50 ESCULENT ROOTS. 



the soil loose and clear of weeds, and in October, when the 

 tops have been destroyed by frost, harvest the tubers, keep- 

 ing those of the different plants distinct, and store in the 

 cellar for the winter. 



The following spring these tubers, some of which will 

 measure nearly an inch in diameter, must be again planted, 

 which may be done in drills fifteen inches apart, dropping 

 the tubers about a foot asunder, and covering two inches 

 deep. During the summer, earth up the drills to a moderate 

 extent, and harvest in October, keeping the various kinds 

 distinct as before. 



The third season some estimate of the value of the dif- 

 ferent sorts may be formed. They will be found to vary, in 

 a greater or less degree, in size, form, color, number and 

 depth of the eyes, quality, season, productiveness, and lia- 

 bility to disease. Such as are of little value may be re- 

 jected. while such as appear promising should be reserved 

 for further cultivation. 



Ash-leaved Stem nearly two feet in height, erect, with 

 Early. long, smooth, shining, and drooping foliage ; 

 flowers very seldom produced ; tubers white, roundish, 

 rough-skinned ; flesh white, of medium quality. The va- 

 riety is healthy and remarkably early, well suited to open 

 culture, but not adapted for growing under glass, on account 

 of its tall habit, 



Ash-leaved ^ ne ^ tne eai% li es ^ f tne garden varieties, well 

 Kidney. adapted for forcing under glass, or for starting 

 in a hot-bed, and subsequent cultivation in the open ground. 

 The plant is of spreading habit, and about eighteen inches 

 in height ; leaves small, recurved ; tubers of medium size, 

 kidney-shaped, white ; flesh white, dry, and well-flavored. 

 Very healthy. Introduced. 



