114 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



rates the fact, that potatoes are not so exhausting to the soil as the 

 cereal crops, especially when grown under a system of rotation. 



It has always been the aim and study of mechanics and manu- 

 facturers to make and |)utupon the market something that somebody 

 wanted to purchase, some article that would sell. This same spirit 

 sliould always actuate the tillers of the soil — to produce something 

 that is demanded in the market, some crop of a high selling value. 

 As much as I am in love with farming, and as much as there is about 

 it that is grand and ennobling, yet underneath it all farming is a 

 ({uestion of dollars and cents. The question comes right home to 

 every farmer: How can I raise the wind? 



And in answer to that question I have the boldness to say, that 

 for a field crop and witli the present out-look there is no better crop 

 for the farmers of Maine to grow than potatoes. Our potatoes have 

 a wonderful reputation for qualit\\ and all the way from Massachusetts 

 to Florida, Maine-grown potatoes are in demand. And it is a very 

 proper question for a convention of farmers like this to raise — How 

 can we grow a good crop of potatoes and do it every time? It is 

 my business here to-day to assist in answering that question. 



The first requisite for growing a crop of potatoes is a suitable soil, 

 for all soils are not adapted to potato growing. A stiff, heavy clay 

 is not suitable, neither is a light, sandy soil, and the man that under- 

 takes to make a business of raising potatoes on those soils will very 

 likely make a failure of it. But fortunately' most of our soils in this 

 State are well adapted to the cultivation of this crop ; so it only re- 

 mains for us to know and practice the best methods of preparing the 

 ground to receive the seed. According to mN' own practice and 

 quite an extensive observation, I would not recommend the planting 

 on sward land if you expect paying crops. Corn, beans or grain 

 are good preparator}' crops for potatoes. 



When these crops have been taken off, plough the land ; and here 

 we shall always remember the old adage that tillage is manure. 

 Apply seven cords of manure to the acre and harrow thoroughh'. 

 Take a large plow, put in two horses, and mark the rows. Be sure 

 and go deep b}' going twice in a furrow. Drop five cords of good 

 barn manure in the furrow thus made. Drop the seed, and cover 

 with a horse hoe and when done the land will be about level and the 

 seed will be covered from five to seven inches deep. The manure 

 in the furrow will make a good warm bed for the seed to lie in and 

 will give the young plant a start. Then, later in the season, the crop 



