112 POTATOES. 



several in a hill ; some divide the largest potatoes into 

 two parts, and put one half in a hill ; others both 

 halves ; some divide both the large and small po- 

 tatoes into four parts, and place the four pieces in the 

 hill at 4 to 8 inches asunder ; others cut out the eyes, 

 and plant them promiscuously, like Indian corn, 4, 5, or 

 6 in a hill ; all these modes have answered well. We 

 believe, however, it will be found the best economy to 

 plant at least middle sized whole potatoes, of the best 

 formed and soundest roots, or cut potatoes, equal in 

 bulk to those. Each piece should have one or two good 

 eyes. Cut them about a week before planting, to pre- 

 vent them from imbibing too much moisture. If the land 

 is dry, wet and roll them in piaster : or it may be better 

 to sprinkle on gyp. um before the cut parts have dried. 



Early in May is perhaps the right season for planting 

 potatoes in a dry soil. They will som.etimes do well 

 planted the last of June. On all soils they should be 

 planted as soon as the ground is warm. An early crop 

 will be dry and mealy, a late one unsolid and watery. — 

 Planting in hills is no doubt best for rough ground. But 

 in a rich, mellow soil, vvell prepared, the drill method is 

 best. Furrow the ;>round about three and an half feet 

 apart, after the manure is placed, drop the potatoe on it 

 about 8 inches apart, and cover them thinly. 



When they are about 6 or 6 inches high, the plough 

 shouiJ go andreturn in an interval, turning the earth at 

 the iirst ploughing from, and at the second (which should 

 be before th-^y blossom) towards the rows. After each 

 ploughing a little earth must be drawn round them with 

 the hoe, taking care not to l)ill them too much : For they 

 will not grow v/Al more than 4 or 5 inches under the 

 surfixce. The ridges or hills should be rather broad than 

 steep; and d at on the top, to retain the moisture. If any 

 weeds should afterwards rise, they should be cut up with 

 the hoe, that none may go to seed. 



The blossom should l>e taken off as soon as they ap- 

 pear, as this has been found, by experiments accurately 

 made, to increase the crop about one sixth part. 



Potatoes should be dug and housed as soon as they are 

 ripe, before the vines are entirely dead. Exposing them 

 to the sun and air, is generally supposed to be injurious 

 to them. In gathering a crop it is recommended to run 



