CHAPTER IX 



THE CONTINUOUS-CROPPING WAY OF GROWING 

 POTATOES 



It has been shown how the "winter-green crops" used 

 under my system not only dry the land and make it fit 

 for spring cultivation, but the root action of these crops 

 breaks up the soil in a remarkable manner. So much is 

 this the case that, where roots follow "winter greens," 

 the labour of cultivation of the fornier is reduced by 

 one-half, as compared with what would be necessary on 

 similar land left uncropped throughout the winter. 



Again, the reader will remember the reference which 

 has been made to "winter greens" as a weed-smothering 

 crop. This is most pronounced in the crop following 

 the "winter greens," which, in accordance with our 

 rotation, will be roots and potatoes. 



The average yield of potatoes per acre in these 

 countries is from 5 to 6 tons, and without the least 

 doubt by adopting up-to-date methods it is easily 

 possible to double the yield of this crop. 



Of the 4 acres of winter-green stubbles allowed for 

 on any typical twenty-acre holding, it would be 

 advisable to plant, say, 2 acres with potatoes, and 

 the balance with mangolds. 



The cultivation of both mangolds and potatoes is 

 precisely the same. As the land is cleared from winter 

 greens it should be ploughed at once, then well culti- 

 vated and harrowed down to a fine seed-bed. Too often 

 the mistake is made of planting the crop in a rough 

 seed-bed and depending upon the after cultivation to 



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