ROOT CROPS, CLEAN CROPS. 85 



thus preparing the seed are that only those that show signs 

 of growth need be planted, and misses are fewer an 

 important point in sections or country where potato culture 

 is less certain. 



Chemical Soaking of Potato Seed. A method of 

 soaking seed potatoes in a solution of nitrate of potash and 

 sulphate of ammonia ^lb. of each in two gallons of water 

 for 12 to 18 hours, is followed by some growers. The 

 seed, after soaking, is dried with wood ashes and planted. 

 Extra returns are said to follow this treatment ; but it is 

 risky. 



To Make Sure of a Potato Crop. The requirements 

 are, loose soil, sufficient rain or irrigation, and the 

 necessary cultivation. The soil must be rich in vegetable 

 matter and potash material. Exhaustion of the latter is 

 the most common cause of the crop falling off, and possibly 

 of disease, but it can be supplied now, from potash 

 manures. Then to help the crop, all the vegetable matter 

 obtainable, all the leaf mould, all the wood ashes, sea- 

 weed, &c., should be added to the manure heap prepared 

 specially for potatoes. They well deserve such attention. 

 The case of Ireland may be instanced, where, as well 

 as in other parts of the old land, the potato had 

 become such a victim to fungus disease in years gone past 

 that it was said over and over again that the crop 

 was done. But science and skill came to the aid of 

 the potato growers ; and now, heavier and better crops 

 of potatoes than ever are produced crops up to 15 and 

 20 tons per acre. We certainly can learn much from the 

 grand old land, and from the splendid men who devote 

 such care and skill to agriculture over there. When 

 studying the careful plodding, with which such magnifi- 

 cent work as the Woburn experiments were carried on, to 

 test the quality of crops for feeding and the manures got 

 by stock under varying conditions, it might well kill the 

 conceit that we have nothing to learn from the old land. 



THE SWEET POTATO. This is the root crop of the 

 semi-tropical farmer. With care, and certainly at lefs 

 expense for seed, it yields from 10 to 20 tons of roots per 

 acre, and fully as much green feed. Every part of this 



