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should be pressed to take action in this matter; but I am much inclined to believe, that if seed were bought in the Autumn, and distributed all over the country, with instructions how to grow it—in Ireland the Constabulary could do it admirably;—and if substantial prizes were offered for disease-proof potatoes, I am much disposed to believe that the disease might be eradicated in, perhaps, three years.
In the event of something like this not being done: I propose again to buy berries by the ton, and issue seeds by the hundred millions, accompanied by this paper (at present, I send out fourteen millions, each a new "variety" of the plant,) and I shall next select the Magistrates and the Clergymen of the kingdom, as the parties before whom to lay the matter, and I propose to continue the process till the disease be extinguished. It will cost money no doubt. Well, I am prepared to spend a thousand a year on the work, and I believe it will be judiciously expended. For myself, I intend to go on growing from the seed, and destroying all which fail; and also to commence the "most noble experiments" of cross breeding; not from worn-out varieties, but from healthy young plants, grown by myself, from the seed; and I see no reason, if Mr. Knight could raise 34 tons on an acre, why I should not.
Any proposition, suggestion, or enquiry from any quarter, shall meet with respectful attention, and any reports which may be vouchsafed, as to results of experiments, shall be much esteemed.
Note.—Accompanying seed was all obtained from one variety. Origin and age unknown, yield large, tubers cylindrical and large, colour dark reddish, quality coarse, suitable for cattle, almost no disease, yields berries profusely.
58, North Street,
ALEX. MAYNE PRINTER. CORPORATION STREET BELFAST.
