Potatoes Sprouting 

 in Tray. 



270 The Profitable Culture of Vegetables. 



place, without any preliminary preparation whatever, either of 

 sprouting or disbudding, and as Potato growing on anything 

 like an extensive scale is never other than laborious and costly, 

 it is important that the grower should in times of pressure be 

 in a position to decide as to which operations are essential 

 to a profitable result and which are optional. At the same 



time there is no doubt what- 

 ever as to the great value of 

 boxing and sprouting seed Po- 

 tatoes. The tubers are stood 

 " rose " end (that is, the end 

 containing most eyes and 

 opposite to the end which was 

 attached to the root) upward, 

 close together in rows across the tray until it is quite full. 

 The trays are then stood one above another in any cool, 

 light, airy place where they are safe from frost, such as a 

 loft, barn, or shed. Wood for making these trays, cut into 

 lengths and ready for nailing together, can be obtained from 

 most box makers, or the trays will be supplied ready-made 

 at from 7d. to 8d. each. This is for one measuring 2ft. Gin. 

 long, 1ft. Gin. wide, and 3fin. deep, with corner-posts standing 

 up 3in. above the sides. When 

 stood above each other a large 

 quantity of the trays can be stored 

 in a small space, whilst a free cir- 

 culation of air throughout the 

 entire mass is ensured. These 

 conditions keep disease at bay 

 and prevent premature growth, 

 so that when planting time arrives 

 the tubers are plump and sound, 

 with one or more dark-coloured 

 sturdy shoots. When thus stored 



they should be looked over occasionally, especially after the 

 turn of the year, and if the sprouting appears to be pushing 

 too rapidly move the trays into a position where they will get 

 more light and air, but if they appear too backward arrange for 

 the surrounding atmosphere to be kept slightly warmer; the 



Potato Trays, 

 stacked one above another. 



