350 CULTURE OF FARM CROPS. 



classes cultivated in the farm, the " large field potato," and 

 the "late large potato." The following are a few of the 

 varieties most esteemed, as stated by Mr. Appleyard, a 

 successful grower of the crop. " The early sorts first demand 

 attention. The best and earliest is the ' old ashtop ' or 

 ' ashleaf kidney,' which may be had fit for use in a south 

 aspect by the middle of June. The next earliest, and con- 

 sidered by many more prolific, is called the 'improved 

 ashtop,' which is about two weeks later than the former 

 kind. Afterwards, and last of the earlies, are ' Hague 

 Seedlings/ which are ready generally about a fortnight be- 

 fore round potatoes. The earliest of the rounds are called 

 ' ten weeks,' and are supposed to be fit for the table in that 

 time, though they are in reality often twelve or thirteen 

 weeks. There are two other kinds of this class, called 

 'early Mays' or 'early men,' and ' Dalmahoys,' which 

 several growers prefer to ' ten weeks.' For general use, 

 and for storing, though not early, I would recommend 

 Regents. Great care should be taken in selecting this 

 kind of seed, as there are many sorts very similar, but not 

 the true kind, and they are so much alike in appearance 

 that you might be very easily deceived. The advantages of 

 cultivating this kind are many, as it is a good cropper, pro- 

 ducing several tons per acre more than the earlies. It is 

 also a good user, being white, mealy, and good flavoured; 

 and by careful attention it will keep in good condition 

 until the beginning of April, and use well till the end of 

 May. There is another kind of round potato which I 

 must not pass over, as they are very prolific, though not 

 always of good quality : I allude to Rocks. I do not grow 

 many of this kind myself, as they exhaust the soil more 

 than any other sort, and are not so good for the table as 

 Regents; but any one requiring potatoes for cattle will 

 grow these in preference. Flukes are the best for spring 

 use, but as they are delicate and not very prolific, they are 

 not grown so extensively as some of the other kinds. 

 There are several varieties which I have passed over, the 

 most of them being inferior in quality, and not desirable to 



