CULTIVATION OF PLANTS. 139 



in a very considerable degree upon the climate. In the region of my residence, 

 (the 44th degree of north latitude,) they may be planted from the 10th of May 

 to the 15! h of June. At the extreme north of the described limits less latitude 

 is afforded for seed time and harvest. The good husbandman in that climate 

 should make all practicable preparation for his crop in the fall, and plant as 

 early in the spring as the ground is sufficiently dry and warm. Here the 

 growth is extremely rapid, not requiring more than from ninety to one hun- 

 dred and ten days to perfect it. The quantity will not be quite so great as 

 \vith us, but superior in quality. 



Kind of seed to be planted. This is a question of too much difficulty for me 

 to answer satisfactorily to myself, or instructive to the numerous inquiries of 

 my correspondents; the kinds and qualities in a single neighbourhood are too 

 numerous and their names too local and variable to admit of an intelligent 

 reply. The female of this plant, (like most of her sex,) is so jealous of her 

 rights and privileges, and so tenacious of cultivating a friendly intercourse 

 and connection with her neighbours, that the blossoms in fields at two hun- 

 dred yards distance, planted of different kinds of seed, are frequently found 

 contributing liberally with each other, (by the aid of a gentle breeze,) a por- 

 tion of their generating farina, which is generously received and kindly 

 nourished. The product of this connection strongly partaking of the proper- 

 ties and appearance of both, many of them in apparent equal parts. Plant 

 this mixture a few years in a place of safety, and it will be found that the 

 weaker plant will gradually yield to the stronger, until the one most produc- 

 tive and best suited to the climate will be produced in its original and unadul- 

 terated purity. The fact goes far in satisfying me of the cause of our fre- 

 quent disappointment in not finding seed at all times producing its kind. We 

 have abundant means, with a little care and patience, of supplying ourselves 

 with every variety of potatoes, the growth of which is adapted to our climate. 

 The wise Provider of all good things has kindly furnished us with the 

 means of providing ourselves with innumerable kinds and qualities of this 

 vegetable. The ripe balls or seeds from a single stalk, will produce by three 

 seasons' planting almost countless varieties of every colour, shape, size and 

 quality, which the country has heretofore produced, and something new in ad- 

 dition. The first season's planting they will be small and tender, the second 

 larger, and the third of suitable size for field planting. The only answer I 

 can give to the inquiry for the right kind of seed, is to recommend to the far- 

 mer that kind to be procured in the vicinity most productive, except a small 

 quantity, if he possesses them, of a superior quality for table use. In chang- 

 ing seed, which will occasionally be lournl beneficial, if removed from any 

 considerable distance, should be taken from the north: the iriowth will be 

 more rapid, consequently the quality belter, and in southern climates the quan- 

 tity irivLiu-r for the first season at 



'inx. This ought to be done when the potato is ripe, and 

 not before. The idea so generally entertained, that an early frost which nips 

 the top and destroys the vine prevents the further growth of the potato, is a 

 mistaken one, and ou^ht to be exploded. On the contrary, if it has not at this 

 time attained its full si/e anil weight, it grows more rapidly; the nourishment 

 required for sustaining the top is transferred to the root. From a knowledge 

 of this fact, satisfactorily tested, I am inclined to believe, that by clipping the 

 bushy part of the top with a scythe or other instrument, after the ball has at- 

 tained its full size, the crop would be greatly benefitted by the operation. I 

 have made a few experiments of this kind, all tending to confirm my belief, 

 but not sufficient to warrant me in making the broad unqualified assertion of 

 the positive correctness of my opinion. I hope agriculturists, in different sec- 

 tions of the country, will lend a helping hand to aid in testing the correctness 

 or incorrectness of my doctrine in this particular. The green tops are excel- 

 lent food for cattle or swine; if left on the field will produce no injury, but 

 serve to enrich the soil. 



Housing and Wintering. The erroneous practice pursued by our best far- 

 mers generally, induces me to state the manner?! have pursued for years with 

 unvaried success. To preserve five or six hundred bushels, I make a box or 

 bin four feet wide, three feet high, and sufficient length to contain the required 



