Potatoes. 273 



this is better stil! in a district subject to late spring frosts. 

 Amongst old gardeners it is a maxim in ordinary open-air 

 culture to " plant late Potatoes early and early Potatoes late," 

 and contradictory as this may appear it is sound advice and 

 based upon the results of experience. Early varieties, being 

 more precocious in growth than late ones, and being usually 

 planted in the kindliest soil and most favourable situation, are 

 in comparison much more quickly through the ground, and 

 if planted early are more liable to be cut down by late frosts, 

 unless given some kind of protection. 



The methods of planting vary according to the locality, the 

 extent of the area under cultivation, the nature of the land, 

 and the kind of Potatoes grown. These may be classified into 

 three systems the Ridge, the Flat, and the Lazy-bed. 



THE RIDGE SYSTEM. The system of planting in ridges is the 

 most generally practised, either in garden or field, and is the 

 one most likely to give satisfaction. In ordinary field culture, 

 when the soil has been brought into suitable condition, 

 furrows are made with a double-breasted plough and well- 

 rotted manure, if that is the time chosen for applying it, is 

 spread in the furrows. Women and girls or boys then drop 

 the seed at the required distance apart and another plough 

 follows which splits the ridges and throws the soil over the 

 seed in the furrows on either side. When all are covered 

 the seed lies under the ridges and the furrows now are 

 where the ridges stood before. The work is then finished by 

 rolling. On weedy land harrowing with a saddle-back harrow 

 is beneficial both before and after the plants show through the 

 ground. As soon as the foliage shows plainly a horse-hoe is 

 run between the rows and hoeing by hand follows. If there 

 is any fear of frost soil should be lightly drawn over the tops 

 at the same time. Hoeing is repeated if the state of the ground 

 requires it, as weeds must be kept down and the soil maintained 

 in a loose condition. When the haulms are about half grown 

 earthing-up is done with a double-breasted plough. Too much 

 earth must not be given, Gin. in depth being ample ; if more 

 than this is given it will probably cause a decrease in the crop. 

 Frequent and thorough stirring of the soil until earthing-up is 

 necessary is always beneficial. Many growers complete the 



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