118 ON ROOT CROPS. 



ralj steady warmth of a genial soil to perfect the vines, than 

 on the stimulating heat of fermenting manure. 



Has there as yet been a better method discovered to over- 

 come this disorder, than to plant early, in a warm genial soil ? 

 If we admit the production of healthy, lively vines, to be the 

 first and great desideratum, then I think we may also admit ^ 

 the utility of planting early in a warm, genial soil, in order to 

 have the vines cover and shade the ground, if possible, before 

 the drought of summer. But in case the season should be wet, 

 caution against mildew in the vines may be necessary, there- 

 fore a proper location for the potato field, appears to demand 

 our consideration. I think it will be acknowledged by every 

 one, that if we plant on a swell, or on a side hill, or in some 

 location where the vines will be exposed to the air, and enjoy 

 freely their natural element, they will be less likely to mildew 

 than when planted in a hollow or on a level ; and the super- 

 abundant rain will of course run and be disposed of. If we 

 have raised thrifty and productive apple trees, or sound and 

 heavy corn in a certain hollow, does it naturally follow that 

 we can raise tolerable potatoes there ? 



But a few words respecting the quality or kind of soil best 

 adapted to the nature of the potato, may be thought necessary. 

 The principle or element in the soil, which is indispensable to 

 the health of the potato plant, and to which I have alluded in 

 these remarks, I think I have found to be more abundant in 

 yellow marl, or as some have termed it, yellow dirt. Wherev- 

 er this may be found, of a bright orange color, in considerable 

 abundance. I think we need not hesitate to plant potatoes ; yet 

 this may not always prove infallible, for I am inclined to think 

 its virtue lies in the organic or combustible matter which it 

 appears to be more or less charged with. There is a kind of 

 yellow marl which I would recommend for a compost with 

 stable manure, to put in the hill, as an experiment. It is such 

 as I have seen, of a bright orange color, in the banks by the 

 road side, where a cut has been made for a road through the 

 top of a hill covered with shrub oaks. 



Methuen, Nov. 4, 1850. 



