172 SUCCESSFUL FARMING 



frequently used as human food or pasture for hogs. The yield varies greatly 

 ranging from 50 to 300 bushels of tubers per acre. The plant is propagated 

 by planting the tubers in the spring in rows sufficiently far apart to permit 

 cultivation. The rate of planting is about the same as for potatoes. 



Taro. Thi plant, commonly grown for its edible roots in the tropics, 

 is more familiar to persons in the United States as seen in the large-leaved, 

 ornamental plant sometimes called " elephant's ear." The tubers are 

 similar to potatoes in composition. It requires a long season for its growth 

 and is adapted only to Florida and the lower portions of the Gulf states. 

 The bulbs are from six to twelve inches long and three to four inches in 

 diameter. It is grown chiefly for human food, but in semi-tropical districts 

 may be used as a forage for livestock. 



Youtia. This plant closely resembles the taro and is similar in its 

 requirements and uses. The yield of tubers under favorable conditions 

 may be ten to fifteen tons per acre. They are harvested by pulling, 

 supplemented by the use of the hoe. No doubt machinery such as is used 

 for the harvesting of sugar-beets could be utilized for the harvesting of this 

 crop and the one preceding. 



REFERENCES 



Farmers' Bulletins, U. S. Dept. of Agriculture: 

 309. "Root Crops." Pages 7 to 15. 

 465. " Methods of Storing Root Crops." 



