[Illustration:  Figure I. Rural New Yorker.]

In Minnesota the largest part of these potatoes are grown in certain districts of the state, and according to the 1909 census the counties rank in respective order, namely:  Hennepin, Isanti, Chisago, Clay, Anoka, Sherburne, Washington, Ottertail, Dakota, and Mille Lacs.  This shows that the largest production is in the vicinity of St. Paul and Minneapolis, and the Red River Valley, especially in Clay County.

The following statement shows the per cent. of increase in acreage from 1900 to 1910 and that the older districts are being rapidly outdone by the counties towards the northern part of the state: 

Clay, 455 per cent.; Sherburne, 254 per cent.; Polk, 136 per cent.; Todd, 109 per cent.; Hennepin, 83 per cent.; Anoka, 58 per cent.; Isanti, 26 per cent.; Chisago, 17 per cent.

From these reports it is also evident that the distribution of the surplus is entirely towards the southern states, either as table stock or as seed potatoes, which in turn varies with the different years because of differences in crop yields.  But as a general rule Maine, New York and Michigan supply the states in the east, east central and southeastern part of the country, Wisconsin the Chicago market and Minnesota the Mississippi Valley, especially Nebraska and Kansas.  In addition Minnesota ships seed potatoes to many of the Southern states.

[Illustration:  Figure II.  Burbank.]

Because of these markets, potato shippers maintain that competition is extremely keen between the potato growing sections of this country.  There can be no doubt that the only way Minnesota can meet her increase in yield and increase in demand is to determine whether or not she will expand her markets to the territory 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.