292 OF CROPS USUALLY CULTIVATED. 



succeeding crop. In a wet season, potatoes do not answer 

 upon heavy land.* 



The average produce of potatoes near Edinburgh, ia 

 from 40 to 60 bolls per Scotch acre, and the value from 

 L. 20 to L. 30, average L. 25. 



2. The consumption of potatoes is annually increasing 

 in Scotland, every prejudice against the wholesomeness of 

 that root having been long ago exploded. The simple 

 modes in which they can be prepared for the table, is of 

 the utmost advantage to the poor ; and by the addition of 

 salted herring, both the taste, and the nourishment afford- 

 ed by that useful article, may be improved. It is difficult 

 to conceive, how the people of this country could have sub- 

 sisted, had it not been for the fortunate introduction, and 

 extensive culture, of this most valuable plant. Indeed, the 

 same numbers could not have been maintained. 



3. Potatoes are found an excellent preparation for crops 

 of wheat. The frequent ploughings necessary for raising 

 that article ; the quantity of dung allotted for it ; the fre- 



* The following is the expence of cultivating one acre of potatoes 

 near Dalkeith : 



Dung, 40 single-horse carts, at 5s. 



Three ploughings and harrovvings, 



Seed, cleaning with horse and hand-hoe, 



Taking up and housing, .... 



Rent, 



L. 23 5 



Hence, at the average value of the produce near Edinburgh, (L. 25), 

 the profit is trifling, and there must sometimes be a loss. But Mr John. 

 Shirrcff remarks, that they save the expence of preparing the three fol- 

 lowing crops in the rotation, and thence the profit arises. 



