THE CULTURE OF THE POTATO. 47 



may be produced close- jointed sturdy sprouts of a 

 dark green colour, and each well furnished with 

 rudimentary roots round the base and at the joints. 



A good plan is to allow not more than two and 

 three sprouts to each set ; any over three may be 

 removed before planting. 



When to Plant. Early and second early varie- 

 ties should be planted from the middle to the end of 

 March, though a few rows of an early sort may be 

 planted sooner for summer use. Main-crop varieties 

 are best planted at the beginning of April, and, if 

 possible, all potato planting should be completed by 

 the middle of the month, as it has been proved that 

 early planting is conducive to the best all-round 

 results, increasing the yield and promoting earlier 

 maturity in the crop. 



Distances for Planting. Various distances at 

 which to plant have been advised, and put into prac- 

 tice, with varying degrees of success. The distances 

 are sometimes much too close, causing overcrowding 

 of the plants and poor returns. On the other hand, 

 they are often too wide, especially in the case of 

 main-crop varieties, resulting in wasted ground be- 

 tween the rows and plants, and not infrequently a 

 reduction of the total crop from any given area. 



With due regard both to the welfare of the crops 

 and economy of space, the following distances have 

 from experience been found very suitable for garden 

 purposes, and for the different varieties : 



Early varieties 22 to 24 inches between tke rows, 

 and 10 inches between the sets. 



Second early varieties, 26 inches between the rows, 

 and 12 inches between the sets. 



