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Potatoes, Varieties Of

The varieties of the potato that are cultivated are very numerous, and new ones are constantly appearing. The soil in which the potato is grown will be found to have a considerable influence in determining the quality of the potato; and almost every district has its peculiar varieties, their names being quite arbitrary or local. Most kinds are vastly improved by removal to a different locality; hence growers rarely use for many years in succession their own tubers for seed, but continually renew the stock by purchases from another district. One tuber will produce as many separate plants as it has eyes, but a piece of the potato must be planted with each eye shoot. The many varieties differ in form, size, colour, and time of ripening; some are more prolific than others, some are naturally waxy and watery, and some are mealy, which is an unfailing characteristic of the best kinds.