10 



able soil, is difficult to eradicate. Enough tubers, as a rule, are left 

 each year to continue the crop ; hence it is wise to set apart a per- 

 manent paddock for it, or the odd corners of a farm, or waste places 

 of little value for other crops may be used for growing artichokes. 



" The plant is extremely hardy ; it resists frost and drought. 

 Whilst the best crops are raised on good mellow loam, profitable 

 yields are secured on stiff clay lands, light sandy or gravelly soils. The 

 land is best suited where the drainage is good ; in fact, any soil 

 suitaole for potatoes will answer for artichokes. It is a crop that re- 

 quires little attention when it is established. 



"The soil needs thorough cultivation. It should be deeply 

 ploughed about May or June. Dining the winter it may be harrowed 

 occasionally, lightly reploughed about September, and well manured 

 as if for sweet potatoes. The tubers are then planted by dropping 

 them into furrows 3 ft. apart, with a space of 2 ft. between the tubers. 

 If the sets are small, plant whole, while large ones may be cut. Cover 

 by turning a furrow over them. About 4 cwt. of tubers will plant an 

 acre. 



" The crop matures in five months. Should rain fall immediate- 

 ly after planting, the haiTow may be run over the land to fine the 

 surface. This should be repeated when the plants are about 4 in. 

 high. It checks evaporation, destroys, weeds, and will not injure the 

 crop. Later on, the cultivator should be kept moving between the 

 rows about once a month. 



" When the crop flowers and the tops droop and die, about April 

 or May, it is ready for harvesting. The average yield will be from 

 7 to 8 tons per acre." 



"Two varieties were tested at Hawkesbuiy College, and gave 

 the following results : — 



Jerusalem White ... ... 9 tons I cwt. per acre. 



Jerusalem Pink ... 6 tons 16 cwt. per acre. 



" For feeding pigs it is best to turn them into the crop to root 

 out the tubers. It must be remembered that, where it is desired to 

 continue the crop, the pigs should be removed before all the tubers 

 are eaten. 



" Few foods are more relished by pigs. The tuber in the raw 

 state is very nutritious, more especially for pregnant sows, and also 

 sows reduced in weight and condition after suckling and weaning 

 big litters. 



"This class of food acts as a diuretic, or promotes a healthy 

 action of the kidneys in secreting urine; it relieves constipation and 

 stimulates liver function. One acre will support twenty sows from 

 four to six months. Young growing pigs evidence considerable 

 growth on being fed with them for a short period. The exercise 

 obtained in harvesting or rooting up the tubers has a beneficial 

 influence. It is especially notable that artichokes are very digestible. 



