64 SWEET POTATO CULTURE. 



each man lias his own ])]ant hed. Sometimes the roots 

 are phintcd for an early patch tlie same as are Irish ])o- 

 tatoes ; then when the vines arc fairly started they arc 

 set out for a later crop. These vines doubled up and 

 stuck into the ground grow readily and bring, it is 

 thought by many, equally good results Avith those of seed 

 })otatoes or slips. 



Mr. Purdy says : " Parties as far north as Rochester, 

 Kew York, in planting sweet potatoes, will get much 

 the best and surest crops by not planting them on high 

 ridges. If so i)lanted on soil nearly level, in this section, 

 they grow short and plump, and in a much shorter season 

 than "when grown on high ridges. This practice came 

 from the South, and more especially sections where the 

 soil is light aiid thin, and the throwing up of ridges 

 essential to get good crops." 



Flat Culture. — This method, practised in sections 

 "where the growing season is short, as recommended by 

 Mr. Purdy, may appear rather paradoxical, but he speaks 

 from experience. The sweet potato delights in light, 

 warm and dry soils. Level cultnre and short seasons do 

 not seem favorable to these conditions. Kidges and hills 

 are generally preferred in all the Southern potato regions. 



Cultivation of the Sweet Potato. — Although we 

 have already given different modes of cultnre, yet differ- 

 ence in latitude and seasons call for and require a more or 

 less varied treatment. This makes it proper that the 

 views and experience of cultivators in different regions 

 should be given, which should not perplex the reader, but 

 serve as a further guide to success, and aid in securing 

 the capabilities of his particular- position and clima':e. 



From the latter part of May to July first, in the cli- 

 mate of New York, the rooted sweet potato sprouts 

 should be transplanted to the field or garden. Break the 

 land thoroughly, but not necessarily deep ; low, level or 



