232 THE PEOPLE'S FARM AND STOCK CYCLOPEDIA. 



them, and said the pieces were not much larger than grains of 

 corn, and a bushel planted an acre. The result was a very fine 

 crop, both in yield and quality. 



I think that, with medium-sized seed, properly cut, five 

 bushels is sufficient for an acre. It is of greater importance to 

 have the seed sound than that it be large. I have rarely seen 

 a good crop of potatoes grown from shriveled, sprouted seed, 

 and, as seed is much less likely to sprout in pits than in the 

 cellar, I prefer to pit my seed. The best time to select seed is 

 at digging time, as there is less difficulty in detecting any ad- 

 mixture at this time than in the spring. Smooth, good-shaped 

 tubers that will average the size of a hen's egg I believe to be as 

 good as larger ones, and if these are taken out it leaves those 

 which are to be sold or used looking all the better. 



I recommend early planting for most varieties, and think 

 that, in a great majority of cases, it will give the best yield. 

 There are some varieties, like the Peach-blow, that will grow all 

 through the hot weather, and make the crop in a short time 

 after the fall rains come, which may be planted in June, and 

 will make a profitable yield. 



I believe, also, in deep planting, and this is the reason why I 

 recommend laying off the land with the long-pointed shovel plow, 

 and stepping on the seed. When planted in this way they can 

 be covered with the plow, harrow, or cultivator. If the land is 

 loose I prefer the harrow, but if it has been compacted it is bet- 

 ter to use an implement that will stir it somewhat. 



COVERING WITH STRAW. Some very excellent crops of pota- 

 toes have been grown by covering with straw, while in other 

 cases it has resulted in failure. I think that, under favorable 

 conditions, it is an excellent way to plant, as no cultivation will 

 be necessary, and the straw, decaying, will enrich the land. This 

 plan will not succeed on a cold, wet soil unless the season proves 

 a dry one, and I would not advise that it be tried, except on a 

 soil either naturally or artificially drained. When the potatoes 

 are to be covered with straw I would lay off shallow, and cover 

 lightly, and not apply the straw till the potatoes began to show 

 above the ground. The straw should be thick enough to keep 



