234 TIM-: KSSKNTIAI.S OK A(1R l( !l I I.Tl ' K K 



weigh from six to twelve ounces are most in demand. They should 

 In- of even I'nrm for the variety hut always with the terminal cud 

 well developed and not pointed, the eyes well set hut imt deeply 

 indented, and the skin the eharaeterist ie color and trxtmv lor 

 the variety. From eleven to fifteen bushels of seed potatoes 

 are required to plant an acre. The chief requisites of good seed 



potatoes are firmness and soundness, freedom from disease, 

 with the eyes just showing indications of growth. Seed potatoes 

 that have sprouted to any considerable extent are lowered in 

 value. Northern-grown seed is usually preferred because it is 

 less liable to sprout before planting time. 



307. Sweet potatoes. The sweet potato is grown from plants 

 which are produced in large number from the root. The roots 

 are placed in a hotbed about six weeks before the plants are 

 wanted. Sweet potatoes are usually grown on ridges formed by 

 throwing two furrows together with a deep furrow between. By 

 this method the vines are more easily cultivated and the digging 

 more easily done. The ridges are about 4 feet apart, and the 

 plants are set 12 to 18 inches apart in the row. 



308. Beets. Beets vary in color, form, and size. It is believed 

 that all our varieties, from the table beet to the sugar beet and 

 mangel-wurzel (or stock beet), have been developed from the 

 same foundation stock. 



QUESTIONS AND PROBLEMS 



1. How arc sweet potatoes propagated? Irish potatoes? 



2. What kinds of soils are best for Irish potatoes? for sweet potatoes? 



3. When should manure be applied to ground used for growing root 

 crops? Why? 



4. What arc the requisites of good seed potatoes? 



5. What type of potato is most in demand ? 



6. Compare sweet potatoes and Irish potatoes as to production, value, 

 and methods of cultivation. 



7. What is the average acre-yield of potatoes in your state? Get the 

 record of the best yield in your vicinity and compare it with the average 

 for your st;iu . 



