207 



maaure in a liquid state, or next to that, in the shape of v)cll-rolted 

 compost, Ls apparent. 



PREPARATION OF THE SEED. 



In the cultivation of the potato, as well as in the successful manage- 

 ment of every kind of crop, a frequent change of seed is necessary, 

 and in making this alteration, the farmer should always be careful to sup- 

 ply himself with the best seed, of the most approved and hardiest 

 kinds; and the transition should be made from a poor to a rich soil — 

 and from an early ripening climate or countrj', to a later district. For 

 seeds thus changed, will endeavor to preserve then- usual time of ripen- 

 ing, and come to perfection much sooner than those seeds which have 

 been acclimated in the place. 



In selecting seed potatoes, all mis-shaped tubere ought to be rejected, 

 and due attention paid to the true shape of the kind ; for instance, all 

 lonf/ tubers, belonging to a round kind, are unnatural, and out of shape. 

 Also, all round tubers, of a long description of potato, are deteriorated, 

 and unfit for seed. 



Diiferent kinds ought not to be planted together, for the tops 

 being of an e<pal height, give the field an unsightly appearance, be- 

 sides, they will not ripen at the same time ; and nothing denotes care- 

 leas, slovenly husbandry, more than mixed seeds of any description. 



Seed potatoes should always be cut into sets before they begin to 

 grow ; cutting at this time is called " dormant dissection," or dissection 

 whilst the juices are asleep — if they are cut when in a growing state, 

 the sets will "bleed," that is, lose many of their essential juices. 



The top of the tuber, or crown set, is the best for seed. I have 

 known many intelligent farmers who removed the crown sets from all 

 the potatoes consumed in their houses, thus preserving the very best part 

 for seed, and their crops succeeded weU. Many experienced farmers 

 plant their potatoes whole — when this is done, very small, as well as very 

 large potatoes, should be rejected ; tuber's of the middle size make the 

 best seed. Whole potatoes are apt to produce a great number of small, 

 and a few large tubers ; this an objection to their use. 



Sets intended for planting should be cut large ; three or four, or 

 sometimes two parts, is enough to make of a tuber. After being cut, 

 they should not be planted until the cuts are seasoned or healed ; dry 

 lime, or wood ashes is good to be applied to newly cut sets ; they should 



