SOILS AND THEIR TREATMENT. 29 



(41,855) was grown in Co. Down, on the Clay Slate forma- 

 tion, a very poor type of soil. In Limerick and Tipperary, 

 where the richest soil prevails, potatoes do not appear to 

 be grown so extensively. Still, the soils of Ireland are, 

 as a whole, richer than those of England and better 

 adapted for potato culture than ours. They have no strong 

 retentive clays, but, on the other hand, there are a large 

 proportion of peat lands. The main drawback to success- 

 ful potato culture in Ireland is the excessively moist 

 climate. We mention the foregoing facts to show that, 

 although the best results are obtained from certain soils, 

 yet large crops are grown on soils of a very diversified 

 character. 



Garden Soils. Those of the ordinary garden type 

 that have been well manured for years only require an 

 occasional application of lime (see chapter on Manures) to 

 put them in good order for successful potato culture. 

 There are some garden soils, however, that, while rich as 

 regards manure, are often wanting in depth of tillage. 

 Such soils have probably been dug over the orthodox one 

 spit deep generation after generation, and consequently 

 there is just about one foot or less of tilled soil on the sur- 

 face, the subsoil being hard and impervious to moisture. 

 Soils of this character are bad for successful potato cul- 

 ture. The potato loves a deep soil, and dislikes having its 

 roots brought in contact with an impervious subsoil, 

 covered with stagnant water. Such a soil should therefore 

 be trenched fully two feet deep, taking care not to bring the 

 sour subsoil to the surface, but merely to turn it over. 

 This work should always be done in the autumn, if pos- 

 sible. Soils that have been properly trenched from time 

 to time ought to be thrown into ridges in the autumn, and 

 left thus all the winter. The action of the frost and air 

 upon soils thus exposed will be most beneficial from a 

 chemical and mechanical point of view, as well as assisting 

 to reduce the numerous pests that have sought refuge 

 therein. Soils of a heavy nature, required for growing 



