1C6 THE POTATO. 



be afforded. Pots that have been used for chrysanthe- 

 mums will be just the thing. It will not be necessary to 

 use many crocks for drainage, as some rough turfy loam 

 or well-decayed manure will be far preferable. Place one 

 large crock over the hole, then put in about six inches of 

 soil, place one tuber in the centre, then fill up with soil to 

 the rim. The pots should be stood in the house, the tem- 

 perature of which is regulated according to the growth of 

 the vines, peaches, etc. When, in the course of a few 

 days, the young growths have pushed through the soil, 

 a gentle watering may be given ; this will cause the soil to 

 sink, so as to allow room for earthing up, when the haulm 

 is about six or eight inches high. Every possible care 

 must be taken in watering; no more should be given than 

 will keep the foliage in a healthy growing condition. The 

 plants must, however, on no account be allowed to suffer 

 for want of moisture, as this would cause a cheek to their 

 growth, and the crop would be unsatisfactory as regards 

 both quality and quantity. 



Potatoes on Hotbeds. Fermenting material in 

 most country places is not difficult to obtain, and, though 

 it requires some degree of knowledge to make the most of 

 the material, there ought not to be much trouble in main- 

 taining the requisite heat, provided due care be exercised 

 in putting the bed together, and not starting it until the 

 " sets " are ready for planting. The next thing is to pre- 

 pare the material for the bed, which should consist of 

 about two parts stable litter and one of leaves, previously 

 mixed together by being thrown up in a heap and allowed 

 to ferment for a short time, so as to pass off the violent 

 heat. The size of the bed must depend on the quantity 

 of material at command, and the measurements of the 

 frame to be used, but it should be of sufficient depth to 

 retain the heat for about two months. The soil having 

 been prepared as previously noted, and the sets ready for 

 planting, the material may be put together, allowing at 

 least eighteen inches all round the frame for a lining, in 



