58 VEGECfLTURE 



generated will soon set up conditions favourable to the rapid 

 development of disease, and very soon a large quantity will have 

 become affected. If the tubers are thoroughly dry, there will 

 be no need to delay the covering up ; if dampness is feared, 

 however, it will be better to leave the final covering for a few 

 days, unless wet weather intervenes. Straw is a good material 

 for placing on top of the tubers. A thick layer should be pro- 

 vided, and upon this put soil, at least a foot in thickness, leaving 

 a hole in the top to allow any heat which may be present to 

 escape, a small quantity of straw being sufficient protection 

 if needed. Neglect to provide this ventilation hole is always 

 fatal, as the state of the interior of the heap is not suspected, 

 until one day the grower finds the side fallen in, arid nothing 

 but a putrid mass is to be seen. Small quantities may be stored 

 in cellars or outhouses, where light and frost can be excluded. 

 Darkness is very essential to prevent " greening " of the skins, 

 which greatly deteriorates the edible value of the tuber, and 

 renders it unsafe for eating purposes ; therefore, do not expose 

 to the light. The Potatoes may be stored in a sloping heap at 

 the side of a wall, or in a shallow heap on the floor. When 

 placed in position cover the tubers with a layer of straw ; they 

 will then keep safe and sound. 



Varieties in Potatoes are very numerous, suited to various 

 soils, seasons, and localities. A good seedsman's list should be 

 consulted before purchasing seed tubers. A selection should 

 be made from each of the three classes of Potatoes Early 

 (represented by Sharp's. Express or Victor and Ashleaved sorts); 

 Mid-season (such as British Queen) ; and Late (Up-to-Date, An an 

 Chief, etc.). 



SAVING POTATOES FOR SEED. Tubers of a suitable size for 

 planting next season should be selected. The average size of seed 

 tuber is one weighing about two and a half ounces. Spread the 

 tubers out in the open to " green," and then place them vertically 

 on their narrow ends in shallow boxes, and store these in light, 

 airy sheds, not in dark positions, as this induces premature 

 sprouting and weakening of the tubers. So many gardeners 

 do not pay proper attention either to the selection of their seed 

 Potatoes or to the after treatment of the sets. To this, more 

 than anything else, may be attributed the indifferent crops 

 and the want of character of many varieties. An eye should 

 be kept on the tubers, rubbing off all side shoots as they appear, 

 but reserving those at the top. Allow two to remain, and if 

 they are very strong, the weaker is removed at planting time. 



