CHAP, in VILLA GARDENING 407 



one stem, and tlie plan of starting them in a light place where the 

 smallest possible amount of growth can take place by the encour- 

 agement given to the central eye conduces to that end. But the 

 system that is good for early crops is also good for others, so far, 

 at least, as regards the management of the seed, if more care is 

 taken in its selection, and it is kept afterwards in a light place 

 where no undue crowding or heating can take place, for it should 

 be borne in mind that the cause of Potatoes growing so much 

 when laid in great heaps in the field or in store is from their heat- 

 ing, causing the buds or eyes to start. If they were laid thinly 

 on a shelf or floor they would not grow to any injurious extent. 

 If they must be kept in bulk in buildings, from the space being 

 limited, and the quantity grown large, they should be frequently 

 turned over. If the seed Potatoes in winter could be turned over 

 once every week or ten days it would prevent those long chits or 

 sprouts breaking out. All vegetable substances when laid in 

 large heaps generate warmth. Potatoes are no exception to this 

 rule, and this is the reason why they grow more when laid in large 

 heaps than when in a thin layer. When these heaps are turned 

 over, the continuity of condition so necessary for growth to take 

 place seems to be snapped ; and if this disturbance is effected at 

 frequent intervals, the growth will not be very much in excess of 

 requirements. It is quite certain that when the substance of the 

 Potato is uselessly employed in producing growth which cannot 

 be utilised, the stamina of the plant wliich is finally emitted from 

 the tuber must be weakened thereby ; and not only will the crop 

 sufter, but the stock which is constantly treated in this way must 

 deteriorate and become more susceptible to the attacks of any 

 parasitical pests which may be floating about in the atmosphere 

 seeking for something suitable to settle upon. 



Whole or Cut Sets. — The question as to wliich are best has 

 often been discussed, and is exceedingly difficult to decide, for 

 when one, by a long series of experiments, has come to the con- 

 clusion that certain conditions or kinds are best, something occurs 

 which shatters his beautiful theory to pieces. Like many others, I 

 have bought new Potatoes in single pounds, have cut them up in 

 single eyes, and planted them with varying results, but generally 

 of a very satisfactory character. In dealing with very choice new 

 kinds the single -eye system is excellent. That it will give the 

 best result from a given quantity of seed is certain ; but will it do 

 so in ordinary culture against well-selected seed 1 In a general 

 way, of course, the selected seed uncut would beat all comers ; but 

 I have had very good results from single eyes cut from very large 

 Potatoes. It is, of course, a well-known fact that the eye in the 



