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PREMIUM CROPS AND HOW TO GROW THEM.

ILLUSTRATIONS OF THE LEADING VARIETIES. ^BEST VARIETIES

FOR SEED.

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SXOW-FLAKE.— Sliowing habit of growth in the hill.

B. K. BLISS & SONS,
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NO. 34 BARCLAY STREET,

BOX 5,7.2. NE\A/ YORK.

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"2;jEutcred, aceoidiiia to Act of Coti^rrss, in tlic yeor I.srs, by B. K. Bliss * Soss.ingt"
the Office of the Librarian of Cougress at Wa«liington.

iipi*:

LIBRARY

OF THE

MASSACHUSETTS

AGRICULTURAL

COLLEGE

SB
SO" 111

PSP«

•'(^ I If I

This book may be kept out

TWO WEEKS

only, and is subject to a fine of TWO
CENTS a day thereafter. It will be due
on the day in4icated below.

^'■L

ILLUSTRATED AND DESCRIPTITE

OJ^Tj(LLOa-TJE

FOK SALE BY

B. K. BLISS & SO]NS,

At thsir Sesd and Horticultural Warshouss^

No, 34 BAKCI-AY STREET,

THE POTATO.

This valuable and well-known esculent, now so widely cultivated, is a native of the moun-
tainous parts of tropical America, and was taken to Sjjain and Italy by early adventurers in the
sixteenth century, for we read of its cultivation in those countries in the year 1550. The usual
size of the potato in its wild state is rarely more than an inch in diameter, and the flavor very
insipid and almost unpalatable.

When first introduced into Europe it created great excitement, of a similar nature to that
caused by the introduction of tobacco and coffee ; for many years it was only to be found on the
tables of the opulent, where it was used as a dessert either in the form of a sweetmeat or as a
fruit. The first varieties grown in the United States were brought from Europe. The
quality was very poor, and not a variety then in use would at the present time be
deemed fit for the table. It is only within a comparatively recent period that it has found its way
into both continents as a general article of food for man and beast, or has received attention
from agriculturists. Many of our most practical and foremost gardeners are now directing their
attention and energies to its improvement and propagation.

In the year 1S44, the disease knovm as the rot appeared and nearly destroyed the whole crop.
About this time a few persons, among others the late C. E. Goodrich, of Utica, imported a lot of
the wild varieties directly from South America, and proceeded to raise seedlings by crossing with
the various kinds then in use. Many thousand seedlings were then produced, but few of them
were ever brought to any state of perfection.

One of the principal sorts saved was the Garnet Chili, which had a great reputation, and is
the parent of many of our new sorts which are now attracting so much attention. Twenty-five
years ago, a farmer who raised one hundred bushels of potatoes was looked upon as having an
enormous stock ; while to-day, many growers in the vicinity of our large cities raise from ten to
twenty thousand bushels, without exciting any unusuar attention. Within this period nearly all
the numerous varieties with which we are now acquainted have been brought to notice, and
every year adds its score of new seedlings to the already overgrown lists. Hundreds of millions
of bushels are now raised annually in this country, and the demand is always greater than the
supply— the crop of this State alone being twenty-five million bushels, raised on a little over two
hundred and fifty thousand acres of land.

The uses of this tuber are numerous, aside from their principal use as an article of food.
Thousands of bushels are annually manufactured into starch, and alcohol is distilled from its
juices. Even sugar has been made ; but with so much competition in this Ihie, it has never proved
a great success. Too much cannot be said in favor of this vakiable staple, and we shall endeavor
to instruct our readers in these few pages as to the methods used to increase the supply, without
increasing the expense of its cultivation.

B. K. BLISS & SONS' POTATO CATALOGUE.

CULTIVATION.

The soil acknowledged to be the best for the potato is a rich loam, sandy, and neither too wet
or too dry. A cool, moist soil will produce larger potatoes, but the danger of too much wet is so
great that a warmer soil is preferable in this climate. Early potatoes reach their maturity sooner
in a quick, light soil, and present a brighter and cleaner appearance, than when dug from that
which is heavier. A calcareous formation generally yields a sure crop.

Old sod land, well turned under in the fall, and lightly plowed and harrowed in the Spring, will
produce a sound crop, and often an astonishingly large one. Clover sod for this purpose is excel-
lent, and furnishes a large amount of vegetable substance to the ground. When turned under in
August or September it will rot by the following Spring, and only a top-dressing of some well-es-
tablished fertilizer will be required to carry through the crop. Wetland produces a coarse, unpal-
atable article, and one of little value even as food for cattle. Barnyard manures are of little benefit
to such land. Lands should never be plowed while wet and heavy ; it injures the soil and does
more harm than the manure can offset. Prepare the ground as carefully and thoroughly for po-
tatoes as for any other crop. Attention in this particular well repays the farmer.

Land intended for potatoes requires but little manure, and that should be old and well rotted.
By many, spreading the manure before plowing in the Spring is thought to be the best mode. At
the time of planting, bone-dust, ashes, plaster, nlarl and like fertilizers can be used to great ad-
vantage with this crop, as they are of a dry or absorbent nature. On wet soils they are very bene-
ficial, as they prevent disease as well as promote the growth of the tubers. On warm, dry, light
land, muck compost may advantageously be used; decayed leaves are excellent. In seasons
of disease among potatoes, fields where ashes have been used have suffered but little from the
rot.

Potatoes are usually planted in drills or hills, the latter being the more common method in
this country. Some varieties require more space than others. For drills, two and a half feet by
three is ample; while, when planted in hills, three to three and a half feet is the usual distance.
The latter method has some advantages, as the cultivator or horse-hoe can be used both ways of
the field. Some of the earlier varieties may be planted closer without loss to the crop. Cover
about four inches in light soil, and not so deep in the heavier. Cultivation should be commenced
soon after the shoots appear above the ground, and weeds should be kept down with as much
care as in a carrot-bed. The earth should be drawn a little towards the hill at each hoeing, that
the rootlets may gain strength and nutriment from the surrounding earth. When the blossoms ap-
pear, hoeing should be discontinued, and in fact is rarely necessary, as the vines then cover the
ground and discourage the growth of weeds. An excellent plan is to go over the field occasionally
and remove carefully any weeds that appear in the hill, for they draw largely from the sustenance
required for the developing tubers.

Many farmers still continue to plant three to five eyes to the hill. In our opinion this is amis-
take, and the last few years' experience confirms our views. Potatoes cut carefully to a single
eye, the hills, perhaps, a trifle closer, will yield a larger crop than the careless way of throwing in
seed by wholesale. We all know the effects of too close a growth of carrots, turnips and such
roots on the crop, and we think the same rule applies equally to potatoes. Two good eyes to the
hill, with a proper proportion of the flesh to each eye, will produce a far larger crop of merchant-
able tubers than two whole ones; will. yield from one-third to one-half more in weight — an item
of no small consequence — to say nothing of the saving of nearly one-half the seed. Any intelli-
gent farmer who is up with the times and reads the leading agricultural papers will corroborate
this statement.

In order to secure an early crop, the seed must be planted as soon as the ground is in proper
working order. This time differs in the various parts of our extended country, so that no set time
can well be given. The earliest varieties can be marketed in sixty-five to seventy days from
planting, thus competing successfully with Southern crops of the more common kinds. A second
crop can thus be planted, as described elsewhere, allowed to thoroughly mature, and thus have
good seed tor another year and a sound article of food for Winter use. The yield of the first
planting will give a handsome profit, for earbj potatoes always command a high price when near
a city or town. The later varieties do better when planted some weeks after the early kinds ; and
the farmer lias this advantage, he can get the former well started and cultivated before he turns
his labor and attention to the latter.

A common method of forcing jiotatoes is to select whole, sound tubers of some early variety of
medium size, placing them close together in a moderately heated bed, composed of either light
loam or partially decayed leaves. This should be done several weeks — say three or four — before
the time of planting. By that time the tubers will have started sufiiciently to be set out. Cut the
potatoes into pieces as has been directed, and use care not to injure the young shoots. Plant three
inches deep, apply a little horse manure to the bottom of each hill, to afford warmth and to urge
forward and nourish the young starting tubers.

The decay of the tops indicate the maturity of the roots. The later kinds often continue to
grow till checked by autumu frosta. They should, however, be dug before the ground is touched
by frost at night.

B. K. BLISS & SONS' POTATO CATALOGUE.

HOW TO CUT TO A SINGLE EYE.

Take any potato and hold before you, with the stem end (the place where it was joined to the
vine) down. It will then be noticed that the eyes are arranged around the tuber in regular ascending
rotation from the bottom to the top, similar to the thread of a corkscrew, each eye being a little
above and further around the side than the one next below it. Now take the potato in the left
hand, with the stem end down, keeping it in a perpendicular position throughout the entire cut-
ting. Take a sharp, thin-bladed knife and remove the first eye, by placing the knife about equally

~ distant between it and the

eye next in rotation above
it, sloping it to the in-
denture left by the stem
(see dotted lines in center
cut), removing the flesh
with it. When the first eye
is removed, turn the potato
around in the hand until
the next eye above appears.
Remove this one in the
same manner, and keep on
turning the potato, remov-
ing each eye as it appears
in exact rotation, always
sloping the knife to the
stem. After three or four
eyes are thus removed, the
bottom part of the tuber
will have a somewhat pyr-
amidal form (see center
cut). It will be noticed
that each eye removed has
a similar form to that repre-
sented by the cut on the left,
and has its proportionate
share of the flesh attached.

After the first two eyes
are removed no further
trouble will be found until
the seed end is reached,
and only a little extra care
will be required to remove
these closely clustered eyes.
The cut on the right repre-
sents what remains of the
potato after all but the
small eyes are removed,
■while the dotted lines show
how to separate each of
these. It will be noticed
that the base retains the
same form throughout, and
by sloping the knife each
time, and cutting down to
the apex of this inverted
pyramid (which is the cen-
ter of the tuber), each eye will'be supported by an equal amount of the flesh which is to start
it into a strong, healthy growth. "With common varieties, where seed is cheap, many will think
this manner of cutting too troublesome. But if every farmer should save otie-half his seed, as he
easily could do (for it will only require two barrels of sets for an acre, instead of four, as is usually
planted, the increase being equal), thousands of bushels would annually be saved, worth many
thousands of dollars. But to those who wish to obtain a large increase from a small quantity of
seed, as is necessary to those who buy the new and valuable varieties, this manner of cutting so
that every eye is saved will prove invaluable.

B. K. BLISS & SO^'S' POTATO CATALOGUE.

CUTTING.

This is one of the most important subjects to be considered in the propagation of potatoes,
and there is such a diversity of opinion regarding the manner and method of cutting, that many
pages could be filled in giving the different experiences of the professors in this art. While we
do not attempt to decide tliis question to the satisfaction of everyone, we shall give our own views,
and claim that in our method an enormous quantity of the tubers now annually planted may he
thrown into the market, causing a reduction in the prices charged for this common and necessary
crop. Without discussing the respective merits of planting whole potatoes, or half a dozen pieces,
each piece containing three and four eyes, in a hill, we shall state, what has been proven by so
many cultivators, that two good eyes are ample for one hill, and the yield of large, marketable
potatoes is larger than when more are planted. With the aid of the cut and remarks on page 3,
we trust our readers may be enabled to understand our method.

HOW TO RAISE FROM CUTTING-S.

For this purpose any ordinary hot-bed may be used. About the 1st of March take the potatoes
to be propagated, dividing them lengthwise, and laying these pieces with the cut side down upon
the soil of the hot-bed. Keep them perfectly dry until the cut part has healed over and the
sprouts have commenced to start. When the sprouts reach the height of three or four inches,
cut them off about half an inch above the eye, and insert the end of the cuttings thus obtained
into the soil of the hot-bed. Shade them from the sun, and water carefully until they are well
rooted and the leaves begin to develop. The old pieces of the potato will continue to throw up
shoots to an almost incredible number, and these are all to be removed as soon as strong enough
in the same manner as the first ones. In order to increase the crop still more, as soon as these
cuttings have reached the height of eight inches, their tops may also be removed and planted in
the same manner as the slips from the potato. As soon as the ground becomes warm and can be
worked, prepare it as is usual in planting the tubers, and set out these young plants. It is best to
transplant them on some cloudy day or towards evening, as the hot sun withers them and destroys
many if planted in the hot part of the day. These plants will be found to grow very rapidly, and
can be propagated indefinitely from cuttings of the older plants. No cuttings should be taken
after the 1st of August, as they will likely be destroyed by the cold weather before the crop is
matured. The immense increase of stock by the use of this method may be illustrated as follows :
A pound usually contains four medium-sized potatoes, and there are from twelve to twenty eyes
on each tuber. When cut and sprouted they will give, at least, five hundred plants. From each
of these plants three cuttings may be taken, which gives a total of two thousand plants to be set
in the ground. With the ordinary yield, each hill, at the lowest estimate, would give one and
one-half pounds, or three thousand pounds; in all making about eighteen barrels of good, sound
potatoes, or a year's supply for a large family. We do not claim that this is either profitable or
advisable with the common sorts of potatoes ; but with the many new and high-priced varieties
which are now being disseminated at the prices of one, two, or three dollars a pound, it is
almost invaluable, as for a slight expenditure a large stock may be obtained, paying to the
propagator a thousand-fold. This is no new experiment, but has been practiced by the initiated
for the last few years, and has ever proved a success. It is not confined to hot-beds, but many of
our most prominent nurserymen have devoted whole greenhouses to this use, and we would con-
fidently recommend it to our readers.

TWO CROPS A YEAR.

Take good, sound, early potatoes, and cut them into single eyes, as is shown in the article on
cutting. Allow these pieces to dry for a day or two, and then plant as early as the ground can be
worked (a slight frost will not injure the potato after being well planted). With ordinarily favor-
able weather the new crop of tubers will mature in from eight to ten weeks. As soon as they are
ripe, dig them, and after remaining a day or two in some dry and warm place, proceed to cut them
into single eyes as before. Place the pieces thus obtained into pans or boxes containing dry plas-
ter or gypsum. This absorbs the abundant moisture, which would otherwise greatly check the
growth if it did not destroy the sets entirely. Allow them to remain in the plaster for ten or
twelve days, or until the eyes commence to start, when they are to be taken out and planted as
before. In the latitude of New York this is only applicable to early varieties, like the famous
Early Rose, or Extra Early Vermont, which are of quick growth, and early maturity; but in many
parts of the South, where the growing season is long, it may be practiced indiscriminately upon
all varieties. A gentleman has raised two crops of Early Rose, a short time since, in this vicinity,

B. K. BLISS & SONS' POTATO CATALOGUE.

the two crops yielding an aggregate weight of twenty-five hundred pounds. He planted his
pound, cut into single eyes, early in March, and dug his first crop about the middle of May.
These were then treated as above described and planted the 10th of June, and the second crop
dug the 1st of September. The yield from the one pound at the first digging was fifty pounds.
and the second crop of this increase was twenty-five hundred pounds, or over forty bushels. This
method is witliin the reach of all, and there is no extra expense incurred for hot-bed sashes or
any other forcing requisites.

HOW TO RAISE SEEDLINGS.

Save any well-ripeued seed-balls from a good variety, and plant in early Spring, in well-
drained boxes of sandy loam. Sow the seed on the surface, and sift fine soil over them to the
depth of one-quaiter to one-half an inch; water sparingly, and when the seedlings are three
inches high, remove them from the seed box without disturbing the earth around them more than
is necessary, and plant in more roomy quarters. Many successful growers, however, prefer sow-
ing the seed in oper- ground, when a partially shaded spot may be selected, and the seeds may be
sown in drills about ten inches apart; cover with half an inch of soil. When the plants are
strong enough, transplant in rows three feet apart, two feet in the rows, and keep down the weeds
until the tubers ripen. Some few strong growing varieties, will form tubers weighing from six to
eight ounces the first year. As a general rule they will be about the size of a walnut. The seed we
offer this season, "Pi-ingle's hybrid," is far in advance of any hitherto offered, as will be seen
by referring to the description on page 21. Store the tubers carefully until the next season, keep-
ing them as cool as may be without freezing, when they may be planted in the same manner as
any mature potato.

It usually takes three years to ascertain the true value of a seedling, and if a person is favored
by finding one really good variety among the many seedlings, he may feel well repaid for his time
and trouble. Many new varieties are raised by hybridization, which is a more difiicult method,
although it generally secures a greater number of good varieties. The manner of procedure is as
follows: Kemove all flov^^ers excepting those you wish to hybridize, then with a pair of sharp
scissors remove all the anthers from the stamens in the flowers to be impregnated, just before they
commence to discharge their pollen. When the flowers are dry, shake the flower containing the
stamens of the variety whicli you wish to cross with it, being careful to do it when they are ready
to discharge their pollen. Fit a piece of fine netting over the impregnated flower, to prevent
the bee and other insects from leaving the pollen of other varieties upon the exposed pistil.
The covering may be removed after two or three days. Do not disturb them again until the
seed-ball has ripened, when the treatment as given in the first part of this article may be applied.

Instances have been known, though rare, where one potato would produce two distinct sorts
from its different buds or eyes. The White Peachblow, for example, has been found growing on
the same stalk with the Jersey Peachblow. As so much interest is now excited in the growth

and propagation of new seedlings, and many of the new varieties command such high prices

it behooves our farmers and amateur gardeners to avail themselves of the latest and, by actual
tests, the best method of producing new varieties.

HOW TO STORE AND KEEP.

It is a matter of no small importance to the farmer to be able to keep his crop of potatoes in
good condition through our long Winters, and to present them for sale, free from blemisli or
mildew, in the Spring. A well-kept potato brings three or four times its value in market in
early Spring than the same stock will if sold in the Fall, paying an extra profit over and above
the cost of storing, handling and care required.

Of the three methods of storing in general use, each has its champions. They are : storin<'
in barrels, bins, or heaps or pits. The advantage of placing in barrels is, they can be easily
handled, do not suffer from abrasion, can be readily looked over, and if disease ^yreseiits itself
it can be checlced or removed.

When tliousands of bushels are raised on one farm, this method cannot be followed on ac-
count of the time and expense involved. Bins are largely used by our fore-handed farmers,
especially those near large cities, as the roots can at any time be reached and got ready for mar-
ket. A dry, cool, well-ventilated cellar, with the light excluded, is the best place to store
potatoes. It has been found very advantageous in preventing decay to sprinkle lime in the bar-
rels or bin at the rate, say, of one pound to each barrel. It acts as an absorbent and neutralizes
the earthy odors, thus directly acting as a preventive of decay to the roots.

The importance of excluding light from potatoes and keeping them as cool as possible,
cannot be over-estimated as means of preserving the crop.

BLISS & SONS' POTATO CATALOGUE.

Chemistry of the Potato.

' ariations in its Composition, Average Analyses according- to standard
uithorities.

Voelcker, on Differences of Composition, especially in proportion of
Starch,
[annrial requirements : Action of Potasli in Potato Culture. Quantity
of Nitrog-en, Phosphoric Acid and Potash required to produce 100
bushels ; also one bushel of Potatoes.
Commercial Sources of Fertilizing Materials required, etc., etc.

The importance of tlie Potato [solarium tuberosum) as one of the most valuable and profitable
of the staple food-crops, entitle it to much more attention than it has heretofore received at the
hands of agricultural chemists. In England and Germany, where the potato has been made the
subject of considerable study and of numerous analyses, it has by no means had the benefit of the
exhaustive investigations accorded to the grain and root crops. While much valuable informa-
tion has been gained, as will be hereafter seen, as the result of these researches, yet there is much
to be learned, especially among oirr own farmers, of the relative values of the new varieties, so popu-
lar among us, their capacity for improvement in quality for food, more economical culture, etc.
It is to be hoped that the system of experiments so successfully started last season by Professor
W. O. Atwater, among farmers, will include trials on the different varieties of potatoes.

The variations in the composition of the potato, as sliown by hundreds of analyses made or
endorsed by such standard authorities as Voelcker, Johnston, Fresenius, Payen, Wolff, Knobbe
and S. W. Johnson, are sufficiently great to even lead tliese cliemists to differ somewhat as to
what fairly represents an average composition of this important vegetable. As will be seen
by examining the data hereafter given, there are large differences in the percentage of the most
important ingredient contained in the tuber, namely, the starch, and this difference will be found
in the same variety of potatoes grown upon different soils, as -well as in different varieties
grown upon the same soil.

The feeding v.'ilue of the potato, to the extent of producing the animal heat of the body and
of the formation of fat, is almost entirely due to the amount of starcli it contains— and it is
equally well known that it is owing to the presence of starch in greater or lesser quantity that
some potatoes are, when cooked, white, mealy and fine flavored, and others, deficient in starch,
are unattractive, waxy and soggy.

When the conditions of growth are favorable and the variety a good one, the percentage of
.starch in the potato tuber is twenty per cent, and upwards, while inferior specimens are found
to yield less than eleven per cent. One hundred pouuds of the former, when thoroughly dried,
would contain over eighty pounds of starch, and the latter some forty-four pounds. In other
words, the good potatoes quoted are nearly or quite twice as valuable as food for man or stock as
the poor variety.

The variations in the albumen, casein and fibrin are by no means so great as with the starch.
The total quantity of these ingredients (called the albuminoids) found in an average healthy
potato, is only some two pounds in every one hundred pounds of tubers, in the air-dry or natural
state; and it is due to this fact that potatoes, while they have but few superiors in power to main-
tain life in man or beast, possess so little power in building up the solid tissues of the body, mus-
cle, flesh, etc.

The ability of the farmer to increase the feeding value of the potato, in this direction, by any
process of manuring is probably very limited, as the formation of the albuminoids (albumen,
casein and fibrin) is due to the presence of nitrogen in the plant, and as the potato seems to
have the power of deriving, under ordinary circumstances, through its full leaf and vine develop-
ment, much of the entire supply of nitrogen it requires or can use advantageously, any addi-
tion of this ingredient in considerable quantity, as in the form of nitrogenous or putrescent
manures, invariably results in developing an undue growth of vines at the expense of both
the quality and quantity of the tuhers. In any but a dry season the entire plant is almost sure to

B. K. BLISS & SONS' POTATO CATALOGUE.

become in an abnormal condition, and prove a prey to attacks of fungus, resulting in disease or
" rot." The attempt, on the other hand, to improve the quality of the potato as food, so far as
depends upon the presence of starch in the tuber, will be found to be more encouraging when
the action of potash in potato manure is considered. As will be seen further on, potash invari-
ably increases the starch, formation, and without its presence no starch can be found.
When grown upon newly recovered forest land, or upon any land of suitable mechanical texture,
containing available potash, or supplied with the same in the form of unleached wood ashes or
potash salts (of proper kinds) potatoes are invariably of superior quality.

The variatiouo in the ash or mineral constituents of the potato are remarkable, and probably
exceed those of any other crop. With the exception of phosphoric acid and potash in the tubers,
and lime, magnesia and sulphuric acid in the vines, the mineral ingredients, soda, iron, pure silica,
chlorine, etc., vary to such an extent that they almost seem to be taken up by the roots for con-
venience rather than for any actual needs of the plants. Soda is found to exist in the ash of the
tubers in quantity quite or next to nothing, up to twelve per cent. Oxide of iron from nothing
to six per cent. Silica from nothing to over six per cent. Chlorine from nothing to nearly nine
per cent.

In all these ash analyses, however, the proportions of potash and phosphoric acid are uniformly
large ; in the case of potash, from forty-two to seventy-three per cent. , while the phosphoric acid is
found to rarely fall below twelve per cent., and often rises to over twenty-seven per cent, (aver-
age say twenty per cent).

We are thus enabled to see, so far as 1 lie development of the tuber of the potato is concerned,
that notwithstanding tho large variations in the proportions of its ash constituents, the presence
of potash and phosphoric acid, but particularly the former is essential. Practice fully corrobo-
rates this view, for the good effects resulting from the use of wood ashes and bone, (well known
sources for these ingredients,) have caused their almost universal adoption as special manures for
potato culture.

The increased yield per acre from the addition of potash alone has been, in several cases,
from 150 to 200 bushels in excess of the quantity produced on another portion of the same land
to which the potash was not supplied, but otherwise well manured.

The potato vines, as indicated by their analyses, seem to require full supplies of lime and
magnesia as well as of sulphuric acid, and as these ingredients are generally found to exist in the
vines in increased proportion as the season advances towards October, it would indicate that
they are required more particularly for use by tne vines themselves. The remaining ingredients
found in the vines at the end of their growing season, show, on the contrary, a decreased per-
centage. This is particularly the case with the potash and phosphoric acid, showing that these
ingredients, so important in the growth of the potato, have been transmitted from the vines for
use by the tubers.

ANilJiYSIS OF POTATO VINES (WOLFF).

August. Ootobek.

, Per 100 lbs. of ash.

Potash,- ---- 14.50 6.30

Soda, --- - 2.70 0.80

Magnesia, _-.---.-. 16.80 22.60

Lime, ----- 39.00 46.20

Phosphoric acid, ---..---.---- 6.10 5.50

Sulphuric acid, - ...._.- 5.6O 5.50

Silica, - 8.10 4.20

Chlorine, - 4.60 3.00

Percentage of ash, ..- - 8.90 5.12

The benefit arising from the use of plaster (sulphuric acid and lime) so successfully practiced
by potato growers, as well as from magnesia salts, is probably due to their effects upon the vines,
in increasing their power to sustain the entire plant in sufficient strength and vigor to enable it
to withstand, especially during seasons of sudden and extreme changes of temperature and
moisture, all parasitical attacks or fungus growth. It has been stated that a strong healthy vine
is not liable to become affected even when brought into actual contact or rubbed with a diseased
plant. The predisposition towards disease, through impaired vitality, must exist before there is
danger of " rot."

The success claimed for the good action of common salt (chlorine and soda) on potatoes can
hardly be due to any direct manuiial action on the plant, but rather to its indirect action in
aiding in rendering soluble and available the other ingredients on the soil. As Professor S. W.
Johnson states: " Soda is an extremely variable ingredient of the ash of plants, and though gen-

8 B. K. BLISS & SONS' POTATO CATALOGUE.

erally present in some proportion, has been observed to be absent in weighable quantities in the
seeds of grain and in the tubers of potatoes."

The evidence of the importance of the presence of potash in the soil for potato culture, as
given by the fact of its uniform presence in large quantities in the tubers, as vi^ell as by the good
effects that always attend its use in a fertilizer for potatoes, is made even much stronger when it
is remembered that without the presence of potash in the Leaves of a plant no starch can be
formed. Starch, as we have stated, forms from nearly one-half to over two-thirds the entire
weight of air-dry tubers.

The following interesting summary of the experiments, made by Dr. Nobbe and others in
Germany, is taken from a lecture recently delivered by Professor W. O. Atwater, before the Con-
necticut State Agricultural Society, and will be found to fully cover the importance of the presence
of potash for starch formation.

" If we examine a green leaf with a microscope, we may find in it thousands of minute sacs or
cells as they are called. Some of these contain the green substance called chlorophyll. Inside
these grains of chlorophyll appear still smaller grains of starch. Starch is composed of the ele-
ments carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen. It is produced inside the leaves. The carbon is taken from
the carbonic acid of the air by the agency of the chlorophyll, is united with hydrogen and oxygen,
the elements of water, and thus starch is produced. After the starch is so formed, it is conveyed
to the other parts of the plant, and either stored away, as in potatoes or grain, which consist
largely of starch, or transformed into the other materials of which the plant is made up. And
this formation of starch in the chlorophyll grains, and transportation, transformation and storage
to build up the plant is going on continually as the plant grows. If then, no starch is formed by
the chlorophyll in the leaves, normal growth is impossible."

Now, in every one of Dr. Nobbe's plants grown in artificial soil without potash, after the
starch of the seeds was used up, no more appeared in the leaves. As Dr. Nobbe says at the con-
clusion of over a hundred pages of description of his experiments, " without potasli the plant
cannot assimilate (the materials needful for its growth) and shows no increase in weight,
because, without the co-operation of potash in the chlorophyll grains, no starch is formed."

The extent of the variations of the leading organic ingredients in potatoes, and some of the
reasons for the same as given by Dr. Voelcker of England, are here given as comprising some of
the most reliable data offered at the present time.

" The variation in proportion of starch in different samples of potatoes are chiefly caused by
the variety cultivated, by the soil upon which and the locality where the plants were grown, and by
the time during which the tubers have been kept. Thus the following varieties grown in Scot-
land yielded respectively of starch : "
Connaught Cups, ---.-...----- 21 per cent.

Irish Blacks, ---- .._. 16>^ " "

White Dons, --....--..--.-- 13 " "
Red Dons, ---------- lOK " "

The influence of soil and locality in affecting proportion of starch in the same
variety of potato is seen from the following determinations, according to which
Buffs gave in Mid Lothian, -..-.-.---- 14.89 per cent.

Buffs gave in Forfarshire, - -_-_.------ 20.71 " "

Cups gave in Argyleshire, --...------ 15.14 " "

Cups gave in Mid Lothian, ------ 23.82 " "

On keeping, the proportion of starch diminishes in potatoes. Thus Payen found the same
variety of potato to yield in

October, -- 17.2

November, ----------------- 16.8

December, ----------------- 15.6

.January, ---------._------ 15.5

February, ---.-.---.------- 15.2

March, ------------------15.

April, - 14.2

" The amount of the albuminous or flesh forming constituents of potatoes, according to Boussin-
gault, is greater in newly dug potatoes than in others which have been kept some time. Thus.in
newly dug potatoes he found them to amount to 2X per cent., and in long kept potatoes to only
IK per cent, of their weight. The flrst, according to this determination, when dried, contained 9
and the latter only 6 per cent, of albuminous substances."

" In diseased potatoes the proportion of albuminous matters is smaller than in healthy, as the
disease primarily attacks the albuminous matters, which, when once attacked are readily decom-
posed, and changed into ammonia and other compounds."

B. K. BLISS & SONS' POTATO CATALOGUE.

9

Dr. Voelcker also states that the analysis of the ash of a diseased potato failed to show
any material difference from that of a healthy one. A small increase in the amount of
silica in the diseased potato was the only noticeable difference.

PROXIMATE ANALYSIS OF THE POTATO

Potato Tuber (air dry).

Average Composition (100 lbs.), as given by

Voelcker.

Johnston.

Fresenius.

S.

W

. Johnson.

Water,

75.

75.52

71.

76.

Starch.

15.

15.72

15.

20.

Albumen, )

3.

Gluten, V

2.

2.20

2.43

Casein, )

Fat,

.24

.24

.20

Fibre,

5.

2.47

7.

1

Sugar, Gum,
Ash,

etc., 1.76
1.

3.40
.97

J
1.

Extreme percentages.
(Various authorities.)
Lowest. Highest.

68.94
10.75

77.
21.

1.50

2.85

.10
3.

.42
7.

.651 .

22 .

1 Maximum percentage of water in 27 varieties Young Potatoes was 82 per cent. (Voelcker. )

2 Calculated on basis 75 per cent, water in air dry potatoes ; from 2.60 to 8 per cent given as
ash in potatoes (dried). — {How Crops Grow.)

The Variations in the Ash Ingredients of different varieties of Potatoes grown
upon the same soil and ijrecisely similar circumstances are shown in the following anal-
yses by Herapatli.

Prince's Axbridge

Potash,
Chloride Sodium,

White Apple.
69.7

Beauty.
65.2

Kidney.
70.6

Magpie.

70.

Forty-fold
62.1

2.5

3.3

3.5
20.7

7.9

3.

6.5
17.2
3.6

1.8

5.5

20.8

6.

5.0
5.0
14.9
4.3

5.
2.1
14 4
7.5

0.2

lame, ------

Magnesia, - - - - -
Pho.sphoric Acid, - - -

Sulpliuric Acid, - - - -
Silica, ------

The extreme variations in the ash ingredients of Potatoes of different varieties and
grown upon various soils may be seen in the annexed table, taken from Prof. Johnson's stand-
ard work, "How Crops Grow." (page 156).

Lowest Percentages. Highest Percentages.

Per cent, of ash.

Potash,

Soda,

Magnesia,

Lime,

Oxide Iron,

Phosphoric Acid, - - - - - - - -.9-

Sulphuric Acid, - - - - - - - -S-^

Silica, ------- -- -c^

Chlorine, --.------^

38 Analyses.
2.60
1 42.9
0.0
2.5
0.5
0.0
11.2
0.4
0.0
0.0

39 Analyses.

8.05
1 73. 60
I 12.80
I 6.60

6.20
)■ 6.
I 27.10
I 18.00
I 6.50
J 8.70

Average composition of 1000 lbs. of Potato Tubers, natm-al condition (air dry); also of 100
bushels and one bushel.

Water, - - . .
Starch, - - - .

*Albumen, Casein, Fibrin,
Fibre, fat, etc., - - -
Ash, 9 to 10 lbs. containing-
Potash, - - . -
Soda, - - - - -
Magnesia, - - - -
Lime, - -
Phosphoric Acid, -
Sulphuric Acid,
Silica, -----
Chlorine, - - -
Sulphur, - - - .

1000 lbs.

750.00

150 to 200.00

20.00

70 to 20.00

fs.eo

I .10
.40
.20

! 1.80

1 .60

.20

.30

! .20

I. .60

100 bushels.
6000 lbs.

4500.
1200.

120.

120.

f 33.60

.60
2.40
1.20
10.80

3.60
1.20
I 1.80
I 1.20
t 3.60

^i

6000 lbs.

1 bush.
60 lbs.

45.

12.
1.200
1.200

r.336

.006

A 024

i .012

- I .108

:2 ■! ,036

.012

.018

.012

,.036

60 lbs.

1000 lbs.

♦Nitrogen exists to the extent of sixteen per cent, (about one-eighth entire weight) in these
albuminoids. Therefore 1000 lbs. potato tubers would contain 3.20 lbs., of nitrogen.

MANURING OP POTATOES.

The supply of lime and sulphuric to potatoes is cheaply given in the form of plaster, which as
before stated, serves an excellent purpose in practice in protecting vines against extreme changes

10 B. K. BLISS & SONS' POTATO CATALOGUE.

in weather, liability to rot, etc. Soda and chlorine, if found to act well, will cost but little in the form
of refuse salt or brine. The main fertilizing ingredients, however, with which the potato-grower,
need concern himself are the following : Nitrogen, Phosplioric Acid and Potash. The fol-
lowing gives the quantity of each contained in 1,000 pounds, as well as in 100 bushels, and a
single bushel of tubers :

Contained in --------- - 1,000 lbs. 0,000 lbs. 60 lbs.

(100 bushels). (Single bushel).
Nitrogen, ---------- 3.20 19.20 0.192

Phosphoric acid, - - 1.80 10,80 0.108

Potash. ----------- 5.60 33.60 0.336

10.60 lbs. 63.60 lbs. 0.036 lbs.

To supply all the phosphoric acid and potash required for the growth of each 100 bushels
of potato tubers (the vines supposed to remain on the land) without exhausting the soil of
any of its resources in these ingredients, would therefore require say 11 pounds of phosphoric
acid, and say 34 pounds of potash, and for continued potato culture an application of an equal
quantity for eacli era]}. In the case of nitrogen, however, the quantity may safely be reduced to
10 pounds, instead of using nearly 20 pounds, as called for by the composition of 100 bushels of
tubers. The reasons for this reduction in the quantity of nitrogen in the manure are as before
explained, viz. : The natural power of the potato plant to derive nitrogen from the air, (a cheap
source,) the tendency as shown in practice, of nitrogen to induce, except when used in very lim-
ited quantity, an over-rank vine-growth and a poor quality and a limited quantity of
tubers, besides an almost certain tendency on the part of the potato crop towards " disease."

Taking the quantities of nitrogen, phosphoric acid and potash, as above advised, we have the
cost of the same at the current rates, furnished in the best known forms, (Peruvian Guano, blood
or flesh, dissolved-bone and potash salts), as follows:

For 100 bushels of potatoes :

Pounds. Price per lb.

Nitrogen, ------------ 9.60 21]4c. $2.05

Phosphoric acid, ----------- 10.80 9c. .97

Potash, .--- .-- 33.60 7>^c. 2.52

Cost for 100 bushels, ------- ,--- $5.B4

Equal to a cost for single bushel. 5)4 cents.

To grow 300 bushels of potatoes, irrespective of resources of the soil, would require of:
Nitrogen, -----.- -----------29 lbs.

Phosphoric acid, ---------------32 lbs.

Potash, ----------------- 100 lbs.

The following table gives the leading commercial sources for the above named ingredients,
and also the quantities of each required to supply the necessary quantity of potash, phosphoric
acid and nitrogen required for 300 bushels of potatoes.

COMMEKCIAI. SOURCES OF POTASH.

Quantity of Each Required to Yield 100 lbs. of Potash.

Potash. Phosph acid,
lbs. lbs.

Wood ashes (unleached, 25 bushels), - - - 1,200 lbs. will yield 100 50

Wood ashes (leached, 117 bushels), - - - - 6,670 lbs. " " 100 100

♦Sulphate of Potash. - - - "Kainit" 800 lbs. " " 100

" <' .' - . - - 50 per cent. 364 lbs. " " 100

" .' u _ _ _ . . 72 per cent. 250 lbs. '• " 100

■ " "•<----- 80 per cent. 228 lbs. '■ " 100

tMiiriate of Potash, - - - - - 80 per cent. 200 lbs. " " 100

*In the use of the low grade potash salts known as " Kainit," as a source of potash for pota-
toes, it is necessary to take precautions against damage arising from the presence of chloride of
magnesium which this grade of potash salt contains to the extent of some ten per cent. (20O lbs.
to the ton). These " Kainit" salts average only some 13 per cent, of actual potash, it therefore
requires some 700 lbs. per acre, provided this salt is used alone, to give 100 lbs. of actual potash,
(the quantity required for 300 bushels of potatoes). The use of this quantity per acre would be
attended with serious danger to the crop owing to the presence of some 70 lbs. (10 per cent.) of
chloride magnesium. The only safe method of application is to sow broadcast and harrow in
several weeks before planting.

Professor S. W. Johnson advises the mixing of fifteen pounds of air-slacked lime. with each
one hundred pounds of '.' Kainit " before use. This is said to counteract any injurious effects
that might otherwise arise from the presence of the chloride of magnesium. In Germany they
seldom use this grade in quantities exceeding 500 to 600 lbs. per acre.

tThe muriate of potash is open to the objection for use on potatoes, that it has a tendency
to produce tubers of an inferior quality— watery and waxy. It is recommended to use as a source

B. K. BLISS & SONS' POTATO CATALOGUE.

of potash, when the formation of starch or sugar is desired, either wood ashes or some grade of
sulphate of potash (as free as possible from any chloride salt.)

COMMEKCIAL SOURCES OF PHOSPBCOKIC ACID.

Quantity of Each Required to Tield 32 lbs. of Phosphoric Acid.

Nitrogen. Phos. acid. Potash,
lbs. lbs. lbs.

Pure Fine Bone, (dissolved in sulphuric acid), 267 lbs. will yield G 32

Pure Bone Meal, ------ 160 lbs. " " 6 32

Dissolved Bone Black, ----- 230 lbs. " '• 32

Rectified Peruvian Guano, - - - - 228 lbs. " " 16. .32 i}i

COMMERCIAI. SOURCES OF NITROGEN.

Quantity Required of Each to Yield 30 lbs. of Nitrogen.

Nitrogen. Phos. acid. Potash.
Dried Flesh or Blood, -------- 30O 30

Rectified Peruvian, --------- 375 30 52>^ 6}^

jNitrate of Soda, --------- 192 30

§3ulpliate of Ammonia, -------- 145 30

Pure Bone Meal, --------- 800 30 160

tThese articles, nitrate of soda and sulphate of ammonia, as they furnish nothing of value
but nitrogen, should be used in potato culture with caution, and in small quantities. Their effect
upon potatoes, except when used on soil abounding in the mineral ingredients (particularly
phosrihoric acid and potash), will be to produce an excessive vine-growth and a yield of tubers
small in quantity and inferior in quality.

*A COMPLETE MANURE FOR POTATOES.

The composition of a good potato manure for average soils,and suitable /&?■ continued culture
of this crop, would be :

Per 100 lbs.
Nitrogen, -------------4 to 5 percent.

Phosphoric acid (from dissolved bone or Peruvian Guano), - - - 5 to 6 " "
Potash (in the form of a Sulphate of Potash), - - - - - - 13 to 14 " "

*This formula will be found to correspond in composition with the potato manure offered for
sale by us. Price per ton, $52. 00 ; per bag (200 lbs.), $5.40 ; cartage (50c) charged only on less than
half ton. One to three bags sufficient per acre. Directions for use accompany each bag. See
our Price List of Fertilizers.

•-•-•

i

Eureka Tree and Post-Hole Digger.

Indispensable to Every Farmer, Nurseryman, and Rail-
road and Telegraph Co.

The Grand Medal of the Centennial Exhibition has been award-
ed to us for our Digger for " distinguished merit" and great " ex-
cellence." We have also received the prize at six State, and twenty
County fairs, and have always received the premiums wherever we
have exhibited.

This tool has been thoroughly tested during the past three
years, and as yet no place has been found where it has failed to
do its work satisfactorily. The principle on which it works pre-
vents adhesion in. sticky soils, hence it always works free and easy ;
no clogging,' no knee work, no backache. It is far superior to all
Plungers, Augers and Boring Machines, as it works equally well in
stony, sandy and clay soils. Quicksand under water is as certainly
handled and removed as though no water existed. Hundreds have
used them for setting curbs in wells, where there was quicksand.
For setting out trees and transplanting it is unequaled ; also for
cleansing out wells and for tiling.

One man with this Digger can do five times as much work in
the same time, as can be done in any other way. One great advan-
tage in using the Eureka Digger is, that you need make the post-
hole only a little larger than the post, thus causing it to set firmer
than where a larger hole is dug. The size of the hole dug is bound-
ed only by the requirements of ils purpose, and can be made of
I any inclination or shape, and anything that can be reduced or
loosened to five inches or less in diameter, can be easily removed.
As constructed for ordinary use, it will dig readily four feet deep.
Its durability will equal any tool made for any purpose, the mate-
rial being cast steel. But should any part fail from use or acci-
dent, duplicate parts can be furnished ; in this way it can be kept
good for a generation. Price, $5.00. Send for Circular.

NEW ^V^J^HIETIES

POTATOES FOR 1878.

We take much pleasure in offering two new Potatoes, which we are confident are destined to
occupy a prominent position in the list of varieties heretofore introduced by us.

We refer witli jjleasure to the great popularity of most ofithe varieties sent out by us within
the past ten years, among which are the Early Kose, King of the Earlies, Bresee's Pro-
lific, Peei'less, Climax, Late Kose, Extra Early Vermont, Compton's Surprise,
Brownell's Beauty, Eureka, Snowflake, Alpha, Ruby, Centennial, Superior and
Bliss's Improved Peach Blow. There is no section of the country in which these varieties
have been tested, where tbey have have not proved superior to the older varieties in cultivation,
so much so, that in our leading markets, by far the greater portion of those now offered for sale
were first introduced by us. Many of our varieties are also exceedingly popular in foreign mar-
kets, where they have been successfully hybridized with their finest sorts, producing varieties far
superior to those formerly in cultivation.

Notwithstanding the many fine sorts now in cultivation, we believe the Potato to be suscepti-
ble of still greater improvement, and our numerous growers in various parts of the country, are
constantly exerting themselves, by careful hybridization, to introduce some new variety which
shall exceed, in some important respect, those already in cultivation. We have many very
promising varieties on trial, and shall continue to add to our list, from time to time, such as we
think worthy of dissemination.

TROPHY.

This new and exceedingly fine variety is, like most of those heretofore sent out by us, a native
of northern Vermont, and is one of several very promising varieties raised from a packet of Prin-
gle's Hybridized Potato seed, by a most successful cultivator, and is sure to become a general fa-,
vorite. It is a seedling of the Ruby impregnated with the Excelsior, and is a decided improve-
ment upon both of these varieties.

Tubers of medium size, very regular in form, elongated oval, somewhat flattened, eyes very
few, almost flat upon the surface, resembling, in many respects, the well-known Snowflake, skin
reddish, slightly russeted, flesh fine grain, white, and of excellent quality, either baked or boiled.
Vines are stout and vigorous, foliage dark green. It matures its crop about two weeks later than
the Early Rose. The tubers are compactly clustered around the base of the stalk, and easily dug.
It is a good keeper, very productive, and we are confident will become a general favorite.

This variety was exhibited in London at the great International Potato Show, in October last,
and received a first-class certificate.

Price, $1.00 per pound ; three pounds to one address, $2.50; by mail, post-paid.

B. K. BLISS & SONS* POTATO CATALOGUE.

BLISSES TRIUMPH.

This new and beautiful variety is, without exception, the most attractive in appearance of
any that we have yet offered, and will also compare favorably with the best of them in quality.
It originated in the State of Connecticut, several years since, and has been faithfully tested, by
the originator, and found to maintain its good qualities from year to year. It was raised from a
seed ball of the well-known Peerless crossed with a seedling of the Early Rose. It combines the
wonderful productiveness of the Peerless, with all the good qualities of the Early Rose, is much
more productive, and matures its crop at least ten days in advance of that favorite sort, before
the second crop of beetles appear. In color and form it resembles the Garnet Chili, though
greatly improved in form and quality. Tubers of medium size, round and uniform in shape, with
but a v«ry few small ones, eyes slightly depressed, color a beautiful light red, strongly resembling
the early varieties from Bermuda; flesh fine grain and of excellent flavor. Vines about two feet
in hight, erect, with but a few lateral branches, covered with long, darlc-green foliage.

The tubers groi^ compactly in the hill, are easily harvested. It is an excellent keeper; not
inclined to sprout early. Its great beauty, productiveness, and fine quality, will make it one of
the best market varieties in cultivation.

Price, $1.00 per pound ; three pounds to one-address, $2.50 by mail, post-paid. By express or
freight, charges to be paid by the purchaser, one-half peck, $3.00; one peck, $5.00.

HARLEQUIN",

OK VAKIEGATED-LEAVED EAKLY ROSE.

This singular variety was discovered, several years since, in a field of Early Rose, and only
differs from that variety in the foliage, which is beautifully variegated with different shades of
white and yellow, resembling many of the ornamental varieties of the Coleus now so extensively
grown in the flower garden. It has been cultivated for several years, and the variegations are
quite constant. In some soils it is almost entirely white or straw color, with an occasional green
leaf, and in others the green predominates. The variegation is much more marked in light soil
but little manured. By planting this variety, you not only have a desirable crop for domestic use,
but a decorative plant worthy of a place in every flower garden.

Price per pound, $1.00; single tubers, 25 cents each.

B. K. BUSS & SONS' POTATO CATALOGUE.

MAI^HATTA]^.

In this variety we have what may be called an " Improved Compton's Surprise." It combines
all the good qualities of that favorite variety, but is much more regular in form, and consequently
more desirable as a market variety. In shape it is nearly round, sometimes a little oblong, skin
dark purple, occasionally blotched with white; origin unknown; flesh white, very solid, fine
grain, cooks through evenly, either in baking or boiling; dry and mealy, and of excellent quality.
Size, medium to large, eyes slightly depressed, vines vigorous, a little spreading, of a dark green
color; one of the most productive in cultivation. It is an excellent keeper, and can be strongly
recommended as a main crop variety.

Price, 75 cents per lb. ; 3 lbs. $2.00, by mail post-paid ; by express, freiffht paid by the pur-
chaser, $3.00 per peck, $10.00 per bushel.

EARLY OHIO.

A seedling of the Early Kose, and similar in color, habit of growth, and appearance, with the
exception of being a round oblong, while the former is more of an oval oblong, so that side by
side it is readily distinguishable. It is several days earlier and more productive, and of very fine
quality. It has given general satisfaction wherever it has been tested.

By mail, 60 cents per pound ; 2 pounds $1.00.

By express or freight at expense of purchaser, 1 jieck $1.00; 1 bushel $2.25; 1 bbl. $5.00.

BURBAI^K'S SEEDLIISTG.

A seedling of the Early Kose, tubers large, long and slim, eyes few and but little depressed;
flesh white, fine grain, dry and floury; cooks through readily. It is a second early variety, very
productive, and superior for the market, as its size and general appearance are very much in its
favor.

By mail, 60 cents per pound ; 2 pounds $1.00.

By express or freight at purchaser's expense, 1 peck fl.OO; 1 bushel $2.25; 1 bbl. $5.00.

B. K. BLISS & SONS' POTATO CATALOGUE.

Varieties for 1877.

«■»»«

^••'■■^'■^uiuiiuiiimuiHimiiiiHiiiiiniiiiiuiimi'^'

SUPERIOR. (Brownell. )

The parentage of this variety is the same as that of the " Centennial." It was produced in
1873, from a seed ball of Brownell's Beauty, fertilized with Peachblow. The yield of this new
seedling potato is enormous ; six hundred and seventy-three pounds were grown from one pound
of jfeed, during a season of unprecedented drouth, when many older varieties did not yield enough
to pay for the digging. Its tubers are medium to large, elongated oval or cylindrical, of a pecu-
liar dark copper color, and very uniform and handsome in appearance. Skin very fine and
smooth, eyes few and small. The vines are strong and healthy, and the growth of the roots and
tubers, close around the stalks. It ripens second early or medium late ; keeps well during Win-
ter, and retains its mealiness and excellent table qualities through the entire season. A certifi-
cate of merit was awarded to this variety at the great International Potato Exhibition at London,
last September. ,

Price, 60 cts. per pound; 2 Ihs., $1.00, by mail to one address, post-paid. By express or freight,
charges to be paid by purchaser ; 1 peck $1.00, bush., $3.00, bbl. $7.00.

DUl^^MORE.

This new seedling — a white skinned and white fleshed variety, which originated in Vermont,
tested side by side with over forty varieties, in every requisite of a first-class potato, ranks but
second to the Burbank. It is superior in its yield, size of the tubers, handsome appearance and
fine floury quality either boiled or baked, of the varieties that have recently become famous. As
the same potato varies on different soils, possibly on some soils the Dunmore may give greater
satisfaction than the Burbank Seedling.

The past season the crop has been remarkably large. Some of the potatoes weighing two
pounds each, and were perfect in shape. Its general appearance somewhat resembles the Peer-
less, but it surpas-es that well known variety in both yield and quality.

By mail 60 cts. per lb., 2 lbs. $1.00. By express or freight, at purchaser's expense; 1 peck,
$1.00, 1 bu,sh. $2.25, 1 bbl. $5.00.

WHITE ROSE.

Similar in many respects to the Late Rose, said by the raiser to be of very superior quality.
By mail, 60 cts. per lb., 2 lbs. $1.00. By express or freight, 1 peck $1.00, 1 bush. $2.25, 1 bbl.
$6.00.

16

B. K BLISS & SONS' POTATO CATALOGUE.

-^^^^^^

1. .\^*

\

--i¥

' "1 II

"~°MUl!lBlllllllllllllllllllll|]IIUlll'ilU!™''^

OEETTElSri^IAL. (Brown ell.)

This new seedling was raised by E. S. Brownell, tiie originator of that well-known and favor-
ite variety, " Brownell's Beauty." It was produced in 1874, by fertilizing the blossoms of the
Brownell's Beauty with pollen from the "White Peachblow. The vines are upright, stout, vigor-
ous and of medium hight; foliage dark green, strongly resembling the leaves of a Raspberry;
very healthy. The tubers are compactly clustered around the base of the stalks, consequently,
easy to dig; are of a good medium and uniform size; shape nearly round, somewhat flattened,
very synnnetrical, remarkably uniform and handsome, never rough or prongy, eyes few and quite
small, and but slightly depressed near the seed end ; stem set in a shallow, round basin ; skin of
a deep red color, smooth and uniform in coloring; season second early or medium. Its flesh is
of exceedingly fine grain, white, and when boiled or baked of a lightness and porosity seldom
equaled ; cook through evenly without any hard or watery core.

During the past two seasons it has proved to be one of the most productive varieties ; its tu-
bers were perfect in every respect, never hollow or false-hearted; and their excellent and delicate
flavor places them in the first ranks of our best table potatoes.

Per lb., 60 cts. ; 2 lbs. to one address, Si. 00 by mail, prepaid. By express or freight, charges
paid by the purchaser, 1 peck, $1.00; biish., $3.00; bbl., $7.00.

TWO NEW VARIETIES OF SWEET CORN.

Dolly Button. — The earliest sweet corn ever introduced. A very dwarf-growing sort, stalks
from three to four feet high. Ears small, averaging from four to five inches in length, kernels
of good size ; tender, very sweet and delicious. It ripens from seven to ten days earlier than the
Early Minnesota, and is of much better quality.

Package containing .sufficient for -fifty hills, 25 ce7its ; five packages for $1.00; selected ears,
15 cents each ; two for 25 cents : f 1.25 per dozen.

Wasliington Market.— This is, without exception, the best of the large varieties of sweet
corn, and when better known, will, we are confident, become a standard variety for general cul-
tivation. See description, page 120, in our Guide to the Flower and Kitchen Garden.

Select ears, 30 cents each. Packets containing sufficient seed for one hundred hills, 2b cents ;
50 cents per pint ; 75 cents per quart. By express, freight paid by the purchaser, or when delivered
at our counter, 50 cents per quart ; $3.00 per peck.

EARLY lilMA BEAN.

This variety has been in cultivation for several years by a skillful horticulturist, but is now
offered for the first time. A careful trial the past season proved it to be ten days earlier than the
ordinary variety, besides being very productive and of extra fine quality.

Packets, 25 cents each ; per pint, $1.00.

B. K. BLISS & SONS' POTATO CATALOGUE.

17

IMPROVED PEACHBLOW.

A cross between the "Jersey Peachblow " and " Excelsior," grown in 1873 by an experienced
hybridizer of Vermont, who has devoted many years in experimenting with the Potato. It par-
takes some characteristics of each of its parents, the vines and leaves having the appearance of
the " Excelsior," while its tubers resemble the "Peachblow." The form of the tubers, however,
is more round and regular than that of the " Peachblow." While in quality it fully equals that
old standard market sort, in productiveness it far excels the same, yielding nearly double as
much per acre. Its season of ripening is somewhat earlier than that of the " Peachblow," and
the growth of its tubers is more compact and closer in the hills. Taking all its points together, it
may be considered a rejuvenated and reinvigorated "Peachblow," combining all the best quali-
ties of that general favorite, in its best days, with the additional advantages of earlier ripening
and compacter growth.

Price, $0.60 per lb.; 2 lbs. for $1.00, by mail, to one address, postpaid. By express or freight,
charges to he paid by the purchaser, 1 peek, $1.00; bush., f 3.00; bbl., $7.00.

Bliss's 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 Improved Long Orange Carrot, by which it has
attained a perfection hitherto unknown in this useful vegetable, being larger, better flavored, and
of a deeper orange color, and more sure to produce a crop. Butter makers will find this variety
very useful in giving to their butter a rich, deep yellow color. We unhesitatingly pronounce it
the best variety in the market, and one which will not fail to give satisfaction to the purchaser.
One ounce, 15 cents; four ounces, 40 cents ; one lb., $1.25 ; by mail, postpaid.

18

B. K. BLISS & SONS' POTATO CATALOGUE.

Varieties of 187B and 1876.

RUBY. (Pringie.)

1,983 lbs. (33 bushels) grown from one pound of Seed.

A new red kidney-shaped Potato of superior quality, raised in 1871 from the Early Rose hy-
bridized with the White Peachblow. Its hybrid origin is quite apparent. The shape is oblong,
slightly flattened, resembling that of the Early Rose. In its coloring the red of the latter variety
is deepened by the carmine which shows in the blotches of the White Peachblow. The eyes,
which are but slightly sunken, are carmine like those of this variety. The flesh possesses much
the character of the Peachblows, being white, fine-grained, firm, and of excellent flavor. The
tubers are of approved medium size ; and are clustered close about the foot of the stalks. These
are short and stout, with fohage broad, thick, and of a very dark green color. The time of matu-
rity is the same as that of the Early Eose, and it is equally productive.

In short, we believe this variety combines in a rare manner the good points of its parents : and
to those with whom the Peachblows are favorites we can recommend it with confidence as an
early variety of the Peachblows without any of their faults. At the recent International Potato
Exhibition held in the Alexandra Palace, London, in September, this seedling, in common with a
few others sent by us, received a certificate of merit. To those whs prefer a red-skin Potato, we
can confidently recommend this excellent variety.

The following extract from the report of the committee who selected the premiums offered by
us for this variety, gives their opinion of its merits :

"The Ruby, although not presenting as striking characteristics as the Alpha, has proved to
be a valuable introduction. It is declared to be a 'No. 1 Potato in every particular,' and seems
to be especially valued for its remarkable exemption from rot. Although there was so much
rain in some of the Western States, that Potatoes generally failed to grow, and those that grew
generally rotted, yet no rotten ones were found among these, and their quality was excellent.
Its large yield and very handsome appearance, combined with excellent quality, make it a valua-
ble market variety, where red-skinned Potatoes are in demand." In Europe it has likewise suc-
ceeded exceedingly well. Mr. P. Robertson of Scotland, says : " they were pronounced of excel-
lent quality by every person who has tried them."

For further information see the reports of the successful growers in the following pages:

Per lb., 60 cts. ; 2 lbs. to one address, $1.00, by mail, prepaid. By express or freight, charget
paid by the purchaser, Ipeck, $1.00, )4 bush., $1.50, bush., $2.25, bbl., $5.00.

B. K. BLISS & SONS' POTATO CATALOGUE.

19

ALPHA. (Pringle.)

The Earliest Variety in Cultivation. 1,707 lbs. (38 1-4 bush.) grown from one

poiind of Seed.

Raised in 1870, from seed borne on Early Rose and impregnated by pollen of Sebec. A very
early variety for farm and garden culture, also for forcing under glass ; fit for the table ten or fif-
teen days before the Early Rose. Tubers of medium size, oblong, somewhat flattened, with eyes
but slightly depressed ; color a clear white, with the slightest tinge of red about the eyes ; flesh
veiy white, fine grained, dry and firm, and possessed of a decided and excellent flavor ; stalks
short and close jointed, seldom exceeding a foot in bight ; leaf broad, light green and shining
above; tubers clustered about the base of the stalk; quality of the highest excellence. A first-
class certificate was awarded by the Royal Horticultural Society, of London, in 1874. A silver
medal was also awarded by the Massachusetts Horticultural Society. It has been thoroughly
tested the past season in various sections of this country, and has given perfect satisfaction. We
can recommend this with the greatest confidence as the very best early variety in cultivation.

( From the Report of the Royal Horticultural Society of London.)
Alpha— (B. K. Bliss & Soxs.)— Haulm compact, about 12 inches long; ripening off very
early, stem pale green, leaflets broad, flat, very pale green; tuber medium size, half round, flat;
eyes large, skin smooth, very clear, pale straw-colored ; flesh firm, white, of excellent quality for
early use. Moderate cropper ; one of the very earliest of potatoes. First-class certificate.

The committee who awarded the premiums offered by us last Spring, after examining the
various communications received from competitors for premiums, report as follows:

"The Alpha has by many growers been declared " much the earliest of any seedlings." It was
found to be " fit for use, in sixty daysfrom the day of planting," " of excellent quality when cooked
in any way, and gaining steadily in quality and yield." In this latter respect the Alpha differs
from most new seedlings. But few improve after the third year, while many deteriorate rapidly.
The Alpha, when first brought to notice, was below medium size, and so delicate that it was thought
only suitable for garden culture. But gradually we found it increasing in size and productiveness,
while it retains its earliness and excellent quality. That it will henceforth rank as the earliest
Potato for the field as well as the garden, and that it yields enormous crops, even under ordinary
culture, has been sufiiciently proved by Mr. Clute's 1,535 pounds, grown without manure whatever."
For further information respecting this variety, see the reports of the successful competitors in
the following piiges.

Per lb., 60 cents; 2 lbs. to one address, $1.00, by mail, prepaid. By express or freight,
charges paid by the purchaser, 1 peck, $1.25; >j bushel, |2.00; 1 bushel, ^3.00; 1 barrel, $7.00.

20 B. K. BLISS & SONS' POTATO CATALOGUE.

THE SNOWFLAKE. (Pringle.)

1,417 lbs. (33 6-10 bushels,) grown from 1 pound Seed.

This new variety, first sent out by us in the Spring of 1873, has been thoroughly tested, both
in this country and in Europe the past two seasons, and we have yet to learn of the first instance
where it has failed to give entire satisfaction. The superior quality claimed by the originator,
when first offered, has been confirmed in every case as far as heard from.

It is one of the earliest varieties, ripening about the same time as the Early Rose. The tubers are
of a good medium and uniform size; shape elongated oval, compressed, exceedingly symmetrical
and remarkably uniform ; eyes few, entirely fiat on the base and body of the tuber, and but slightly
and sharply depressed near the seed end ; skin white with a russety tinge, and somewhat roughish
and tessellated. Its flesh is of exceedingly fine grain, snow-white when boiled, and of a light-
ness 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 starchy 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— eand,
gravel, loam, as well as heavy clay— and has, in every case, given the same favorable results, and
often 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 results.

We could fill quite a volume with the many letters of commendation that have been received
from various growers throughout the country in favor of this fine variety, but for want of room
we publish those only which have been received from the successful competitors for the prizes
offered by us last Spring. These will be found in the repart of the Committee in the last pages
of this Catalogue.

We take pleasure in submitting the following extract of that report to our friends, which
cannot but satisfy the most incredulous of its superiority.

"Tbe Snowflake has received more and higher praise than has probably ever been be-
stowed upon any Potato. There is no dissenting voice among the whole list of reports, nearly every
one of which contains ' It is the best Potato I ever saic' Its quality and uniformity of size are
especially commended. In many cases, 25 to 40 perfect Potatoes were found in every hill
planted, and ' tubers of two and three pounds each cooked readily and completely through.' Mr.
Perkins could select 1000 tubers weighing 1000 pounds from a gross product of 1304 pounds, and
finds them preferable to any Potato out of over a hundred varieties he grew. Mr. Salter ' never
saw so fine a Potato ; beautiful in color and shape, firm in texture, flesh white ; luscious cooked
in any way; it stands unrivalled.' There is certainly within our knowledge no variety which
combines all the essential points of a Potato in as high a degree as the Snowflake. Quality,
shape, size, color, yield, are all that can be desired, and it is difficult to perceive in what direc-
tion further improvement can be obtained."

By mail postpaid, per pound, 60 cents ; two pounds, $1.00. By express or freight, charges paid
by the purchaser, 1 peck, $1.00; 3^ bushel, $1.50; 1 bushel, $2.25; 1 barrel, $5.00.

(From the Report of Messrs. Carter's Royal Metropolitan Root Shoiv, in Bell's Weekly Messenger,

JSIov. 20 1876.)
A dish of Snowflake Potatoes, sent by Mr. Penny, head gardener to his Eoyal Highness the
Prince of Wales, cannot be adequately described in words ; but we may advise any professional
or amateur grower to secure a supply of this stock for trial next year, that they may put it to a
practical test under their own eye.

(From the London Gardeners' Chronicle of Jan. 16, 1875.)
" It is not many years ago, since our American cousins introduced us to the first of their won-
derful ' Taters,' and just see what a revolution they have caused! On the exhibition tables, fre-
quently no other than American varieties are to be found— they are unmistakably great croppers
and of flne, taking appearance. We cannot say in points of quality they are alvvnys so superior,
yet, we can say, from personal experience, that some of the best potatoes we tasted during tlie
past season were of the American sorts. Of this year's introduction, we would first especially
note Snowflake. The tubers of this sort are of a long ovate form, the eyes very full, skin rough,
pale straw, the most handsomely formed of all, and of excellent quality.

B. K. BLISS & SONS' POTATO CATALOGUE.

Mr. Biirnett'9 Crop of Snowflakes from One Pound of Seed.

SkANEATELBS, N. Y., September 27, 1875.
Messrs. B. K. Bliss & Sons :— Accompanying this please find Stereoscopic view of tlie Snow-
flake Potato as grown in my garden tlie past Summer. It exhibits the product of one pound of
seed purchased of you last Spring. The earth was carefully removed, leaving each potato
attached to the root exactly as it grew. They were grown in good garden soil, without extra
manure, and had the same cultivation as the other potatoes. No one could have been more sur-
prised than I at the wonderful production. I had them on exhibition all one day, and a large
number of farmers and amateur gardeners called to see them. "For size and quantity all admitted
they had never seen its equal. At the nearest end of the row, as shown in the picture, the yield
was affected by a shade tree, but at the other end they were very large and ia one solid mass— in
fact, there was no room for a jack-knife between them. It makes quite a pretty picture, with
rose bushes, geraniums and tuberoses on the left and my boy " Frank " and the grapevines for a
background. I have created no little excitement by exhibiting the Snowflakes at our Town Fair.
Yours respectfully, JOSEPH H. BURNETT.

A Trial of tlie Snowflake in June.

In order to show the wonderful keeping properties of the Snowflake Potato, we annex a letter

from the well-known horticulturist, Chas. Downing, Esq., to whom a sample grown in 1874, was

sent in June for trial.

Newbuegh, June 28, '75.

Messrs. B. K. Bliss & Sons— Dear Sirs : The box of potatoes was received in due time.
The quality is equal and I think superior to any potato I ever ate so late in the season, and being
of good size and so smooth and regular in form, it will be an acquisition if the production is suf-
ficiently good.
Please accept my best thanks for your kindness, and for the opportunity to test them.

Very respectfully, CHAS. DOWNING,

From Nash & Crook, proprietors of the well-known and popular restaurant in the Times

building, opposite the new post-office on Park Kow :

New York, July 1, 1875.

Messrs. B. K. Bliss & Sons:— We have been using the Snowflake potatoes, supplied by you
in our restaurant for the past month, and find them superior in every respect to the Bermuda or
any other early variety in the market. They cook dry and mealy, and are of excellent quality;
and on account of the eyes being so nearly even with the surface, there is but little or no waste
in peeling. They give general satisfaction to our customers. We have no hesitation in pro-
nouncing them the best potato we ever used in our business at this time of the year.

NASH & CROOK.

»3

B. K. BLISS & SONS' POTATO CATALOGUE.

SNOWFLAKE.— Showing Habit of growth in Hill.

,\

SNOWFLAKE. (Pringle.) Page 20.

B. K. BLISS & SONS' POTATO CATALOGUE.

BROWNELL'S BEAUTY. (Brownell.)

This is another of the varieties first sent out by us in the Spring of 1873, the beauty and supe-
rior keeping qualities of which, together with its fine quality as a table variety and productive-
ness, places it in the front rank of those recommended for general cultivation. We know of no
varieties whose good qualities can be retained for the entire year, as this has done. Potatoes of
the crops of 1873 and 1874 have been exhibited side by side at several State and County exhibi-
tions, those of 1873 having been kept in an ordinary cellar without any especial care, being
equally fair and sound as those of this year's growth. Samples were sent in 1873 to the gar-
dens of the Royal Horticultural Society of London, where they received a. first-class certificate,
and have also received many premiums at various Agricultural Fairs in this country. Size, me-
dium 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, ripening in about three months from time of planting, though suitable for cooking
about two we ejfs later than the Early Rose, with the same culture. They are very productive,
with but few small tubers. Its beautiful appearance, fine quality, extraordinary productiveness
and remarkable keeping qualities render it a most valuable variety for the market.

To show the wonderful productiveness of this favorite variety — are among the following
from the successful competitors for the first prize offered by us in 1874.

[From H. C. Pearson, Pitcairn, St. Lawrence Co., N. F.]
I hereby certify that I ordered of you, March 25, 1874, 1 lb. of Brownell's Beauty Potatoes ;
planted them May 16, and dug them September 28, and from the 1 lb. planted, I raised ten hun-
dred eighteen pounds, (1018 lbs.) The soil was light loam, with some gravel, with a sand and
gravel subsoil, not underdrained but having good natural drainage. The land is new, having
produced only one crop before. Applied broadcast a two-horse load of barnyard manure three
years old, plowing it under 7 inches deep ; then went over the ground 3 times with a pulverizing
harrow. Placed in each hill before planting, 2 quarts of a compost, composed of 10 bushels de-
cayed manure, 2 bushels of ashes, 4 quarts salt, and 2 lbs. sulphur. Cut the tubers to single
eyes, dividing some of the stronger into 3 pieces, making in all 112 pieces, and planted them in
rows Zyi feet apart and 3 feet apart in the rows, planting one set in each hill and covering them
about 3 inches deep. They grew to an enormous size, 491 selected tubers weighing 500 lbs., and
.37 fair sized tubers weighing 15 lbs., were dug from one hill. They are the most beautiful potato
I ever saw. Have tested their quality by cooking them in various ways and find them dry and
mealy, fine-grained, and of a flavor not surpassed by any potato I have ever tried. They matured
about September 18. (Signed,) H. C. PEARSON.

PRICE :— One pound, 60 cents; two pounds, $1.00, by mail to one address, postpaid. By
express or freight, charges to be paid by the purchaser, 1 peck, gl.OO: >^ bushel, $1.25; 1 bushel,
$2.25 ; 1 barrel, $5.00.

a. K. BLISS & SONS' POTATO CATALOGUE.

EXTRA EARLY VERMONT.

The superior merits of fhis variety, first sent out by us in the Spring of 1872, may now be con-
sidered as fully established. It has been largely cultivated over every section of the country, the
past two seasons, and fully sustains the high character given it by the committee for awarding
the premium offered by us in 1873, in the following statement, after exainining the reports of
the various competitors :

" The Early "Vermont, as proved by the numerous reports before us, more than sustained
its previous reputation. Nearly all the competitors declare it from one to two weeks earlier than
the Early Hose, 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 that weighed three poukds twelve
OUNCES. Its superior cooking and eating qualities are unanimously commended, 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 the Early Rose, there seems to be no doubt left that in quality,
hardiness, earliness and yield, it far surpasses that celebrated variety."

A first-class certificate was awarded this variety by the Royal Horticultural Society of Lon-
don, 1873. ^

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. We employ no peddlers or agents. Address all
orders directly to our house.

PRICE :— By mail, postpaid, one pound, 60 cents; two pounds, $1.00. By express or
freight, charges paid by purchaser, 1 peck, $0.75; K bushel, $1.25; 1 bushel, $2.00; 1 barrel, $4.00.

Tomato " Little Gem" (tHe earliest variety known).

This new variety was raised by Mr. Pringle, the originator of the Conqueror Tomato, hereto-
fore considered the earliest in cultivation, and is a combined hybrid or cross of that populai
variety with two other unnamed early varieties of fine quality. The vines are of medium
length, compact growth, and excessively loaded with bright red fruit of medium size, round and
of uniform shape, varying from four to six inches in circumference, of superior quality flavor,
either raw or cooked. Its bright glossy red color, uniform size, shape, and otherwise beautiful
appearance, make a dish of Little Gems almost as tempting as a plate of Strawberries. It may
be relied upon to yield several pickings, a week or ten days earlier than any other variety. 15 cts,
per packet ;halfoz. packets, 75 cts.

B. K. BLISS & SONS' POTATO CATALOGUE.

S5

POTATOES— EXTRA EABIiY VERMONT.— Sliowing Habit of growth in the Hill.

BROWNEIiL'S BEAUTY.— Showing Sabit of growth in the HUl. Page 33,

B. K. BLISS & SONS" POTATO CATALOGUE.

» SElUR FJ.C ,

Compton's Siirprise Potatoes.

Showing the growth from a single eye in the grounds of F. Seiler, Verona, New
Jersey, who raised 384 lbs. from one lb. of the tubers, with ordinary culture.

Eemarkable for its size, quality and productiveness. Its shape is oval-oblong, eyes sunken,
brow prominent, skin smooth, color reddish-purple, flesh white ; grows to a large size, and is
invariably sound to the center. It retains its quality jJerfectly throughout the year, appearing on
the table like a ball of flour. Remaining plump and free from sprouts when kept until June
and never having that wilted appearance common to early sorts. Thousands have testified that
they never ate a better Potato. Its uniform meaUness 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.

The following extract from the report of the Committee awarding the premiums offered in 1873,
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 culti-
vated at present. Yields of from twelve to twenty pounds to the hill are reported by the hun-
dreds, and in one instance 28 >^ pounds were dug from one hill. As a rule, the most prolific va-
rieties are not of the best eating quality, but to this, Compton's Surprise is an exception. Thou-
sands 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 aftected by its
blue skin, cannot fail to make it highly valtiable.

One pound, 60 cents; 3 pounds, $1.25 by mail, prepaid; by express or freight, charges paid
by the purchaser, 1 peck, $0.75; }i bushel, $1.25; 1 bushel, $2.00; 1 barrel, $4.00.

Early Paragon.

A new early variety introduced last season, and said to be a few days earlier than the Early
Rose. The vines are of dwarf habit, shape oblong, eyes very shallow, skin smooth and general
appearance very attractive ; productive and of good quality.

By mall, prepaid, one pound, 60 cents; 3 pounds, $1.25 ; by express or freight, charges paid by
the purchaser, 1 peck, $1.00; 1 bushel, $2.25; 1 barrel, $5.00.

B. K. BLISS & SONS' POTATO CATALOGUE. 87

General Collection.

Two pounds of either of the following varieties will be mailed, post-paid, to any address in
the United States, upon receipt of $1.00, or one pound for 60 cents.

Not less than one pound, or more than, one variety in one package, will be mailed.

Early Kose.— This was the tirst 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,
15 cents; bush., $2.00; 66?., $4.00.

Bresee's Prolific. — Vines of medium hight, quite bushy, somewhat spreading. Tubers
large, regular in shape, and very smooth, slightly oblong, somewhat flattened. Skin dull white,
inclined to be russeted, eyes but little depressed and slighly pinkish, flesh white, cooks quickly,
is very mealy and of excellent quality, yield very large, matures about three weeks later than the
Early Rose; a valuable variety for fleld culture. Per peck, $1.00; bush., $2.25; bbl., $5.00.

Brownell's Eureka.— This seedling resulted from a seed-ball grown on an Excelsior potato
vine, blossoms fertilized with pollen from the White Peachblow. Vines of strong and vigorous
growth ; tubers of good medium and uniform size ; shape elongated oval, somewhat flattened ;
eyes few, skin white and fair, season second early. It is one of the most productive in cultiva-
tion, besides being an excellent keeper ; its flesh is exceedingly fine grained, white, and when
boiled or baked, mealy and of excellent flavor, cooking through uniformly without fault at
center. A silver medal was awarded this variety by the Massachusetts Horticultural Society in
1874.

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., $2.50; bbl., $6.00.

Liate Kose.— This variety, first offered by us in the Fall of 1871, has been largely cultivated
in various parts of the country, and has given universal satisfaction. It ripens two or three
weeks later than the Early Kose, and has proved to be much more productive, hardier, healthier,
and a better keeper, retaining its good quality till new potatoes come in. Per peck, 75 cents ;
bush., $2.00; bbl., $4.00.

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, aind enormous productiveness, place it among the best varieties for gen-
eral culture. Per peck, 75 cents ; bush., $2.00; bbl.. $4.00.

Iiapstone Kidney.— Of English origin. Medium early; very long, kidney-shaped; skin
very smooth and white; eyes small and entirely flat; flesh white, finely grained, sound and solid,
and is not excelled in its qualities for baking or salad. Per peck, 75 cents; bush., $2.00; bbl.,
$5.00.

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.,
$4.00.

"White Peachblow.— A seedling of the old Peachblow. Very late; medium to large;
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 remunerative
crop to the producers. Per peck, 75 cents ; bttsh., $2.00; 66L, $4.00.

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; bbl.,
$4.00.

Any other varieties not in our list will be furnished at lowest market prices.

A NEW EARI.T TOMATO— ACME.

This new and beautiful variety far exceeds anything ever before introduced among the many
varieties of this valuable esculent. It has been carefully tested the past season, in many locali-
ties, and all agree that it is not only one of the earliest, but the handsomest variety ever intro-
duced. It seems to possess all the good qualities that can be desired in a Tomato, and will event-
ually supersede many others now in the field. The plants are of a strong and vigorous growth,
very productive ; fruit of medium size, large enough for any use, form perfect, round, slightly
depressed at the ends, very smooth ; color a glossy dark red with a sort of purplish tinge ; ripens
all over and through at the same time; bears continuously until frost; delicious in flavor, has no
green core and but few seeds ; unequaled for canning, preserving, or as salad ; a splendid market
variety, and well adapted for culture in the Southern States, for shipping to the North in the
early part of the season. Price, 15 cts. per packet of about 100 seeds ; }i oz. packets, 75 cts. each.

38

B. K. BLISS & SONS' POTATO CATALOGUE.

THE GREAT CENTENINIAL EXHIBIT

OF

500 Named Varieties of Potatoes.

The Liargest Collection of Potatoes in the "World, for which was Awarded
THE GKAND CENTENNIAL PEIZE MEDAL, AND DIPLOMA!

Acme.

Adirondack.

Advance.

Agawam.

Akron.

Alaska Blue.

Albion.

Alexandra.

Alpha.

Amazon.

American Breadfruit.

Anderson.

Andes.

Angola.

Armonk.

Armstrong.

Ash] eaf Fluke.

Ashleaf Kidney.

Ashtop Fluke.

Badger.

Baldwin.

Baltimore.

Banks.

Barron's Perfection.

Beauty.

Bellaire.

Ben. Merritt.

Berkshire.

Black Diamond.

Black Kidney.

Black Mercer,

Black Prince.

Blanchard. ^

Blanche.

Blue Kidney.

Blue Pinkeye.

Blue Western.

Blush.

Bolton.

Bountiful Kidney.

Bradford.

Bradford Seedling.

Breakfast.

Bresee's Prolific.

British Queen.

Brownell's Beauty.

Brownell's Nonesuch.

Brownell's Success.

Brownell's Superior.

Buckeye.

Bucyrus.

Bulkeley's Prince of "Wales.

Bulkeley's Seedling.

Busam's Early.

Busam's Late Prime.

Byram.

Calico.

California.

California (purple).

California Mercer.

Callao.

Campbell's Late Eose.

Carmel.

Carpenter.

Carter.

Carter's Early Forcing.

Cascoe.

Cayuga.

Central City.

Champion of England.

Chase.

Checker.

Chenango.

Chenery.

Cherry Blow.

Chester.

Chili No. II.

Circassian Kidney.

Climax.

Cluster.

Coldstream.

Colebrook.

Collum's Seedling.

Columbus.

Colorado.

Colorado I.

Colorado II.

Compton.

Compton's Surprise.

Con.

Concord.

Conn. Blue.

Conover.

Coppermine.

Cornell's Kid.

Cornish.

Cowhorn.

Cullock.

Cuzco.

Dagger,

Dana's Seedling.

Davenport Seedling.

Davis' Seedling,

Delmahoy.

Dickinson's Saybrook.

Dover.

Dover Seedling.

Dr. Bretonneau,

Duke of Cumberland.

Dutch Pinkeye.

Dykeman.

Dyright.

Early Blue,

" Cottage.

" Dexter.

" Dimmick.

" Don.

" Durham.

" Golden.

" Goodrich.

" Handsworth,

" Henry.

" Indiana.

" June.

" Kidney.

" Lilac.

" Manly.

" Minnesota.

" Mohawk.

" Ohio.

" Oneida.

" Paragon.

" Peachblow.

" Pearson.

" Pinkeye,

" Prince.

" Purple.

" Queen.

" Kacehorse.

" Rose.

" Russet.

" Samaritan.

" Scotch Cottage.

" Shaw.

" Snowball.

" Sovereign.

" Stevens.

" "Victor.

" Violet.

" "Wendell.

" "White.

" York.
Eastport.

B. K. BLISS & SONS' POTATO CATALOGUE.

29

East Branch.

Eclipse.

Economist.

Egg.

Elder.

Empire.

Empire State.

English Kidney.

Eureka.

Excelsior. ■

Extra Early Rose.

" " Rose Seedling.

" " Seedling.

" " Vermont.

" " White.

" Large Seedling.

" Peerless.
Fancy Red.

Farmer's Delight (red).
Farmer's Delight (white).
Favorite.

Fenn's Early Market.
Penn's Early White.
Fenn's Perfection.
Ferris' Seedling.
Fersey White.
Field Crop.
Findlay.
Fisher.
Fluke.
Forest Rose.
Forfarshire Red.
Fortune.

Foster's Late Rose.
. Fox Seedling.
Frankfort.
Freeman.
Fremont.
French.
Galva.
Gardner.
Garnet Chili.
Gem.

Gen. Grant.
Genesee Co. King.
German Russet.
Giant.
Gilman.
Globe.

Golden Gem.
Golden's Seedling.
Goodrich Seedling.
Granite State.
Gray Nonesuch.
Gray Russet.
Great Britain.
Great Western.
Greenfield.
Guernsey.
Hall.

Hamburg.
Harison.

Heins.

Hemlock.

Hickory.

Hinman.

Holly Hock

Holmes.

Hoosier.

Hugh.

Huntington Seedling.

H. Ward.

Ice Cream.

Improved Ashleaf Kidney.

Improved Gem.

Improved Shaw.

lona Red.

Irish American.

" Blue.

" Cup.

" Cup White

" Orange.
J. Quinby.
Jackson Seedling. .
Jackson White.
Jenny Lind.
Jersey White.
John Bright.
Jones' Seedling.
Jug.

Kalamazoo.
Kansas.
Kearsarge.
Kennyon.

Ketchum's Seedling.
Keystone State.
Kid.

King of Jacksons.
King of Potatoes.
King of Sweden.
King of the Earlies.
King's Seedling.
Kinney.
Kruger.
Lackawanna.
Lady Finger.
Laing's Seedling.
Land's Prolific.
Lapstone Kidney.
Late Pinkeye.
Late Rose.
Leathercoat.
Ledding's Seedling.
Lincoln Red.
London White.
Long Island.
Long Pond.
Mahopac Seedling.
Maiden's Blush.
Maine Mercer.
Manatan.

Marchioness of Lome.
Marjolin Letard.
Massachusetts White.

Massasoit.

Mercer.

Mercer Seedling.

Merino.

Mexican.

Michigan Red.

Miller.

Miller's Seedling.

Minnesota See'iling.

Missouri White.

Model.

Monas Pride.

Monitor.

Monon.

Motley.

Mountain Blue.

Mount June Pinkeye.

Multiplier.

Multiply.

Myatt's Prolific Ashleaf.

Nansemond.

Nanuet.

Napoleon.

New Hampshire Seedling.

New Hartford.

New Kidney.

New Nutmeg.

New Peachblow.

Noblow.

Nonesuch.

North Castle.

Nova Scotia.

Noyes.

Niggerhead.

Niggertoe.

Nutmeg.

Ohio.

Ohio Beauty.

" Chenango.

" Mercer.

" Red.

" Russet.

" Victor.
Old Fleshcolored.
" Kidney.
" Red.
" White.
Oneida.
Orange Peel.
Orono.
Oscar.

Pale-Blush Pinkeye.
Palmer.
Palmyra.
Para.

Paterson's Albert.
" Blue.

" Early White.

" Golden Don.

" Queen.

" Regent.

Patoka.

30

B. K. BLISS & SONS' POTATO CATALOGUE.

Peachblossom.
Peerless.

Penn. Seaichwarrant.
Philadelphia.
Philbrick's Early White.
Pierpont.
Pigeon Eye.
Pink Blow.
Pinkeye.

Pinkeye Rustycoat.
Pinkeye Strawberry.
Pink Peachblow.
Plymouth Kock.
Porter's Excelsior.
Prairie Flower.
Prairie Seedling.
President.
Prince Albert.
Prince Arthur.
Prince of Wales.
Purple Kidney.
" Mercer.
" Peerless.
Putnam.

Quarantaine Violette.
Quadroon.

Queen of the Earlies.
Queen of the Roses.
Queen of the West.
Quinby's Seedling.
Rand's New Peachblow.
" Red.
" White.
Raspberry-Leaved.
Rathboue
Rattails.

Rector of Woodstock,
Red Carter.

" Climax.

" Emperor,

" Fluke.

" Gem.

" Jacket.

" Kidney.

'' Neshannock.

" Orange.

" Peachblow.

" Streak.

" Ulink.

" Utica.

Ridgefield Seedling.
Rochester Seedling.
Rodes.
Rogmore Rose.

Rose Bud.
Rose of the West.
Rose Seedling.
Rough and Ready.
Round White.
Roxbury.

Royal Ashleaf Kidney.
Ruby.

Russet Kidney.
Sandy Brown.
Scotch Blue.
" Russet.
" White.
Sebec.
Sedilla.
Seedling Cuzco.

" Early Goodrich.

" Mercer.

" Peachblow.

" Prolific.

" Rock.
Sharon.
Shaker's Fancy.

" Russet.
Shaw.
Sheridan.
Sherwood.
Silverskin.
Six Weeks.
Skerry Blue.
Smith's New Seedling.
Snapdragon.
Snowball.
Snowflake.
Soisoto.
South Bend.
St. Helene.
Starch.

Stanton's Premier Kid.
State of Maine.
Stevens.
Stonehouse.
Strawberry.

" Gem.

" Mercer.
Supper.
Sutton's Flourball.

" One Hundred Fold.
Temple.
Tippecanoe.
Titicaca.
Toledo.
Topeka.
Trip's Garnet.

True Lady Finger.

Triumph.

Tuberose.

Tucker.

Union.

Utica Pinkeye.

Vanderveer.

Van Tassel Seedling.

Vermont Beauty.

" Seedling.
Wampoo.
Ward I.
'■■ II.
Weeks' Seedling.
Western Chief.

" Russet.
West-Fairview Seedling.
West Windsor.
Wheeler's Milky White.
Whig.

Whipple's Seedling.
White.
" Apple.
" Clinton.
" Cowhorn.
" Eyed Peachblow.
" Lily.
" Mountain.
" Mountain Early.
" Neshannock,
" Peachblow.
" Pinkeye.

Rock.
" Rose (Wainwright.)
" Rose (Young's.)
" Russet.
" Sprouts.
" Ulink.
" Utica.
Willard.
Williams.
Wm. R. Prince.
Willow Tree.
Wilson,
Wisconsin Blue.

•' Seedling.

Wonderful Red.
Woodard.
Worcester.
York Seedling.
Yorkshire Hero.
Young.
Young America.

One Tuber of each variety of the entire collection, correctly labeled, carefully
packed, expressage or postage prepaid, for $100.

Collections of 250 varieties, one tuber of each, for $50.00 ; 100
varieties for $25.00; 50 varieties, $15.00; 25 varieties, $8.00.

Collection of Seedling Potatoes.

We have on hand 200 varieties unnamed Seedling's raised within the past
two years from Pringle's Hybridized Potato Seed, which have been selected
from upwards of a thousand varieties for further trial. Among them are many
that are exceedingly promising and well worthy of the attention of Farmers. They
will be offered in collections as follows, and mailed postpaid :

200 varieties, 1 tuber each, |25 00

100 " 1 '< " 15 00

50 " 1 " " 8 75

25 " 1 " " - 5 00

N. B. Orders for Potatoes, received during Winter, will be forwarded in Spring as soon as the
weather will permit, which is usually about the first of April. They can be forwarded earlier, if
desired, at the risk of the purchaser.

B. K. BUSS & SONS' POTATO CATALOGUE.

31

POTATOES.

ENGI.ISH AND FRENCH VAKIETIES.

The following varieties, the very best cultivated in Europe, were in nearly all of winning
stands at the International Potato Exhibition at the Alexandra Palace, London, for the past two
years, and are highly recommended both for their extra fine quality and productiveness. One
pound of the following-named varieties will be mailed postpaid for 75 cents. They are also
offered in collections of one tuber each, as follows :

Collections of 5 varieties, 1 tuber each, $1.50. I Collections of 20 varieties, 1 tuber each, $5.00.
" "10 " 1 tuber " 2.75. " "40 " 1 tuber " 8.00.

Ashtop Fluke.
Barrows' Perfection.
Blanchard.
Bountiful.
Coldstream.
Dawes' Matchless.
Early Dimmick.
Early Union.
Excelsior Kidney.
Feiin's White Kidney.
Fenn's Early White.
Penn's Early Market.
Fenn's Perfection.
Hayes' Superb Kidney.
Headley's Nonpareil.

Jersey Blue.

King of Potatoes.

Marceau.

Marchioness of Lome.

Marjolin Cetard.

McKinlay's Lady Webster.

Model.

Myatt's Prolific Ashleaf.

Prince Arthur.

Prince Teck.

Prince of Wales Kidney.

Patterson's Victoria.

Patterson's " The Queen."

Porter's Excelsior.

President.

Quarantaine Violette.

Kectorof Woodstock.

Red Emperor.

Red Fluke.

Rivers' Royal Ashleaf.

Rogmon Rose.

Sedila.

Scotch Regent.

Stanton's Premier.

St. Helena.

Sutton's Red Skin Flourball.

Sutton's Exhibition Kidney.

Sutton's New Hundredfold Fluke.

Wonderful Red Kidney.

Yorkshire Hero.

Pringle's Hybridized Potato Seed.

The extraordinary success which has attended Mr. Pringle in his attempts to improve this
valuable esculent — which has resulted in the production of the SnovrflaUe and Alpha, and last,
though not least, the Ruby — has encouraged him to still greater efforts is his favorite pursuit of
hybridization, and we have now the pleasure of offering a very choice strain of seed saved by
him, which is the product of numerous hybridizations between the above named and many of the
best new and old varieties in cultivation, both English and American, and includes every strain,
which Mr. Pringle will himself sow the coming Spring. Full directions for sowing accompany
each packet. Numerous testimonials have been received during the past season in favor of the
superior quality of this seed, as well as of its extraordinary productiveness, 5 to 22 pounds of
good sized potatoes having been grown by several parties from a single seed.

Directions for Cultivation.

Sow in pans or shallow boxes, of a mixture of leaf mold and loam, and place under glass or a
gentle hot-bed ; as the plants appear, they should be partially shaded from the full sunlight; if
they begin to crowd, transplant, giving them ample room ; when danger from frost is over, set
them in the open ground, giving them the full space usually allowed to potatoes. With this
treatment they will, with good attention attain to full size and maturity the first year.

The following letters are selected from a number received from our customers, who have
given this seed a trial, showing its wonderful productiveness. Samples of the tubers were also
sent us, which were marvels of beauty, and will be sure to create a sensation when they become
known.

Chaelotte, Vt.
From Pringle's Hybridized Potato Seed, purchased of you last Spring, I raised from one seed,
45 potatoes, weight seven and one-quarter pounds; from another, 95 potatoes, twenty-two
and one-half pounds; from another, 115 potatoes, twenty-seven and one-half pounds.

O. H. ALEXANDER.
PiTCAiEN, N. Y., September 28, 1876.
B. K. Bliss & Sons :— The packet of potato seeds I received from you the first of April last,
were planted the 9th day of April, in boxes, transplanted the 13th day of May in rich soil ; used
some bone dust in each hill ; the plants were under glass most of the time until June ; hoed them
often, and they grew fast; watered several times in July and August with liquid manure. The
packet contained 29 seeds ; 24 grew, and one was destroyed by worms; the lai'gest product from a
single hill was 9 5-16 pounds of handsome, smooth, red potatoes.

Yours truly, H. C. PEARSON.

Price 25 cents per packet ; 5 packets sSl.OO.

3%

B. K. BLISS & SONS' POTATO CATALOGUE.

Report of Committee

For awarding PREMIUMS offered by B. K. BL,ISS & SONS to growers of the
largest quantity of POTATOISS, from One Pound of Seed.

#-•-•

After becoming fully satisfied of the superiority of the new varieties of Potatoes, introduced
by us during the past five years, we have offered, from year to year, premiums to those who
should grow the laigest quantity from one pound of seed, of the different varieties with ordinary
farm culture, and have paid out within that time upwards of Tliree Thousand Dollars to the
successful competitors. The premiums offered for each variety were as follows:

$250.00 in Premmms.

For the largest quantity of Potatoes grown from one pound of seed, ----- $100 00

For the second largest, ----- -----..__ 50 nO

For the third largest, -------_--..__ 40 oo

For the fourth largest, -------- 30 00

For the fifth largest, -- -20 00

For the sixih largest, ------. -------- 10 00

Competitors for the prizes were 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 cul-
ture, characteristics of the soil — whether clay, alluvial, sandy or loam — nature of the subsoil,
whether underdrained or not; also the kind and quantity of fertilizers used, how and when ap-
plied, the number of hills, and distance apart each way, with the weight of the crop when dug,
and the number of square feet occupied by the crop, which must be witnessed and sworn to be-
fore a justice of the peace, notary, or any other one competent to administer the oath.

The awards were made by a committee composed of the following well-known gentlemen in
the agricultural community: Pbof. George Thurbee, editor American Agriculturist, Dk. F.
M. Hexamer, and P. T. Quinn, Horticulturists. They were published in the leading Agri-
cultural Papers, and a copy mailed to each competitor. The prizes were awarded the first of
January, of each year.

N. B.— To prevent misunderstanding, we wished it distinctly understood that no prizes would
be awarded unless the above requirements were complied with in every particular. Competitors
for premiums were placed under no restrictions, as to their mode of culture, excepting that they
must not be grown from slips or forced by artificial heat, out object being to ascertain their respect-
ive merits with such culture as is usually given to crops in a well-managed vegetable garden or
farm.

REPOET.

The number of competitors, who, tempted by these liberal prizes, tried their skill and indus-
try in producing a premium crop, was naturally very large. Thousands of reports— representing
every Potato-producing State and Territory of the United States, and even many Foreign Coun-
tries— nearly all from practical farmei's, and many from men who have made Potato-growing
their life's work, and may well be called the Champion Potato growers of the world. The practi-
cal information embodied in these Eeports must naturally be of great value to every tiller of the
soil, and at the request of the committee I have endeavored to condense the leading features of
the modes and conditions under which these immense crops were grown.

YIEt.D FROM ONE POUND OF

^ c .

'-' d

i. a

^' <D .

m.S

« .

c

0 '-'fe

>'Z

>f

S'SS

S >>

Ml-

a

S S ^

O.S

S-. CO

^ CO

0

»

H

0

fP

m

H

<

fii

511

607

708

900

1,018

1,417

1,666

1,707

1.982

450

437

698

874

811

1,304

1,403

1,665

1,694

390

393

690

832

782

1,125

1,149

1,535

1,576

386

380

074

811

749

1,090

1.145

1,511

1,571

629

684

720

1,089

1,087

1,426

1,534

615

588

696

1,069

1,066

1,280

1,353

B. K. BLISS & SONS' POTATO CATALOGUE. 33

The gradual increase in the yield, from year to year, is at once apparent, and when we con-
sider that several of the largest yields in 1876, were grown by the same persons to whom, the high-
est awards were given at the first trial, and when we consider that this increase in the yield is not
due to the greater productiveness oi the newer varieties, but solely to the increasing skill of the
competitors, and the better management given their crops, we are forced to appreciate the great
amount of good which these competitive trials have produced. I am aware that the largest yield
from one pound is not always m proportion to the largest yield per acre ; nor do these immense
yields, produced by the lavish application of manures, regardless of expense, give a criterion of
the profits of the crops, after deducting the premiums. Many growers who have produced less
than one thousand pounds from one, may have obtained larger profits per acre, than the suc-
cessful competitors yet no one who has grown a thousand, or even five hundred pounds from one,
can have done so without learning something which will be of value to him in growing Potatoes
as a field crop, nor can any one read an intelligent report of his methods of cultivation, without
benefit.

Soil. — Many of the premium crops were grown on new lands, and on soil of almost un-
equaled quality. The largest yield was produced on " a mixture of sand and clay, very rich in
vegetable matter to the depth of eighteen feet, and underlying this is a gravelly subsoil. For
three years the ground was used as a stock-yard, the straw being left on the ground to rot and be
burned." The second largest product, was grown "on a very rich, sandy loam, rich in decayed
vegetable matter to the depth of between two and three feet, and lying upon a compact forma-
tion known as hard-pan, which has never been underdrained.'' Another competitor describes
his soil as " black loam, four feet deep, on the bank of a creek, and it has been used as a cattle-
yard for ten years." Another, " as vegetable mould and sandy loam, three feet deep, never cul-
tivated before." Most crops however, were raised on deep, alluvial lands, underlaid with gravel;
others on light loam with clay or gravelly subsoil, and in a few cases on heavy clay highly ma-
nured. In but very few instances was the land artificially underdrained, which seems to be a
noteworthy fact, as most writers consider drained soil indispensable for the production of good
crops.

Manures. — The large quantities of Fertilizers used by most competitors is something aston-
ishing, and may well serve to disprove the general behef that heavy manuring is injurious to
potatoes. Mr. Pearson added to an already very rich soil, about 60 two-horse loads of manure,
nearly 200 bushels of wood-ashes, and 24 bushels of lime, per acre, together with bone-dust and
other fertilizers in smaller quantities. Mr. Kose, after covering his land three inches thick with
rotten barn-yard manure, and three bushels of wood-ashes per square rod, applied in addition, a
large shovelful of rotted hen manure, and two handfuls of ashes to each hill, besides several
surface dressings with other fertilizers. But all this must appear but a small attempt at enrich-
ing the land, to our Scotch friend, Mr. Robertson, who would not entrust his seed to a black
sandy loam, four feet deep, underdrained and trenched, to probably the entire depth, before
spading under a coat of jive inches of well rotten cow-dung, and applying afterwards to the hills
three cart-loads of wood-ashes, two of sheep droppings, and several other fertilizers.

About the value of wood ashes and especially in mixture with hen manure and plaster, there
seems to be no doubt left; they weie used by a large majority and may be considered the Special
Potato Fertilizer. Even when plied in very large quantities they have produced no injurious
efEect. In a few cases, as much as one pint of ashes has been applied to each hill as top-dress-
ing, 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 advantage. 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.

Planting.— The time of planting in nearly all cases was between the 10th and 26th of May, and
in the majority of these before the 15th. That single eyes and eyelets will, with good care, produce
large crops, has been sufficiently proved. All the large yields were grown from very small sets.
In some cases, single eyes were divided into ten pieces, and in one instance two hundred and
ninety (290) sets were made from one pound, nearly all of which grew well. The sets, with few
exceptions, were planted singly, yet we find a product of nine hundred and seventy (970) pounds
raised from fifty-two (52) hills, two sets to each, nearly nineteen (19) pounds per hill, and six
hundred and seventy-seven (677) bushels per acre. Whether this large yield is due only to the
very favorable soil they grew in — a rich black loam, formerly used as a hog yard — and the im-
mense quantities of ashes applied in the hills and as top-dressing— one peck to the hill— or to the
two-set system, does not appear. It is to be regretted that a part of the plat was not planted with
one set to the hill, and the products weighed separately. These practical tests, of the feasibility
of raising large crops from small sets, become of much importance in seasons of scarcity of seed

34

B. K. BLISS & SONS' POTATO CATALOGUE.

potatoes. For it is shown here that, even without carrying the division of the eyes to extremes,
nine-tenths of the seed may be saved.

A comparison of the distances between the hills with the average yield per acre gives a most
interesting and valuable table, as follows :

The sets planted at a distance of

2x3 feet gave a yield of 378 bushels per acre.
2x4 " " " 462 " "

3x3 " " " 651 " "

3x3}^ " " " 441 " "

3x4 feet gave a yield of 372 bushels per acre.
3>^x4 " " " 342 " "

4x4 " " " 332 " "

4x8 " " " 88 " "

The large number of data of which the above figures form an average, give these statistics a
special value. It wiU be seen that although the greatest yields from one pound grew from hiUs
four feet apart, the largest crops per acre were raised at distances of three feet each way, and
that as the distances between the hills are increased or decreased, the yield diminishes in regular
proportion. In the first case, there remains wasted ground which is not reached by the roots of
the plants, and in the latter, the roots are so crowded that they cannot obtain all the nourishment
they are capable of consuming.

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 respect
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 receiving no extra
treatment in any respect."

The mode of planting and cultivating with a larger number of the best cultivators consists in
crossing their fields with furrows six and more inches deep. The sets are dropped at the crossings
and immediately covered with about two inches of soil or compost. The vines as they grow are
hilled up gradually and frequently to a final height of twelve to eighteen inches. Then large,
broad hills are made, using all the soil between the rows.

Irrigation.— The fact that the largest yields were produced in the Eastern States, in regions
which suffered from one of the severest droughts known, where the general crops failed almost
entirely, induced us to investigate more closely the manner in which these premium potatoes
were grown. As the result we find that all these comjietitors attribute their success to the judi-
cious application of water during the dry season. One of the competitors had arranged an in-
genious system of irrigation, by inserting six inches from each hill, two inch drain tiles, six
inches deep, and filling these with water, twice a week, during the dry weather. In reply to a
letter he writes: "I attribute my success the past season to the fertilizers applied, but more
especially to the mode of applying water. I find that, even without manure, this plan gives great
results. Give me drouth and this means of applying water, and I can grow a much larger crop
than with the most favorable weather and no watering. This I have proved by two years' expe-
rience." Many may not be so situated that they can apply as complete a system of irrigation, but
thousands of farmers have running through their lands, brooks and streams which might, without
much cost, be made to furnish nutriment to their parching crops. One acre of potatoes would in
many cases pay for more than the entire expense of a permanent system of irrigation. The in-
formation about this important subject, derived from the accompanying reports, cannot but prove
of the greatest value to all cultivators of the soil.

Although these short extracts, from material sufficient for a large volume, can do but little
justice to the importance of the subject, yet they may serve as an outline of the important and
valuable information which could in no other way be obtained.

Trusting that the increasing interest in potato culture, stimulated largely by these competi-
tive trials, may be still more productive of information and progress in this important branch of
Agriculture, I am yours respectfully,

F. M. HEXAMER, Secretary.

Extracts from the Keport of Mr. Nardy, delegate from the French Government to
the Centennial Exhibition at Philadelphia in 1876.

"The coUection exhibited by the house of Messrs. B. K. Bliss & Sons of New York, is the
most remarkable of its kind in the Exposition. The varieties of Potatoes in their exhibit, and
the evident care and attention bestowed upon their collection, manifest constant study on the
part of the exhibitors. In our opinion theirs was the most complete display of this valuable escu-

B. K. BLISS & SONS' POTATO CATALOGUE. 36

lent in the exhibition. To this remark we desire to add a few observations. We sincerely hope
that the influence of this horticaltural exhibition at Jfliiladelphla will long be benehcially felt
among farmers and growers of plants and vegetables. That were in reality all the fruits
and vegetables which we to-day enjoy, when Asia, Africa and America sent them to us in their
wild state? unfit for eating! JSfow, after having been cultivated and improved by the garden-
ers they have become succulent and nourishing, and pleasant to the taste. By patience and
careful cultivation, horticulture has been enabled to transform the type of many species of vege-
tation into a great number of varieties. Let me take as an example of this, the collection of
Potatoes exhibited by these gentlemen which consists of 500 varieties, and we can thus appreci-
ate the patience and researches which must have been necessary to obtain so many useful varie-
ties. The service rendered to the farmers of the United States by the house of B. K. Bliss & Sons
is so evident, th it we do not hesitate to call attention to them, for agriculture in general derives
an immense benefit from these great improvements in useful vegetables, which are mainly due to
their initiative. The cultivation of the Potato takes an important rank in the agricultural pro-
ductions of this country. As a source of revenue, it comes immediately after grain and before
tobacco. It is now many years since the senior partner, having a special aptitude for horticulture,
devoted himself to that study. In 1845 he founded his first establishment, and year by year, by
steady application, and especially by his energy in collecting the rarest seeds and best varieties of
useful vegetables from all countries, the reputation of the house constantly increased. He was
the first to introduce the Early Rose Potato, which he did in 1867, and his establishment then ac-
quired the important position which it now enjoys. Animated by the spirit of the amateur he
has not only sought out varieties in this product, but has endeavored in every way to render a
benefit to agriculture by inducing the farmer to improve the cultivation of this esculent.

But if we were to dwell longer on this question, we should be carried too far from our object,
which is to call the attention of our French Government to the importance of this house who
were so highly distinguished by the jury at Philadelphia, and close this report by expressing our
desire that they will send some of their rare specimens to our Paris Exhibition of 1878."

Reports of Three of the Successful Competitors

FOB THE PKEMIUMS OFFEKED BY US IN 1876.

How to Grow Twenty Bushels and Upwards of Potatoes from One Pound of the

Seed.

The following reports have been properly witnessed and sworn to before a Justice of the
Peace— in their respective residences — they have also been carefully examined by the committee
and found to conform to the rules prescribed in our offer for the Premiums.

(From H. C. Pearson.)

PiTCAIRN, N. Y. October 4, 1876.
Messrs. B. K. Bliss & Sons :— I ordered of you April 1st, 1876, one pound each of Ruby and
Alpha Potatoes, and planted them May 10th, 1876, and dug them September 28th. The Ruby pro-
duced 1,983 pounds ani the Alpha produced 1,707 3-4 pounds. The soil was light loam with
some gravel with a sand and gravel subsoil not underdrained. The soil was very rich, and its
fertility was increased in the Pall of 1875, by spreading broadcast fifty-two horse loads of well rotted
manure, three years old, and 150 bushels of ashes per acre, and plowed it under about eight
inches deep ; plowed and harrowed until perfectly pulverized eight inches deep last May. Placed
in each hill before planting, two quarts of compost, composed of thirty bushels of decayed ma-
nure, five bushels of ashes, three bushels slacked lime, eight quarts salt, and four pounds of sul-
phur ; the tubers were cut, some of the eyes divided into as many as seven and eight parts, planted
one set in each hill, and covered them about three inches deep with soil mixed with some bone
dust, making in all 195 hills of the Ruby, 210 of the Alpha ; they were planted three and one-half
feet apart each way, the number of square feet occupied by Ruby, was 2,361: feet, the number oc-
cupied by Alpha, was 2,516 feet. I hoed them three times, making very high, broad hills, watered
them several times during July and August, with liquid manure, dug from one hill of Rubys,
forty-three potatoes, weight 17 1-3 pounds ; used no slips or artificial heat. H. C. PEARSON.

{From J. I. Salter.)

St. Cloud, Minn., October 24, 1876.
Messrs. B. K. Bliss & Sons— Sirs : — On the 7th of April, 1870, I ordered of you, one pound
each of the " Ruby " and "Alpha " Potatoes. Planted the Ruby on the 31st day of May. Pre-
pared the ground as follows: I spread as evenly as I could on the sward, about equr.l parts of
hen and barn-yard manure, at the rate of five heaping garden wheelbarrowfuls to the square rod.

B. K. BLISS & SONS' POTATO CATALOGUE.

before plowing, then plowed, turning a furrow ten inches deep and ten inches wide. I then
planted my sets, after dividing every cluster of eyes into from three to twelve pieces, in rows
four feet apart and as near as convenient, three and one-half feet apart in the rows, dropping but
one piece in a place. I covered from two to three or four inches with loose earth. From the
pound I made two hundred and ninety (290) sets, the space planted was sixty by seventy feet,
(4,200 square feet); hoed but once, when the plants were about ten inches high, making a broad
and continuous ridge, flat on the top, and a little depressed in the center ; covered the vines all
but a very little of the top. Before hoeing, I applied to each plant a large shovelful of ferment-
ing hen manure; it was so hot that it would turn the leaves of plants black, and give them the
appearance of being scalded, in less than a minute ; I would manure three or four plants, and
then cover as quickly as possible. The plants, in a day or two, began to grow and retained a dark
green, almost black color until they were killed by the frost. I did nothing more in the way of
cultivation.

On the 19th of August, I dug one hill of the " Eaby," and had ten and one-half (10>^) pounds;
on the 9th of October, I dug of the Kuby eight hundred and twelve (812) pounds; on the 10th
of October, I finished digging the Ruby, digging eight hundred and seventy-one and one-half
{671)4) pjDunds, making a total of sixteen hundred and ninety-four (1 ,694) pounds. The "Alpha "
was planted the same distance apart each way, had the same cultivation, manuring, etc., as the
Kuby, except about fifty hills, that I covered the sets about four inches deep with coarse, unfer-
mented horse manure, and applied no other manure afterward. I covered this manure with
earth, the same as I covered the hen manure. I did not get as many large potatoes from these so
treated, but about the same in weight per hill ; made two hundred and fifty sets. The ground oc-
cupied by the Alpha was the same as the Ruby, sixty feet by seventy (4,270 square feet). I also
planted two rows of this Potato in hills four feet apart each way. The land in both cases, a black
sandy loam, rich in decomposed vegetable matter, usually about two feet deep, under which is
hard pan. On the 28th of August, I dug two hills of the Alpha, and had 15 3-4 pounds; on the
12th of October, I dug 1,010 pounds of the Alpha, and on- the 13th of October, 640 pounds, mak-
ing altogether 1,665 3-4 pounds.

These amounts I dug, were grown alone from the one pound each of the above named varie-
ties, purchased from you as I stated above, and without any sprouting or any other means being
used than as stated. The land was not drained in any way. J. I. SALTER.

(From Peter Robertson.)

The Gardens— Haeteigge House, Jedbuegh,

RoxBOKOUGH, Scotland, October 4, 1876.

Messrs. B. K. Bliss & Sons : — Gentlemen. I beg to forward to you my report. I ordered of
you, March 21, 1876, one pound each of Alpha and Ruby Potatoes. I planted them on April 24,
1876; they were dug October 2 and 3, 1876. The Ruby produced 1,534 pounds, and the Alpha
produced 1,346 pounds. The soil is a mixture of black, sandy loam, four feet deep, with a red
clay sub.soil and underdrained; it has been lawns or short grass for many years ; it was trenched
on or about December, 1875, and remained in Winter fir until about April 10, 1876, it was enriched
by about five inches of well-rotted cow dung and gas lime rubbish; the ground was then dug in
the usual way, care being taken to mix and make it as fine as possible ; the rows were six feet
apart, and the sets were planted three feet apart, a mixture of about three cart-loads of wood-
ashes, two cart-loads of sheep droppings, one lime, two hundred weight salt, all mixed. The tubers
were cut and planted in the presence of Mr. Kerr and others. Some of the eyes divided into seven
parts ; they were very small. Planted one set three feet apart each way ; under each, three spade-
fuls of the above mixture was pulverized three inches deep with the soil, and each set planted one
inch deep ; they all grew ; at first they looked very weak, but gained strength something extraordi-
nary ; they were kept free of weeds, and the soil drawn to them as they grew ; they were two inches
high on May 29, 1876; they got nothing but kept free of weeds, and the soil drawn to them as
they grew, until the tubers began to swell; they were then watered with a mixture of sheep
droppings and hen manure a few times until they were lifted; there were 176 sets of Ruby, 164
Alpha, single eyes and very small ; from one set single eye I had twenty-one pounds ; many of the
tubers were two and three pounds each. I may also say that I had some very fine, early Cauli-
flowers and Early Cabbage on the same ground; they were planted between the rows of the Pota-
toes, and cut before the Potato vines got up to cover the space between ; the ground they occupied
was forty-six feet by seventy feet, and would be about 3,220 square feet for each variety. Many
of the vines remained green until they were lifted. The season was generally good for Potato
culture ; no forcing process was used whatever.

PETER ROBERTSON.

The Potato Crop,

A Paper Read at the American Institute Farmers' Club.

By Conrad Wilson.

The annual j'ield of potatoes in the United States, according to the returns of the last census,
was nearly one hundred and fifty million bushels. In view of the increasing attention lately
given to this crop, it will doubtless show, at the close of the present decade, a large Increase in
the amount of the yield, as well as in the number and improvement of varieties. In fact, it may
safely be assumed that, in spite of the fears of many in regard to the ravages of the beetle, this
crop will still show a yield, at the next census, of over two hundred million bushels.

By its valuable qualities, and its large consumption, the potato ranks in nearly all countries
as a leading food staple. It is therefore in every view important, and may always be discussed
with interest and profit. There are, of course, some other crops that are grown on a larger scale,
and some that foot up a larger yearly aggregate. Yet no product of husbandry is more variously
useful, or more generally raised by farmers, and none, if we except wheat, more universally con-
sumed by the people.

A few examples illustrating the rate of yield and the cost per bushel for this crop will tend
to show what possibilities belong to it, and thus perhaps stimulate the average farmer to aim at
higher results.

Some experiments in potato culture were reported in January of last year, of which the fol-
lowing are a part of the results :

H. 0. Pearson, of Pitcairn, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., produced from one pound of seed, 1,982
pounds of potatoes, of the Kuby variety. He also raised the same year, from one pound of seed,
1,707 pounds of the Alpha variety. J. I. Salter, of St. Cloud, Minn., got the same year, from one
pound of seed, 1,694 pounds of the Ruby, and 1,665 pounds of the Alpha; while Alfred Hose, of
Penn Yan, N. Y., got 1,576 pounds, and P, L. Wood, of 111., 1,571 pounds, each from a pound of
seed of the Ruby variety. The year previous J. L. Perkins, of Little Sioux, Iowa, obtained 1,666
pounds from one pound of the Eureka variety.

These amazing products were some of the results obtained by farmers competing for the pre-
miums offered by B. K. Bliss & Sons of New York.

The inducements thus held out by this enterprising firm has led to valuable consequences,
and the competition has developed the prolific quality of this vegetable to a degree that surpasses
all previous conception.

But while duly crediting the liberality and public spirit of B. K. Bliss & Sons, and the grand
success of the winning parties, we cannot help regretting that the most important question in po-
tato culture was not included among the offers. It is easy to see that

Tlie Cost of Production

is the underlying question which measures the importance of all the others. Yet this does not at
all diminish the value of the test made by Mr. Bliss. The Rubies raised by Mr. Pearson from a
pound of seed fell short of a ton by only 18 pounds. This fact has arrested the attention of potato
growers as well as consumers in both hemispheres, and confers merited distinction on both Pear-
son and Bliss ; and certainly the tendency of such facts is to help forward the solution of the still
greater problem of cost. The man who gets the bottom figures in this problem, though he may
not '• double the blades of grass," will more than double the product of potatoes.

Since these prizes were awarded I have received statements of cost from several competitors,
and hope still to hear from others.

Alfred Rose has reported his cost, in one competition, at less than 15 cents per bushel, and
J. L. Perkins about the same. J. I. Salter obtained a yield in one case at about; 20 cents per
bushel. Kis latest results I have not learned. Henry V. Rose and M. M. Rose have each report-
ed a cost slightly above the figures obtained by J. L. Perkins and the elder Mr. Rose. For the
previous year, Alfred Rose reported his cost at $55 per acre, and 9^ cents per bushel. Mr. Per-
kins has also reported a later crop, since the competition, in which he makes the cost, without
manure, $5.40 per acre, and 6% cents per bushel.

B. K. BLISS & SONS' POTATO CATALOGUE.

Various other fanners, since the Bliss competition, have reported to me their yield and cost
for potatoes. Lyman Alexander, of Minnesota, got 400 bushels per acre of the Peerless variety,
at a cost of about 7 cents per bushel.

Azro Smith, of Kock BlufEs, Nebraska, raised a crop of Extra Early Vermont, of which the
yield was 824 bushels per acre, and the cost, as he made it, 4>^ cents per bushel. But the cost in
this instance, as also in the two previous cases, requires some correction. Every crop should be
charged for interest on the land, and when no manure is used, a charge should also be made for
exhaustion of soil. This would probably add 2 or 3 cents per bushel to the cost of the three last
named crops.

C. C. Holton, of Eoehester, N. Y., has reported potatoes at 400 bushels per acre, and at a cost
of 12]4 cents per bushel. A crop of 600 bushels per acre has been reported by one of the editors
of the Agriculturist, 640 bushels by 0. L. Bragdon, and 700 bushels by P. F. Rice of Polo, 111. In
one of the competitions for the Bliss prizes, Mr. Perkins obtained 376 bushels per acre, and Alfred
Rose got 600 bushels of Brownells and 746 bushels of Eurekas.

Let us now take another view of the potato crop that may perhaps shed some light on its
utility and value as a food staple.

Feeding Value of Potatoes.

Like Indian corn, this vegetable is everywhere extensively utilized as an article of food, both
for the human family and for nearly all domestic animals. Hence it is clear that the nutritive
properties of the potato are a question of no little importance to the farmer, and one on which
the light of further experience is still greatly needed.

How to convert potatoes, with the best economy, and with the largest profit, into other forms
of food, into milk, butter and meat, i» a problem not yet fu,lly solved. Various estimates have
been made by practical men as to the effective value of the potato in the production of beef,
mutton and milk; and though opinions still differ, the proportion of other food staples that pota-
toes are capable of yielding is nearly indicated in the following statement:

A bushel of potatoes when judiciously fed to animals of a good breed will produce :
Of Beef, -...------- from 2 to 3 pounds.

" Mutton, " 4 to 5 "

" Pork, "4to5"

« Milk, "35 to 40"

" Butter, " 2 to 2>^ " .

It is of course not supposed that potatoes are fed exclusively in producing these results, but
in a suitable combination with other kinds of feed.

Now the practical value of the above table depends materially upon the amount of potatoes
produced from an acre. The average yield of the crop for the whole country is probably not over
100 bushels per acre. And yet it will be seen, from the examples above reported, that over 800
bushels have been produced, and even that is not by any means the final limit of yield. Consid-
ering the recent progress of potato culture, and conceding the fact that 1,000 bushels per acre
have been occasionally achieved by brilliant farmers, it seems hardly credible that the average
yield for the United States is only 100 bushels per acre. What shall we say then? Shall we
distrust the return of the last census? or shall we rather credit some progress to the eight inter-
vening years, and claim that the average is now very much better. One thing at last seems clear.
If the progress of the next two or three years shall correspond to the same period of the past, it
may safely be assumed that the average yield of potatoes for the coming decade will not be less than
200 bushels per acre. I venture therefore to assume this figure as the coming average, and if any of
our twenty million farmers are disposed to quarrel with me for claiming this yield, my best
revenge will be to prove the possibility and then to tell them how it may be done.

If now we apply to this estimate the figures of the above table, we shall discover

What an Acre of Potatoes Means,

when expressed in the form of other food staples. We shall find that it is measured

In Beef, - - - - by 400 to 500 pounds.

" Pork, " 800 to 1,000 "

" Mutton, " 800 to 1,000 "

"Milk,- ....__._.- " 7,000 pounds, or over.

" Bread, -- " 4,000 "

" Butter, - 400 "

Again, as I have already shown that the total potato product of this country is nearly certain
to reach 200 million bushels as the average for the next decade, it will be seen that if the above
figures are extended so as to meet this case of the total product, then it will be found that

B. K. BLISS & SONS' POTATO CATALOGUE. 39

Tlie Annual Potato Crop of the United States

is equivalent

In Beef, --.-------- to 400,000,000 pounds.

" Pork, ---- " 800,000,000 "

" Mutton, " 800,000,000 "

" Milk, -..- « 7,000,000,000 "

" Bread,- .-.----.-- " 4,000,000,000 "

" Butter, -..- " 400,000,000 "

Let us now take another view of this subject. If Mr. Pearson had taken his crop of Ruby
potatoes that were produced from a pound of seed, and by a right mode of feeding, had converted
them into butter, according to the above estimate, the outcome of his experiment would have
been about sixiy pounds of butter iu the Fall, as the legitimate result of one pound of potatoes
planted iu the Spring. Or if he had converted the potatoes into mutton, the result would have
been 120 pounds.

Again, when Azro Smith harvested over 800 bushels of potatoes from one acre, if he had fed
that crop to a good bre^d of cattle, it would have produced, according to the above estimate, at
the rate of two pounds of beef for each bushel of potatoes, making a total of 1,600 pounds of
beef, as the product of one acre, or if, instead of beef, he had converted the crop into milk, the
result would have been over 20,000 pounds.

These results, of course, depend in part on the above estimate for the feeding value of
potatoes. On this point there is room for some difference of opinion. But it would be easy to
show that when potatoes are combined with other well-selected elements, and fed in the right
proportion to animals of good breed, and good capacity, the estimate given is not far out of the
way. But to place the matter beyond any question, if we reduce the estimate by 50 per cent., it
would still be possible for Pearson to plant his pound of potatoes in the Spring, and harvest in the
Fall either 30 pounds of butter, or 60 pounds of mutton ; and Azro Smith would still be able to
show from his acre of potatoes, that an acre of beef is equivalent to 800 pounds, and an acre of
milk to 10,000 pounds.

» > »

EGYPTIAN. EAST INDIAN OR PEARL MIIiLET.— (PenciZZaria spicata.)

This new Millet is quite distinct from all other species, and is without doubt, destined to take
a place in the front rank of valuable forage plants. Sown in light, sandy soil, the plants at first
appear feeble, resembling broom-corn ; but when a few inches above ground they begin to tiller,
and new shoots appear very rapidly from the original riiot, until they number a half dozen to a
dozen or more. The stems at first are nearly prostrate, but when about two feet long they begin
to assume an upright position, reaching a hight of eight to ten feet, not differing in color or sub-
stance from our common Indian corn. In fact, it is one of the most " leafy " plants we have ever
met in the great family to which it belongs. When the stems have reached nearly their full
hight, the seed or flower spikes appear at the summit. As soon as the first or principal flower
spike appears, the stems throw out lateral branches from every joint, these in turn producing
leaves and flower spikes. When cultivated for fodder, the seed should be dropped in drills, and
given plenty of room on account of the peculiar habit of tillering; and, judging from our brief
experience with it, we think a quart, or at most two quarts, of seed would be abundant for an acre
The fodder is in the best condition for cutting and curing when the stalks are five or six feet
high; but, if used for soiling, it might be cut earlier or later, at the convenience of the cultivator;
the stumps, sprouting and throwing up a new growth, continue to grow until killed by frosts.
Cows, horses and other farm stock are exceedingly fond of this kind of millet, eating it with as
much avidity and apparent relish as they do the green leaves of Indian corn ; and we are inclined
to think that it is fully as nutritious. The seed will not mature in the Northern States. Price,
25 cts. per packet ; 5 packets, $1.00,

THE CHUPA, OR EARTH A'LM.O'SD.—(Cyperus esulentus).

This plant is extensively grown in the Southern States, and for sheep, hog and poultry feed,
it is claimed to be one of the most profitable crops grown. Chufas may be planted in rows two
and a half or three feet apart, and two tubers should be dropped twenty inches or two feet apart
in the row, and covered two inches deep. In this way, about a half bushel is sufficient for an acre.
In the South they are planted during February and March. North they should be planted when
the ground is warm ; about the same time as corn, or a little earlier.

Price per packet 15 cts.; per qt., iO cts.; [by mail 60 cts.;] per peck, $2.50; K bush., $4.50; bush.
$8.00.

For a more detailed description of the above and mode of culture, see our circular of Novel-
ties for tlie Farm and G-arden— mailed free to all.

40 B. K. BLISS & SONS' POTATO CATALOGUE.

Ne^v S^veet Potato.

EAELY PEABODY.

This variety, first introduced by Mr. C. A. Peabody of Georgia, in the Spring of 1877, has
proved a valuable acquisition, and occupies the same position towards other varieties of svireet
potatoes that the Early Kose does among our common varieties. At the South they have been
ready for the table six weeks from the time they appeared above ground. The fuUowing report
from the editor of the American Agriculturist shows how well they have succeeded at the North:

" We started the potatoes in a hot-bed, and treated the slips, or plants, as we have heretofore
treated others. The season was unusually wet with us, and the vines grew luxuriantly. Willi the
ordinary sweet potatoes, we think it fortunate if we can steal a few from the rows two or three
weeks before the viues are stopped by the frost, when the whole must be dug. We had potatoes
abundantly large for the table by August 10th, but we did not have them 07i the table, as they
were not fit to eat. So abundant had been the rains, that while the vines gave us a plenty of po-
tatoes, they forgot all about the siveet, and they were simply useless, as probably any other vari-
ety would have been under the same conditions. After this trial we let the crop alone until frost
in early Ootober, when it was dug. There were three rows across the garden, each 180 feet long,
and th.iy gave, without any unusual culture, 9 barrels of Early Peabody. And such potatoes for
size! Three of them, selected, of course, weighed 12 pounds. We are now having them on the
table, aud while they are not quite so sweet as those brought from Virginia and Delaware, they
are sweet enough to suit the writer's taste, and of a most excellent flavor and texture. Our land
is very light and suffered so mucli from drouth in previous seasons, and especially the last, that a
steam piTmp was put in to enable us to water the garden from the river, but so unlike to the aver-
age seasons was that just pa<t, that we have not needed to apply a gallon of water, the rains giv-
ing us more than enough. From our experience, under these conditions, we have no doubt that
in an ordinarily dry summer, the Early Peabody will not only prove early, but good and produc-
tive, and it is especially valuable because, on account of its early maturing, it will allow the culti-
vition of the sweet potato in localities much further North than has heretofore been possible.
Prom our experience this season, adverse as it was in some respects, we feel that we speak within
bounds when we say that the Early Peabody will prove to be at least a month earlier than any
other variety— and we have cultivated all that are grown in the Northern States."

Different Methods of Propagating.

The usual method is to place the potatoes in a hot-bed, and cover them with a few inches of
fine soil; the buds will soon start and form shoots; these, as they grow, make roots of their own,
and when they are 8 inches to a foot long, and well rooted, the most forward ones are removed,
aud the others not yet large enough are allowed to grow on. It is customary to split the larger
potatoes lengthwise, and lay them flatside down in the bed. After the shoots appear, they should
have the same care as other hot-bed plants, to prevent them growing weak and drawn up. These
shtots, known in the Southern States as " draws" and " slips," are at the North called "seis"
and " plants." Do not set the plants until settled warm weather ; then set them well down to the
first leaf, 15 inches apart in the ridge. There will be below the leaf some joints without leaves.
Should a frost nip the top, then a new shoot will start from one of the barren joints. The sides
of the ridges and the spaces between them must be kept clear of weeds until the vines cover the
ground; move the vines once a week or so at the North to prevent them from taking root; this
is quickly done by means of a rake handle or other stick. Do not break or cut the vines. At the
South the season is long enough to let them take root at the joints, as they will make potatoes
then, but at the North we wish to prevent their taking root, and to throw all the strength of the
vines into the potatoes that form on the original plant. Be careful in working among the plants
not to hoe too deeply, as the earliest pot;itoes lie immediately beneath the surface. Upon digging,
the potatoes they should be carefully handled and put away in boxes or barrels with alternate
layers of leaves or cut straw, in a warm dry place to keep.

The liand and How to Cultivate Them.

The sweet potato may be cultivated on any soil but a heavy one. "We have seen fine crops on
white sand that would blow into drifts with every heavy wind. Mr. Peabody says tliat he has
never seen a sand-hill so poor but what, with judicious manuring, it would bring a good crop;
and that any soil which will produce a fair crop of corn, will produce one of sweet pointoes, pro-
vided it is a sandy loam. He says that he has known a crop in his county of 800 bushels of sweet
potatoes to the acre, upon land that would yield 50 bushels of corn, and was fertilized with 400 lbs.
of Peruvian Guano to the acre. The manure should be placed on the surface and the ridges
turned upon it from 3^i to 4 feet from center to center. Plant the slips on the top of the ridges as
above recommended. . .

In addition to the above we offer the Nansemond and Southern Queen varieties.

Prices of Sweet Potato Plants delivered in May or June.

Early Peabody.— 25 cents per dozen; 75 cents per 100 by mail; by express 60 cents per
hundred, $5.00 per thousand.

Nansemond.— 25 cents per dozen; 75 cents per hundred, by mail; 50 cents per hundred, $4.00
per thousand, packed, by express.

Southern Queen.— 25 cents per dozen; 75 cents per hundred by mail ; 50 cents per hundred,
$5.00 per thousand, by express.

B. K. BLISS & SONS' POTATO CATALOGUE.

41

Dioscorea Batatas — Ohinese Tain.

^

Dioscorea Batatas— Bulblets froim the Axils of the Leaves.
One of the most valuable esculents in cultivation, though but little known. Stem twelve to
twenty feet in length, of rapid growth, of creeping or climbing habit, fonning an excellent cover-
ing for a screen; flowers small, white in elusteis; leaves, heart-shaped. The root is of a pale
russet color, ob'ong, regularly rounded, club-shaped, largest at the lowet-t end. Plant eight
inches apart, in a deep, light soil, tolerably rich, and thoroughly stirred two feet deep. A well
grown root, two years from the bulblets, will measure two feet in lengtli,
and two and one-half inches in its broadest diameter, and is quite hardy,
remaining in the ground over Winter without protection. The flesh is
remarkably white, and very mucilaginous in its crude state. They may
be boiled or roasted, and when cooked possess a rich-like taste; are
quite farinaceous, nutritive, and valuable for food. It is also a very de-
sirable climbing plant, suitable for covering screens, arbors, and un-
sightly places.

Extract from a letter in the Rural 27eio Yorker from a correspondent
who has cultivated this plant for many years.

" The Chinese Yam possesses merits that should commend it to the
agricultural classes of the United States, yet there arc many who don't
even know that it is grown in this country, although it is more than
twenty years since its introduction here, from China. The difficulty all
new beginnei s have to contend with in the culture of this esculent, is a
proper understanding of its wants. I have grown them for twelve or
fifteen years, and will give the leaders of the Rdeal the benefit of my
experience :

In the first place, select a soil that is moderately dry, deep and rich,
and prepare it by spading or plowing deeply: then plant the bulblets
eight inches apart each way. When the large roots are used for planting
they should be cut up in pieces about one inch in length. They will pro-
duce much stronger roots than those grown from the bulblets. They will
need to be cultivated a few times the first year, to keep weeds down and
soil loose. After the first year, keep the w^eds hied off or mowed down,
as j-ou prefer. The Yams are perfectly hardy, siandingin the ground
all Whiter and growing again when Spring comes, increasing In size for
a nunibe of years. They increase naturally from the small tubers that
growon the vines just above each leaf. These should be saved in the Fall,
and kept during Winter where they will not freeze, as freezing injures
eir growth, and planted in the Spring as soon as the ground gets warm.
«"\.\>1L As to the product per acre, in the best of soil, with three years*

owth and tubers planted eight inches apart each way, we could safely
calculate on getting si.x and a quarter tons of Yams per acre. Some may
think this a large yield, but I believe it is not as large as I should put it,
and think it is not an overestimate. I have only cultivated them on a
' small scale, but have come to the above conclusion with regard to their
productiveness. A few years ago, I was digging in an old bed of them
where they had been left to grow for several years, and such a sight!
The ground was literally full of roots, measuring one and a half to two
DioscoRE.i Batatas, feet in length, and one and a half to two inches in diameter at the
Chinese Yam— One largest end, and this too where the soil was not more than eight or ten
Year Old Root. inches deep.

They grow in a perpendicular position with the ]arg» end downwards. The vines are orna-
mental, having heart shaped leaves edged with scarlet and are very pretty. A few tubers jilanted
near a door or wiiidnw and the vines trained over and about it, make an ornament worthy the
admiration of all. The flowers are numerous and have a cinnamon fragrance, but the vines do
not bloom until the roots are two years old. In garden culture I let the vines run on the ground,
except those I wish to save tubers from for seeds. These I set stakes or poles to, as I think by
this method the tubers are produced in greater abundance and of l.irge size.

M

B. K. BLISS & SONS' POTATO CATALOGUE.

There is scarcely any diflference perceptible to the taste between the Chinese Yam, when
properly cooked, and the Irish potato, although the Yam is much whiter and somewhat liner
grained.

Some object to growing them on account of the great depth to which the roots penetrate.
But to those I find no difficulty. I commence digging at the end of a row, take out what 1 want,
and leave the hole open. Ttie next time I dig i commence where I left off, and throw the dirt
where I dug before ; by this way I have the soil stirred so deep that it is in line condition for
planting out more tiibers.

They have no insect enemy, and drought affects them but very little, as they root so deeply.
There is no necessity for their beingdug at any time of the year, except when wanted for immedi-
ate use. They are suitable for cooking any time in tlie year. A person can plant enough at one
planting to do his family for years, each year bringing him larger Yams. I consider them safer
to depend on than the Irish potato, which has its enemies, and is so sensitive to a little freeze.

I believe their proper cultivation would be attended with success anywhere in the United States.
If the masses of the people better understood their nature and were better acquainted with their
many fine qu ilities, they would be more generally grown. In conclusion I will say that they are
the most profitable crop that I cultivate.

Small bulblets, which form roots about a foot in length, in one year, in packets of one dozen,
25 cents. Five dozen, fl.OO. One year old roots $2 OJ per dozen; $12.50 per 100,

J. L. Triie's Improved Potato Planter.

This Machine will cut the Potato and Plant Six Acres in Ten Hours.

"We invite the attention of the farming community to this machine, which is beyond doubt
one of the greatest and most successful labor-saving machines of the age.

Having been submitted to thorough
practical tests on all kinds of soil, in this
country and in Europe, we offer it to far-
mers for the season of 1878, with entire
confidence in its ability to do the work in-
tended for it, in a thorough and proper
manner.

No intelligent farmer can fail to see
that an implement with which a man can,
with the aid of a horse, cut the potatoes,
and plant six acres in one day, doing the
work in many respects better than it is

usually done by hand, is of inestimable value.

The Machine is very simple in construction, and its arrangement is such as to render it very
easy to operate.

The Hopper holds about one bushel of potatoes.

The knife is placed in such a relative position to the seed-boxes that the potatoes are cut into
pieces of such a size and shape as to render it almost impossible for any to drop without eyes on
them.

The potatoes drop throrigh the plow, the back of which being open, the operator can see each
piece as it falls, and they are still exposed to his view for some distance as they lay in the furrow,
before the coverers reach and cover them, thus affording him the satisfaction of knowing that the
work is being well done.

Gauge rings are provided for diminishing the size of the seed-boxes, when planting different
sizes of p it does separately.

Any kind of dry, concentrated fertilizer may be dropped with the potato in such quantities
as may bo desired.

1'he Plow and Coverers can be adjusted to cover the potatoes in a most satisfactory manner,
at any depth desired.

The drive wheels mark the rows, which can be made as far apart as tho fanner chooses, while
the seed is dropped 9, 18, or 36 inches apart in the rows.

Prices of Machines on cars in New York :

No. 1— Miichine with Fertilizer Attachment, comidete (drops 9, 18 or 36 inches apart), .f40 00

-No. 1— Without Feitilizer Attachment, 37 00

No. 2— Machine has no Fertilizer Attachment, and drops 18 or 36 inches apart, - 30 00

Steel Covers, extra, --.-.--.-.--- 2 00

B. K. BJLISS & SONS' POTATO CATALOGUE. 43

Antidote for Colorado Potato Beetle.

From a treatise on the " Pest and its Remedy," published by C. T. Reynolds & Co.

New York.

The resistless progress of that dreaded pest, the Colorado Potato Beetle, has for several years
past been watched with anxiety and alarm by the farmers of the Middle and Eastern Slates. It
was foreseen that it would eventually make its way north and east, and the appearance of tliis
farmer's enemy in Pennsylvania, New York, and portions of New England, last Summer, leaves
but little room to doubt that the bug will be out in full force this coming season, and rapidly
extend its ravages. In fact, we consider its crossing the ocean itself and becoming naturalized
in the old world, as merely a question of time. Already several of the European governments
have taken the alarm, and fully alive to the magnitude of the danger with which they are threat-
ened, have endeavored to forestall it by prohibiting the importation into their dominions of
American potatoes from the district devastated by the bug. Whether this measure will prove
effectual in warding off the evil from their shores remains to be seen, we believe it will not.

ITS GREAT PROLIFICACY.

The Colorado beetle propagates itself with astonishing rapidity; several broods (at least
three) following each other in the course of the year. The first batch of larvae makes its appear-
ance towards theend of May, and sometimes even in April, if the weather be warm. Eachfeniale
lays from 700 to 1200 eggs, in clusters of twelve or thirteen, on the under side of the leaves. In
about six days the larvae are hatched, and immediately begin the work of devastation, which
continues for about nineteen days. They then descend to the ground, where they are transformed
into puppe, at the surface of the earth. The perfect beetle appears in ten to fourteen days after
the pupae is formed— begins to pair in about a week, and on the fourteenth day commences to de-
posit her eggs.

THE VORACITY OF THE BEETLE,

especially in its larval condition, is truly marvellous. "When once a field of potatoes has been
attacked, unless very prompt remedial measures are resorted to, all hopes of a harvest will
speedily vanish, as in a very few days nothing will remain but a barren waste of dried-up stalks.

VARIOUS PLANS

for the desti;uction of the Colorado potato beetle have from time to time been devised, very few
ot them have proved satisfactory, however, while many of them were wholly impracticable.
Picking the larvse and bugs from off the plants by hand, for instance, has been thoroughly tried
but leaving out of the question the great loss of time this plan involves, and the danger of poison-
ing from handling the larvae, it was generally found that after the field had been thus gone over,
the insects would be apparently as numerous as ever in twenty-four hours, so that the operation
had to be constantly repeated !

PARIS GREEN THE TRUE REMEDY,

is the general verdict of the Western farmer. This is not only the case with respect to efficacy,
but it has also the additional merit of being the cheapest in first cost, and the most convenient
and economical in use of all theremedies that have been tried. When first proposed as an anti-
dote, some seven or eight years ago, Paris Green met with considerable opposition, but its
triumphant success has overcome nearly all prejudice, and while some still hesitate to resort to
so virulent a poison, experience has demonstrated that with due care no harm can result from its
use, as it will not poison the soil or injure the plant or the Potato.

Prof. Charles V. Riley, State Entomologist of Missouri, in his fourth annual report
referring to Paris Green, says: " Properly mixed T have used it without the slightest trace cf
evil on the leaves or tubers; and I know hundreds of others who have done lil<ewise; so that
with present experience I should not hesitate to recommend its judicious use." In this connec-
tion we take occasion to acknowledge our indebtedness to Prof. Riley's able reports for much
valuable information. We also refer to the testimony of the same high authority to Paris Green
as " THE remedy for iho Colorado potato beetle."

B. K. BLISS & SONS' POTATO CATALOGUK.

MODES OF APPIilCATION.

In its application tlie Western farmers generally use Paris green dry, and as it is a higbly
concuntr.ited poison it is necessary to mix it witli some other substance, such as flour, plaster, or
ashes, in proportion varying with the strength of the green, and thus reducing its cost. We
give the preference to flour as a vehicle, as combining with the dew on the plant, it forms a
paste which adheres with greater tenacity than either plaster or ashes. Another method is by
mixing witli water, say a large tablespoonful of green to a pailful of water. This is in some
respects a convenient way, and has the advantage of being free from dust; it can also be used at
any time of day. It has some disadvantages, however : 1st, as the green is not soluble— though
it quickly gives a green tint to the water when stirred, it soon settles to the bottom, and needs
continual agitation to keep it in suspension. 2d. It settles in spots on ^/ie /eayes, the natural
tendency of water in finding its level being to carry and concentrate in wherever a drop finds
rest and evaporates. 3d. Much of it is wasted on the ground in sprinkling.

THE UNPARALI.EI.ED DEMAND FOR PARIS GREEN,
caused by the rapidity with which the Colorado beetle has overrun the country, has greatly
stimulated its production ; and, as usual in such cases, the market is flooded with various brands,
representing all grades, from the strictly pure down to the highly adulterated article of merely
nominal strength and value. There are several qualities manufactured, in order to meet the
views and conveniences of all who are compelled to resort to its use.
PROPORTIONS FOR MIXING.
To those who have suitable appliances for mixing, we recommend the " strictly pure," but
where these are wanting, and it is an object to avoid much mixing, on account of the danger
arising from the dust (and this is the greatest danger attending its use) the cheaper grades are
more desirable. These, of course, contain more or less adulteration, but the price is made to
correspond, and the buyer has but comparatively little mixing to do. The following are the pro-
portions recommended by experienced Western farmers, and also by scientific men who have
arrived at the same conclusions by careful experiment :

To 1 lb. "Strictly Pure" use 30 to 35 lbs. Flour.
1 " Genuine " use 25 to 30 ''

1 " King's County " use 20 to 25 "

1 "Long Island" use 15 to 20 "

1 " Montauk " use 10 to 15 "

Relatively speaking, the "Genuine" is the cheapest to use, but the "Montauk" has the
advantage of being less liable to poison from dusting.

We have made arrangements with the manufacturers of the above to furnish our patrons
aX, the lowest market rates. In consequence of frequent fluctuations, we do not publish prices,
but will give prices upon application.

We have on hand a small quantity ready for use for those who wish to use it in their gardens
in one pound jjackages, at 15 cents each, mixed ready for use.

There is gre:it danger in mixing this green for potato bug and cotton worm poison, owing to
the fine dust which arises in the process, which is inhaled, and also rapidly absorbed by the pores
of the skin, especially if tbe person using it should be in a state of perspiration. To guard
against this, the hands and face, (particularly the nostrils) should be protected as nmch as pos-

sible, and should be carefully washed .ifter working

in it, or in any of the preparations of wliicli
it is an ingredient. As it penetrates and poisons
woof?— gets into the seams and crevices of arti-
cles made of metal— and even into earthenvvrare that
is at all porous. All household utensils, or anything
in. barn or stable ('vi\\\(i\\ c&iWa or horses could have
access to) in which the article may have been mixed,
or from which it has been used, should be carefully
set aside, and never again used for any other purpose.

APPARATUS FOR APPLYING.

Several ingenious machines have been invented
for applying the poison, — three of which are hero illus-
trated. The cheapest and most simple is made in
tbe form of a common dredging-box, holding about
two pounds each, and is attached to the end of a
pole, as seen in the accompanying engraving. It is
J used by gently shaking over the plants, taking care
to walk to windward, so as to avoid any dust that
may arise. It should be applied in the morning,
^s^ when the dew is on the vines. When mixed with
'""^ water, it is usually applied by means of an ordinary
watering-pot, or sprinkled on the vines with a broom,
s taking care to keep it well stirred. Price, 35 cents
=^^=^ each.

B. K. BLISS & SONS' POTATO CATALOGUE.

Ranclolpli^s Fertilizer Distributor.

A Dropper for all Hill Crops, such as Corn, Potatoes, Tobacco, Cotton, Etc.

THE liATEST AND BEST THING OUT. SOMETHING THAT KO EARMEE

CAN AFFORD TO BE WITHOUT.

For dropping Phospliates, Bone Dust, Fish and Peruvian Guano, Poudrette, Ashes,

Plaster, and all kinds of Concentrated Fertilizers.

The manner of using the dropper will be readily un-
derstood from an inspection of the cut.

The sack G, having been filled with the fertilizer, is
attached to the person by passing the adjustable strap
E, over the shoulder as shown. The handle O of the
connecting shoot S is then held by the left hand, and
the handle H of the plunger J. by ihe right, unless the
person is lelt-handed, in which case the arrangement
is just the reverse, the dropper being adapted for use in
eillier way.

When thus arranged, tlie operator walks over the
field, and as he wmII^s, places the ball step F of the
dropper, successively, upon the spots which he has se-
lected for planting, and as the plunger J, being unsup-
ported, is nece.-ssarily depressed at each rest of the im-
plement, a charge of fertilizer will be deposited in a
circle about each hill, its quantity being determined by
the previous adjustment of tlie valves {.'., 0.

It will thus lie seen that the implement is used after
the maimer of a cane, it being operated by simply
swinging it from hill tn hill, no exercise of care or judg-
ment being required other tlian to select the spots upon
which forest its step F. For windy weather a detachable skirt (not shown in ihe cuti is provided
which ensures the accurate placing of the fertilizer in any required circle evtn under such unfa-
vorable circumstances.

SPECIAL ADVANTAGES.

It is no*- necessary to touch the fertilizer with the hands, a matter of some importance, when
caustic SMbsfinces are used.

The fertilizer will not stu-k or clog, even though it be damp and has a tendency to pack, the vi-
brating hopper being so effective in its opeiation, that nothing suitable for use, can withstand its
Hction.

Ttie quantity sown maybe determined to a nicety, hv properly adjusting the valves upon the
plungei, so tliMt every hill in the field may be supplied with a uniform amount.

The entire quantity betvi'een the valves is always discharged; the construction of the lower
valve with its conical surface, and the ;iction of tlie plunger, which is suddenly arrested at a limit
of its movement by a stop, serving to ensure this result.

The amount delivered is accurately (ieposite<l in a circle about the planting spot or hill, no
more being delivered upon one side than another, and the center of tlu; hill covered by the ball
step being, of course, witliont .any deposit, these being the precise conditions desired in using
concentrated fertilizers. These effective results, also, can be obtained in windy weather, by using
the protecting skirt.

.For many other recommendations, and a more complete description— send for circular. Price,
<S5.00 each. A liberal discount to agents.

Allen's Potato Bug Destroyer.

Allen's Potato Bug Destroyer, sent out late last Sum-
mer, has been greatly imiiroved, and will be found efficient,
handy and inexpensive, and an important acquisition where
the potato beetle is either establi.-hed or expected. It is
especially contrived for the iiurpnse of quickly and econom-
ically throwing a mixture of Paris Green and Flour, or
other destructive conipiiund in a penetrating cloud, among
Potato and other plants, and upon buslies, vines and
trees, to destroy Bugs, Fleas, Worms. Slugs, Caterpillars, etc.
It consists of a peculiarly constructed double coned
reservoir, readily filled, au'l by means of bellows, capable
of tlirowing either a jet or cloud of fine powder, thoroughly
dusting a row of. potatoes or other \tldnls ai the $]}ee(l of a
walk. It is also especially effective for Pear and Eose
SlUi.'s, Cotton Worms, Plant Lice ami other insects.

Paris Green, before use, should be carefully mixed with
five or six times its weight of dry flour or plaster \ the quan-
tity applied being easily regulated by the quantity of flour
added,
the Planet, Jr. PoiairBTeUe'i^oyer. ^- Tliough the Powder is a dangerous poison, this machine
., . , B,k««sBw i/oowgjrisr. discharges rt< SO (/rea< rt (/i.s?<i?(c<; from the hands and face,
fis with reasonable care to make itsuse (ntin-lii saff. It is desirable to apply in the early morn-
ing, the dew then forming a paste, and that tinie being less windy. Price, $3.00.

B. K. BLISS & SONS' POTATO CATALOGUE.

HEXAMER'S PRONG HOE.

The Best Hand Potato JDigger in Use>

^S)'

Hexamer's Prong Hoe
(Trade Mark)

The highest premium in the Horticultural Department of the Great American Institute
Fair of 1867, was awarded to it. The Amarican Agriculturist, in speaking of this implement,
gives it the following favorable notice :

Hexamer's Prong Hob.— Dr. Hexamer, the well-known Horticulturist, has such a way
of making his investigations and coining at his facts, that we accept his results with almost the
same confidence we would have in our own. He makes use of expensive labor, and the
monthly pay-roll is so large as to lead him to employ his men to the very best advantage. The
problem was what tool to place in the hands of the laborers for hoeing out between rows of straw-
berries or other small fruits, root crops, nursery stock, etc. The common hoe is a slow, hard,
old-fogy tool, and, of course, its use is out of the question. The potato hook, or pronged hoe
with round prongs, good, but not sufficiently rapid for the outlay of strength, yet vastly superior
to the hoe for the same purposes, except after weeds have grown large, wliich ought rarely or
never to occur. After having made numerous experiments with tools made expressly for him,
lie (iHc.iiled upon this implement. The six teeth or prongs are eight inches in length, the outer
ones being ten inches apart, which is the width of the actual cut. Tbe prongs are square, of the
best steel', and inserted in pairs into a malleable iron head, in which they are firmly wedged.
They are delicate, but very strong and elastic.

It stirs the soil thoroughly, inore than a foot wide, and from two to four inches deep, killing
all smnll weeds, lifting out stonesof small size, removing weeds and all obstructions as effectually
as a rake. On light soil it is as easily worked as a hoe, and on heavy soils, if diy enough to work
at all, very much easier. It is sufe to sny that a man. with one of these, can do several times as
much work as with a hoe. We think it will prove more useful as a potato digger on account of
its breadth, than the implement made for the purpose.

PRICE,— $1.50 each; $15.00 per dozen.

Allen's Potato Digging Plow.

This implement
weighs one hundred
pounds, and is of very
light draft. A pair of
small horses or oxen,
with a boy to drive
will easily dig potatoes
as fast as twenty men
can pick up. It turns
them out so cleanly
that scarcely one bush-
el in fifty, whether
small or large, is left
•uncovered.

The standard is
high, so as to allow of
Allen's Potato Digging Plow. its working freely, with-

out clogging from weeds and potato vines, but in harvesting for an early market, when the vines
are long and still green, the work will be much facilitated by cutting these and removing them
from the rows.

Price of Potato Plow, with cast-iron Mould and Share, $15.00. The same, with steel Mould
and Share, $25.00.

TliG Planet Horse Hoe and Cultivator.

This is a new and most perfect tool for horse cultivation. It .is especially adapted to market
garden and farm-hoed crops, and to working Tobacco, Broom- Corn Cotton, htce and Uoots. it
greatly reduces tbe labor of honng, often thus saving cost in a day. Blades tempered and
polished steel. Price, .* ivi.OO. With extra cross-piece and pair ot hoes, $15.00.
« Planet No. 3.— A Fertilizer sower. Price, $16.75. „ „ ^ . x- -.^^in^

■ Complete directions for use accompany each machine. Send for a full descriptive circular,
with cuts of each implement and testimonials.

B. K. BLISS & SONS' POTATO CATALOGUE.

IMPORTANT TO WHEAT GROWERS.

PRINGIiE'S NEW HYBRID SPRING WHEATS.

We take much pleasure in announcing two new and di!«tinct varieties of Spring Whent,

produced iii 1870 and 1871 by Mr. Pringle of Veruioni, whose skill and judgment as a hjbiidizer
of Oere^ils and Potatoes have already won forhiai a world wide reputation. Alter a caieful trial
of six years, we now offer these varieties to the public, having entire confidence in their superi-
ority over all others, feeling assured that they will prove to be valuable acquisitions to the wheat
growers of the country.

CHAMPLAIN

Was produced in 1870 by Mr. Pringle, in his endeavors to unite the remarkable hardiness
of the IJlack Sea with the line and superior quality of the Golden Drop. Several varitrlies
were the result of this hybridization, from which this one was chosen, as realizing llie end
liLview, showing greaily increased vigor and productiveness over both its parents. A caielul se-
lection from this tor the past seven years, has now fully estalilished its character, and we have a
wheat bearded like the Ulack Sea, with the white chaff of the Golden Drop, free Ironi rust and
smut, yielding a lighter colored grain than the former, which makes a flour of sv2>erior quality.
Its strong and vigorous straw, giowiTig 6 to 12 inches higher than its parent, varieties, stands erect,
frequenily bearing, even in very ordinary culture, heads from 5 to ti inches in length, containing
from GO to 75 kernels each.

We coiitidenlly recommend this new wheat as among the earliest, promising to give the grow-
ers of this most impiirtant crop better results than are produced l>y the old und " run out " vari-
eties now sown. Price, $1.00 i>er lb; 3 lbs., §2.50, by mail post-paid ; ptck, $9.00.

DEFIANCE.

Another variety of Spring Wheat of the highest promise, the result of a series of experiments
bv Mr. Pringle in 1871. to incorporate sup^^rior qualities upon the hardy stock of our common
CI lb Wheat, by hybridizing it with one of the finest, whitest, and most extensively grown sorts
of the Pacific Coast

This variety displays great productiveness, vigor and hardiness. It is a beardless, white chaff
wheat, with bends frequently five to six inches long, very closely set with large while kernels,
frequently numbering 75 to 80 to the single head Its wliite, stiff, erect straw, exempt fiom the
attack of rust, its earliness combined with great vigor and supeiior qualities, should claim for it
universal trial. Price, ^i.QQ per lb.; 3 lb., $2.50, by mail post-paid.

$250.00 in Premmms.*

In order to induce Wheat Grower.'? to give these new sorts a thorough and universal trial, we
offer $350.00 in preiniuius for the lari^est quantifies giown f lom one pound of seed purchased
from us. Parties will please st.ite in their order that they desire to compete lor these premiums.
For tlie larg.'st quantiiy of Champlain Wheat grown liom one pound of seed, - - $50 00
For the second largest quantity, ------------25 00

For the third largest quantity, -_.---_--... 15 yo

For the fourth largest quantity, --------- ---10 00

For the larijest quantity of Defiance Wheat grown from one pound of seed, - - - 50 00
For the second largest quantity, ------------25 00

For the third larger^c quantity." ------------ 15 OO

For the fourth largest quantity, ------------looo

We also offer additional premiums of $50.00 for the best 20 heads of either of the above vari-
ities as follows, SiC-.OO for each variety.

For the best 20 heads of Cliamplain, ---------.-$10 00

For the second best 20 bends, ------------- 700

For the third best 20 lieads. ---.--.--.-.- 500

For the fourth best 20 head.'*, ------------- 300

For the best 20 heads of Heflance, -------- ---]0 00

For the second best 20 heads, ------------- 70O

For the tliird best 20 heads, ------.---_._ 50O

For the fourth best 20 he tds, ------------- 3 00

Competitors for the prizes will be required to give the date on which thpy gave their order for
the wheat, date of sowing, tini-) of harvesting, with a written statement of their mode of culture,
characteii.stics 't ilie soil, — wlietber clay, alluvial, or sandy loam, — nature of the subsoil,
whether under-drain 'd or not; also, the kind au'l quantity of fertilizers used, how and wlien ap-
plied, with the weight of the crop when harvested and cured, which must be witnessed and
sworn to before a Justice of the Peace. Notary, or any one competeiir to adml]ii.-<ter the oath, and
sent to our address before the Kirst of November, 1878. The awards will be made by a compe-
tent committee of Agiiciilt.urists. and will be printed and a copy mailtd to each comuetilur. The
prizes will be paid in December, 1878.

The engravings are exact representations of some of the heads grown with ordinary farm
culture.

Compptitors for the premitims for the best heads of wheat must deliver them at our office, 34
Barclay street. New York, (all chnrges prepaidi, previous to the liitb of September, 1878. The
straw must be cut not less than eight inches in length exclusive of the heads, and carefully
packed to prevent in.iiuy in the transpoitation. ihev can be sent by mail or e-x.press prepniil, at
the option of the grower. If sent by mail, they should be boxed in a light wooden or a stiff paste-

*Circulars explaining the mode of awarding the Premiums for the largest quality grown from
one pound mailed to applicants.

B. K. BLISS & SOXS' POTATO CATALOGUE.

board box, the cover of which must be secured by stronc; twine, and not nailed or fastened in any
wayt') jjieveiit Uie examination of tlie parcels Ml the New York poftottice. No writing of any
kind must be enclosad in the packages, as in tliat rase letter postage would be charged on the
whole package, and wouhl not be taken froni the office. The name fi the j-ender must be written
ou the outside of the package, with our addi ess. Notify us by letter when the wheat is sent. All
tliose who wish their samples returned, in the event of their not receiving a piemium. must en-
close in iliL'ir letter at the lime of sending the hrads a sum sufficient to pay return charges;
otherwise the wheat will not be returned. The piemium samples will be letained by us.

A KEW "WINTER WHEAT.

Arnold's Victor "Wheat.— This wheat is the ttnal result of a large number of intercross-
ings. and selections of the best varieties grown in America. After ( aielully <»j;peiimeiiting for a
number of years, it is claimed that a variely has been obtained with a hartliness in resisting the
effects of a Canadian winter, entirely superior lo the Diehl when grown side by side, and subjected
to I he very same 'Conditions. One bag, containing lull lbs., $9.00. One bushel, including bag, f 4.50.
Oue peck, including bag, $1.50. 3 lbs., by mail, ?pl.OO.

COMPTON'S EAKLY FIE LB CORN.

This corn, which has made such a sensation in agricultural circles, is the result of years of pa-
tient elifo it by one of our rnoit intelligent experimenters. Seeing the great deterioration of the
common sorts, and compreheniling the magnitude of the losses frequently sustained in conse-
quence of the partial or total destruction of ihe crop by early Autniiin frosts, he instituted a series
of experiments with the view of obtaining a liew variety in which extreme earliness and sjreat pro-
ductiveness shoidd be combined. A large plot was planted wiih seed from the small hnskless
ears sometimes found on the tops or blossom branches. Thri kinds so obtained proved to be dif-
ferent from each otiier, and each distinct from any known variety. One stalk on which were lour
fine ears, ripened l)y the middle of August. The cro)) of lliis stalk is the source of the variety of-
fered. It is a seedling of the D.itton, and resembles its parent S' mewhat in appearance. Stalks
grow eiirbt to ten feet in higlit, e.irs Irom ten to seventeen inches in length, well filled to the
end. Kernel medium, bright yellow anil of the flinty order.

This variety wis sent lo all parts of the country Ihe past season, and we have j'et to hear one
unsatisfactory report. All who have tried it strongly recommend it. It is an acquisition which
farmers cannot fail to appreciate.

Price, one pint, bii mall prepaid, 50 cents ; oiie quart, by mail p'>epnid, 80 cenf.i ; by express,
charges to 6« paid bi/ pu,rch.x<er, jyeck, $2.50 ,• bash., $8.00. Select ears, by mail, 25 cents each ; by
exijress, $1.50 per doa. ,■ $8.00 per 100.

WHITE RUSSIAN SPRING AVHEAT.

The White Russian Wlieat was first grown in this country in Wisconsin. It was increased^
from a small quantity received from Riissi i, and has been known as the While Kussian. although
it is not exac ly white, but is of mac i lighter co^or thun most varieties of Spring Wheat.

It is a bald while chaff wheat, anil h is provt-d itself to be one of the best Spiing wheats ever
grown in Wisconsin. Such loiii. straight, strong, healthy yelUjw straw, bearing large long white
chart heads, well filled wiLh pliimo kernels, weighing oftentimes from 60 to 61; lbs. to the meas-
ured biisliel, and ttie wheat producing 5 to 10 bushels more per acre than other once well thought
of varieties thit are now fast running out, as all wheat does after being sown a long series of
years under tlie influence of the sani ; soil and climate. As soon as it can begot in sufficient
quiutity, it is destined to crowd out to a grear, extent oiher varietirs, and will become the Staple
Spring' WliPat of the Unifed States, until other new vaiieties lake its place.

Tiie White Iius-i.tu Whear stands well after being ripe, and is not liable to lodge when green,
or rust; it is decidedly a healtliy and sure crop wheat, that has in many cases produced a full
average crop, where other vaiieties along side of it have failed. 3 lbs., by mail, $1.00 ; 1 peck,
$1.00. 1-2 6it67i, $1.75; 1 6(ts/t., $3,00.

GOLDEN MILLET.

Golden Millet is of extraordinary value, and coming into great favor as an annual hay and
fodder crop. It is mistakenly called German IMillet, whieh is a very indefinite name for seed im-
ported from Europe under this n una proves to lie the Ponicum miliaceum or common Millet of
our catalogues and persons ordering German Millet of ordinary seedsmen, will probably get .S' ia-
rla Germaiilca. or Hungnriiu grass. Hence Golden Millet is the only definite name, for no other
plant bears the same. The experience of those to whom we sold seed last year, warrants our
speaking of it in the highe.«t terms.

Prices: fVe can. farnlih the .teed at the follmoing prices, by expre.is or freight, charges paid
by purchaser; per bushel, $2.00; per ,'4 bushel, 60 cents; by mail postage pnjmid by w.5, 40 cents
per quart.

KENNEY'S EARLY AMBER SUGAR CANE.

In this variety we have a plant that is destined to prove of immense value to the northern por-
tions of our country. It has been tested in Minnesota ibr several years past. A large grower
gives the following statement to the State Commissioner:

I planted a piece of this cane this year, and 'the 27th of May, on new land, and before any
frosts it w I- entirely ripe. Its sacehnrine qualities are of the first order, fine and rich, and its
earliness highlv recommend it to the whole countrv. It has another desirable quality, it stands
UK well, does not easily blow down, usunllv grows eleven and twelve feet high with us. When
planted between the first and tenth of May. the seed almost invariably ripens, thus giving one
the advantage of a doulile crop in one vear. from one phinling. some 20 or 25 bushels of seed, and
150 or more ga'lons of fine svnip per acre, that i-:. if it is i-killfully handled. All kinds of farm
stock are fond of the seed; when ground and ndxed with bran it makes a good heavy feed for
horses; hens are very fond of the seed, and I believe it makes them produce eggs more abun-
dantly than almost any other kind of grain. We have seen sugar produced from this variety
equal to the best coffee sugars in the market.

By mail, 75 cents per lb. When sent by express at the expense of purchaser, 60 cents per lb.

PRICE LIST OF

&Sa

No. 1 PERUVIAN GUANO, PUEE BONE,

es' Comp

Uncludin^ the celehratod Formulas of Prof . Gqotccq Ville.,

PEEPAKED ET

THE MAPES' FORMULA AND PERUVIAN GUANO CO.

CASH MUST ACCOMPANY ALL ORDZRS FOR FERTILIZERS.

The following- quotations include cartage, except inff -when total quantity ordered is less than half a
ton, then add fifty cents for cartage.

PERUVIAN GUANO, at Gov't Stores, Brooklyn, N. Y.

]¥o. 1 PEKUVIAX GUANO—" Standard," or " Guanafe,"

Ammonia, 10 per cent.; Phosphoric Acid, 13 to 15 ; Potash 2 to 3.

Average weight of Bags ISO lbs.

No. 1 PEBUVIAN GUANO—" Lobos."

Ammonia, G to 7 per cent. ; Phosphoric Acid, 15 to 20 ; Potash, 3 to 5.

Average weight of Bags 210 lbs.

No. 1 PERUVIAN GUANO— GuARAKTEED.

Cargo 2}... Ammonia, 11.50; Phosphoric Acid, 17.10; Potash, 2.30 Bags 200 lbs.

Cargo JP. .. .Ammonia, G.30; Phosphoric Acid, 13.70; Potash, 3.20 Bags 2C0 lbs.

No. 1 PERUVIAN GUANO— Eectified.

Cargo Ammonia, 0.70; Phosphoric Acid, 14.25; Potash, 2 Bags 200 lbs.

Cargo Ammonia, 3.40; Phosphoric Acid, 16.90; Potash, 3.40 Bags 2C0 lbs.

No. 2 PERUVIAN GUANO.

Ammonia, 3 per cent.; Phosphoric Acid, 15; Potash, 2 Bags 200 lbs.

No eliarge for Delivery at Croverninent Stores, at Qroolilyii, to vessel.

Ofla.cial descriptive Pamphlets on Peruvian Guano furnished to dealers, with
their name on cover. Liberal concessions made to manufacturers and
dealers, from even the official price list of the Agents of the Peruvian
Government ,

CHEIVIICALS, FURNISHING AMMONIA, ETC.

NITRATE OF SODA.

STANDASD 05 per cent., equal to 19 percent. Ammonia Bags lbs.

SUIiPHATE OF AMMONIA p^s lbs.

STANDAS,D 25 per cent. Ammonia i Casks lbs.

GROUND DRIED ESIiOOD— (Pure).

GBADE AA.. Ammonia, 14 to 15 Bag

.lbs.

GROUND DRIED FL.ESH-(Odorless).

GRADE AA.. Ammonia, 14X to 15>^ Bags lbs.

CASTOR PUMACE— Ammonia Bags lbs.

SULPHATE OF MAGNESIA.

GRADE per cent. Sulphate Magnesia Bags lbs.

PL.ASTER, Nova Scotia— Very finely ground fBags 200 lbs.

• (Bbls. 250 lbs.

All Chemicals, grades of Bone, Formulas of Prof. Ville, Complete and
Special Crop Manures, Super-Phosphates, and Potash Salts, sold by us
subject to test by Prof. Geo. H. Cook, ISe-w Jersey State Chemist ; Prof.
"W. O. Atwater, Connecticut Exjjeriment Station; Dr.'Wm. M. Habirsha-w,
Chemist IS'e'wXork State Agricultural Society.

Per Ton, t.®*',"^''
3O00 lb«.' p^errSSS'd

56

50

3c.

47

50

2Kc.

Per
300 IbH.

70

00

$7.35

66

00

5.90

69

00

7.25

51

.00

5.35

38

00

4.00

Single

Package,

Per I'ourici.

$75.00 43^c.
90.00 5>ic.

CO. 00 3c.
50.00 3c.

22.50* l^c.
8.00

PRICE LIST OF MANURES.

PROF. VILLE'S FORMULAS.

COMPliETE MANUKE— (Ville Formula)— Ready Mixed.

A substitute for barn-yard manure, adapted for general use, especially on
light or sandy ^olls, or those deficient in potash.
Ammonia, 7.69 per cent.; Phosphoric Acid, 5; Potash, 7.59 , Bags 200 lbs.

FOR OXIONS and Vegetables— fTse the above Complete Manure.

TUKNIP MANURE— {Ville Tormula)— Ready Mixed.

Ammonia, 2.53 per cent.; Phosphoric Acid, 7.50; Potash, ?-58 Bags 200 lbs.

POTATO MANURE— (Ville Pormula)— Ready Mixed.

Ammonia, 4.50 per cunt.; Phosphoric Acid, 5.97; Potash, 13.64 Bags 200 lbs.

These formulas are no-w furnished by us at the above quoted prices, in a
ready-mixed and finely ground, dry condition.

Any of these formulas, "wrhen ordered in lots of two tons and up-wards, may
be obtained in the form of the materials of which "they are composed, all
shipped in their separate and original packages, at a reduction of five
dollars per ton from the above prices.

The prices charged for these formulas in the unmixed form, will be found to
be based upon the actual per centages of the following ingredients at the
annexed low rates.

Ammonia, from Peruvian Guano, Ground Dried Blood or Flesh. 17Xc- Per lb.

Phosphoric Acid, all in form of Peruvian Guano 9c. "

Potash, as Phosphate, Sulphate and Muriate 7Xc. "

MAPES' COMPLETE AND SPECIAL MANURES.

In the preparation of these Manures, particular attention is paid to supplying
all the required ingredients to meet the demand of each crop ; not only in
the proper proportion, but also in those forms and conditions which
practical and varied experience has show^n to develop the healthiest
growth and best quality of product, as well as the largest yield.

This will be readily appreciated in the case of such crops as Tobacco, also
Spring "Wheat as compared with Fall Wheat, &c.

The materials from which these Manures are prepared are Peruvian Guano,
Nitrate of Soda, Sulphate of Ammonia, Dried Blood or Flesh, Fine Bone,
Sulphuric Acid, and Potash Salts. They contain no^ plaster. They are all
supplied in a ready-mixed state, finely ground, and 'easy of distribution.

MAPES' COMPLETE MANURE.

Ammonia, 0 to 7 ; Ihosphoric Add, 10 to 12; Potash, 3 to 4 Bags 200 lbs.

Adapted for general crops on heavy soils or average clay-loams, or those re-
quiring an increased per centage of Phosphoric Acid as compared with
Potash, such as fair Corn or Potato lands.

This Manure for clay lands, as well as the Ville Complete Manure for light
or sandy soils, is recommended as our WHE3AT MANURE, and for
seeding down to permanent mowing or pasture lands, also for Oats,
Barley, Hye, and Bops, as well as for general use, as a substitute for
barn-yard or stable manure.

MAPES' CORN MANURE.

Ammonia, 4.50 to 5; l'ho:.phoricAcid,10 to 12 ; Potash, 6to 7....0 Bags 200 lbs.

MAPES' FODOER CORN MANURE.

Ammonia, 4; Phosphoric Acid, C; Potash, 12 to 13 Bags 200 lbs.

MAPES' BEET AND MANQOIiD MANURE.

Ammonia, 0.50 to 7.5J; Phosphoric Acid, 4 to 6; Potash, 7 to 8 Bags 200 lbs.

The above Formulas and Manures should be reduced in strength by mixing
with plaster or dry earth. This will secure better distribution and guard
against injury to the young roots, especially if used in th'e hills or close to
the seed.

Per Ton, Per
8000 lbs. aoo lbs

$52.28

38.72

51.94

$5.50

4.00

6.40

50.00

5.26

49.50

49.00

52.00

5.20
5.15
5.46

PRICE LIST OF MANURES,

OTAffES' TOBACCO MANURE.

Ammonia, 5.00; Phosphoric Aoid, 5,00; Potash, 11.90..... Bags 200 lbs.

Tlie Potash in this manure is all in the form of a Sulphate.

OT APES' FKUIT AND VINE OTANURE.

Ammonia, 1.60 to 2.00; Phosphoric Acid, 7.50 to 11.00; Potash, 6 to 7. .Bags 200 Its.

mAPES' SPRING ^V^HEAT MANURE.

Ammonia, 6 to 7 ; Phosphoric Acid, 7 to 8 ; Potash, 5 to 6 Bags 200 lbs.

May he drilled in with the seed.

MAPES' CAUIilFI^OTTER AND CARBAOE MANURE.

Ammonia, 5 . 50 to 6 . UO ; Phosphoric Acid, 4 to 5 ; Potash, 10 to 12 Bags 200 lbs .

MAPES' ORASS AND ORAIN SPRING TOP-DRESSING.

....Bags 200 lbs.

This Manure, owing to the solubility of its Phosphoric Acid, will be found
very useful as a spring top-dressing to winter grain which, has suffered
injury from winter exposure ; also, as a dressing to any crop around the
hills or rows to promote rapid growth.

MAPES' SUGAR CANE OR SORGHUM MANURE.

Ammonia, 2.00 to 3.00; Phosphoric Acid, 10.00 to 12.00 ; Potash, 6.00 to S.OO.Bags 200 lbs.

"We prepare this Manure to meet the special requirements of the sugar lands
of South America, "West Indies, and the Southern States. The effect of
this Manure is particularly to increase the proportion of SACCHARINE
MATTER.

MAPES' liATFN TOP-DRESSING.

For Lawns, Croquet Grounds, Grass Plots, <£c Bags 200 lbs.

FOR COTTON— Pse napes' Nitrogenized Super-Phosphate.

MAPES' SUPER-PHOSPHATES, ETC.

MAPES' NITROGENIZED SUPER-PHOSPHATE-(with Potash).

Fine and Dry.

Ammonia, i)i to 3% per cent ; Phosphoric Acid (soluble and available), (Bags 200 lbs.

^10 to 14; Potash, 2 to 3 (Bbls.250 lbs.

The Phosphoric Acid, all from Bone and Peruvian Guano.

MAPES' NITROGENIZED SUPER-PHOSPHATE (Old Brand) (Bags 2C0 lbs.
Ammonia, 3 to 3>^ per cent.; Plios. Acid (soluble and available), 10 to 14.. (Btdg. 250 lbs.
The Phosplioric Acid, all from, Bone and Peruvian Guano.

AMMONIATED DISSOLVED BONE— (Moosehead Brand) (Bags 200 lbs.

Ammonia, 2X to 3 percent.; Phos. Acid (soluble and available), 10 ) Bbls. 250 lbs.

The Phosphoric Acid, all from Bone.

DISSOIiVED BONE-BIiACK~(jMapes Brand) [Bags 200 lbs.

Phosphoric Acid (soluble and available), 15 to 17 (.Bbls. 250 lbs.

ACID PHOSPHATE.

Phosphoric Acid (soluble and available), 11 io 14 Bbls. 250 lbs.

The Phosphoric Acid from South Carolina Phosphate.

PREPARED DRV FISH GUANO-(Mapes Brand) (B^gs 180 lbs.

Ammonia, 5 to C>a per cent.; Phosphoric Acid, C to 7/i ) Bbls lbs.

The dry, fine condition of this preparation of Fish Guano, renders it con-
venient for Transportation, especially when packed in barrels.

It is in considerable demand for shipment to the Truck Grow^ers in Charles-
ton, Florida, and Bermuda.

MAPES' POTASH BONE PHOSPHATE.

Ammonia, 2 to 3 per cent.; Phosphoric Acid, 11 to 13 ; Potash, 6 to 7...' Bags 200 lbs.

Prepared from Bone and Potash Salts.

This Manure is intended to meet the demand for a cheap and effective
fertilizer for restoring w^orn-out lands, such as old orchards, side-bill
stony pastures ; to take the place, in fact, of finely ground Pure Bone and
^Wood Ashes. May be used broadcast as a top-dressing, spring or fall.

Per Ton, Per
S0«0 1b8.300 1b8.

$49.34 <t!Ron

35.00
50.00

49.00
51.00

45.00

60.00

45.00
43.00
40.00

36.00
30.00

40.00

35.00

PRICE LIST OF MANURES.

GROUND BONE— STRICTLY PURE.

PURE KONE MEAl.—(iVIapes Brand).

Ammonia, 4 to 5 per cent.; Phosphoric Acid, 20 to 2G Bags 200 lbs.

PUKE GROUND BONE— (Mapes Brand)— Extra Fine) (Bags... 200 lbs.

Ammonia, 3.50 to 4.50 per cent.; Phosphoric Acid, 20 to 28] |Bbls lbs.

This grade of bone -will be found to be nearly as fine as ordinary Done Meal.

PURE GROUND BONE— (Mapes Brand)— Fine | (Bags. ..200 lbs.

Ammonia, 3.50 to 4.50 per cent.; Phosphoric Acid, 20 to28J ( Bbls lbs.

TMs grade of Bone designated Pine, consists of tlie three other grades, viz:
Meal, Extra Fine, and Medium, in about equal proportions, and i^ there-
fore well adapted to meet the wants of those who desire permanent effects
as well as immediate action.

PURE GROUND BONE— (Mapes Brand)— Medium.
Ammonia, 2 to 4 per cent.; Phosphoric Acid, 20 to 30.

PURE FINE BONE, Dissolved in Sulphuric Acid— (Mapes Brand).

Ammonia, 2.50 to 3 per cent.; Phosphoric Acid, soluble and available, 13 to IG.

This brand is prepared from only bone and ne'W Sulphuric Acid, and will be
found to be more economical to the farmer than any home-made pre-
paration.

PURE BONE MEALi, for Feeding

Per Ton.
SOOO lbs.

$42.00

40.00

■:::::! 1

ijags.,
Bbls..

.200 lbs.
lbs.

PURE BONE, for Ctiekens

All of the above grades consist of absolutely pure Bone, reduced by im-
proved machinery to fine condition, without admixture or treatment with
any dryer, salt or nitre-cake, plaster, natural phosphate, " Kettle Bottoms"
or adulterant.

The Ammonia is therefore all intimately blended (in the form of the gelatine
and organic matter of the Bone) with the phosphates of the Bone, and
thus secures rapid decomposition and best action on plant growth.

Any desired grade of Bone prepared to order. Deliveries in bulk made at
our Works on Morris Canal, Newark, U. J.

POTASH SALTS, Etc.— Our own Importation.

MURIATE OF POTASH— (High Grade).

STANDAUD SO per cent., equal to 50 p. c. actual Pot£.sh.Bags about 200 lbs.

MURIATE OF POTASH— (Hi^h Grade) " Donglasshall."
(This Grade contains about 10 per cent. Sulphate Magnesia).
STANDARD 80 per cent., equal to 50 p. c actual Potash.

Bags even weight 225 lbs
SULPHATE OF POTASH— (High Grade).

Test 70 to 8.") per cent., equal to 38;^ to 40 if per cent, actual Potash ( -^^^s ll^s-

STANDARD 80 per cent., equal to 44 p. c. actual Potash (Bbls. .340 lbs.

SUIiPHATE OF POTASH— (German).

Test 40 to CO per cent., equal to 22 to 33 per cent, actual Potash Bags lbs.

STANDARD 50 per cent., equal to 27)^ p. c. actual Potash.

GERMAN POTASH SAIiTS— -Kaiwi*— "Leopoldshall," "Stassfurt."
Test 20 to 33 per cent. Sulphate of Potash equal to H to 18 per cent.

actual Potash Bags 200 lbs.

STANDARD 24 per cent., equal to 13 p. c. actual Potash.

NITRATE OF POTASH.

Test 90 to 95 per cent., equal to 42 to 46 per cent, actual Potash. Contains

also some l'2X por cent, of Nitrogen, (Ammonia, 15) Bags about 200 lbs.

STANDARD 95 per cent., equal to 46 per cent, actual Potash.
Ammonia, 15 per cent.

SFECIAIj HATSS will be given on all of the above grades of Potash Salts,
delivered ia bulk or packages direct from vessel in vrhich imported,

(Involving no expense to us of storage., etc.) Dealers can obtain their
supplies in this way at very low figures.

Per Bag,
SOO lbs.

S4.40
4.20

38.00 4.00

36.00

.80

42.00 4.40

CO. 00
50.00

6.30
5.25

$45.00

Single

Paekai»e»

Per lb.

2Kc.

.45.00 2Kc

65.00 4c.

35.00 2c.

15. to 18 IXc

170.00 93^0.

Extract from Circular of the Mapes Formula and Peru-
vian Guano Company, ISTe^^ York.

CLASSIFICATION AND BEQUIKEMENTS OF CKOPS.

Crop.
"Wheat

■3-5

"3 o
S X

a I'

a a

Barley

Kye.

Weiffht
Yield. Per Bushel.

20 bushels 60 lbs.

30 bushels 60 lbs.

30 bushels 48 lbs.

40 bushels 48 lbs.

15 bushels 56 lbs.

" 30 bushels 5C lbs.

Oats 30 bushels 32 lbs.

50 bushels 32 lbs.

Averaee Meadow Hay....

Timothy Hay

Hops

Onions 600 bushels 50 lbs

2 tons (Dry)

2 tons (Dry.)

Sugar Beets

10 tons

Carrots 364 bushels 55 lbs.

ko f Corn (Shelled) 60 bushels.

56 lbs.

5j a
3<

fa 3

o

75 bushels 56 lbs.

Sugar Cane

Sorghum

Cotton 500 lbs.

Turnips

(Lint)

10 tons.

a o
\<

Beans .

Buckwheat

25| bushels 02 lbs.

30 bushels 48 lbs.

g f Fodder Corn ! . 20 tons

u I

c-i Fodder Rye 5 tons.

^ \ Bed Clover (in blossom) 10 tons.

0 I. Bed Clover Hay 3 tons .

Ti,„ Nitrogen Phoa. Acid Potash

l^bS. -,1,5 TV. n,3_

(Grain 1230...

I Straw 3,000. . .

Lbs.
25
14.40

Grain 1,800 1

Straw 4,500 )

Grain 1,440...

Straw 2,000...

( Grain 1,920 1

( Straw 2,666)

(Grain 840.

I Straw 1,780.

(Grain 1,680 1

(Straw 3,560 J

( Grain 96J.

I Straw 2,000.

( Grain 1,000 1

i Straw 3,333 )

Yield 4,000.,

Yield 4,000.

39.40
59.10

27 50
6 26

Lbs.
9.50
6 GO

16.10
34.1.5

9 64

5.40

Yield 30,000..

; Roots .20.000.

I Tops 5,000.

Roots 20,000.

Tops 8,000.

33.76
45.01

15 00
4.21

19.31
38.43

18.40
11.20

39.60
49.34

.60.00
63.00

! 63.60

32.00
15.00

47.00

44.00
40.80

; Grain .
Stover

. . 3,360
... 0,400.

Butabagas

Tobacco 1,800 lbs.... (Green Leaf)

Potatoes 300 bushels 66 lbs.

Cabbages 20 tons

Peas 25 bushels 60 lbs.

( Grain

1 Stover. . .

. 4.200 (
. 8,000)

(Seed Cotton) 1,500...

{ Roots....
1 Tops ....

.20.000...
...0,0' 0...

( Drv Leaf,
i Stalks...

. 1,260...
. 1,100...

Tubers. . .

Yield....

( Seed

(Straw

.18,000...
.40.000. ..
. 1,.500 ..
. 3,600...

(Seed

1 Straw. . . .

. 1,.^8I...
. 2,800...

( Grain

\ Straw ....

. 1,440...
. 2,000..

Yield....

.40,000...

Yield....

.10,000...

Yield....

..20,000..

Yield

.. 6,000....

S4.80

53.60
30.40

S4.00
105.00

46.50

30 00
18.00

54.00

49.00
33 00

15.04
80.05

7.03
3.28

10.31
30.63

6.00
3.80

9.80
16.34

16.40
38.80

46.50

16 00
6.50

33.50

20 00
9.60

18.40
24.40

43.80
53.50

14.40

is.oo

5.40

34.00
38.00
33.60

0.40
18 9;)

35.30
37.95

0.33
25 80

33.13
43.84

4.69
13 59

18.38
36.55

420
17.80

33.00
36.68

53.80
81.60

50.40

78.00
31.50

109.50

56 00
23.20

79.30

11.20
106.40

117.60
147.00

16.60

06.00
16 80

7100
47.00

118.00
lOl.OO
340.00

14.70
36.36

51.06

20.71
51.80

73.51

3.88
48.40

53.38
173.00

88.00
109,80

Can Concentrated Manures be Used with Profit?

The following table gives the estimated cost [per bushel, etc.] to grow farm produce in excess of the natural
yield of the soil. The estimates include all the Phosphoric Acid and Potash contained in the plant, together
with the full proportion of Nitrogen, as recommended by Prof. Geokge Ville.

I One Bushel Wlieat

The Natural Proportion of Straw 150 lbs.

One Bushel Barley

i

i The Natural Proportion of Straw G7 lbs

One Bushel Bye

i Nitrogen
l*hos|iLioric Acid
Potash
Nitrogen
Phosphoric Acid
Potash
( N'itrogen
48 lbs. ] Phosphoric Acid
( Potash
( Nitrogen
I Phosphoric Acid
( l'o:ash
Nitrogen
56 lbs. \ Piiosplioiic Acid
Potash

( Nitrogen
The Natural Proportion of Straw 118 lbs. ] Phosphoric Acid

(Potash

Nitrogen
Phosphoiic Acid
Potash

One Bushel Oats 32 lbs.

The Natural Proportion of Straw, 67 lbs.
One Bushel Shelled Corn 56 lbs.

The Natural Proportion of Stover 107 lbs.
One Bushel Potatoes (Tubers) 60 lbs.

One Bushel Buckwheat 48 lbs.

The Natural Proportion of Straw 67 lbs.
One Bushel Onions 50 lbs.

Dry Leaf Tobacco 100 lbs.

The Natural Proportion of Stalk 87 lbs

Seed Cotion (334 lbs. Lint.)

Nitrogen
Phosphoric Acid
Potash
Nitrogen
Phosphoric Acid
Potash
( Nitrogen

< Phosphoric Acid
( Potash
( Nitrogen
\ I'hosphoric Acid
( Potash
( Nitrogen

< Phosphoric Acid
( Potash
( Nitrogen
' Phosphoric Acid
( Potash
( Nitrogen
I Phosphoric Acid
( Potash
( Nitrogen
{ Phosphoric Acid
( Potash
(Nitrosren
I Phosphoric Acid
( Potash

( Nitrogen
1,000 lbs. \ Ph isphoric Acid
( Potash

0,62.5 lbs.

0.475 ■'

0,32'J "

0,.360 "

0.330 "

0,945 "

0,458 "

0.321 "

0,211 "

0.104 "

0.1811 "

0,860 "

0,500 "

0,468 "

0,312 "

0.140 "

0,218 "

0,90G "

0,306 "

0.200 "

0,140 "

0,186 "

0.126 "

0,593 "

0,223 "

0.300 "

0,186 "

0,126 "

0.406 "

1,773 "

0,097 "

0.106 "

0,336 "

0.172 "

0 273 "

0,129 "

0.216 "

0.4116 "

1,613 "

0 053 "

0 077 "

0,084 "

1.94 "

0.59 "

5.63 "

130 "

1.18 "

3.72 "

2.50 "

9 60 ■'

11.06 "

at 21} c. per
at 0
at 71
at 211
iit 9
at 75
at 21 j
at 9
at 7i
at21i
at 9
at 7}
at21i
at 9
at 7}
at 211
at 9
at li
at 211
at 9
at 1i
at 211
at 9
at 7i
at 211
at 9
at 7J
at 2li
at !)
at 7i
at 211
at 9
at 7^
at 211
at 9
at 7V
at 211
at 9
at 7i
at 211
at 9
at 7^
at 211
at 9
at 1^
at 211
at 9
at 7i
at 21 1
at 9
at 71

Cents,
lb. 13.28)

4.20 J

2.40)
' 7 6i )

2 97 I
•' 7.08)

9.56 )
' 2.88 J
' 1.58)
" 2.21 1
" 1.62

6.45 )
" 10.62 )

4.21}

2.34)
" 2 97 }

1.96 {
" G.79)
" C.49)
" 1.80 [

1.05)
" 3 95 )
" 1.13}
" 4.44 )

- 4.73)
" 2.75
" 1.39)
" 2 67 )

3.65 S
" 13.29)
" 2.06]
" 0.95

2.52 1

3.66)
" 2.45
" .96)

" 4 59 1
" 3.65
" 12.1.9)

" 1.12 j
0.69

" 0.63 ]

" 41.221

" 5 31

" 42 22 )

♦' 27 62]

" 10.62

" 27 90 ]

" .531 ]

" .8.=i4

" .829 )

30 cents.
18 "
14 "
! 10 "
17 "
13 "

30 "

51 "

7

30 "

3i «

89 "

66 "
«3.33

The cost of r.iising the staple products with Mapes' Complete and Special Manures has proved in praclioe to be
much less than showifby the figures of the above table. This has been uniformiy the case even upon poor light

^°' Owing to the diffleiilty of bringing the fertilizer, especially during the first season of its application, in contact
with the roots of thH plants, there Vill alwavs remain a larae proportion untised and ready tor future ctops. As be-
fore slated, the marked effects of the fertilizer on subsequent crops, particularly on grass alter grain crops, give
evidence of the increased atnc.k of availahlf. plant fnnrl left in the poil after croj)piiig.

Ag^tin. the natural fertility of the soil is increased by the acti m of the fertilizer in liberating and rendering
available, for rdant use. the ingredients which it already contains, but which without the presence of the manure,
woulcl remain i?^er< and jtse/ess. . ■, ,. * .-v a i 1 .-^

For thesH reasons the cost of raising farm-pro lucfs with Mapes' Manures, including fertilizer, seed labor, in-
teri'St on land, etc.. on poor as well as good land, is found to be less than the estimated cost ( f the fertilizing in-
gredients alone required as per above fable. . , , . . ^ i- t <i „ „„^t ^f „„;=

With 300 lbs. '• Complete Manure " per acre on 60 acres r>oor land this season in ronnpoticnt. the cost ot rais-
ing corn rier bushel was less than twenfy-fire cents. This inclmied all expenses of fertilize^-, cultivation, interest,
etc. The yield of corn with 3 '0 Iha. to 400 lbs. per acre of this s itne manure, has been f roni 8f) to 96 bushels i-nellea
corn per ace. In one instance, where the vleld was at the rat? of over 90 bushels shelled corn ^^per acre, the
writer stat.id that the " land was so poor that wirhout the fertilizer it would have produced nothing.

On potatoes, the potato manure. 300 to 400 lbs. per acre, has produced from .350 to .37o bushels per acre under
ordinarV culture. The cases reported were principally '•Lite" and ' Earlv Ro^e" In one instance, during the
past season, where land heavilv manured with barn-yard manure, produced "V'>'J'^" '^"':^ri\"VJ^"V"TV % i*J'
the addition of seven dollars worth of potash fertilizer (13 per cent. Potash) raised the yield to 350 bushels of pota-
toes of large size and very fine quality.

B. K. BLISS & SONS' POTATO CATALOGUE.

27
100

of a Cent per Day, 8 1-2 Cents a Month, or $1.00 a Year,

PAYS FOR A TRUE FARMER'S PAPER,
A Handsomely Illustrated Monthly Journal in the interests of Profitable Agriculture.

For all farmers gardeners, stock raisers, grain growers and dairymen. For all who wish to
li'aru about ferliiizers and manure.", about the principles underlying successful practice in the
Held and stable, it is full of the most valuable and practical information. Its articles on Plant
Kkedeng have intensely interested thousands of farmers; tor it is an acknowledged authority on
all subjects relating to manures and fertilizers; and its articles are so useful, so practical, and so
reliable, that no farmer can afford to be without it.

Ill HoRTiccJTyTUKE and BoTAXV it publishes the latest and best. Its Dairy and Stock de-
pirtment is in the hands of practicil ami snccessfal dairymen and breeders. It employs the best
talent on the subjects of Tillagb and General Field Operations, Djskases of Farm
Stock, Insect Pests, Poultry, Uui{al Art and Apchitecture, Window Gardening, etc.
All its departments are of every-day interest, and are conducted in a manner far above that of
the common newspaper.

The Scientific Farmer aims to be the most thoroughly instructive farmer's magazine ever
published. It strives to be entirely accurate iu statement; to make science /(raciica/; knowledge
usf/al; and the farm profitable.

Ever dignified and seehiny the highest, it is still bright and cheer}/, and always on the look out
for the brighter and pi easnni.er phases of farm life. Brimful of meat, and without a trashy line
in it; and all for about one-quarter of a cent a day.

There are few better uses to which an inCelliget'it farmer can put a dollar than to send for
this " Farmer's Magazine." A specimen number will be sent for ten cents, or 3 postage stamps.
Address,

Scientific Farmer Co., Boston, Mass.

Fe^a the Plant and the Plant will Peed Yon.

Stocktridge Manures,

Originated by Prof. Levi Stockbridge, Professor of Agriculture in the

MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE.

These manures are made according to the analysis of plants for different crops by formulas
worked out by Prof. Stockbridge, and supply the plant food in an available form, which is not
obtained from the soil or air in sufficient quantity. These maTuires also recognize the fact that
plants, like animals, differ and require different fond or in different proportions to insure the
best results at the least cost. They have been extensively used for FIVE YEARS and were
used In 1877 on ovei- 10,000 acres with very satisfactory results, many tanners raising from
75 to 100 KUSHELS of CORM per acre, and with like rpsnlts on other crops. As they supply
the principal elements of plant food which crops remove. THEY DO NOT KXHAliST THE
LAND, but actually leave it richar : tor being composed largely of chemicals. Iliey liHve a strong
chemical action on the soil, and liberate otlier r'lant foid. In short, the Stockbridge Manures,
based as they are on the analysis of the crop, does away with guess icork in fertilization, for they
supply just what the crop wants.

They contain no iveed seeds, and often cost less than the hanlina of stable manure and are
much more quickly applied. Send for Pamphlet for 1878, Mniled Free, containing
PRICES, the experience of farmers all over the country who have used these manures, and other
valuable information.

W. H. BOWKER & CO., Sole Agents and Manufaclurers.

Also proprietors of Bowker's Hill and Drill Phosphates, and dealers In High Grade
Agricultural Chemicals.

BOSTO]^ AISTD NEW YORK

Orders will also be received by

B. K. BLISS & SONS, 34 Barclay Street, New York.

56

B. K. BLISS & SONS' POTATO CATALOGUE.

NEAM AGRICULTURAL BOOKS.

A hnoh that ought to he in the hands of

evi:ry owner of a farm, lari/e or small,

or of a (jarden plot.

POTATO PESTS.

_ Being an illustrated account of tlie

' COLOEABO POTATO BEETLE,

And the other

Insect Foes of the Potato

IN NORTH AMERICA,

With Suggestions for their Repression
and Methods for their Destruction.

ByCHARLESV.RILEY,M.A.,Ph.D.,

(State Entomologist of Missouri.)

Finely Illustrated.

Price, postpaid, paper covers, 50 cents ;
cloth, 75 cents.

AN EGG FARM. THE MANAGEMENT OF POULTRY IN LARGE NUMBERS,

By H. H. STODDARD.

Bein? a Series of Articles written for the American Agriculturist, with
Other Articles. Illustrated.

CONTENTS —Introduction.— Plan of Farm.— Manner of Feeding.— Location of Farm.— Kind
of 8oil.— Crops on the Farm.— Supplying Water and Food— Collecting and Storing Dry Earth.—
Houses for Layers.— Feeding House for Winter.— Houses for Silters.-An-angenients lor Breed-
ing Stock.— Fowls for Layers.— Fowls for Sitters.— Management of Breeding Stock.— Coops for
Chickens. —Feeding Chickens.— Setting the Eggs.- Management of Sitting Fowls.— Testing the
Eggs.— Winter ManageiuHnt.- House for Earlv Hatched Pullets.— Shelters for Fowls and Chiclr-
ens.— Kind of Food.— Building for Storing and Cookinsj Food.— Management of Young Chickens.
—Feeding and Sheltering Chickens.— Additional Buildings.— General Conclusions.— Farm Poul-
try House.— Po\dtry Farming.— Poultry Keeping as a Business.

Price, postpaid, paper covers, 50 cents; cloth 75 cents.

THE POULTRY YARD AND MARKET;

Or, A Practical Treatise on <»allinoculture.

BY PROF. A. CORBETT,

Inventor of the New Process for Hatching Eggs and Raising Poultry, by means of Horse Manure
alone, for whi'di Gold and Bronze Medals, and several Diplomas, have been awarded by State and
County Fairs, and tlie American Institute, l.eading newspapers endorsed the valuable discovery
of tliis simple process, which is fully described in this book, giving the valuable information
acquired bv 20 years' experience in Poultry Breeding.

CONTENTS.— Origin of Artificial Incubation.— Its Prolificness.— Particulars of -what has
been done in Artificial Incubation up to the present time.— The discovery of how Eggs could be
Hatched in Manure.- The Researches of Prof. Corbett and his Discovery.— Prof. Corbett's t^iie-
cess.— Amount of Profit to be Made Annuallv bv Anybody witli Twelve Hens.— How Ponltiy
Breeders can Rai.se Chickens in Manure, with Slight Expense, All the Year Round.— The Raising
Poultry with Large Profits.— The Kind of Manure to be Used.— The Best Breed of Profitable
Fowls.— Advice to the Ladies.— Important Hints How to Keep Poultry .and Make Money.— Dis-
eases and their Cure.— How to Fatten ami Prepare for Market.— Opinims of the Press and Re-
wards given for this Process. Price, postpaid, 50 cents.

THE SHEPHEKD'S MANUAL,.

A practical treatise on The Sheep. Designed especially for American Shepherds.
Henry Stewart. Illustrated. Price, postpaid, $1.50.

By

PLAY AND PROFIT IN MY GARDEN.

By E. P. Roe. Author of " Barriers Burned Away," etc. Price, postpaid, $1.50.

Valuable Books for sale by B. K. Bliss & Sons,

— ««« — -

Sent by mail, post-paid, at following prices.

Allen's (R. L. & L, F ) 'Sew American Farm
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Allen's (R. L) Diseases of Domestic Ani-
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American Bird Fancier, - . - -
American Kose Culturist, - - -
American Weeds and Useful Plants,
Atwood's Country and Suburbau Houses,
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Bement's Rabbit Fancier, - - - -

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Every Woman Her Own Flower Gardener,

Paper, 50 cts.; cloth.
Field's Pear Culture, - - - . -
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Fuller's Forest Tree Culturist, - - -
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Fuller's Illustrated Strawberry Culturist,
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Gre.iiory on Carrots Mangold Wurtzels, etc.
Gregory on Onion Raising, - . -

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Guenon on M rich Cows, . - . .
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Plain, $4; colored engravings,
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Howard's Grasses and Forage Plants at the

South, --.-..,

How to Make Candy, - - - . -

Htmter and Trapper, - - - - -

Jennings on Cattle and their Diseases,
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i2 50
2 50
1 5(1
1 50

1 00
30
30

1 75

1 50

2 50
30
25

1 75
1 00
75
1 00
1 50

- 1 50

- 3 00
75

- 2 01)
75
75
75

- 1 75
75
75
20
30

75
1 50

1 50

2 50

1 25

2 5i)
C 50

2 00
75

I 00

3 75

- 1 00

1 25
30

2 50
1 50
1 50
1 50

20

1 50

1 50

1 25

1 23

30

30

30

30

75

50

6 50
1 50

25

1 50

7 50
1 50
1 50
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60

3 00

30

30

50

1 00

1 75

1 25

Jennings on the Horse and his Diseases, -
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King's Beekeeper's Text Book. Paper, 40
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Miles on the Horse's Foot, - - - .
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My Vineyard at LaUeview, - -

Nichnl's Cliernistry of the Farm and Sea, -
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Perclieron Horse, -----

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Quinn's Money in the Garden, - - -
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Youatt on the Dog, - - - - .

$1 75

1 75

1 50

2 00

2 00

1 25

1 75

1 50

75

1 76

5 00

1 50

1 50

1 00

2 00

75

1 00

1 25

1 25

1 75

75

20

60

75

1 50

60

1 00

25

1 50

1 25

1 50

1 00

1 00

1 50

50

60

75

1 00

50

1 60

75

75

75

3 00

1 60

1 50

1 50

75

2 00

9 CO

50

3 75

1 60

1 00

25

1 50

50

S 00

1 50

1 50

50

1 00

1 25

2 00

2 50

2 00

1 50

1 50

1 00

1 00

2 60