POTATO 99 



deep, always allowing the leaves to see the light, except when a 

 sharp frost occurs, when it will be advisable to cover them with a 

 few inches of light dry litter in just the same way that we cover a 

 bed of Radishes. There are many methods of protecting Potatoes. 

 A plank on edge on the east side of a row will suffice to tide 

 through an ordinary white frost. A few stout pegs on which mats 

 or reed hurdles can be laid will answer admirably, but care must 

 be taken that the plant is not pressed upon, and that the covering is 

 removed as soon as the danger is over. 



Those grown under the wall will be ready first, and those in the 

 bed will follow. Very serviceable crops may be secured by planting 

 in the spaces between the trees of a fruit wall, without any harm to 

 the trees whatever. Those grown on the south face of a good wall 

 will be of excellent quality, and three weeks in advance of the earliest 

 crops in the open quarters, But east and west walls may be made 

 to contribute, and even north walls are useful, if planted a week later 

 and a little deeper. In all cases the sets should be put close to the 

 wall to enjoy the warmth, and dryness, and shelter it affords. When 

 the crop is lifted, the soil specially laid up for it may be taken 

 away, or scattered over the border. But the bulk will be so slight 

 that it will not matter much what becomes of it. However, in a new 

 place with a clay soil it may be prudent to remove it, and keep it 

 ready as an aid in seed sowing, for there are times and places where 

 a little fine stuff is worth a great deal to give a crop of some kind a 

 proper start. 



The employment of frames in the cultivation of early Potatoes 

 must be regarded as a profitable proceeding, as we thereby secure to 

 the plant the protection it needs in its early stages ; and by removing 

 the lights when the season is sufficiently advanced, we commence 

 the summer with a strong plant ready to form tubers, instead of one 

 but just emerging from the ground. A rough contrivance answers if 

 fairly weather-proof, and where old lights are available, or even frames 

 and mats, a little well-directed labour will accomplish the rest. A 

 suitable measurement for a frame is a width of six feet and a length 

 proportionate to the produce required. It may be two feet high at 

 the back, and fifteen inches in front, and must face the south as 

 nearly as possible. Whatever the soil may be, it will be advisable 

 not to plant in it, but to wheel in some light turfy or sandy soil, or a 

 mixture prepared for the purpose, and this must form a bed at least 

 nine inches deep. This may appear a great task, but it will not 

 perplex the earnest cultivator, and it will bring its reward when the 



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