410 VILLA GARDENING part v 



land a deep hoeing will do ; but a free and deep stirring of the soil 

 between the rows is very beneficial, and should be repeated at least 

 once before earthing-up. This operation should take place before the 

 Potatoes begin to run. A good deal has been written lately about 

 the Jensen system of culture, which consists chiefly in drawing up 

 the soil in a sharp ridge round the stems. Though I believe — in 

 damp soils especially, and in rainy districts — drawing up a good sharp 

 ridge of soil is very beneficial, there is no great novelty in it, and 

 the cost of labour, if the work had to be followed up persistently, 

 would destroy aU chances of profit. The conclusion I have come 

 to is that the Jensen system will never have much influence ujion 

 Potato culture in this countiy. If the stems are too numerous, 

 the weakly ones may easily be drawn out when they are 5 or 6 

 inches high ; and if there is any evidence of weakness, just before 

 earthing-up scatter a little artificial manure by the side of the 

 rows. This is best done in damp weather. In the Fen districts 

 very large c^uantities per acre are sometimes used on the Potato 

 land. 



Lifting and Storing. — In gartlen culture there is an advan- 

 tage in gro\ving early and second early kinds only, as then the 

 greater part of the crops may be lifted before the disease makes 

 its appearance. As soon as the skins are set the crojis may be 

 lifted and pitted if there is no cellar or other building to stow 

 them in. There is no better way of keeping the Potatoes intended 

 for use than placing them in pits or ridges on some elevated site, 

 not laying too many in a heap, and placing plenty of earth over 

 them for the double purpose of keeping out frost and heat. 



Best Kinds to Grow. — In the present day Potatoes are 

 grown for two separate and distinct objects — viz. for table use 

 and for exhibition. Taking a broad view of the case it is cer- 

 tainly more important that the quality of the Potato should be 

 considered before its appearance, though in some cases we get 

 beauty and quality combined. The Schoolmaster, for instance, is 

 good all round. As regards Potatoes for market, none, in my 

 exjierience or knowledge, has so high a reputation as the Magnum 

 Bouum. The Champion is wearing out— its constitution seems to 

 be declining, which is, I think, a pity, for, in my opinion, it is 

 superior, when properly cooked, to the Magnum ; but I grant that 

 it is rough in appearance, which involves waste. Another Potato 

 which had a very high character (I am referring to Reading Hero) 

 has disappointed some people who have gi'own it largely in the 

 field. From its behaviour in the garden with me I think much of 

 it; its quality, when cooked, is very superior. It grows luxuri- 

 antly and must have plenty of room. Though I gave it 3 feet 



