A VALUABLE POTATO

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1798, 22 August 1906, Page 55

A VALUABLE POTATO

Mr Russell Kidd, of Tasmania, whose work in potato raising wo noticed in these columns some time back, writes to the Melbourne “Age” as follows: — Sir, —When, some years ago, I foresaw the inevitable age failure, or deterioration, of the great main crop potato of Australasia, I set myself to work in the hope that I might be side to raise a similar variety with renewed youthful vigour; and thus, confer a. very groat boon on the potato growers, as well as consumers, of the Commonwealth. The great main crop of Australasia is not generally known by any particular name, but is usually designated by the locality of growth or port of shipment. Thus, Warnamlxiol, Circular Head, Tasmania Red, Derwent, etc., consist in the main of one variety of potato, the original of which, a rod skin, was raised in Tasmania very many years ago. This potato has never been equalled for keeping and eating quality. Another distinct Tasmanian variety—tho flat stalk—often does duty for, and is sometimes confounded *ith, the previous mentioned variety; but while still a rod skin, it possesses the good qualities of the true rod skin in only a minor degree. Many varieties, and high-priced ones, too, have been introduced from abroad in the hope cf finding a substitute, but. except in the matter of youth and vigour (or in yielding power only), none of these foreign varieties can bo'clacscd with the Australasian ‘"reds!” A careful selection of our old aged variety could only make a tedious delay in the inevitable degeneration towards unprofitable culture, I persevered in my efforts to renew the variety in all its youthful vigour and excellence. After ten years I succeeded beyond all expectation. The world of potato culture can find nothing like the following produced. too, under most adverse conditions of soil and season :—l. Original seed produced original root of 4.J- lb. in March, 1904. 2. Four lb. of this root produced 370 lb. in March to May. 1905. 3. The 370 lb. produced 132 sacks (11 tons) in March-May, 1900, off 5-Gths of an acre; or 132 sacks from one root in 24 months, (The May diggings could have taken place in March). Every plant (13,000 odd) was true. Australasia is proud of records in cricket, boating pugilism and snort generally ; should it not bo prouder of a record in a nobler line of pursuit P From 1 lb. weight.in a special plot, the potato I raised produced 12 lb. over the half ton, 'or five times the record of any other variety. All my work in genuine potato culture, nothing false, and one crop in one season. I telegraphed the last record to yon, but you did not publish. Aw foreign records .Irave appeared in your paper, I thought a vastly better local one might, be worthy of publication.—Yours, etc.. RUSSELL KIDD. Tasmania, 20th July.