THE WAUPACA COUNTY REPUBLICAN

March 24, 1882

 

Extensive Potato Patch

 

A vast tract of land in central Wisconsin comprising most of the counties of Waupaca, Waushara, Portage and Wood, and parts of several other counties, has been considered by outsiders to be almost a desert, because sandy, and to be cursed with lazy occupants for being barren.  Within three or four years great changes have occurred in this region, particularly as regards the worth of the land.  Many old settlers have been forced out, and in their place there has been installed a class of men who are doing much to show the world the mistake that has been made.  When well cultivated it beats the world for corn, clover is now grown in abundance, and these two, with hogs, will make any country rich.  But the most recent discovery of the outsiders is the fact that this district is the potato-lovers paradise.  No where else in the known world can be produced potatoes the excellence of which is so universally praised.  To such an extent is this fact now known, that the whole district bids fair to become one vast potato patch; and potato buyers throng all the towns in this section, sending potatoes to all parts of the United States.

 

 

July 14, 1882

 

Farmers say the festive potato bugs are out in full force.  A New York farmer gives a recipe for the extermination of the bugs as follows:  “Put one gallon of gas tar in a tub, and fill the tub with water; stir it up well, and let the tar settle.  Then sprinkle the vines with the water from a sprinkling pot.  This has proven more effectual than Paris green.  He has also tried it on currant bushes, and finds it equally effective.  It is inexpensive and perfectly reliable, and will prove equally sure death to insects of every kind on trees.  This gas tar can be had for 25 cents a gallon, and one gallon would suffice for many acres of potatoes.”  The experiment wouldn’t cost much and may prove of value.

 

 

September 22, 1882

 

Frank Randall has invented a potato digger, and we are informed that it is just the thing that is needed by every farmer who has any potatoes to dig.  All you have to do is to turn it out in the field and go about your other work and in almost no time, all your potatoes are brought to light; but when you turn it out, be sure that there is a boy and a team with it.  If there was ever a machine invented that will dig potatoes this is one, “and don’t forget it.”