POTATOES

The following clippings from recent numbers of The Spectator, being communications from Lord Desborough, and an answer from Lord Dartmouth, were sent to the editor by Dr. Tucker. He writes that they will recall to some of our graduates the ready wit of Lord Dartmouth, and adds that possibly the Desborough device has already been adopted by our Faculty Potato Club, whose activities have been recorded on another page of this issue. The communications follow:

"(To the Editor of the Spectator)

"Sir, — It may be of interest to some of your readers who have gardens, and who are in want of seed potatoes, to hear of a plan which I have practised for some time. Every potato which comes into the house has one eye cut out before it comes in. The eye is put in a wooden tray in leaf-mould sufficient to cover it. When it sprouts it can be planted in the usual way, about the beginning of April. As this house has been used for some time as a Home of Rest for War Nurses, there is a large consumption of potatoes, but it is satisfactory to think that each potato consumed has a chance of producing six others. The surplus of sprouting potatoes can be given to those who can grow them. — I am, Sir, etc.,

"Taplow Court, Taplow, Bucks."

"(To the Editor of the Spectator)

"Sir, — Lord Desborough's advice in the Spectator of March 17th suggests the following.

A tooth for a tooth, and an eye for an eye, Were the lessons we learnt in our youth: Now Lord Desborough shows how the care of an eye Will provide for the needs of a tooth.

"— I am, Sir, etc.,

"DARTMOUTH

"Patshull, Wolverhampton."