Church, Penn.
‘‘ Planted one pound of the Compton’s Surprise Potatoes on the 6th of May, in gravel soil, with yellow clay subsoil, no underdraining. Used on said Potatoes a small one-horse load of barnyard manure, applying it on top of each hill after planting. Weight of Potatoes when dug, October 3, 1873, was three hundred and eighty-six (386) pounds. I do certify that the foregoing is a true statement.” (Signed) FRANK A. SMITH.
In presence of (signed) SERENUS HESS.
Sworn and subscribed before me, this 23d day of October, 1873. '
(Signed) H. EYER, Justice of the Peace.
22 B. K. BLISS & SONS’ POTATO CATALOGUE.
Lane’s Improved Imperial Sugar Beet.
a HE We here present an illustration of this Beet, also an article a=W | [LF from the February number of The American Agriculturist, 1872, = —O—wc 7 which we are confident will satisfy the reader of its superiority.
OA a: Sugar Beets for Cattle Feeding.—In October last we saw,
17> on the farm of Mr. I. M. Mackie, at Great Barrington, Mass., a tield of Sugar Beets of remarkable size and uniformity. Its form \, is long, spindle-shaped, longer and larger than the ‘‘ French White ~{ Sugar Beet,’’ with crown more contracted and freer from side roots. As it grows it lifts itself for the most part above the sur- face of the soil so as to be readily pulled. Its yield is enormous, superseding Mangold Wurtzel. They were of a variety originally obtained from the Patent Office by the Hon. Henry Lane, of Corn- wall, Vt., and by him brought by careful selection to their present perfection.
We were so much struck with the superiority of this Beet that we applied to Mr. Lane for further information concerning its his- tory. We gather the following from his letter on the subject, and from an address delivered by him before the Vermont Dairymen’s Association. In 1858 he received from Washington three varieties of Sugar Beets. They were carefully grown, and the variety called ‘‘ Imperial Sugar Beet,’’ was found to be much superior to the oth- ers, and to any other Beet that had been seen in the region. It at once supplanted all other varieties in use among his neighbors, and it has been so much improved by Mr. Lane that he claims that it yields ‘‘with greater certainty, a greater amount of food per acre than any other root, at less cost, of better quality than the turnip, nearly as good as the carrot for young stock, and better for milk, ready to feed by the first or middle of October, and keeping sound through the Winter until late in the Spring.’? Our own ob- servation of Mr. Mackie’s crop, and his opinion of the feeding value of the root, lead us to accept Mr. Lane’s estimate as a just one.
It is recommended that this Beet be sown very early in the Spring (if possible by the middle of April)—as soon as the land is fit for work—on strong, heavy land, free from stagnant water. He claims that the amount of the crop is (in his latitude) just about double its amount on the first of September, and that all the growth we are able to secure by that time will be doubled between then and harvest time. Whether this idea is correct or not, there is no doubt of the profit of early sowing. The land should be rich, and additional manure should be used in the drill. The drills should be 30 inches asun- der, and the plants stand 18 inches apart in the row, being singled to this distance as soon as they have put forth the second pair of rough leaves. After this they are to be thoroughly worked with the horse-hoe, and once by hand, before the leaves begin to cover the ground. They will be ready for harvesting by the middle of October, and they should be well dried be- fore being taken into the cellar or dumped on the ground.
The usual yield per acre, in Vermont, is from 28 to 32 tons, but 40 tons have been grown. Mr. Lane says in his address: ‘‘ Without going into details, I estimate the cost of labor after the manure is applied, at $40.00 per acre; the use of the land and manure $40.00 more, making a crop of 1,000 bushels per acre, cost 8 cents per bushel, which I think is a fair average cost.” Forty tons of these Beets would be equal, in feeding value, to ten tons of good hay.
R. O. TENNEY, Fort Collins, Colorado, writes as follows: ‘‘ From 3 lbs. Lane’s Sugar Beet seed we raised 8 tons roots, and like it much.”’ Ho
A large number of certificates of its good qualities are omitted for want of room.
In order to supply the pure seed from head-quarters, we have made a special contract with Mr. Lane for his entire stock, which we will mail to any address at the following prices: 1 ounce packets, 15 cents; 4 ounces, 50 cents; 1 pound, $1.50; 4 pounds, $5.00.
}
I
i cei
if /
———_ 2 § e+ —__—_—
Blisy’’ Improved Long Orange Carrot.
This superior variety is the result of a careful selection, for successive years, of the best- formed, largest and deepest-colored roots of the Imported Long Orange Carrot, by which it has attained a perfection hitherto unknown in this useful vegetable, being larger, better fla- vored. and of a deeper orange color, and more sure to produce acrop. Butter-makers will find this variety verv useful in giving to their butter a rich, deep yellow color. We unhesi- tatingly pronounce it the best variety in the market, and one which will not fail to give satis- faction to the purchaser. One 0z., 15¢c.; four ounces, 50c.; one ]b., $1.50, by mail, post-paid.
B. K. BLISS & SONS’ POTATO CATALOGUE. 23
To Potato Growers. Fifteen Hundred i. Dollars in Premiums.
——— 0 66
The $500 in premiums Offered by us in the Spring of 1873 for the largest yield from One Pound each of the Extra Early Vermont and Compton’s Surprise Potatoes with ordinary farm culture, induced a large number of those engaged in agricultural es throughout the entire country to see what they could do in Potato culture. The Report of Committee awarding the premiums will be found on page 16.
At the suggestion of many of our agricultural friends who are desirous of seeing our new varieties of Potatoes still further tested, we have concluded to offer premiums the coming season, not only to those who will grow the largest quantity from one pound of seed, but also to those who will grow the largest quantity by weight upon one quarter of an acre of measured ground. We have appropriated $1,500 for this purpose, and if we may be allowed to judge from the reports received from competitors for our premiums last season, we believe the showing will be the most remarkable on record, and prove conclusively that good seed with careful cultivation, is sure to pay the cultivator. The amount offered for premiums to be divided as follows among growers of the following varieties of Potatoes, who shall produce the largest number of pounds from one pound of the seed, or from one quarter of an acre, subject to the conditions which follow the list of premiums.
$500 for Brownell’s Beauty.
For largest quantity of Brownell’s Beauty Po- | For the largest quantity grown on one quar- tatoes grown from one pound of seed, $100 00 | ter of an acre of measured ground, $100 00
For the second largest, . .. . -. - 50 00/Forthe second largest, .... . . 5000 For the third largest, . . . . . . . 4000} Forthe third largest, . . .... . 4000 For the fourth largest, . . . . . . 80 00] For the fourth largest, ..... . 3000 For the fifth largest, . . .. .- + - 2000/|Forthe fifth largest, . ..... . 2000 For the sixth largest, . . . . . - - 10 00|Forthesixth largest, . .... . . 1000
$500 for Extta Karly Vermont.
For the largest quantity of Extra Early Ver- | For the largest quantity grown on one quarter
mont from one pound of seed, . . $100 00 of an acre of measured ground,. . $100 00 For the second largest, . . . . . . 50 00| For.the second largest, . . . . . . 5000 For the third largest,. . . . - . + 4000] For the thirdlargest,. . . . . . . 4000 For the fourth largest, . . . . - - 30 00| Forthe fourth largest, . . . . . - 3000
For the fifth largest, . . . . . - -. 20 pale es the fifth lancests 7 egy stceee sea ZOLOD For the sixth largest,. . .. - 10 00! For the sixth largest,. . . .°. . . 1000
$500. for aia Surprige.
For the largest quantity of Compton’s Sur- | For the largest quantity grown on one quarter
prise, from one pound of seed, . . $100 00 of an acre of measured ground, . . $100 00 For the second largest, . . - - - - 50 00| For the second largest, . . .- - - - 5000 For the third largest,. . . . . + + 40 00| For the third lareesteje ts.) yey tere S00 For the fourth largest, . . . - - - 3000; Forthef meth largest, “% . .. - = 3000 For the fifth largest, . . . . - - - 2000} For the fifflargest,. . . - +--+ > 20 00 For the sixth largest,. . . . - - + 10 00} For the sixth largest,. . . . —- "10°00
Competitors for the prizes will be required to give the date on which they gave their order for the Potatoes, date of planting, date of digging, with a written statement of their mode of
a
24. B. K. BLISS & SONS’ POTATO CATALOGUE.
culture, characteristics of the soil—whether clay, alluvial, sandy or loam—nature of the sub- soil, whether underdrained or not; also, the kind and quantity of fertilizers used, how and when applied, with the weight of the crop when dug, which must be witnessed and sworn to before a justice of the peace, notary, or any other one competent to administer the oath, and sent to our address before the first of November, 1874. Persons desiring to compete for both the premiums offered for the largest product from a single pound, and also for the largest product from one quarter of an acre, will be required to purchase a separate lot of Potatoes for each trial; also to plant on different pieces of ground. The pound can not be selected out of those ordered for the quarter acre, but must be weighed out by us, and purchased and cultivated separately. One bushel medium size Potatoes cut to single eyes will usually plant one-fourth of an acre. Some prefer more seed and some less, we do not restrict the quantity of seed, every planter can use whatever quantity he pleases.
The Seed in all cases must be purchased of us. Those competing for the one quar- ter acre premiums will be required t« sfate the exact number of pounds used for seed in plant-
ing, and have the ground correct!s i: c#sured by a competent person, which must be sworn to and witnessed; also tocomply wii» |‘ the rules required of those competing for the premiums for one pound. The awards wi:. -_ made by acommittee com: osed of the following well-
known gentlemen in the agricultura! community: Prof. GEoR«:: THURBER, editor American Agriculturist; Dr. F. M. HEXAMER, and P. T. QUINN, horticultu: ‘sts, and will be printed and a copy maile io wh competitor. The prizes will be paid the first of December, 1874.
N. B.—To pre vel ant ai say" erstanding, we wish it distinctly understood that no prizes will be awarded unless the os are complied with in every particular. Reports for the largest quantity gre r pound. 1 = be accompanied by a sworn statement that they were grown with ordin 26 ulture. Imriense crops of the most or- dinary -varieties of Potatoes can : av fo Feing and propag: ‘ting from slips under glass, but we wish these varieties to stand upon their own merits asafarmcrop. We place no re- strictions upon those who compete for the quarter acre premiums, each cultivator can adopt whatever methed he chooses. We will consider it a favor if our patrons will test their cook- ing qualities both for boiling and baking, and report to us, also give us, as nearly as possible, the time of maturity.
For prices of these varieties see under their respective headings.
—-—_ —___¢ ¢ ¢—__
The following Cataloques
ARE PUBLISHED AS STATED, AND WILL BE MAILED TO ALL APPLI- CANTS ON RECEIPT OF PRICES AFFIXED. Regular Customers Supplied Gratis.
No. 1.—SEED CATALOGUE AND GUIDE TO THE FLOWER AND KITCHEN GARDEN. Published occasionally. It contains about 200 pages, with many BEAUTIFUL ILLUsS- TRATIONS, including splendid Colored Lithographs of favorite Flowers and Vegetables, and a descriptive list of upwards of Two THOUSAND VARIETIES OF FLOWER AND VEGETABLE SEEDS, including many CHARMING NOVELTIES now offered for the first time in this country, with explicit directions for their culture. Also a list of upwards of Two HUNDRED VARIETIES OF FRENCH HYBRID GLADIOLUS, and other SUMMER FLOWERING BULBS. To which is added a list of a few of the choicest varieties of GRAPES, STRAWBERRIES, RASPBERRIES, and other SMALL FRUITS, etc., etc., with much other useful information upon the subject of Gardening generally, which will be found useful to the experienced amateur as well as those about to commence the delightful occupation of Gardening. Price, 25 cents; an edition elegantly bound in muslin, $1.00.
Wo: 2.—_ABRIDGED CATALOGUE AND GARDENERS’ ALMANAC.—(Illustrated), pub- lished annually, January 1st;,mailed to all applicants sending two three cent stamps.
N+». 3.—BULB CATALOGUE (Illustrated), published September ist, containing a Choice Collection of all the leadigig varieties. Price, 10 cents.
Clark W. Bryan & Co., Printers, Springfield, Mass.