itory which is now being held by the other
states. But before Minnesota can get these markets and obtain the better
prices, she must standardize her potatoes. That is, Minnesota can
obtain great improvement by adopting certain standards for the grading
and sorting of potatoes.

At a conference held in Chicago, last February, of representatives from
the growing, shipping and marketing interests, the following
recommendations for greater uniformity in potato shipments were made:

_Size._--Market stock of round white varieties shall be graded over a
screen which measures 1-7/8 inches in the clear. For long white
varieties a screen of 1-3/4 inches, in the clear, is recommended.

_Weight._--Stock running over twelve ounces is undesirable and not over
five per cent. of this maximum weight should be allowed in first class
shipments.

[Illustration: Figure III. Burbank Russet.]

_Quality._--Stock should be practically free from serious external
imperfections, including late blight rot, common scab, sunburn, frost
injury, bruises, knobbiness, second growth, etc. Stock should be mature
and clean.

_Varietal purity._--Commercial potato shipments should be graded to one
variety.

All indications show that Minnesota must grade and sort for commercial
shipments of potatoes, and that a definite brand or grade designating a
definite standard must be adopted in order to secure the highest prices.
All inferior stock must be thrown out, and the best potatoes given a
chance to make an attractive showing.

The standing which Minnesota potatoes will have in the market will be
determined a great deal by the grading, which is usually the work of
the dealer, although some farmers do their own grading by hand. Ungraded
potatoes injure the Minnesota potato trade and reduce the profits, as
the freight is the same on dirt, small and unsound potatoes as it is on
the fine stock. As much as a ton of dirt and culls is sometimes found in
a car on the Chicago "team tracks" after the wholesale merchant has
sacked all he is willing to accept. This freight, sorting charges and
cost of disposing of refuse must be paid by some one. Co-operating to
improve the sorting done at loading stations is a means of establishing
a grade to meet competition and to reach new markets.

[Illustration: Figure IV. Early Ohio.]

Standardization also means grading to eliminate potatoes infected with
disease, such as common scab and late blight, sunken discolorations