PROCEEDINGS OF THE FARMERS' CLUB. 271 



March 3, 1862. 

 Mr. W. S. Carpenter in the cliair. 



SWEET POTATOES. 



Mr. Robinson distributed specimens of Nansemond sweet pota- 

 toes, received from M. M. Murray, of Loveland, Ohio, and read 

 the article prepared by Mr. Murray, by invitation of the Club, 

 upon the cultivation of this potato : 



To the Members of the American Institute Farmers' Club : 



Sirs : Allow me to present for your consideration the propriety 

 of commending a more extended cultivation of the sweet potato 

 at the north. Evidences of its successful cultivation have been 

 received by me from almost all the northern States, for several 

 ye^rs past ; and those who have once ventured a trial, have 

 generally continued to grow them. I see not why the markets 

 of our northern cities may not be fully supplied from northern 

 soil. The crop certainly has proved one of the most profitable 

 wherever tried. 



The soil selected for growing them should, in all cases, be dry- 

 drained, either naturally or artificial!}^; and if a southern slope 

 or exposure can be had, all the better. The crop is rarely injured 

 by drouth ; in fact, it succeeds better in a dry season. In tilth, 

 sweet potatoes need a condition of soil suitable for growing a 

 good corn crop, and two to three bushels will thus be grown 

 Avhere but one of corn would grow. Often a greater difference 

 of 3'ield in favor of the sweet potato is obtained. 



The tubers, or seed potatoes, have to be sprouted in a hot-bed. 

 From the 1st to the 15tli of April is the proper time to put them 

 sprouting, or from four to five weeks before 3'ou wish to set the 

 plants in the field. If the soil is moist in the ridge at the time 

 of planting, no water is required, but the soil must be pressed 

 quite hard against the roots of the plant. Ridges to plant on 

 should be made by throwing two heavy furrows together with a 

 plow, or on a small scale may be hoed up by hand. This work 

 should be done when the surface of the soil is moist. Three and 

 a half feet apart is a proper distance for ridges — plants every 

 fifteen inches on the ridge. To make the most of the plants, 

 break the ridges every two feet and hoe up into conical hills, 

 putting one plant in each. One barrel of seed sweet potatoes, 

 properly sprouted, will furnish plants enough for an acre, often 

 more, and cost |5. Those choosing to obtain plants ready grown 



