149 



be requisite on any soil, but especially on lands stitY or tenacious. Good, 

 deep, thorough plowing is not more essential in husbandry than good 

 close, thorough harrowing. Many endeavor to have the former well 

 done, while the latter is comparatively left undone. 



Since the appearance of the potato-disease, many farmers have plow- 

 ed in the manure, at the Autumn or first plowing, while others put it 

 into the drills along witl^ the potato, either ^^nder or above, as formerly 

 described. In humid countries like Great Britain, it may be unimpor- 

 tant which plan is adopted ; but in countries subject to long periodical 

 drought, there can be no question that fall manuring is pre-eminently the 

 better way. The manure is thereby decomposed and assimilates it- 

 self to the soil. 



The period of planting in our Northern latitude may be fixed with 

 safety about the beginning of May down to the first of June. In Great 

 Britain the common varieties are generally planted the last week of 

 April, or the first week of May ; the earlier kinds, from the middle of 

 March to the end of April. A very general opinion prevails in this 

 country, that late planted potatoes gi^■e a greater yield than those that 

 are planted early. This may hold true in some seasons, but on an aver- 

 age of years, the eai'ly planted roots will not ordy be more productive, 

 but what is of great importance, more sound and nutritive as regards 

 quaUty. It is now well known that early planted potatoes frequently 

 escape the " disease," while the late planted are often destroyed. So 

 well is this understood in the United Kingdoms, that British farmers not 

 only plant early in the season, (from March to May,) but plant the early 

 varieties. The kind used in these Islands, is what is called the Second 

 American Early. The common varieties, formerly so productive, are 

 now so very precarious that they are seldom planted. The early kinds 

 are ripened and ready for " lifting" before the blight makes its appear- 

 ance. 



The greater the quantity of farinaceous matter that a potato contains 

 the more subject it is to disease. Hence, the favorite Meshannock, from 

 its fine quality, is amongst the fii-st to suffer ; while the Yam, Rohans and 

 Merinoes escape with impunity. It may be generally known that po- 

 tatoes with red flowers are more predisposed to disease than those bear- 

 ing white ones. The disease, too, does not effect the farina, but the fi- 

 brous part of the tuber. The farinaceous matter, therefore, of diseased 



