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How to Cultivate.
BEST VARIETIES FOR SEED. ILLUSTRATIONS OF THE LEADING VARIETIES.
PREMIUM CROPS AND HOW TO GROW THEM.
Centennial Collection of 500 Varieties.
SS
a
SNOW FLAKE. Showing habit of growth in the hill.
B. K. BLISS & SONS,
Seed and Horticultural Warehouse,
34 Barclay Street, New-York.
Po). Bex 4129.
— + —
EPRLCE, TEN CENTS:
i Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 188r, by B. K. Bliss & Sons, in the Office
Sa of the Librarian of Congress at Washington.
WHAT WE CUARANTEE.
That all seeds sold by us shall prove to be as represented, to this extent, that should they
prove otherwise, we will replace them, or send other seeds to the same value. But we cannot
guarantee the crop any farther than the above offer, as there are so many causes which operate unfavorably
in the germination of seeds and maturity of the crop, over which we have no control. Among the causes of
failure rnay be mentioned unfavorable weather, which is one of the most important. The soil may be in
proper condition when the seedis planted, but the weather which follows may be cold and wet, which will
cause the seed to rot, or it may be hot and dry, which destroys the germ, before it shows itself. The soil
may also be unfavorable for the variety of seed planted. The seeds may be and are frequently destroyed by
vermin of various kinds. And lastly, changes not unfrequently occur, especially among new hybridized
varieties, by which frequent sports are produced which give the planter the idea that his seeds are badly
mixed. Such occurrences are beyond the power of man to prevent and for which we cann6t be responsible.
That all money shall reach us if sent by either Bank Draft, Money Order, Express or Rege
istered Letter. If unable to procure money orders or currency, remittances may be made in postage
stamps (of the highest denominations convenient, not exceeding 30c. stamps), care being taken to prevent
their sticking to each other, or to the order. Stamps are preferable to coin, as the latter is apt to break
through the envelope.
That all seeds sent out by us shall reach their destination, agreeing to replace any that may be
lost in the mails.
We respectfully solicit your orders on the above very favorable conditions. Every possible care and
precaution will be used by usto prevent any mistake from occurring, but should such occur, we wish to be
advised at once, and they will be cheerfully rectified, as it is our aim and desire that every trans-
action with us shall be perfectly satisfactory.
We would also request that the above instructions may be fully complied with; also that with each and
every order you will give your COMPLETE ADDRESS DISTINCTLY WRITTEN, and give shipping instructions
if the order is to go otherwise than by mail.
Do not ask to have small orders sent C. O. D., as the charges for collecting the money, added to the ex-
pressage on the goods, often amounts to more than the expense of sending them by mail or express prepaid,
and, to some points, more than the value of the seeds ordered. We would therefore request that each order
be accompanied by aremittance, as much more satisfactory to all parties.
Thanking our many correspondents for their past favors, both in orders received and for speaking
so kindly of us to their friends, and awaiting your further favors, which shall receive our best care and
prompt attention.
B. K. BLISS & SONS:
THE FOLLOWING ‘CATALOGUES WILL BE MAILED TO ALL APPLICANTS ON RECEIPT OF PRICES AFFIXED.
Regular customers, whose names are recorded on our books, will be supplied with a copy of each edi-
tion, when published, without application.
No.1. Bliss’s Seed Catalogue and Guide to the Flower, Kitchen Garden and the Farm
(24th Edition).—Contains upwards of 200 pages, with about 500 BEAUTIFUL ILLUSTRATIONS, including
two splendid Colored Lithographs of favorite flowers, and a descriptive list of upwards of TWo THOUSAND
VARIETIES OF FLOWER AND VEGETABLE SEEDS, including many CHARMING NOVELTIES, with explicit direc-
tions for their culture. Also alist of FRENCH HYBRID GLADIOLUS, and other SUMMER FLOWERING BULBS,
BEDDING AND GREENHOUSE PLANTS. “Io which is added a list of a few of the choicest varieties of GRAPES,
STRAWBERRIES, RASPBERRIES, and. other SMALL FRUITS, AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS, FERTILIZERS, etc.,
etc., with much valuable information upon the subject of Gardening generally, which will be found useful
to the experienced amateur as well as to those about to commence the delightful occupation of gardening.
35 cents; an edition elegantly bound in muslin, $1.00.
No. 2. Bliss’s Illustrated Handbook for the Farm and Garden.—An abridged catalogue, con-
taining all the leading varieties selected from the above, illustrated by a beautiful colored plate of
Pansies, and about three hundred engravings of FLOWERS, VEGETABLKS, FRUITS, AND IMPLEMENTS.
144 pages; published annually. 10 cents.
_
No. 3. Bliss’s Illustrated Potato Catalogue.—Contains a list of 500 varieties of Potatoes, embrac-
ing several new and very promising varieties, with explicit directions for culture, and much other valu-
abie information respecting this indispensable esculent. 10 cents.
No. 4. Bliss’s Bulb Catalogue (Illustrated).—Published September 1st, containing a choice Col-
lection of DOUBLE AND SINGLE HYACINTHS, arranged in their several colors; TULIPS in many varieties,
both double and single ; POLYANTHUS NARCISSUS, CROWN IMPERIALS, JONQUILS, SNOW-DROPS, LILIES, ete.
10 cents.
?
No. 5. Bliss’s Catalogue of Fruit and Ornamental Trees, New and Rare Plants, and Small
Fruits.—Free to applicants.
ILLUSTRATED AND DESCRIPTIVE
CATALOGU Ei
———
PoTATOES FOR SEED,
FOR SALE BY
Bos BLIgs & SONS.
At their Seed and Horticultural Warehouse,
No, 34 BARCLAY STREET,
i Sos =a 29. INS ews SO eigicee
PEt: 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 Spain 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 cofiee; 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 asa
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 thetable. 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 1844, the disease known as the rot appeared and nearly destroyed ite 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 thenin 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 hada 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 wpon 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 unusual 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 line, it has never proved
a great success. Too much cannot be said in favor of this valuable 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.
rw]
B. K. BLISS & SONS’ POTATO CATALOGUE.
CULTI V Brion.
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
whichis 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. Wet land 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, marl 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 ef
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 asin acarrot-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 eyesto the hil]. Inour opinion this is a mis-
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 for another year and a sound article of food for Winter use. The yield of the first
planting will give a handsome profit, for early potatoes always command a high price when near
acity ortown. The later varieties do better when planted some weeks after the early kinds; and
the farmer has 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 potatoes 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 sufficiently 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 autumn frosts, They should, however, be dug before the ground is touched
by frost at night.
B. K. BLISS & SONS’ POTATO CATALOGUE.
FLOW EO CUA” TORAY SINGLE EYE.
Take any potato and hold before you, with the stem end (the place where it was joined to the
vine) down. It willthen 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 asharp, thin-bladed knife and remove the first eye, by placing the knife about equally
distant between it and the
ES a : i i
Se ==> eye next in rotation above
£ZZE=SE —S= it, sloping it to the in-
3 HN : p
LEZZEZ__F SS =
LEE = SSS denture left by the stem
EEE (see dotted lines in center
= BBBA==_——Ss cut), removing the flesh
Zz = = . =
LZ SSS S=> S with it. When the firsteye
f AB <S< ———_—=—— is removed, turn the potato
—_—_—SS=>S== = ——S—— =——— pa ioe = :
Bs ZZ ——— around in the hand until
j ——_—— —
LE Zs J §E_EA == the next eye above appears.
S52 t —_— --— 5 :
LZ I/a—- = : Remove this one in the
Z L_—— Same manner, and keep on
» LLE__ turning the potato, remoy-
BY LLE___= ing each eye as it appears
Bea
<—sS EEF E
ES =
g ————
=
<—S
—~
i
ii}
\\
et
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 tothatrepre-
Z % sented by the cuton the left,
ZA \ and has its proportionate
arr share of the flesh attached.
a
-
| these.
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 theright 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
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-
the fiesh which is to start
ter of the tuber), each eye will be supported by an equal amount of
it into a strong, healthy growth. With common varieties, where seed is cheap, many will think
this manner of cutting too troublesome. Butif every farmer should save one-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 yaluable varieties, this manner of cutting so
that every eye is saved will prove invaluable.
4 B. K. BLISS & SONS’ POTATO CATALOGUE.
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 this question to the satisfaction of every one, we shall give our own views,
and claim that in our method an enormous quantity of the tubers now annually planted may be
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 enahjed to understand our method.
He ®
HOW TO RAISE FROM CUTTINGS.
For this purpose any ordinary hot-bed may beused. About the Ist 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 outthese young plants. Itis bestto
transplant them on some cloudy day or towards evening, as the hot sun withers them and destroys
many if plantedin 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, ora year’s supply for a large family. We donot 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. Itis 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. Inthe 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. 5
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 within 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-ripened 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-quarter 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 open 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, transplantin rows three feet apart, two feet in the rows, and keep down the weeds
until the tubers ripen. Somefew strong growing varieties, will form tubers weighing from six to
eight ounces the first year. Asa generalrule they will be about the sizeof a walnut. Theseed we
offer this season, *‘Pringle’s hybrid,” is far in advance of any hitherto offered, as will be seen
by referring to the description on page 32. 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 difficult method,
although it generally secures a greater number of good varieties. The manner of procedure is as
follows: Remove all flowers 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 which 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 exampie, 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.
BOW _TOSSTORE AND KEEP.
It isa 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 blemish 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 willif 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 itschampions. They are: storiag
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 presents itself
it can be checked or removed.
When thousands 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 ever-estimated as means of preserving the crop.
6 B. K. BLISS & SONS’ POTATO CATALOGUE,
ttt -- — «
POTATOES. New Yarieties of 1881.
EXTRA EARLY PEACH BLOW.
A New Extra Early Variety.
Although this variety is only now offered for the first time, it has during the past
few years been carefully tested, and found of sufficient merit to warrant public intro-
duction. It is a seedling of Early Vermont crossed with White Peach Blow, and pos-
sesses distinguishing qualities likely to rival the parent varieties in many desirable
points. In habit of growth it bears a close resemblance to Alpha, the stalks being
rather short, erect, and robust. The leaves are heavy in texture, and pointed. The
tubers grow very compact in the hill; are flattish-round in form, and maintain a uni-
formity of size, on which account it is very desirable as a market variety. The skin is
russety-white, with eyes blotched and shaded with delicate pink, similar to the Jersey
Peach Blow, although in some of the tubers this is hardly recognizable, or altogether
wanting. In yield, it is nearly double that of Alpha, and being almost as early, is con-
sequently eminently superior to that well-known sort. Flesh pure white, firm, fine-
grained, and of excellent flavor.
Price $1.00 per pound; three pounds to one address, $2.50, by mail, post-paid.
WHITHES TAR.
For this new and perfectly distinct variety, we are indebted to KE. S. Brownell, Essex
Junction, Vt., now so long and favorably known as a successful potato hybridizer. The
originator reports having selected it in 1875 from a collection of seedlings, raised from
seed-balls of the Excelsior, fertilized with pollen from the White Peach Blow. The
foliage is dense dark green; vines strong, stocky, and vigorous, on which account it is
well calculated to resist the ravages of the Colorado beetle. The tubers are oblong,
large, uniform, and handsome; while in yield it has proved remarkably prolific, and so
far has effectually resisted blight. It is medium early, and not the least important feat-
ure of this new potato is its excellent keeping qualities. In this respect it excels any
other sort we know of. Whether baked or boiled, its cooking qualities are faultless; its
B. K. BLISS & SONS’ POTATO CATALOGUE. 7
os
WHITE STAR.
purity of color, fine floury texture, and delicious flavor being unexcelled by any other
variety. It is with great pleasure we introduce the White Star Potato, feeling
confident that its many merits will be duly appreciated, and secure for it high rank
amongst its many competitors.
Price $1.00 per pound; three pounds to one address, $2.50, by mail, post-paid. By
express or freight, at the expense of the purchaser, half peck, $3.00; one peck,
$5.00; half bushel, $7.00; one bushel, $12.00; bbl., $25.00.
Peis
esa
ADIRONDACK.
. This new variety is the result of a hybridization of a favorite sort with the White
Peach Blow, and takes precedence over that well-known standard sort on account of
8 B. K. BLISS & SONS’ POTATO CATALOGUE.
several distinct and commendable features. In habit, the vines are readily distinguished
from those of the White Peach Blow, being more upright; the foliage is bright green,
and the individual leaves rather large, which imparts a vigorous and robust appearance.
The roots take a strong hold on the soil, enabling it to resist the evil effects of a pro-
longed drouth. It may be classed as a medium or second early variety. The tubers
are red-skinned, remarkably symmetrical, being almost a perfect ball, and grow more
in clusters than in the parent variety. It possesses excellent table qualities, being pure
white in flesh, floury, and of faultless flavor. It is an abundant cropper, while its
keeping qualities have so far been perfectly satisfactory.
Price $1.00 'per pound; three pounds to one address, $2.50, by mail, post-paid. By
express or freight, at the expense of the purchaser, half peck, $3.00; one peck, $5.00;
half bushel, $7.00; one bushel, $12.00; bbl., $25.00.
LATE BEAUTY OF HEBRON.
This new late variety was first discovered in a field of the Early Beauty of
Hebron, and stands in the same relation to that variety as the Late Rose and Late
Snowflake do to their respective prototypes. It is remarkably productive; tubers
oblong and of extra size; skin and flesh white; table properties of the highest order,
and keeps well.
Price per peck, $1.25; per bushel, $3.50; per bbl., $7.50. By mail, 60 cents
per lb.; 3 Ibs., $1.25.
NEW EXTRA EARLY PURPLE TOP
MUNICH TURNIP.
A remarkably handsome and very early Turnip, with a bright purplish-red top and
fine mouse-tail root. Very distinct and valuable. It has been grown during the past
season in the Gardens of the Royal Horticultural Society at Chiswick, where it was
proved to be quite ¢hrce weeks earlier than any other variety sown on the same day side
by side with it. Per packet, 25 cents.
cS
B. K. BLISS & SONS’ POTATO CATALOGUE.
POTATOES. Varieties of 1880.
AMERICAN MAGNUM BONUM.
Quite distinct from the English Potato of the same name.
During the past season this variety has been subjected to the most critical tests by
eminent agriculturists in many sections of the country. From all quarters the report
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comes that it possesses several of the most essential qualities to render it a standard sort
wherever introduced. It is an early variety, maturing a few days after the Early Rose,
while in productiveness it far surpasses that popular variety. The tubers are uniform
in size, unusually large, of excellent table qualities, free from disease, and keep well.
The raiser describes it as “‘a seedling of Peach Blow; vines vigorous and erect; tubers
nearly round, flattened at the ends; russety-white skin; small pink eyes; flesh snow
white, and, whether boiled or baked, very floury and of a pleasing nutty flavor; has
yielded at the rate of 600 bushels per acre.’”? We recommend it to our customers as
worthy of a trial.
Price per peck, $1.25; per bush., $3.50; per bbl., $7.50. By mail, 60 cents per
Ib.5° 3 Ibs.,, $1.25.
QUEEN OF THE VALLEY. e
One of the most prolific varieties in cultivation. Season medium; tubers very
large, hardly any small ones; shape long, flattened, somewhat square cut at the ends;
160 Bb. kK. BLISS & SONS’ POTATO CATALOGUE.
iiiler es
es
Ade Leahey
QUEEN OF THE VALLEY.
color, deep pink at the seed end, gradually changing to almost white at the stem end;
cooks mealy without falling into pieces. Leaves large, thick, and dark green. The
vines are large and unusually vigorous, protecting the ground from the direct rays of
the sun, and resisting disease more than most other kinds which were grown with it.
Its only fault, as a table potato, might be found in its enormous size, but its immense
productiveness will, no doubt, make it of great value to all who appreciate the nutritive
properties of potatoes as food for live stock of all kinds.
Price $2.00 per peck; $5.00 per bushel; $12.00 per bbl. 75c. per pound; three
pounds, $2.00, by mail, post-paid.
THE WHITE EFLEPHANT.
This superb late variety was produced from a seed-ball of the ‘‘ Garnet Chili,’’ fertilized
with pollen from the ‘‘ White Peach Blow,’’ and combines the best qualities of both varie-
ties, viz.: wonderful productiveness, excellent quality and flavor, power of resisting disease,
and great beauty, not to mention the fact of its being proof against decay until far into Spring.
These qualities alone would recommend it, not only for field culture, but also for the pri-
vate garden. From its origin it may be called a twin-brother of the ‘‘ Beauty of Hebron,”’
which it resembles in many respects, possessing many of those qualities which have rendered
this latter variety so justly popular. Last season the originator planted one bushel of sixty
pounds of ‘‘ THE WHITE ELEPHANT" on one-eighth of an acre of ordinary soil, and
therefrom harvested no fewer than fifty-seven bushels. The tubers, notwithstanding their
great size, are always solid, and, growing closely together in the hills, the labor of digging
is comparatively slight. The vines are very stout and vigorous, and have thus far resisted all
manner of blight, turning yellow only at the proper season, and the potatoes ripening along
with the ¢ Late Rose.”’
Price per bbl., $15.00; per bushel, $6.50; per % bushel, $4.50; per peck, $3.00; per 4
peck, $2.00; or one pound by mail for $1.00; three pounds, $2.25.
11
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12 B. K. BLISS & SONS’ POTATO CATALOGUE.
GENERAL COLLECTION.
The following varieties, Pride of America, Silver Skin, and Matchless, first offered by us in
the Spring of 1880, have met with general favor wherever they have beenintroduced. At the Inter-
national Potato Exhibition in England in the Fall of 1880, they occupied a prominent place in nearly
al the collections which took the highest prizes—their success in this country has been equally
remarkable—and they will be largely grown the coming season.
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PRIDE OF AMERICA.
This superb variety was raised several years since by Mr. FE. S. Brownell, a celebrated
hybridizer in Northern Vermont, to whom we are already indebted for a number of well-known
and valuable varieties. It was raised from a seed-ball of the Eureka, fertilized with the pollen of
the White Peach Blow, and combines the wonderful productiveness and excellent keeping
qualities of the former with all the well-known qualities of the latter.
It has been carefully tested by several of our most experienced growers in various parts of the
country for the past four years, allof whom have given it their unqualified approval. In appear-
ance it closely resembles the well-known Snowflake, and may be easily mistaken for that favorite
variety. Itripens afew days later, and has the advantage over that variety in being adapted toa
greater variety of soils, much more productive, growing to a larger size, and producing but a very
few small tubers, nearly all being of a good marketable size; itis a most excellent keeper, and, so
far, has shown no signs of disease. In quality itis fully equal to the Snowflake; flesh exceedingly
fine grained and of snowy whiteness either baked or boiled, cooks through quickly and evenly,
dry and floury, has no hard center or core, as a table variety is absolutely without a fault. In
habit of growth the vines are of medium length, well covered with a light green, stocky foliage;
the tubers grow compactly in the hill, so that the crop can be easily harvested. It is an excellent
keeper, and retains all its good qualities throughout the entire season,
In the Spring of 1878 we sent about thirty of our choicest seedlings, under numbers, to Prof.
Tracy, of the Mo. State Agricultural College, for trial. In his report he pronounces this variety
the best of all. A gentleman of large experience, who has tested this variety. says:
“‘T have grown this variety for the past two seasons, and find it all that can be desired. Its
smooth, handsome appearance, combined with its great cropping and remarkably fine table quali-
ties, make it one of the most desirable varieties I have ever grown, and I have grown all the new
varieties of any note introduced for the past ten years. I consider it much superior to the famous
Snowflake in every particular. Itis so far entirely healthy, grows but few small tubers, no hollow
core at the center, and is one of the best keepers I ever saw. I do not hesitate to say, all things
considered, that it is the best potato I ever grew—it has no fault that I can find.”
Price, 60 cents per pound ; three pounds to one address, $1.25, by mail, post-paid. By express
or freight, at the expense of the purchaser, half peck, $1.00; one peck, $1.50; half bushel, $2.50;
one bushel, $4.00; bbL., $8.00.
B. K. BLISS & SONS’ POTATO CATALOGUE. 13
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SILVER SKIN.
In this variety we have another wonderful production from Northern Vermont—raised in 1875
by one of our most successful cultivators—from a eross of the Early Rose and the White Peach
Blow—from the same seed-ballfrom which the Matchless originated. It has been a very promising
variety from the first, but wishing that its character might be fully established, we have delayed
offering it until the present season. Meanwhile, it has been carefully and thoroughly tested, and
we have no hesitation in giving ita place among our most desirable varieties. It resembles the
Peerless in many respects, but is earlier and of better quality, and has so far proved more produc-
tive than that favorite variety. Vines of medium height, quite stocky, and of compact growth.
Tubers medium to large, with very few small ones. Skin smooth, silvery white,—in some soils
slightly russeted. Flesh of snowy whiteness, fine grain, and well-flavored; cooks through quickly,
and very mealy. As a baking potato it has no equal. Its productiveness the past season was
greater than any variety in our trial grounds. It is entirely free from disease,—a most excellent
keeper,—and cannot fail to give satisfaction to the cultivator. Asa marketvariety we think it will
entirely supersede the Peerless.
Price, 60 cents per pound ; three pounds to one address, $1.25, by mail, post-paid. By express or
Jreight, at the expense of the purchaser, half peck, $1.00; peck, $1.50; half bushel, $2.50; bushel,
$4.00; barrel, $8.00.
MATCHLESS.
See Cut on Next Page.
This excellent variety was raised in 1875 from a seed-ball of the Early Rose, fertilized with the
White Peach Blows—since which it has been thoroughly tested in various localities, both in this
country and in Europe, and has given general satisfaction. The vines are upright, of medium
height, vigorous and healthy; foliage dark green. The tubers are generally round, sometimes
oblong, occasionally flattened; very handsome and symmetrical in form; skin slightly russeted,
pale red, except the eyes and seed end, where it is much brighter. Flesh fine grain, pure white,
of excellent quality; cooks through quickly and evenly. It is a great cropper, an excellent
keeper, has never yet shown any signs of disease—eyes slightly depressed. It ripens with the
Peerless, and will be found equally valuable for the general crop. Its attractive appearance, great
productiveness, and fine quality, will make it one of the most valuable varieties for the market.
Price, 60 cents per pound ; three pounds to one address, $1.25, by mail, post-paid. By express
or freight, at the expense of the purchaser, half peck, $1.00: one peck, $1.50; half bushel, $2.50;
one bushel, 34.00; bbIL., $8.00. ;
When the three varieties are ordered, we make the following deductions:
‘ One pound of each, $1.50; three pounds of each, $3.50, by mail, post-paid. By express or
freight, at the expense of the purchaser, one peck of each, $3.50; half bushel of each, $6.00;
bushel of each, $10.00; barrel of each, $21.00.
14 B. K. BLISS & SONS’ POTATO CATALOGUE.
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LATE SNOWFLAKE.
See description on pag
B. K. BLISS & SONS’ POTATO CATALOGUE. 15
CLARK’S No. 1.
This seedling originated in New Hampshire in 1876. It is earlier than the Early Rose, and
will yield from a quarter to a third more crop. It bears a close resemblance to Early Rose in
appearance. It cooks mealy, is of excellent flavor, and is every way a capital variety for either
the farmer or market-gardener. This potato was held in such high estimation that the entire crops
of 1877 and 1878 were purchased by the Government for distribution in the South and West. 450
bushels have been raised on an acre; and 22 bushels from one peck of seed.
Price by mail, 60 cents per 1b., 3 lbs. $1.25.° By express, per peck, $1.25 ; bushel, $3.00: bblL., $7.00.
MAMMOTH PEARL.
This variety, introduced last season, has proved a great favorite wherever tried. It is de-
seribed as follows by the originator: ‘* This new and wonderful variety of potatoes was origi-
nated in Ohio, and selected from over 2,500 seedlings. Sure to produce a crop in spite of the bugs. ©
Of good table qualities, handsome in appearance, free from rot, and never hollow; skin white,
and flesh whitest of any variety. For the tableit cooks like a ball of flour. Eyes few and even
with the surface; in shape oblong to round. ,It ripens in August, very productive, yielding
double any ordinary variety.” “By mail, 60 cfs. ‘per 10.53 lbs., $1.25. By express, per peck, $1.00:
half bush., $1.50; bush., $2.50; 6b1., $5.00. :
LATE SNOWFLAKE.
This new and valuable variety originated in northern Vermont, and was first discovered
while harvesting a field of the Early Snowflake in the summer of 1875. Several hills were no-
ticed—evidently the product of one potato—the vines of which were quite green and in a grow-
ing state, while those of the early variety were quite dry and the crop fully matured. They con-
tinued growing for several weeks, and upon harvesting thescrop the tubers were found to be
2xact counterparts of the Early Snowflake in form, size, color and general appearance, but
much more productive. In quality they are fully equal to the Early Snowflake. They have
been cultivated for the past three years and found to maintain their distinctive characteristics.
We offer this variety on its own merits.
A potato combining all the good qualities of the Early Snowflake—which is the best va-
riety introduced since the Early Rose—more productive and ripening its crop so as to be ready
for use after the early crop is disposed of, cannot fail to be a valuable acquisition.
Prices by mail, 60 cts. per lh., two lbs., $1.00. By express or otherwise, purchaser paying
freight, $1.00 per peck, $2.00 per bush., $4.50 per bbl.
16 B. K. BLISS & SONS’ POTATO CATALOGUE.
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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
Pringle’s Hybridized Potato seed, by a most successful cultivator, and is sure to become a general
favorite. 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, Bioneated 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 stock, and easily dug.
Itis 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 1877, and
received a first class certificate. Stock limited. Price 60 cents per pound; three pounds to one
address, $1.25; by mail post-paid. By express or freight, one peck, $1.00; half bushel, 31.50;
bushel, $2.50; bbl. $5.00.
SUTTON’S MAGNUM BONUM.
A pew English variety, considered in Eng-
land as best of all, was introduced here by
us two years since, and now ranks as one of
the best and most useful varieties in culti-
vation. It combines great productiveness
with excellent flavor, while its power of
resisting disease and late-keeping properties
renderitinvaluable both for gentlemen’sand
cottagers’ gardens, as well as for field cult-
s ure. It may be cooked directly it is taken
OneSourth the average size. from the ground, or may be kept till other
varieties are useless. It has proved the best
of tifty English and Continental varieties grown by us the past year.
Per peck, $1.25; per bushel, $3.50; per barrel, $7.50. By mail, 60 cents per pound; three
pounds, $1.25.
R. K. BLISS & SONS’ POTATO CATALOGUE. 17
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BLISs’s 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, ismuch
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 very 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, dark-green foliage.
The tubers grow 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, 60 cts. per pound ; three pounds to one address, $1.25, by mail, post-paid. At es
expense, $1.25 per peck ; $2.50 per bush. ; $6.00 per bbt
BEAUTY OF HEBRON.
This variety was introduced in the spring of 1878. It bears a strong resemblance tothe Early
Rose, and is said by the originator to mature its crop a week earlier than that variety. The
plants appear above ground very shortly after planting, grow rapidly, and on this account with-
stand better the attacks of the Colorado beetle; skin smooth, slightly tinged with pink around the
eyes, but attain a pure white color during the winter; they are very productive, good keepers, of
delicate flavor, and for culinary purposes can be highly recommended. It is almost invariably
sound, and solid to the core, and will prove a good market variety.
Price by mail, 60 cts. per lb.; 3 lbs., $1.25. At purchaser’s expense, $1.00 per peck; bush,
$2.00; A a -00.
18 B. K. BLISS & SONS’ POTATO CATALOGUE.
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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 regularin form, and consequently
more desirable as a market variety. In shapeit 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, 60 cents per lb. ; 3 Lbs., $1.25, by mail, post-paid ; by express, freight paid by the pur-
chaser, $1.25 per peck ; $2.50 per bushel ; $6.00 per bbl.
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EARLY OHIO.
A seedling of the Early Rose, 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 siue by
side itis 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 peck $1.00; 1 bushel $2.00; 1 bbl. $4.00.
BURBANK’S SEEDLING.
A seedling of the Early Rose, tubers large, long and slim, eyes few and but little depresstu;
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 $1.00; 1 bushel $2.00; 1 bbd. $4.00,
B. K. BLISS & SONS’ POTATO CATALOGUE. 19
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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 seed, 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; 3 lbs., $1.25, by mail to one address, post-paid. By express or freight,
charges to be paid by purchaser ; 1 peck $1.00, bush., $2.00, bb1. $4.00.
DUNMORE.
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. I 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 surpasses that well known variety in both yield and quality.
By mail 60 cts. per ib., 3lbs. $1.25. By express or freight, at purchaser's expense; 1 peck,
$1.00, 1 bush. $2.00, 1 bb1. $4.00.
Sr PAREICK.
This variety has a smooth white skin, and white flesh, few and shallow eyes; in shape it is
rather oblong than round, and has no core or hollow; it is also a strong and hardy grower, and,
from all accounts, has withstood the rot so prevalent last season better than any other sort. It
produces but few small tubers; ripens medium early, and, finally, itis enormously productive and
of fine quality.
$1.50 per peck ; $4.00 per bush.; $8.00 per bbl. By mail, 60 cents per 1b., 3 Lbs. $1.25.
20 B. K. BLISS & SONS’ POTATO CATALOGUE.
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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 1b.; 3 lbs. for $1.25, by mail, to one address, postpaid. By express or freight,
charges to be paid by the purchaser, 1 peck, $1.00; bush., $2.00; bd/., $4.00.
®
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 + 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 acrop. 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 /b., $1.15; by mail, postpaid.
B. K. BLISS & SONS’ POTATO CATALOGUE. : 21
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CENTENNIAL. (Brownell)
This new seedling was raised by E. S. Brownell, the 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 symmetrical, 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 perfectin 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.; 3 lbs. to one address, $1.25 by mazl, prepaid. By express or freight, charges
paid by the purchaser, 1 peck, $1.00; bush., $2.25; bbl., $5.00.
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A NEW EARLY PEA,’
Bliss’ American VVonder.
———_—_ —- 4+ & & ———
This new and fine flavored variety is a seedling, the result of a cross between the two favorite
varieties, Champion of England and Little Gem. It combines all the good qualities of both of
its parents, with the additional ones ot superiority in flavor to the Champion, and of greater
productiveness than the Little Gem, besides being earlier than any other of the wrinkled varie-
ties. Peas planted June 5th, were ready for the table in thirty-three days from date of plant-
ing. On good soil, each vine will average twelve pods, and each pod six peas. Fifteen pods
have been counted on some vines, and nine large peas in some of the pods, and every pod is well
filled. The vine grows from ten to twenty inches high, according to the soil and season. We
introduced this variety last spring. and it has been highly praised by all who have tested it. Itis
unquestionably the best early wrinkled pea ever offered. Price, % pt. pkt., 20c. ; pts. 65c., by mail,
22 : B. K. BLISS & SONS’ POTATO CATALOGUE
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RUBY. - (Peimole.)
1,982 ibs. (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 foliage broad, thick, and of avery dark green color. The time of matu-
rity is the same as that of the Early Rose, 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 whe prefer a red-skin Potato, we
ean 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 ib., 60 cts.; 3 lbs. to one address, $1.25, by mail, prepaid. By expressor freight, charges
paid by the purchaser, 1 peck, $1.00, 34 bush., $1.50, bush., $2.25, bb/., $5.00.
COCOANUT SQUASH.
A magnificent little squash for table use, very prolific, yielding from six to a dozen to the
vine. In beauty it excels every variety of the squash family; indeed, wherever grown, speci-
mens very naturally find a place on the mantelpiece as ornaments to the parlor—not being sur-
passed in beauty by any of the gourd family. The color is an admixture of cream and orange,
the latter color predominating in the depressions between the ribs; while the bottom, over a
circle of two or three inches in diameter, is of a rich grass green. The flesh is fine-grained, very
solid (the squash being remarkably heavy for its size,) and the quality excellent, closely re-
sembling Canada Crookneck, but in every way much superior. Price, per ounce, 20 cts.
B. K. BLISS & SONS’ POTATO CATALOGUE. 23
ALPHA, (Pringle.)
The Earliest Variety in Cultivation. 1,707 lbs. (28 1-4 bush.) grown from one
pound 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
very white, fine grained, dry and firm, and possessed of a decided and excellent flavor; stalks
short and close jointed, seldom exceeding a foot in hight; 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 several seasons 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 & Sons.)—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 days from 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 thatit 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 sufficiently 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 pages.
Per 1b., 60 cents; 3 lbs. to one address, $1.25, by mail, prepaid. By express or freight,
charges paid by the purchaser, 1 peck, $1.25; % bushel, $1.75; 1 bushel, $3.00; 1 barrel, $7.00.
24 B. K. BLISS & SONS’ POTATO CATALOGUE.
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SNOWFLAKE. | (Pringle-)
1417 ibs. (23 6-10 bushels) grown from I pound Seed.
This superior variety, first introduced by us in 1873, is now admitted by all to be one of the best,
if not the best variety in cultivation. 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 asthe Early Rose. The tubers
are of a good medium and uniform size; shape elongated oval, compressed, exceedingly symmetrical
and remarkably uniform; eyes few, entirely flat on the base and body of the tuber, and but slightly
and sharply depressed near the seed end; skin white with a russety tinge, and somewhat roughish
and tesselated. Its flesh is of exceedingly fine grain, snow-white when boiled, and of a lightness
and porosity almost approaching a snowflake. In quality, we do not hesitate to say nothing can
surpass this new variety; its mealiness, its pure, delicate flavor, and the evenness with which it
cooks through, have never been eclipsed by any Potato. As a baking Potato, it is equally valuable,
and as such is distinguished for its pure 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 variety
has been tested on widely varying soils—sand, 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 caseit 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 usin 1874. These will be found in the report 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.
“The Snowflake has received more and higher praise than has probably ever been bestowed
upon any Potato. Thereis no dissenting voice among the whole list of reports, nearly every one of
which contains ‘ Jt is the best Potato I ever saw.’ 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 Suowflake. Quality, shape, size, color, yield, are all
that can be desired, and it is difficult to perceive in what direction further improvement can be
obtained.’’
By mail post-paid, per pound, 60 cents; three pounds, $1.25. By express or freight, charges paid
by the purchaser, 1 peck, $1.00; % bushel, $1.25; 1 bushel, $2.00; 1 barrel, $4.00.
B. K. BLISS & SONS’ POTATO CATALOGUE. 25
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Bir. Burnett’s Crop of Snowflakes from One Pound of Seed.
SKANEATELES, N. Y., September 27, 1875.
Messrs. B. K. Buiss & Sons:—Accompanying this please find Stereoscopic view of the Snow-
flake Potato as grown in my garden the pastSummer. 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. Noone 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 tosee them. For sizeand 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 in 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 the 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 asample grown in 1874, was
sent in June for trial. j
NEWBURGH, June 28, *75.
Messrs. B. K. Biiss & 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
= ae size aud 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 Row:
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New YorK, July 1, 1875.
Messrs. B. K. Buiss & SoNS:—We have been using the Snowflake potatoes, supplied by you
in our restaurant for the past month, and tind them superior in every respect to the Bermuda or
any other early variety in the market. Theycook 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.
R6 B. K. BLISS & SONS’ POTATO CATALOGUE.
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. K. BLISS & SONS’ POTATO CATALOGUE. 27
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EXTRA EARLY VERMONT.
The superior merits of this-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 examining 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 Rose, and many even more. Its uniform and large size is recognized by every one. Mr.
McLeod says: ‘There are more than 100 in the amount I raised that would weigh from one to
two pounds each;’? and Mr. Salter raised one tuber that weighed THREE POUNDS 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 ee Address all
orders directly to our house.
PRICE :—By mail, postpaid, one pound, 60 cents;three pounds, $1. 05. By express or
freight, charges paid by purchaser, 1 peck, $0.75; 14 bushel, $1.25; 1 bushel, $2.00; 1 barrel, $4.00.
——____e 96 —__—_
BLUNT’S WHITE PROLIFIC FIELD CORN.
This is an eight-rowed white flint corn, with short, well-shaped ears, and small cobs. The
stalks bear from 3 to 8 ears; the ears are uniform in size, from end to end, averaging 8 to 9
inches in length, and the kernels are hard, well-shaped, and compactly placed- on the cob.
Like other flint varieties it matures early. Mr. Henry Stewart, one of the editors of the Amevi-
can Agriculturist, says that it yielded at the rate of 150 bushels per acre, on an experimental
plot, at his farmin New Jersey. Inthe Country Gentleman, Mr. Blunt says, ‘‘The average
number of ears to the stalk is six good sized ears, and fourteen the largest number on any one
stalk. I selected 100 stalks that madea little over three bushels of shelled corn.” Prices by
mail, per pkt., 10 cts.; 1 1b., 30 cts.; 4 lbs., $1.00. By freight or express, per peck, $1.00; hale
bush. > l.15; 1 bush. 7 93.00; 3 bush., $5.50.
25 B. K. BLISS & SONS’ POTATO CATALOGUE.
Compton’s Surprise Potatoes.
Showing the growth from a single eye in the grounds of F. Seiler, Verona, New
Jersey, who raised 384 lbs. from one Ib. of the tubers, with ordinary culture.
Remarkable 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 perfectly 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 mealiness of grain, combined with the purest flavor
and its snowy whiteness of flesh, which is not in the least affected by its blue skin, cannot fail
to make it highly valuable.
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 2844 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 isan 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 affected by its
blue skin, cannot fail to make it highly valuable.
One pound, 60 cents; 3 pounds, $1.25 by mail, prepaid; by express or freight, charges paid
by the purchaser, 1 peck, $1.00: 14 bushel, $1.25; 1 bushel, $2.25; 1 barrel, $5.00.
NEW ENGLISH PEAS.
Culverwell’s Telegraph.—A very superior second early variety, very robust in habit,
bearing immense pods containing ten to eleven very large peas in each pod; the peas often form-
ing a double row in the pod; height five feet; the peas when cooked, of a deep green color; a
great bearer and of fine flavor. “Packets, 25 cents; 5 packets, $1.00 . ’
Carter’s Telephone.—Selected from the above variety (Telegraph) from which it differs in
the seeds being wrinkled, whilst the quality is very superior. It is an extraordinary cropper,
bearing immense semi-double pods full of large peas of exquisite flavor. Packets, 25
cents; 5 packets, $1.00.
B. K. BLISS & SONS’ POTATO CATALOGUE. 29
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POTATOES—EXTRA EARLY VERMONT.—Showing Habit of growth in the Hill.
STANDARD VARIETIES.
Three pounds of either of the following varieties will be mailed, postpaid, to any address
in the United States, upon receipt of $1.25, or one pound for 60 cents.
Not less than one pound, or more than one variety in one package, will be mailed.
Early Rose.—This was the first of Mr. Bresee’s Seedlings, offered by us in January, 1868,
and has now become the standard variety for earliness, quality and productiveness. Per Peck,
15 cents; bush., $2.00; bb/., $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 slightly pinkish, flesh white, cooks quickly,
is very mealy and of excellent quality, yields very large, matures about three weeks later than
the Early Rose; a valuable variety for field culture. Per peck, 75 cents; bush., $2.00; bbl., $4.00.
Late Rose.—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. Itripens two or three
weeks later than the Early Rose, and has proved to be much more productive, hardier, healthier,
and a better keeper, retaining its good quality till new potatoes comein. Per peck, 75 cents ;
bush., $2.00; bb/., $4.00.
Peerless (Bresee’s No. 6).—Skin dull white, occasionally russeted; eyes shallow; oblong;
fiesh white, mealy, grows to a large size, often weighing from oneand a half to two pounds, and
enormously productive, frequently producing from 100 to 150 barrels to the acre. Its great
beauty, superior quality, and enormous productiveness, place it among the best varieties for
general culture. Per peck, 75 cents; bush., $2.00; bbI., $4.00.
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; isa
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; bush., $2.00; 6bb1., $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; b0/.,
$4,00.
Any other varieties not in our list will be furnished at lowest market prices.
30 B. K. BLISS & SONS’ POTATO CATALOGUE.
500 Named Varieties of Potatoes.
The Largest Collection of Potatoes in the World, for which was Awarded
OF
THE GREAT CENTENNIAL EXHIBIT
THE GRAND CENTENNIAL PRIZE MEDAL AND DIPLOMA!
Acme.
Adirondack.
Agawam.
Alaska Blue.
Alexandra.
Alpha.
Amazon.
American Breadfruit.
Anderson.
Andes.
Angola.
Armonk,
Ashleaf Fluke,
Ashleaf Kidney. ~
Ashtop Fluke.
Badger.
Baldwin.
Banks.
Beauty.
Beauty of Hebron.
Bellaire.
Ben. Merritt.
Berkshire.
Black Diamond.
Black Mercer.
Black Prince.
Bliss Triumph.
Blue Kidney.
Blue Western.
Blush.
Bradford Seedling.
Breakfast.
Bresee’s Prolific.
Brown.
Brownell’s Beauty.
Brownell’s Success.
Brownell’s Superior.
Bucyrus.
Bulkeley’s Seedling.
Burbank.
Busam’s Early.
Busam’s Late Prime.
Calico.
California.
California (purple).
California Mercer.
Callao.
Campbell’s Late Rose.
Carpenter.
Carter.
Carter’s Early Forcing.
Cascoe.
“Cayuga.
Central City.
Centennial.
Charlotte.
Chenery.
Chili No. II.
Climax.
Cluster.
Colebrook.
Collum’s Seedling.
Columbus.
Colorado.
Colorado I.
Colorado II.
Compton.
Compton’s Surprise.
Con.
Concord.
Conn. Blue.
Conover.
Cornell’s Kid.
Cowhorn.
Cracker.
Cullock.
Cuzco.
Dagger.
Davenport Seedling.
Davis Seedling.
Delmahoy.
Dickinson’s Saybrook.
Dover.
Dover Seedling.
Dr. Bretonneau.
Dr. White.
Duke of Cumberland.
Dunmore.
Dykeman.
Early Blue.
“ Cottage.
On.
« Durham.
** Golden.
“ Goodrich.
‘* Handsworth.
s¢ Indiana.
“June.
‘© 6Kidney.
~~ lac.
“¢ 6Manly.
«* Mohawk.
Early Ohio.
“« Peachblow.
«Pearson.
«Pinkeye.
‘© ~6Prince.
~ Purple:
* 6Queen.
** Racehorse.
«Rose.
‘* Russet.
“ Samaritan.
** Scotch Cottage.
«Shaw.
** Snowball.
‘¢ Sovereign.
© Stevens.
“° “Victor:
«Wendell.
ss 6 White.
) Mork:
East Branch.
Eclipse.
Egg.
Elder.
Empire.
Empire State.
Eng. Rose.
Eureka.
Excelsior.
Extra Early Vermont.
-Early Rose Seedling.
= “Olio:
«¢ White.
Fancy Red.
Field crop.
Findlay.
Fisher.
Fluke.
Forest Rose.
Forfarshire Red.
Foster’s Late Rose.
Fox Seedling.
Freeman.
Fremont.
French.
Galva.
Gardner.
Garnet Chili.
Gem.
Gen. Grant.
Genesee Co. King.
33. K. BLISS & SONS’ POTATO CATALOGUE. 31
German Russet
Giant.
Gilman.
era Gleason.
Globe.
Golden Gem.
Granite State.
- Gray Russet.
Great Britain.
Great Western.
Greenfield.
Guernsey.
Hamburg.
Harison.
Harlequin.
Hemlock.
Hero.
Hickory.
Hinman.
Holly Hock.
Holmes.
Hoosier.
Hugh.
Huntington Seedling.
H. Ward.
Hyde’s Seedling.
Ice Cream.
Improved Ashleaf Kidney.
Improved Gem.
Trish American.
‘Blue:
“Cup.
“ Orange.
Jackson White.
Jenny Lind.
Jobn Bright. ~
Jones Seedling.
Jug.
Kansas.
Kearsarge.
Keystone State.
King of Jacksons.
King of Potatoes.
King of Sweden.
King of the Earlies.
King’s Seedling.
Kruger.
Lackawanna.
Lady Finger.
Laing’s Seedling
Large Seedling.
Lapstone Kidney.
Late Pinkeye.
Late Rose.
Ledding’s Seedling.
Little Gem.
London White.
Long Pond.
Magnum Bonum.
Mahopac Seedling.
Maiden’s Blush.
Manhattan.
Mansfield.
~ Marchioness of Lorne.
Massachusetts White.
Mammoth Pearl.
Massasoit.
Matchless.
Merino.
Methodist.
Mexican.
Michigan Red.
Miller.
Miller’s Seedling.
Minnesota Seedling.
Missouri White.
Monas Pride.
Monon.
Motley.
LA Mountain Blue.
Nanuet.
Napoleon.
New Hartford.
New Kidney.
Noblow.
Nonesuch.
Noyes.
~ Niggerhead.
Niggertoe.
Ohio Beauty.
** Chenango.
--“ Mercer.
“ Red.
s* Russet.
Old Fleshcolored.
“ Kidney.
«White.
Oneida.
Orange Peel.
Orono.
Oscar.
Pale-Blush Pinkeye.
Palmer.
Palmyra.
Paragon.
Patterson’s Albert.
* Blue.
Ss Early White.
cf Golden Don.
eS Regent.
Patoka.
Peachblossom.
Pearl.
Peerless.
Penn. Searchwarrant.
Philadelphia.
Philbrick’s Early White.
Pigeon Eye.
Pinkeye Rustycoat.
Pinkeye Strawberry.
Platt’s Seedling.
Plymouth Rock.
Prairie Flower.
President.
Prince Arthur.
Prince of Wales.
Purple Blush.
£s Mercer.
‘© Peerless.
Quadroon.
Queen of the Earlies.
Queen of the West.
Quinby’s Seedling.
Rand’s New Peachblow.
Raspberry-Leaved.
Red Climax.
“* Gem.
“ Jacket.
“* Kidney.
‘¢ Neshannock.
‘* Orange.
‘* Peachblow.
‘* Streak.
© Ulink.
Ridgefield Seedling.
Rochester Seedling.
Rose Bud.
Rose of the West.
Rose Seedling.
Rough and Ready,
Round White.
Roxbury.
Royal Ashleaf Kidney,
Ruby.
Sandy Brown.
Saranac.
Scotch Blue.
«White.
Sebec.
Seedling Cusco.
ce Mercer.
id Peachblow.
$5 Prolific.
fs Rock.
Sharon.
Shaker’s Fancy.
of Russet.
Shaw.
Sheridan.
Sherwood.
Silverskin.
~ Skerry Blue.
Smith’s New Seedling.
Snapdragon.
Snowball.
‘Snowflake Early.
Snowflake Late.
Soisoto.
South Bend.
Starch.
Startler.
State of Maing
Stevens.
32 B. K. BLISS & SONS’ POTATO CATALOGU.
Stonehouse. Week’s Seedling. White Pinkeye.
Strawberry. Western Chief. "aoe PeOCK.
AS Mercer. re a tt Russet, “<. Rose.
Temple. West-Fairview Seedling. “Sprouts.
_—Tippecanoe. West Windsor. 5 Wiltnk.
Titicaca. Whipple’s Seedling. * « Utica.
Topeka. White. Willard.
-Trip’s Garnet. <* Apple. Williams.
True Lady Finger. TOUTE Wm. R. Prince.
Triumph. “¢ Clinton. ~ Wilson.
Tucker. “« ~ Cowhorn. Wisconsin Blue.
Union. «Eyed Peachblow. ce Seedling.
Utica Pinkeye. SS eabiliv. Woodard.
Vanderveer. _ Mountain. Worcester.
Van Tassel’s Seedling. «Mountain Early. Yankee Plot.
Vermont Beauty. «¢ Neshannock. York Seedling.
3? Seedling. « Peachblow. Young.
Wampoo.
ENGLISH AND FRENCH VARIETIES.
The following varieties, the very best cultivated in Europe, were in nearly all the win-
ning 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 productive-
ness. 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. ; Collections of 20 varieties, 1 tuber each, $5.00.
és so sf ltuber ‘“ 2.75. a » (fk40 “ 1tuber “ 8.00.
Ashtop Flake. Jersey Blue. Quarantaine Violette.
Barrow’s Perfection. King of Potatoes. Rector of Woodstock.
Blanchard. Marceau. Red Emperor.
Bountiful. Marchioness of Lorne. Red Fluke.
“Coldstream. Marjolin Cetard. River’s Royal Ashleaf.
Dawes’ Matchless. McKinlay’s Lady Webster, Rogmon Rose.
Early Dimmick. Model. Sedila.
Early Union. Myatt’s Prolific Ashleaf. Scotch Regent.
Excelsior Kidney. Prince Arthur. Stanton’s Premier.
Fenn’s White Kidney. Prince Teck. St. Helena.
Fenn’s Early White. Prince of Wales Kidney. Sutton’s Red Skin Flour-ball.
Fenn’s Early Market. Patterson’s Victoria. Sutton’s Exhibition Kidney.
Fenn’s Perfection. Patterson’s ‘“‘ The Queen.” Sutton’s New H’nd’dfold Fluke.
Hayes’ Superb Kidney. Porter’s Excelsior. Wonderful Red Kidney.
Headley’s Nonpareil. President. Yorkshire Hero.
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.
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 Snowflake and Alpha, and
last, though not least, the Ruby— has encouraged him to still greater efforts in 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 sow-
ing 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 haying been grown by several parties from a single séed.
B. K. BLISS & SONS’ POTATO CATALOGUE. 33
A New Early erveet Potato.
HARLY GOLDEN.
This variety originated in Virginia a few years since, with an old cultivator of the Sweet
Potato. Itis a sport of the old Early Red, but said to be far superior to that variety in earliness,
productiveness, color, and quality. Slips planted May 10th produced tubers large enough for the
market July 25th. On account of its early maturity, itis believed to be better adapted for cultiva-
tion in the Northern States than any other variety. In shape they are somewhat shorter than the
ordinary varieties, of a golden-yellow color, cook very dry, and are of superior flavor. Another
valuable consideration in favor of this variety is that they will grow on quite ordinary soil, with
but a slight coat of manure, and yielded a large crop the past season upon land that would not grow
above fifteen bushels of corn to the acre. In good soil they will produce many specimens weighing
three to five pounds each. Itis also an excellent keeper. FFrom what we can learn from those who
have tested this variety, we think it will prove the most valuable in cultivation.
We first offered this variety in spring of 1880, and have received many favorable notices from
those who have tested it. It matured its crop as far north as Canada. Specimens have been exhibi-
ted weighing six pounds. Slips ready about May 15; tubers, early in April.
Price of slips, with directions for planting, by mail, post-paid, 50 cts. per dozen; $1.00 for fifty ;
51.75 per hundred. By express, at purchaser’s expense, $1.25 per hundred: $10.00 per thousand.
Price of Tubers, 75 cents per pound; 3 1bs., $2.00, by mail. By express, at purcliaser’s expense,
1 Ib., 50 cents; 5 lbs., $2.00; 20 1bs., $5.00; 50 Ibs., $10.00.
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 eight inches to a foot long, and well rooted, the most forward ones are removed, and
the others not yet large enough are allowed to grow on. Itis 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 shoots,
known in the Southern States as ‘‘draws’’ and ‘slips,’ are at the North called “sets” and
“plants.’”? Do not set the plants until settled warm weather; then set them well down to the first
leaf, fifteen 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 potatoes 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, ina warm, dry place to keep.
The Land and How to Cultivate Them.
The sweet potato may be cultivated on any soil but a heavy one. We havé seen fine crops on
white sand that would blow into drifts with every heavy wind. A large grower says that 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 potatoes, provided it
isasandy 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’ 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.
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.
3
34 B. K. BLISS & SONS’ POTATO CATALOGUE.
Se eee
Report of Committee
For awarding PREMIUMS offered by B. K. BLISS & SONS to growers ef the
largest quantity of POTATOES, from One Pound of Seed.
7s
After becoming fully satisfied of the superiority of the new varieties of Potatoes, introduced
by us during the past ten years, we have offered, from year to year, premiums to those who
should grow the largest quantity from one pound of seed, of the different varieties with ordinary
farm culture, and have paid out within that time upwards of Three Thousand Dollars to the
successful competitors. The premiums offered for each variety were as follows:
$250.00 in Premiums.
For the largest quantity of Potatoes grown from one pound of seed, - - - - - $100 00
For the second largest, - - ~ - - - - - - - -.- - - 50.00
For the third largest, - - - - - - - - - - - - ~ = 40 00
For the fourth largest, - - - - - - - = = = = = = = 30 00
For the fifth largest, ~ - - - - - - = = = = = = & 20 00
For the sixth largest, ~ - - - - ~ - - . - i - 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: PROF. GEORGE THURBER, editor American Agriculturist, Dr. 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 distinetly 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, our 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.
REPO”.
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 farmers, 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 Reports 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.
YIELD FROM ONE POUND OF
a oO , a 4f - Z (<b) ae oO =|
gee | S2 | 22 | ees | ee 1g. é F :
hes : : 2 oe Ps 3. Take -_
Be | mes | pee | BEN | bev | ES eal: Gea aes
Ane |} BAS. | BES | Bess) ome os 5a EZ ee
511 607 708 900 1,018 1,417 1,666 : 1,707 1,982
450 43 698 874 811 1,304 1,403 1,665 1,694
390 393 690 832 782 1,125 1,149 1,535 1,576
386 380 674 811 749 1,090 1,145 1,511 1,571
629 684 720 1,089 1,087 1,426 1,
B. K. BLISS & SONS’ POTATO CATALOGUE. 35
The gradual increase in the yield, from year to year, is at once apparent, and when we con-
sider that several of the largest yieldsin 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 of the newer varieties, but solely to the increasing skill of the
competitors, and the better management given their crops, we are forced to appreciato the great
amount of good which these competitive trials have produced. I am aware that the largest yield
from one pound is not always in 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-
equalcd 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, alluviallands, 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 belief that heavy manuring is injurious to
potatces. 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 smailer quantities. Mr. Rose, after covering his Jand three inches thick with
rotten barn-yard manure, and three bushels of wood-ashes per square rod, applied in addition, a
large shovelfu. 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 were used by a large majority and may be considered the Special
Potato Fertilizer. Even when ayplied in very large quantities they have produced no injurious
effect. In afew 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.
Plianting.—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. Thatsingle eyesand 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 hil), 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 notappear. 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
36 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
2x 3 feet gave a yield of 378 bushels per acre. 3 x 4 feet gave a yield of 372 bushels per acre.
2) x 4 “ec “cc « 462 ee “6 3% x 4 “ce “ce “ee 342 “ec 6“
3x3 ““ 6c “ 651 77 ‘é 4x4 “ ‘6 “c 332 “ “
3 x 344 “ “cc a3 441 “cc ii) | 4 x 8 “ “ “ 88 “cc “
The large number of data of which the above figures form an average, give these statistics a
special value. It will be seen that although the greatest yields from one pound grew from hills
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 inthe 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 competitors 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 toa
letter he writes: ‘‘Lattribute my succes3 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 Report of Mr. Nardy, delegate from the French Government to
the Centennial Exhibition at Philadelphia in 1876.
‘““The collection 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. 347
lent in the exhibition. To this remark we desire to add a few observations. We sincerely hope
that the influence of this horticultural exhibition at Philadelphia will long be beneticially 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! Now, 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, that 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 asource of revenue, it comes immediately after grain and before
tobacco. It isnow 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
FOR THE PREMIUMS OFFERED 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. Buiss & Sons:—I ordered of you April ist, 1876, one pound each of Ruby and
Alpha Potatoes, and planted them May 10th, 1876, and dug them September 28th. The Ruby pro-
duced 1,982 pounds and 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 Fall 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 eyesdivided 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 2,364 feet, the number oc-
cupied by Alpha, was 2.546feet. 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 1-2 pounds; used no slips or artificial heat. H.C. PEARSON.
(From J. I. Salter.)
St. CLouD, MINN., October 24, 1876.
Messrs. B. K. Buiss & Sons—Sirs:—On the 7th of April, 1876, I ordered of you, one pound
each of the ‘* Ruby ” and *‘Alpha” Potatoes. Planted the Ruby on the 3ist day of May. Pre-
pared the ground as follows: Ispread as evenly as I could on the sward, about equal parts of
wen and barn-yard manure, at the rate of five heapidg garden wheelbarrowfuls to the square rod,
38 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 ina 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 ‘‘ Ruby,” and had ten and one-half (1044) pounds;
on the 9th of October, I dug of the Ruby 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
(87134) pounds, 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
Ruby, 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 asI 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—HARTRIGGE HOUSE, JEDBURGH,
ROXBOROUGH, SCOTLAND, October 4, 1876.
Messrs. B. K. Buiss & 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 1,246 pounds. The soil is a mixture of black, sandy loam, four feet deep, with a red
clay subsoil 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 presenceof 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 yield 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. C. Pearson, of Pitcairn, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., produced from one pound of seed, 1,982
pounds of potatoes, of the Ruby 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 Rose, of
Penn Yan, N. Y., got 1,576 pounds, and P. L. Wood, of I11., 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 publicspirit 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
The 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. His 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 934 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 534 cents per bushel.
40 B. K. BLISS & SONS’ POTATO CATALOGUE.
Various other farmers, 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 Rock Bluffs, Nebraska, raised a crop of Extra Early Vermont, of which the
yield was 824 bushels per acre, and the cost, as he made it, 444 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 Rochester, N. Y., has reported potatoes at 400 bushels per acre, and at a cost
of 12% cents per bushel. A crop of 600 bushels per acre has been reported by one of the editors
of the Agriculturist, 610 bushels by C. L. Bragdon, and 700 bushels by P. F. Rice of Polo, Tl. 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, is a problem not yet fully 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, - |= = = = S&S = == j| = «from! 2)to 3*pounds:
“* Mutton, © - - - - - - - - - Sc) 410) (b £6
«Pork. j= - - - - - - - - - < ss 4 to.'S as
CMU A wie) =. i eee el ee gt lee “ 35to40 «
“* Butter, - = yng an ee eal i= = 2 pare 66H, 2nto: 2255 ake
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, - mie say Sa, Veeco. pp po - by 400to 500 pourds,
“ Pork, - - - = See oS = - - = ss §6©g00to 1,000 8“
s* “Mutton, “67 = (Get OMe Me) SRR eS is « 800to 1,000 “
“* Milk, - = si eR het = «SRA. - C “© 7,000 pounds, or over.
“ Bread, 3 em Topi Me |) o> MMS ue 5 4:000-ess
* Butter, - - - - St lb. a. Wile - - 400 $5
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. 41
The Annual Potato Crop of the United States
is equivalent
In Beef, - - - Se - - - - - to 400,000,000 pounds.
** Pork, - - - ~ - = - = - = = ** 800,000,000 + ‘*
66 Mutton, - - - - = > - = = = ** 890,000,000 + ¢
“ Milk, - - - - - os = = - - ‘¢ 7,000,000,000 <¢
s¢ 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 sixty pounds of butter in the Fall, as the legitimate result of one pound of potatoes
planted in 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 breed 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.
a eee
DURRA (Sorghum Vulgare).
This plant has been offered at various times
under the different names of Douhra, Indian,
or Great Millet, Guinea, or Negro Guinea
Corn, Chocolate Corn, Ivory Wheat, and
Pampas Rice. Weconsider it right to mention
this, to prevent misconception. Above we
give the botanical name, and that by which
it is most generally recognized where the
consumption is greatest.
Durra is a valuable forage-plant, growing
from 8 to 10 feet in height, and yielding an
abundance of grayish-green foliage greatly
relished by stock, It is frequently grown for
grain, and yields largely. One grower in
California reports having harvested as high
as 200 bushels per acre.
The culture is very simple; when grown fh y
for the grain, it should be planted in hills and 1 Ml Zs eee
given plenty of room; the space given to yore
common corn is not any too much. For fod- iu
der, sow in drills from 2 to 3 feet apart, drop-
ping the seeds 3 to 4 inches apart in the drill;
when 6 or 8 inches high, thin to about 8 or 9
inches apart; and when it has attained a
height of 4 or 5 feet, it may be cut for forage,
which can be continued every third or fourth
week until frost.
Prices by mail: per ounce, 10 cents; per
pound, 65 cents. By express, at purchaser’s a
expense, 50 cents per pound. Durr (Sorghum Vulgare).
NEW EARLY FIELD CORN—QUEEN OF THE PRAIRIE.
A variety of Yellow Dent Corn which on Long Island has proved one of the earliest varieties
of Field Corn in cultivation. It was planted in 1879 after the wheat crop had been harvested, and
matured the crop perfectly. Selected ears, 25 cents; 3 lbs., by mail, post-paid, $1.00; sheiled, $1.25
per peck; $3.50 per bushel. 7
Nie
42 B. K. BLISS & SONS’ POTATO CATALOGUE.
Dioscorea Batatas—Chinese Yam.
D1ioscoREA BATATAS—BULBLETS FROM 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, forming an excellent cover-
ing for a screen; flowers small, white in clusters; leaves, heart-shaped. The root is of a pale
russet color, oblong, regularly rounded, club-shaped, largest at the lowest 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 length,
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
\ ep remarkably white, and very mucilaginous in itscrude state. They may
i te be boiled or roasted, and when cooked possess a rich-like taste; are
lil] quite farinaceous, nutritive, and valuable forfood. It is aiso a very de-
| sirable climbing plant, suitable for covering screens, arbors, and un-
ii “ sightiy places.
il Extract from a letter inthe Rural New 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 are 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
Fi } new beginners have to contend with in the culture of this esculent, is a
hf proper understanding of ‘ts wants. I have grown them for twelve or
If fifteen years, and will give the readers of the RuRAL the benefit of my
M4 experience:
Ns 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
i H eight inches apart each way. When the large roots are used for planting
NK they should be cut up in pieces about oneinchin 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 w2eds hvoed off or mowed down,
as you prefer. The Yams are perfectly hardy, standing in the ground
all Winter and growing again when Spring comes, increasing in size for
a number of years. They increase naturally from the smali tubers that
grow on the vines just above each leaf. Theseshould be saved in the Fall,
and kept during Winter where they will not freeze, as freezing injures
their growth, and planted in the Spring as soon as the ground gets warm.
=
—
Fi
ay
S
——
——
As to the product per acre, in the best of soil, with three years’
growth and tubers planted eight inches apart each way, we could safely
calculate on getting six 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 ona
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
Dioscorea BATATAS. feet in length, and one and a half to two iuches 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 ina perpendicular position with the large end downwards. The vines are orna-
mental, having heart-shaped leaves edged with scarlet and are very pretty. A few tubers planted
near a door or window 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 untii 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 large size,
—— ———s
=
B. K. BLISS & SONS’ POTATO CATALOGUE. 43
There is scarcely any difference perceptible to the taste between the Chinese Yam, when
properly cooked, and the Irish potato, although the Yam is muck whiter and somewhat finer
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 I want,
and leave the hole open. The 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 fine condition for
pianting out more tubers.
They have no insect enemy, and drought affects them but very little, as they root so deeply.
There is no necessity for their being dug at any time of the year, except when wanted for immedi-
ate use. They are suitable for cooking any time in the 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 qualities, 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,
20 cents. $1.50 per hundred. One year old roots $1.25 per dozen; $6.00 per 100.
MAPES’ POTATO MANURE.
Ammonia, 4.50 to 5 percent. Phosphoric Acid, 8to10. Potash, 6 to 8.
Price, per ton, 2000 Ibs., $51.00 - - = = bag (200 Ibs.) $5.10.
This has proved a complete Manure for Potatoes on all lands, supplying the potash in ample
quantity, and the phosphorie acid even in excess of the demands of the crops. The phosphoric
acid is found in practice to be relatively deficient in most soils for potatoes. This is shown by
the excellent results frequently attending the use on potatoes of an ammoniated superphos-
phate containing no potash and little ammonia, but rich in phosphoric acid. In the cases where
a superphosphate or a dissolved bone act so well on this crop, there must be an ample supply
of available potash as well as of magnesia, etc., in the soil itself, as is sometimes found in clay
loam soils, and those of ashale or slaty character. Sooner or later the continual culture of pota-
toes, or any other crop requiring potash and other similar alkaline ingredients largely, and using
mainly bone and phosphates, must result in getting the land out of balance, and the crops suffer-
ing in consequence both in quality and quantity.
In Washington County, New York, where potatoes are the main crop with many farmers, the
average yield has fallen to one hundred bushels per acre, and yet, within the memory of some of
the present growers, the yield per aere on the same lands has in former years been 300, 400, and
even 500 bushels per acre.
The Mapes’ Potato Manure supplies all the ingredients required to restore such lands as above
named, and to permit of continued cropping of potatoes, as far as plant food is concerned, on
any lands, without exhaustion of the soil. It will constantly improve the condition of the land,
and leave it in better ‘heart’ for any crop.
The liability of the crop te suffer from the ravages of the potato disease is greatly reduced by
having the soil well supplied with full quantity of available plant-food. Experience has shown
that on new, virgin forest soils, or those well supplied with the products of burnt brush-heaps,
the disease rarely attacks the crops, even under conditions of sudden changes of weather, so
favorable for the parasitical attacks and fungus growth so destructive of the crop.
DIRECTIONS FOR USE OF MAPES’ POTATO MANURE.
May be used in the hills or rows, mixing and covering with earth, and distributing well.
Scatter it down the rows, mix it as thoroughly as possible, in any manner which best com-
mends itself, with plow, hoe, brush, etc. With ordinary care, the potatoes will not be injured,
and the crop will invariably be heavier than when the manure is applied broadcast. Use two
to four bags per acre.
E. S. BROWNELL, ESSEX JUNCTION, VT., the well-known originator of “ Brownell’s Beauty,”
““Centennial,” ‘‘ Pride of America,” ‘“‘ White Star,” and other celebrated seedlings, wrote to B. Kk.
Bliss & Sons, New York, September 27th, 1880: ‘“‘I bought of you last spring some of Mapes’
Potato Manure, which eacelled any fertilizer that I ever used in producing smooth and large
tubers. I got one-third more crop than was produced alongside when it was not used.”
GRAINS.
NEW WHEAT, “GOLDEN GRAINS.”
FOR SPRING OR FALL SOWING.
This is a very hardy and most productive variety, with long stiff straw, standing well, stools heavily,
and frequently grows from twenty-five to seventy stalks from a single grain; the ears are long and
closely filled with full, plump grains, with but little chaff. It is without doubt the largest grained Wheat
ever seen, being fully three times as large as our best common Wheat. During the past season, it has pro-
duced at the rate of sixty-four bushels per acre, without any special culture. This Wheat grows with a
beard until it begins to ripen, after which all the beard falls off. In the Westit has been grown success-
fully as a Spring Wheat, but for this section it is a Winter Wheat, and stands freezing and thawing well.
Per packet (of 1000 grains), 50 cents.
SPRING WHEAT.
PRINGLE’S NEW HYBRID SPRING WHEATS.
The two following varieties were first offered by us in 1878, and the most satisfactory reports of their
yield and quality have been received from growers in all sections of the country. In order to see what it
would do under careful cultivation, we offered premiums in 1878 to the amount of $250.00, to be divided
among those who produced the greatest amount from one pound of seed—also for the best and largest
heads. Some of the reports were truly worderful, and showed what good culture and good seed will do.
761 pounds of Champlain, and 528 pounds of Defiance were raised, each from one pound of seed. Many
of the best heads measured six to seven inches in length, and produced from 80 to 90 kernels per head.
The prize collection was exhibited at the American Institute in the Fall of 1879, for which a Diploma was
awarded. These two varieties were also awarded the jirst and second prizes at the Intercolonial Exhi-
bition at Sydney, N. 8. W., Australia, in April, 1879, as the best new varieties exhibited. Our corre-
spondent informs us that they attracted much attention and received many special visits from millers and
growers from other colonies, as well as their own. ¢
CHAMPLAIN.
791 Pounds Grown from One Pound Seed.
Was produced in 1870 by Mr. Pringle, in his endeavors to unite the remarkable hardiness of the Black
Sea with the fine and superior quality of the Golden Drop. Several varieties were the result of this hy-
bridization, from which this one was chosen, as realizing the end in view, showing greatly increased vigor
and productiveness over both its parents. A continued careful selection has now fully established its
character, and we have a Wheat bearded like the Black Sea, with the white chaff of the Golden Drop, free
from rust and smut, yielding a lighter colored grain than the former, and producing a flour of superior
quality. Its strong and vigorous straw stands erect, and frequently bears, with very ordinary culture,
heads from five to six inches in length, containing from sixty to seventy-five kernels each.
DEFIANCE.
528 Pounds Grown from One Pound Seed.
This variety of Wheat is the result of a series of experiments by Mr. Pringle in 1871, to incorporate
superior qualities upon the hardy stock of our common Club Wheat, by hybridizing it with one of the
finest, whitest, and most extensively grown sorts of the Pacific coast.
It displays great productiveness, vigor and hardiness; is a beardless white chaff Wheat, with heads
frequently five to six inches long, very closely set with large white kernels, frequently numbering sev-
enty-five to eighty to the single head. Its white, stiff, erect straw, exempt from the attack of rust, its
earliness, combined with great vigor and superior qualities, claims for it universal trial.
Prices of each variety, $1.50 per peck; $5.50 per bush. ; bags containing two bushels, $10.00.
Trial packages by mail, post-paid, one pound, 40 cents; three pounds, $1.00. Special quotations for
larger quantities. ei ‘
From the Pacific Rural Press, July 10, 1880.
EXPERIENCE WITH PRINGLE’S NEW SPRING WHEATS.
EDITORS PRESS :—In answer to your call for information, I send you a few heads of Defiance wheat. I
procured one pound of B. K. Bliss & Sons on the 12th of March, 1878, and sowed it on the 14th. On the
15th of July I harvested 146 pounds of clean wheat, after its being yisited twice by seven horses for over
an hour at a time. Last year I got 20 sacks from the 146 pounds, with which I sowed about 25 acres, of
which these heads are fair samples. It appears to have stood the blasting winds better than the White
Chile sown beside it, and remained green after the other became quite yellow. Another good property
which it possesses is that it does not rust. The pound sown in 1878 was free from rust, while other
wheats sown beside it were quite rusty. T. A. PERLEY, Woodbridge, San Joaquin Co., Cal.
In consonance with the report of our correspondent is the testimony of A. M. Southworth, in the
last issue of the Los Angeles Herald. From one pound of seed sown grain by grain in drills, in 1879, he
raised 508 pounds of wheat. He reports the Defiance this year free from rust. The same is true of the
Champlain wheat, which, it will be remembered, was sent out at the same time by Bliss & Sons, of N. Y.
Mr. Southworth sowed some of the original Champlain from the East, and some of the California Cham-
plain, grown by A. J. Scroggins, of Tulare Co., who, it will be remembered, took one of the Bliss prizes.
The California Champiain was nearly twice as good in all respects as the other. Mr. Southworth pro-
nounces both the Defiance and Champlain adapted to the rich bottom lands of Los Angeles County.
What have other growers to say of these wheats?
:
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SEED WAREHOUSE,
34 BARCLAY STREET, NEW-YORK.
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