216 TRUCK-FARMING AT THE SOUTH. 



to cover in much, vegetable matter, the beds must be 

 made high, in order to furnish soil enough in which to 

 set the plants. Further North such beds are necessary; 

 but for this latitude and to the Southward, on light, 

 warm, w^ell-drained soils, I disapprove of high, pointed 

 beds, because of their drying out so rapidly. The Nan- 

 semond will not thrive in heat and dryness. Well-rotted 

 stable or cow-pen manure, or a good compost, should be 

 spread upon the list at the rate of twenty-five loads to 

 the acre, and covered by the plow. On clean land, with- 

 out any list, it is spread on the surface in rows, three and 

 a half feet apart, and covered with soil. The ridges 

 should be raked down to within a few inches above the 

 general surface. 



Potash is especially needed in the soil for this crop. 

 The best manuring that can be given to land for the 

 sweet-potato is by cow-penning it. Apart from the 

 adaptability of the manure for the needs of the crop, a 

 special benefit results from the compacting of the soil by 

 the trampling of the cattle. 



No variety produces a more satisfactory draw than the 

 Nansemond. It has more abundant and longer roots 

 than any other, which may be more readily pulled from 

 the potato without disturbing it in the bed. 



TRANSPLANTING. 



The draws are put out with a trowel, or a flat or round 

 dibble, on the tops of the ridges, about fifteen inches 

 apart, and inserted one or two joints deeper than they 

 originally grew. They are thus not only likely to bear 

 better, but are safer from injury by a severe white frost; 

 they will not be killed outright, but will sprout again 

 from the buds on the stems that are below the surface. 

 In subsequent culture, superficial hoeing, with one plow- 

 ing, as the vines commence to run, will suffice, care being 

 observed never to cover any part of a vine. 



