FARMER'S ASSISTANT. 303 



The stalks, in the hills grown from the small potatoes, 

 were not more than half as bulky and high, as the stalks of 

 those grown from the large ones ; and the stalks, of those 

 grown from two potatoes to a hill, were of a medium size 

 between the (wo. 



On diging the crop, no essential difference was found in 

 the product, or size, of the potatoes grown from the small, 

 and the large, ones. The product of the row, grown from 

 two to a hill was also about the same in quantity; but more 

 numerous, arid of smalkr size. 



We will mention the nu.thod of raising potatoes, by the 

 poorer Peasantry of Ireland. The potatoes are cut in pie- 

 ces, and planted on the sward, previously dunged, and 

 marked out for beds about eight feet wide ; leaving the 

 width of about fifteen inches between the ground intended 

 for each two beds, for the purpose of diging a trench for 

 affording earth to cover the beds. 



The covering should be about three inches deep. The 

 crop, while growing, is kept clear of weeds, by the hoe, 

 and by hand. In this way, good crops are raised. 



Our object, in describing this method ot raising the crop 7 

 is a belief that it is admirably calculated to destroy the 

 growths of weeds, which are often detrimental to the 

 growth of crops. 



We believe that even the Canada thistle, or the wild 

 onion, may be destroyed in this way. By having such a 

 covering ot earth laid over them, while in a state of vegeta- 

 tion, they become smothered, as it were; they die for want 

 of that portion of air which is essential to their existence. 

 See furs her, WELDS. 



We would also rru.uuon, that this method of raising po- 

 tatoes is adapted lor any wet soil, as the trenches serve to 

 lay 'he beds dry; and this mode of culture might often be 

 used, to advantage, for the purpose of introducing good 

 growths of grass into such lands. 



We never should advise *o if.ed Milch-cows with potatoes, 

 either boiled or raw ; as we have frequently known Cows to 

 be greatly lessened in their quantity of milk, by being fed 

 on this root For fating of all kinds ot cattle, they are very 

 good, when sitamboiled, 

 See STEAMBOILER 



Potatoes, lor ihe table in Spring, should have a scalding, 

 after the frost is over; and then be dried, and laid away in 

 a chest or box, covered, so as to keep them from the air, 

 and kept in a dry place. 



We ought, before closing this article, to notice the me- 

 thod, successfully pursued, as appears from the Memoirs- 

 of the Philadelphia Agricultural Society, of raising potatoes 



