44 VEGETABLE GARDENING. 



early stages of its growth, which is important, and 

 is a factor in increasing the yield later. The old 

 custom of applying the manure in the drills and plant- 

 ing the tubers on top of it is quite wrong for garden 

 work, and should be abandoned. The excessive use 

 of farmyard manure should be avoided, as it is apt 

 to cause rank growth at the expense of the tubers 

 and to predispose the crop to disease. 



Experience has proved that a moderate applica- 

 tion of farmyard manure, supplemented with suit- 

 able artificials, is the best line to follow in manuring 

 potatoes. 



For kinds and quantities to apply, see under FER- 

 TILISERS. 



Seed Tubers. In saving potatoes for planting 

 the following spring, these require to be carefully 

 selected from the best and strongest plants if the 

 vigour and productive powers of the variety are to 

 be maintained. 



Potatoes for seed purposes may be selected when 

 digging the crop in the ordinary way ; but it is well 

 to bear in mind, and this applies most to early 

 varieties, that they are better to be secured before 

 they become dead ripe in the soil. It has been 

 abundantly proved that immature seed potatoes 

 always give the best results, promoting in the next 

 season earlier and more vigorous growth and an 

 increased yield. It also encourages the earliest pos- 

 sible maturity of a particular variety. Only sound 

 tubers, clean, and free from disease, should be kept 

 for seed. 



The size of the tubers is also important. Too 

 small potatoes should be avoided for seed, nor is it 



