324 On Indian Corn, Potatoes, ^c. 



Last spring I planted on one side of my garden, In- 

 dian corn, with intervals of six feet, two plants eighteen 

 inches asunder in the rows ; the soil appeared good, 

 and the plants were dressed with leach ashes. They 

 were stout, and the ears well filled, although the soil is 

 stiff* and disposed to bake, and the latter part of the 

 summer was dry. The only cultivation of this crop 

 Was with the hand hoe, until narrow strips were broke 

 up deeper, for the introduction of cabbage between 

 the rows. This mode of planting introduces 9680 

 corn plants per acre, with an additional produce from 

 one row of potatoes between the rows ; or, the large 

 white kidney bunch bean may be introduced, provided 

 neither are hilled or hoed up, for by this practice, the 

 roots of the corn plants will be greatl}^ circumscribed, 

 and compelled to take directions so opposite to nature, 

 that they could not prosper. 



If potatoes are planted between the corn rows, the 

 lay should be well turned, eight or nine inches deep. 

 This will introduce no extra labour ; for that depth, 

 though not absolutely indispensable, is requisite for 

 the corn crop. A narrow strip, for planting the pota- 

 toes, should be well pulverized with a small hoe har- 

 row, without turning up the grass. The ridges form- 

 ed by opening the furrows, should be turned back for 

 covering the seed. If potatoes are planted at a proper 

 depth, I do not believe that hilling up that plant is so. 

 advantageous, as most farmers imagine. It is certain, 

 they too frequently injure the produce by this practice ; 

 and their management of it is frequently inconsistent 

 throughout, for they provide a light covering of long- 

 manure for planting, and during the cultivation of the 



