POTATO 103 



so as to leave to each large piece only one or two good sprouts or 

 sprits. As for the smaller sets that are not to be divided, it is the 

 rule to cut a small piece off each of these at the time of planting to 

 facilitate the decay of the tuber when it has accomplished its work, 

 for having nourished the first growth the sooner it disappears the 

 better. Thus, with a little extra trouble, we have got ready for 

 planting, and the main reasons for taking this extra trouble are 

 doubtless fully apparent. According to a good old rule, we want the 

 best seed possible, and the best soil possible, these two items form- 

 ing the first chapter. By sprouting the seed we gain time, which is 

 equivalent to a lengthening of the season. By limiting the growth 

 we prevent crowding above ground, for where the shoots are crowded 

 the tubers will not be crowded, a few strong shaws with all their 

 leaves exposed to the air and light being capable of better work 

 than a large number contending for air and light that are insufficient 

 for them all. And finally, by cutting the sets, whether to divide 

 them, or simply to hasten their decay, we insure that they will not be 

 in the way when the crop is dug ; for when planted without being 

 cut they become useless, ugly things, and once planted we never 

 want to see them again. 



The distance at which the sets are planted is of such importance, 

 that a crop too much crowded will be positively worthless. But we 

 must crowd the ground as much as we dare, for if we only waste a 

 minute space of ground in each breadth, or in the spaces between 

 the sets, the total crop will be many bushels short of the possible 

 quantity. The guiding principle must be to allow to every separate 

 plant ample room to spread, and absorb the air and sunshine, in 

 accordance with the character of the sort and the condition of the 

 soil. A considerable proportion of the losses from disease may be 

 traced to overcrowding in the first instance, the tangled haulm being 

 rendered weak through want of air, and then becoming loaded with 

 water, and in contact with wet ground, the disease has made havoc 

 where, had the management been founded on sound principles, there 

 might have been a vigorous, healthy growth. It will be seen that if a 

 doubt arises, and a mistake seems likely, care should be taken to 

 insure that the mistake is on the right side. In other words, it is 

 safer to allow too much than too little space, and it must be confessed 

 the exhibition growers allow a very large space. As much as five feet 

 from row to row is often allowed for the strong-growing varieties, and 

 four feet for the medium varieties, and even then, with the land so 

 well prepared as it is, the shaws meet across the rows, and enormous 



