POTATO 213 



four to thirty inches; for horse culture, three feet or 

 more. Plants in the row, twelve to eighteen inches 

 apart; the richer the soil and the better prepared the 

 closer they may stand. The custom of planting two 

 small seed- pieces close together is not so wise as that 

 of planting one of large size, which will not dry out so 

 quickly in a drought, and will better withstand wet. 



Fig. 102. Underground parts of the Potato plant, at the right depth. 

 The withered seed-piece is between the four tubers. 



Distances are also a matter of variety: plant strong- 

 growing or large-yielding kinds farther apart. 



Depth. In heavy, clayey soils three inches may be 

 allowed. But generally speaking, it is not wise to plant 

 less than four inches deep; if planted shallower the 

 tubers may be sunburnt, if deeper the cost of digging 

 increases too much. It is well, however, to plant the 

 late crop a little deeper than the earlier. 



Sow. For early crop, sprouted under glass, set out 

 when frosts are past, about the last week in May. Set 



