Mar. 2, 190S.] Agriciilturcd Gazette of N.S.W. 195 



Orowing them in straw was tried and the experiment is being continued. 

 The ground is ploughed deeply and harrowed into a good state of tilth ; 

 the potatoes are then placed by hand firmly in the soil until they are about 

 half covered ; then 12 to 15 inches of wheaten straw is placed over them ; this 

 completes the planting. Nothing more is done until the potatoes are 

 picked — not dug — from under the straw, for they lie on top of the ground 

 around the seed set. Some people do not understand that the jjotato tuber 

 is not the root of the plant, but a modified portion or a runner from the 

 stem. The potato tubers must form above the seed planted, therefore if it 

 is placed on top of tlie soil they have no option but to grow as they do. The 





Potatoes grown under straw. Oue-tbird natural size. 



straw forms a protection from the sun and other destructive agents, the 

 same as the earth does when they are grown in the ordinary wa}". The 

 potatoes grown last 3'ear under straw were only a fair crop, but of beautiful 

 shape, with lovely skins Some were found in the straw hanging to the stem 

 6 inches off the ground ; most of them were lying on the soil, and some were 

 slightly buried. They can be looked at at any time during growth by removing 

 the straw, which must afterwards be replaced. The same plant has been looked 

 at several times apparentlv without damaging the tubers. Will this method 

 of growing potatoes pay ? This cannot be answered at present, but further 

 information is beinj^' obtained. 



