THE POTATO. 2'ii 



in the northern than in the southern states; and greater 

 in Canada or Great Britain than in the United States. 

 It can be grown in the far north, but the yield is 

 small and the quality poor. 



The crop will do fairly well on a large variety of 

 soils, but best on the light, wami and well drained, 

 naturally fertile or well manured. Large crops of po- 

 tatoes of excellent quality are grown on some sandy 

 soils with little natural fertility, by the liberal use of 

 manure. The dark colored prairie soils, so well adapted 

 to the production of corn, is not the best for potatoes. 

 Planting on land which has been in grass or clover is 

 a favorite practice with many farmers. Well rotted 

 stable manure is the cheapest fertilizer in many parts 

 of the country. The so-called complete artificial 

 manures are largely used in the older potato-growing 

 regions. While a potato crop requires much potash, 

 the application of manures containing much potash 

 often gives less satisfactory results than when super- 

 phosphates are used. 



Securing a good condition of the soil is as import- 

 ant as for almost any other crop. Fall plowing is 

 preferred by many. Disk harrowing and the use of 

 the roller, or some other clod-crushing implement, is 

 advisable. 



Early planting generally gives the best results. 

 The date will vary with the region of country, but 

 they may safely be planted as soon as the soil can be 

 put in good condition and danger of severe freezing 

 is past. The crop is best adapted to a moist, cool 

 climate; drouth injures it much, especially while the 

 plants are young. 



With few farm crops are there greater differences 



