MINOR CROPS. 337 



given very satisfactory results.'" It also follows well after 

 a green-manuring crop, especially on poor sandy soils lacking 

 in organic matter. 



The cultivation is no different to that given to most other 

 cultivated crops. A one-horse cultivator is generally em- 

 ployed for stirring the soil between the rows and to prevent a 

 hard crust from forming. This operation is discontinued as 

 soon as the vines commence to cover up the space between the 

 rows, and after some loose soil has been worked up towards 

 the plants. 



Under normal conditions in South Africa the crop may be 

 lifted any time during the winter months, after the vines have 

 died. Where the winters are very severe and the roots likely 

 to be frosted in the ground, they should be lifted and, as their 

 keeping qualities are poor, graded and sent to the market 

 without delay. 



Yield and Production. — The average annual production 

 of the Union, according to the 1918 Agrciultural Census, was 

 as follows : — 



Total 20,392 69,141,150 lbs. Av. 3,390 lbs. 



From the above is seen that the average yield per acre 

 is 3,390 lbs., or, approximately, 22 bags of 153 lbs. each, as 

 compared with 2,200 lbs. per acre of ordinary potatoes. 



In the sweet potato belt of the Cape Province — namely, 

 in the Districts of Oudtshoorn, George and Knysna, the yield 

 per acre is considerably higher. 



Uses. — It is chiefly used as food for man, but in some 

 parts it is considered excellent stock food, especially for pigs. 

 Besides these two uses, alcohol is manufactured from it in 

 certain countries. 



CHICORY (Chicoriiim intijhus). 



Chicory belongs to the CompositfP, or thistle family. It is 

 a perennial, with a fleshy tap-root about one foot in length. 



Climatic and Soil Requirements. — This crop can be 

 grown either as a summer or a winter, dry-land or irrigation 



