202 THOROUGH CULTIVATION 



Potato growers of the famous Aroostook district of 

 Maine, practice a three-year rotation of corn, clover and 

 potatoes. By this means it is evident that the organic 

 matter of the soil is maintained. When the potatoes are 

 planted it is the custom to apply as high as 1,500 to 2,000 

 pounds per acre of a fertilizer analyzing 4 per cent nitro- 

 gen, 6 per cent phosphoric acid and 10 per cent potash. 



Cabbage is an excellent crop for profits and for soil 

 preservation. The large drum-head type is used for the 

 early family trade and for making sauerkraut. It usually 

 produces a heavier tonnage per acre than the Holland or 

 Danish ball type, but sells at a lower price. 



The Holland variety produces a head nearly round, and 

 very hard. It is used for winter storage, and is in de- 

 mand late in the fall. The later it can be stored, the less 

 loss for the buyer, so this should be grown for late de- 

 livery. 



This may be somewhat of a guide as to what type to 

 grow. In either case see a buyer in the spring, and ar- 

 range for marketing, and then, when the time for harvest 

 nears, let him know about what time the crop will be 

 ready and its prospective amount. The average farmer 

 cannot so profitably store his cabbages as he can potatoes. 



In setting the plants for a cabbage crop, set in rows — 

 both ways for easy cultivation — and be careful to get the 

 rows even distance and in straight lines. 



Use a fine, spike-tooth cultivator. Cultivate as long as 

 you can get through the rows. After the plants are well 

 established in growth, and begin to reach out, do not 

 work very deeply, as the root system of the plants com- 

 pletely fills the soil. 



Put on the wide sweeps so you can reach under the 

 leaves and yet not cut many roots. For the last time take 

 off the two back shanks and use only three plate teeth. 



Plan your field so you can drive with one wheel in the 



