A FROST-PROOF POTATO.

Evening Post, Volume LXXVI, Issue 122, 21 November 1908, Page 12

A FROST-PROOF POTATO.

Mr. P. W. Jenkins, of Clofton, Nimitybelle,. New South Wales, has discovered a frost-proof potato (writes th« Sydney Stock and Station Journal). Mr. Jenkins, who has been experimenting for years to get a potato that would stand the severe frosts of the Monaro' district, three years ago hit upon the one under notice. For a start only one potato was used, and this was cut into 13 seta, leaving only one eye for each set. The reason was an exceptionally bad one, but nevertheless a yield of a kerosene tin full was obtained. From this lot, with another bad season to contend against, Mr. Jenkins got fully a ton, and this year, which followed an awful season, four tons were dug. The samples we have seen (the Journal continues) are very fine, and one great point is, that these potatoes are much earlier than any other variety, and their frost-resisting properties are simply phenomenal. They, have bten cut down 13 times, and jhen gave a wondecful yield. No matter how the frost may affect the tops, there is positively no evidence o* its ravages under ground. The new potato is a tip-top boiler, thin\skinnad, and a good saver. It is not waxy, but a true floury potato. Mr. Jenkins is hopeful that his frost product will push ahead the potato-growing industry. In addition to its immunity from frostbite, it is so early that it would be possible in the most favoured district to take out three crops a year. Mr. Jenkins has already sold some of the seedling potatoes at 12s 6d per lb.