ABOUT FROTS, FLOWERS AND FAEMING. 383 



less than three feet, and if four feet ^part the more 

 eligible. 



"The best method I have found by experience is to make 

 a trench either with the spade or plow, about five inches 

 deep, and put long dung or straw at the bottom, laying the 

 sets on it at their proper distances, which is from 9 to 12 

 inches apart, covering them with mold. They must be kept 

 clean from weeds." 



Mr. Kxight's Plan. — " He recommends the planting of 

 whole potatoes, and those only which are of fine medium 

 size — none to be of less weight than four oimces. The 

 early sorts, and, indeed, all which seldom attain a greater 

 height than two feet, are to be planted about four or five 

 inches apart in the rows, centre from centre, the crown ends 

 upward, the rows to be from 2 feet 6 inches to 3 feet 

 asunder. The late potatoes, which produce a haulm above 

 3 feet in height, are to be planted 5 or 6 inches apart, centre 

 from centre, in rows 4 or 5 feet asunder. The potatoes to 

 point north and south and to be well manured." 



Mackenzie's Plan. — " Work the ground until it is com- 

 pletely reduced and free from root weeds. Three plowings, 

 with frequent harrowings and rollings, are necessary in both 

 cases, before the land is in a suitable condition. When this 

 is accomplished, form the drills ; place the manure in the 

 drills, plapt above it, reverse the driUs for covering it and 

 the seed, then harrow the drills in length. 



" It is not advantageous to cut the seed into small slips ; 

 for the strength of the stem at the outset depends in direct 

 proportion to the vigor and power of the seed-plant. The 

 seed-plant, therefore, ought to be large, rarely smaller than 

 the fourth part of the potato ; and if the seed is of small 

 size, one half of the potato may be profitably used. At all 

 events, rather err in giving over large seed than in making 

 it too small ; because, by the first error, no great loss can 

 ever be sustained ; whereas, by the other, a feeble and late 

 crop may be the consequence. When the seed is properly 



