Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 144, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 5 July 1917 — SWEET POTATO ACREAGE TO BE INCREASED [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

SWEET POTATO ACREAGE TO BE INCREASED

The acreage of sweet potatoes should be doubled this year, assert members of the department of horticulture in the Kansas State Agricultural college. Growers of Irish potatoes have reduced their acreage by a good many acres, they point out. Jt Is not expected, warn the horticulturists, that the Inexperienced grower will make a plunge this year, but If each growqr and farmer living on suitable land Will increase his acreage, however little, much may be done to equalize potato prices this fall and winter. Every indication is for prices high enough to insure a profit. Each, grower should provide himself with some sort of warm, dry storage facilities. The prices of farm products at harvest time, when the majority of farmers sell, is always low. A storage for any product may easily pay for itself the first year.

Many gardeners and growers are*beginnlug.to worry about Injury to trade because of garden enthusiasm in small towns. This will b# true to a great extent only as to the early vegetables, say horticulturists. Very few office people and laborers care to get out early in the morning or late at night during July or August. It must also be remembered that vacations are taken from June to September and during the vacation weeds grow rapidly. To offset the vegetables grown at home, moreover, is the determination of each family to can fruits and vegetables in the home more than ever before. This will increase demand. This year promises a shortage in many sorts of fruits.' Because of the high prices during the past year much attention will be given during the present season to home canning and preserving.

SWEET POTATO PLANTER IN ACTION.