ROOTS. 



173 



verized by repeated plowing and harrowing. It should 

 then be thrown into beds four feet wide with the plow, 

 and in the centre of these, strike a light furrow to receive the 

 seed, if the soil is dry, or plant it on the surface, if moist. 

 The use of a subsoil plow in the beds before being thrown 

 up, is of great benefit to the plant. 



Fio. 42. 



Cultivation. When the season is sufficiently long to 

 mature them, the potato may be most conveniently planted, 

 by cutting the seed into slips, and laying them six or eight 

 inches apart in the place where they are to mature. Large 

 potatoes divided into pieces of a proper size, are better for 

 seed than small ones uncut. These should be covered about 

 two inches with light mold. When they begin to sprout, the 

 plow may be run close to the rows on either side, to remove 

 the earth and allow the full benefit of the sun and air to the 

 roots )(> and as the plant advances in its growth, the earth may 

 be gradually restored to them by the plow and hoe. Where 

 the vines are so large as to be injured by the plow, the hoe 

 alone should be used. The hill or drills may then be made 

 broadly around the plants, hollowing towards them, to afford 

 a full bed of rich, mellow earth, and to retain the rain which 

 falls. They are fit for gathering when the vines are dead. 



When the season is short or early potatoes are wanted, 



