196 Bulletin 191. 



in these furrows at from 14 to 18 inches between the 2:)ieces. 

 Then spht the ridges, forming new ridges over the seed, which 

 will be buried deeply, with furrows between the rows. Observe 

 that the soil has thus all been thoroughly stirred to a depth of 

 four or five inches. In about a week after planting, level down 

 the ridges by means of a spike-tooth or smoothing harrow. This 

 harrowing may be repeated, perhaps several times, before the plants 

 are up. 



Compare this area with another furrowed with a corn marker or 

 other shallow working implement. If desired this area may be 

 check rowed, the difference in the amount of seed used being 

 charged against the thicker planting. 



No. 5. Prolonged frequent level tillage vs. '^laying Z'y" at 

 th ird cultivation. — 



As soon as the rows can be followed, cultivate the space between 

 them as deeply as it can readily be worked, keeping away from the 

 plants sufficiently not to disturb their connection with the soil. This 

 is the last deep cultiv^ation the crop will receive. From this time 

 on, at intervals of ten to fourteen days, cultivate lightly (about two 

 inches deep), working as close to the rows as the size of the tops 

 will permit. Cultivate after every rain-storm as soon as the soil is 

 fit. Continue these shallow cultivations so long as it is possible to 

 pass between the rows, narrowing the cultivator at each successive 

 tillage to correspond to the space that is left between the spreading 

 tops. A little earth will be thrown towards the rows by the culti- 

 .vator blades, but do not attempt to ridge or hill the potatoes by 

 hilling blades or the shovel plow. From seven to nine cultivations 

 have been found most advantageous for the crop and it is well if 

 the tillao^e is continued into Auo:ust. Level tillao^e has o^iven better 

 results on the Station grounds than the "hilling" method, the 

 advantage being greater in dry seasons. 



Compare the area thus tilled with another that is " laid by " at 

 about the third cultivation, which may be either hilled or left level. 



No. 6. Protection against hlight vs. 2>t"otection against beetles 

 only. — 



For a description of the insect and fungous enemies that prey 

 upon the potato, and their remedies, the reader is referred to 



