526 THE FARMERS' HANDBOOK. 



Iii America large quantities are kept through the winter by storing. Ii>. 

 mild climates they are stored in conical heaps under a shed. A thick layer 

 of straw is placed on the ground, the tubers, about 15 cwt., are piled on this 

 straw and then covered with the same material; they are allowed to remain 

 like this for a few days, until the sweating period is over. After this the 

 whole heap is covered with several inches of earth. In cold climates the 

 method of storing is somewhat similar, but specially constructed buildings 

 are necessary so that an even temperature can be maintained. 



As a Stock Food. 



In addition to the value of the roots as a vegetable they are also a valuable 

 stock food, and the vines make an excellent cattle food. The roots have a 

 slightly higher feeding value than common potatoes, but like them are 

 producers of fat, heat, and energy rather than of flesh. Pigs are very fond 

 of the succulent toots, and can harvest them without difficulty or assistance. 

 It is said they keep the kidneys and bowels in good order. 



Pig farmers who have poor sandy land would do well to consider the- 

 advisability of raising this crop extensively in the place of maize for 

 fattening. 



It is estimated that it requires 4£ bushels of sweet potatoes to equal 

 1 bushel of maize grain in feeding value. But much sandy soil that does 

 not produce 40 bushels or 1 ton of maize could, with little trouble, be made 

 to produce 5 or 6 tons of sweet potatoes. 



Varieties. 



There are several varieties in cultivation, but only two, White Maltese 

 and Pink, have been grown to any great extent in New South Wales, though 

 there are others worthy of attention. The following brief notes will be of 

 interest : — 



Big-stem Jersey Yellow. — A vigorous and very productive variety. The 

 vines are abundant, with rather large leaves of the ivy shape. The roots are 

 a good shape, yellow in colour. A rather late variety. 



White Maltese. — This is a reliable old favourite. The vine is semi- 

 bushy in character, with little tendency to root at the joints. The leaf 

 is quite distinct in shape from most other varieties, except Bush Vineland. 

 The roots are white in colour, with a tendency to grow very long in loose 

 soil. Many of the roots weigh 11 lb. each. The roots are of fair quality, 

 somewhat dry. They keep remarkably well. A mid-season variety. 



Pink. — A late variety. A good yielder, but rather coarse; more suitable 

 for stock feed than for the table. The growth of vine is not excessive, but 

 the runners attain a great length and root at every joint. The leaf is small, 

 of the usual type. The most prolific, but the worst for the table. A fair 

 keeper. 



Pierson. — A vigorous grower. Produces plenty of vine, with large leaves 

 of the ivy type. A good cropper. Roots of good shape, but inclined to 

 cracky of good quality for the table; the roots keep well; the colour of the 

 roots is a deep cream. This variety is one of the best of the introduced 

 ones. The roots cluster round the main stem, are attractive and chunky- 

 in appearance. An early variety. 



