PROPAGATION. 55 



boxes containing the sets for they should have been 

 placed in boxes at the time of lifting should be placed 

 in a light and somewhat warm house or room, where they 

 will soon begin to sprout, and when the sprouts (Fig. IA) 

 are three-quarters of an inch in length, each shoot should 

 be taken out as shown at Figs. 2 and 3, and be potted as 

 at Fig. 6. Use finely sifted soil, but before these eyes 

 are potted the cut parts should have been allowed to dry 

 for a few hours, in order to prevent decay. If, however, 

 the eyes are potted as soon as cut out, dip the cut parts in 

 powdered charcoal and lime, this will do something to- 

 wards preventing decay. These eyes will soon form roots, 

 and make sturdy plants, filling the little pots with roots, 

 when they should be transferred to larger sizes, using good 

 soil. The pots should be placed in a greenhouse or warm 

 frame near the glass, and be carefully watered. Every 

 endeavour should be made to keep the plants sturdy. Do 

 not allow them to become drawn and weakly. As soon as 

 the danger of severe frost is over for the season, they 

 should be placed in cool frames and kept near the glass, 

 but the light must be covered securely against frost, as 

 they will not stand a single degree. Air must be given 

 freely when the weather is favourable, and also on warm 

 nights to cause a sturdy growth. Watering must be very 

 carefully attended to, using tepid water for the purpose. 



By Cuttings. This is an old method, but it has come 

 into fashion lately, owing to the advent of the high-priced 

 varieties, and the desire to make as many plants as pos- 

 sible from a tuber. It is a plan which should only be 

 adopted in the case of new or rare sorts. There is no 

 difficulty in propagating potatoes thus ; yet a few impor- 

 tant points require consideration. The tubers may be laid 

 out singly and exposed to the light and air as early as con- 

 venient, and at any time in February they may be put 

 into a warm house. A temperature of from 55 degrees to 

 Or) degrees will be quite warm enough to promote growth. 

 We have found them do well when laid out on a border in a 



