FARMS. 147 



stitute for the potato, even if tlie potato should be entirely lost 

 by rot. 



The tuber, like the potato, might by cultivation be improved, 

 but the manner of its growth would certainly be a great objec- 

 tion to its general cultivation. 



I will send you some tubers the first opportunity. 

 Very respectfully, yours, 



Lucius Clapp. 



In various parts of the county sweet potatoes have been raised 

 of good quality and in remunerating quantities. Instead of 

 detailing the processes of different persons, we prefer to annex 

 the following letter from Mr Loring Johnson, whose long resi- 

 dence at the South, and whose skill in matters of gardening, 

 enable him to speak with confidence : — 



Walpole, Oct. 24, 186T. 



Rev. J. M. Merrick — Dear Sir: — In answer to your inquiries 

 as to the mode of culture and the yield of the sweet potato, I 

 would say that I have cultivated this crop to a limited extent 

 for the past three years, and have secured a yield of from 150 

 to 200 bushels per acre ; varying in quantity as well as quality 

 with the season — one of high average temperature and compara- 

 tively dry, suiting them best. 



A light sandy loam with a southern aspect, is best adapted to 

 this crop. The ground should be prepared with a dressing of 

 well-rotted stable manure, ploughed in. If any thing further 

 is needed, apply ashes to the hill, either before or after planting 

 the slips. 



As the tubers strike down to a considerable depth, the soil 

 should be worked deep, and the hills elevated a foot or more 

 before setting out the plants. The hills should not be less than 

 four feet apart. 



The sweet potato succeeds best when raised from slips or 

 sprouts. These can be obtained in the market, or raised from 

 seed potatoes usually to be found at seed stores in the spring. 



Potatoes from which slips are to be raised should be placed 

 in a hot-bed, between the first and the fifteenth of April, about 

 one inch apart, covered at least two inches deep with light loam 

 or mould, and kept moist but not wet. 



