204 HOW TO MAKE THE FARM PAY. 



and later sorts, make the drills thirty to thirty-six inches apart, 

 sets ten inches apart in the drills, and cover four to six inches 

 deep, according to soil. If the soil is inclined to be heavy or 

 wet, four inches is sufficient. 



There is a great variety of practice in selecting seed for 

 planting. Large or small, whole or cut, the discussion has 

 been going on for years. Our own experience, as well as our 

 judgment, from all reading and observation, is that large fair 

 specimens of any grain, fruit, or vegetable, are the best for seed. 

 But if large potatoes are selected and planted whole, there are 

 too many sprouts, and the crop will be small ; but if cut into 

 pieces, having two or three eyes, there will be enough to give 

 food to the young plant, without crowding too many roots to- 

 gether. The great objection to planting cut sets can be obviated 

 by cutting a week or two before planting, and allowing the 

 cuts to heal over. As soon as the sprouts make their appear- 

 ance above ground, harrow the field across the drills. This 

 breaks up the surface, kills the weeds, and gives a good chance 

 for the young plants to grow. A ligbt fine toothed harrow is 

 best for the purpose. Such a one we recommend every far 

 mer to have for harrowing his meadows, grain fields, corn 

 fields, and potato fields, after the crops are up. This early 

 harrowing saves much after cultivation. Cultivate with an 

 ordinary cultivator, until the blossoms appear, then hill up 

 with the plow. It is injurious to work the ground in wet 

 weather, or when the tops are wet. 



In harvesting potatoes, a plow can be run on each side of the 

 drill, and then the potatoes are readily forked out. Many far- 

 mers plow out their potatoes, with the common plow, and 

 others use a plow made for the purpose. Pick up and store, as 

 rast as uncovered, and while the potatoes are still cool, as dry- 

 ing and heating cause them to rot. Any method of storing 



