104 THE POTATO. 



frost can be excluded, and here they can remain until 

 such times as they are required for planting, unless re- 

 quired for very early forcing, when it will be necessary to 

 introduce them into a gentle heat to forward their growth 

 previous to planting, as by so doing much time will be 

 saved afterwards. At the time of planting, the young 

 shoots should be from three-quarters to an inch in length 

 stout, green, plump growths, which will always grow 

 rapidly when placed in the soil; and the little moisture 

 afforded them is taken up readily, thus preventing any 

 drawback. 



Preparing; the Soil. As most varieties of early 

 potatoes make but short haulm, they may be classed as 

 dwarfs. This being the case, it is necessary to have the 

 soil in which they are grown as rich as possible, that the 

 plant food may be readily assimilated by the young 

 growths. It is not advisable to add stimulants, in the 

 shape of liquid manure, to a great extent when the plants 

 are growing, as too much moisture affects the quality of 

 the tubers. The soil intended for the growth of this crop 

 should have been prepared some time previously, and 

 kept in readiness under cover till required. If that from a 

 pasture be used, it ought to be thoroughly decayed. Old 

 mushroom-bed or decayed manure should be added when 

 the soil is mixed up. If artificial manure of any kind be 

 employed, this should be rich in potash. 



Potatoes in Pots. It often happens in private 

 establishments that space for forcing vegetables is very 

 limited, and the most has to be made of every available 

 foot of room. Still, ofttimes, there are vineries, peach- 

 houses, and similar structures, where potatoes may be 

 grown in pots to advantage. They will not interfere with 

 the crop overhead in the least, and where the houses are 

 of fair dimensions, paying crops may be taken off without 

 the least injury to the roots. A few pots could be grown 

 in almost any house of that description where space could 



