^44 THE SOILS AND CROPS OF THE FARM. 



northern states, but is not an important crop north of 

 the fortieth parallel. 



It does best in sandy or loam soil, but good crops 

 may be grown on well drained clay soil. When the 

 soil is quite loose there is a probability that the roots 

 will grow long and slender. To check this, shallow 

 plowing, leaving a compact sub-soil, is often advised. 



The crop is grown from sprouts or sets, produced 

 abundantly by the roots when they are placed in hot- 

 beds. These are set in ridges or hills; when grown as 

 a field crop in the central states the ridges are pre- 

 ferred. These may be made by throwing two furrows 

 together with a common plow, after the soil has been 

 put in good condition. It is helpful, but not essen- 

 tial, to finish the ridge-making with the hoe. Narrow, 

 sharp-topped ridges are preferred. They may be 

 three to four feet apart. The plants are put twelve 

 to eighteen inches apart in the ridges. In dry weather 

 it is helpful to " puddle " the roots before planting, 

 but this is not essential if the ground is fairly moist. 

 A mason's trowel is an excellent tool for use in mak- 

 ing the holes for the plants, which are put in before 

 the trowel is withdrawn. The soil should be well 

 firmed about the plants. 



Often little cultivation is needed. A large, single- 

 shoveled plow may be run between the ridges or hills; 

 the weeds being removed from between the plants 

 with the hand hoe. 



If the plants show much tendency to send out roots 

 at different places they should be lifted or moved 

 occasionally. Often the surface is completely covered 

 by the vines and leaves. On the other hand, a fair 



