FARMER'S ASSISTANT. S05 



Perhaps, however, it may be found that the method above 

 recommended, for cultivating the common potatoe, will be 

 found equally advantageous and suitable lor growing ihc 

 sweet ; though that mode of culture is quite different from 

 that which is commonly pursued. 



The gathering and saving ot the crop is similar to that of 

 the common sort. 



The product of the sweet- potatoe, when grown in the 

 climate of the Carolmas, or farther south, is about the same 

 of that of the common sort, in the same climates ; but, as 

 the former contains most saccharine matter, it would seem 

 best adapted for fating cattle, and of course entitled to a 

 preference, in such climates, for that purpose. 



Its nutriment al qualities, like those of the other, are 

 greatly increased by steamboiling. 



We believe the product of this root might be made 

 much more considerable than it usually is, were the 

 grounds in which it is commonly raised restored to a proper 

 state of fertility, and suitable quantities of manure applied 

 to the crop, while growing. 



There are several varieties of this root. Most probably 

 its growth might be increased by the application of gypsum, 

 in a manner similar to that directed for the common sort. 



It is said, that the Heligoland bean may be raised in 

 considerable quantities, in the drills of potatoes, without 

 essentially injuring their growth. 



POULTRY. Mr. Wakrfield, a spirited Farmer near 

 Liverpool, say the Compilers of < The Complete Graziery 

 keeps a large stock of poultry in the same enclosure, with 

 singular success. He has nearly an acre enclused with a 

 close slab-fence, about seven feet high : The top of the 

 fence is every where sharp- pointed, Lke pickets, though 

 perhaps this is not necessary. Within this enclosure are 

 put up slight small sheds, \ve)l secured from rain, how- 

 ever, for the different kinds of poultry, and it is supplied 

 with a small stream of water. The poultry are regularly 

 fed three times a day with boiled potatoes, which is their 

 only food, except what grass may grow within the en- 

 closure. 



The dung of the poul'-ry, which is exceedingly richj is 

 carefully saved for use ; and the turf of the enclosure is oc- 

 casionally pared off for mixing with composts. 



It would seem that, in the vicinity of large towns parti- 

 cularly, this might be made a profitable employment. But 

 it is believed, that the better way would be to keep the* 

 different kinds of poultry separate, as they are not apt to 

 agree well together. Something shall now be said of each 

 separately. 



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