42$ 0* STRAW, ITS VALUE, AND USES. 



toes would occupy the space. Turnips require moist and 

 rotten dung.* 



On the whole, the subject of straw, is one of much 

 greater importance than is commonly imagined, and its 

 value, taken in the aggregate, is so very great, that it is 

 well entitled to more attention than hitherto has been be- 



* Upon communicating these observations to Mr Clennell of Harbottle 

 Castle, in Northumberland, he informed me, that he had tried an expe- 

 riment, on a small scale, in cultivating potatoes with several sorts of 

 manure. 1. Merely dry straw ; 2. Straw from the stables, from the head 

 of the stall, bruised by the feet of the horses, but which had not been 

 impregnated with duug or urine ; 3. Damaged hay ; and, 4. Fine rotten 

 manure from the dunghil. These were placed in separate drills, to as- 

 certain the effects of each. From the three first sorts of manure, an 

 abundant crop of large and mealy potatoes were procured. The potatoes 

 from the sets planted with rotten dung, were only equal in quantity with 

 the others, and by no means so good in quality ; in so much, that the 

 difference was at once perceived when dressed for the table. The pota- 

 toes were taken up early in the season, as they were wanted. The dry 

 straw, (which had not been cut, but placed lengthways in the drill), re- 

 mained nearly entire ; but perhaps had the potatoes not been taken up 

 till quite ripe, the whole straw might have been consumed, which was 

 the case with the other two sorts of rough or unfermented manure. 



Mr Clennell has furnished me with the following hints regarding the 

 culture of potatoes. 1 . 1 he potatoes for seed, should be kept in a se- 

 parate pit, which should never be opened, until the time when the pota- 

 toes are to be cut into sets ; for if vegetation commences any time before 

 the potatoes are to be planted, it is apt to occasion the curl. 2. The sets 

 should be plated about a foot separate from each other ; for when pro- 

 perly cultivated, the crop will be abundant. Mr Clennel has found, at 

 that distance, that each set has produced thirty merchantable potatoe?. 

 And, 3. Many crops of potatoes are spoiled from being planted too deep 

 in the ground. This ought to be carefully avoided. ' He strongly recom- 

 mends, the white American potatoe, which has been lately introduced 

 into Northumberland, and which is early, keeps well, and is prolific, 



