178 , POTATOES. 



crop must select a rich soil. The best pota- 

 toes generally grow on a dry and loamy soil, 

 provided the climate is a moist one; but if 

 the climate be dry, the soil may be strong and 

 heavy. 



Potatoe grounds are sometimes ploughed up, 

 when the roots are ready, by which means 

 they are uncovered in a very speedy way for 

 the pickers. But this method cuts a great 

 many, and perhaps leaves many more in the 

 soil. A better method is to turn them out with 

 a flat three-pronged fork, made on purpose; 

 pickers following, with bags, or baskets, close 

 behind. 



These roots we generally sort in the field 

 the largest and best being reserved for the 

 table or for market the smaller ones to feed 

 cattle and sheep. In England, farmers usu- 

 ually divide their potatoes into three sorts, 



