110 THE POTATO. 



being prepared as previously explained, but as the days 

 get longer and the sun gains more power, the haulm will 

 grow more robust, therefore a greater distance should be 

 allowed between both the rows and sets. When the soil is 

 in good heart, fifteen inches between the former and a 

 foot from plant to plant will be none too much. Wide 

 frames .are preferable to narrow ones. We prefer those of 

 eight feet, as there is then sufficient space in them to 

 afford the sets being planted at the above-mentioned 

 dimensions to advantage. When planted about the mid- 

 dle of February, and the weather is at all favourable, the 

 young growths will be showing themselves through the soil 

 early in March. Sometimes we have severe weather at 

 this period; it will therefore be necessary to afford some 

 protection in addition to the glass. A couple of thick- 

 nesses of Russian mats, or, what is more preferable, straw 

 made into frames the same size as the lights. These are 

 very portable, and can be put on or removed in a short 

 space of time by a couple of boys. They are also useful 

 for protecting other crops. 



Varieties. As regards varieties, none command such 

 prices as the Ashleaf, and they may be used when half 

 grown. For early potatoes, cooks prefer them about one 

 and a-half ounces in weight, being served up whole ; it is 

 advisable not to have them too large. There are, of course, 

 other varieties that produce quite as good crops, and are 

 as early, but they do not find the same favour with con- 

 noisseurs: Sharp's Victor, Puritan, Early Regent, Ring- 

 leader, and others, but they will never become so popular 

 as the Ashleaf. Potatoes grown under glass do not, as a 

 rule, suffer from the attack of disease, but every care 

 should be taken to have the sets quite free, that a robust 

 growth may be promoted from the start. 



