58 TRUCK FARMING 



i 



though potatoes are not scabby or rusty, to strew them liberally 

 with sulphur. 



Cultivation should begin as soon as the sprouts show above 

 the surface of the soil. If the soil is inclined to be overly moist, 

 cultivation should be rather deep, but in case the soil should be 

 very dry, it is preferable to cultivate only very shallow. As soon 

 as the rows can be plainly seen, a side dressing of fertilizer can 

 be applied if such an application is desired. 



Much has been written about the advisability of hilling Irish 

 potatoes, and I have found for various reasons, among which are 

 ease of cultivation and digging, that a slight hill of earth towards 

 the vines when they are about six inches or more in height 

 is a great advantage as it covers many growing weeds and makes 

 digging easier. 



Should there be any indications of rust or blight or should 

 the land have been used for potatoes or tomatoes in previous 

 years, it is advisable to apply Bordeaux Mixture liberally through- 

 out all stages of growth, to protect them against this destructive 

 fungus. 



Throughout the northern part of the State, it has been cus- 

 tomary to market potatoes in barrels. We, however, deem it 

 advisable since we grow such a superior article in this part of 

 the country that it usually brings a very much higher price to 

 pack our potatoes in crates or hampers. I think by this method 

 our growers realize at least 30 per cent more for their crop. It 

 is a good idea to establish a precedent of this kind as we can 

 then, by branding our goods, establish a market for our own 

 particular country brand. They should be very carefully sorted 

 and graded, all those that are larger than one-and-one-half inches 

 in diameter being graded as firsts. 



Of course, if there should be any potatoes grown that are 

 overly large, rough or corrugated, they must also be sorted out 

 and sold separately. Absolutely nothing but perfect, smooth, 

 bright uniform potatoes should go into the first grade. 



Those that are one-and-one-half inches down to one inch in 

 diameter can be put in as seconds. There is also a limited demand 



