POTATOES 



353 



distributing the seed. These machines usually require two men to 

 operate them successfully. Some planters are supposed to be auto- 

 matic, but to obtain a perfect stand it is desirable that the working 

 of the machine be under constant observation so as to insure the 

 dropping of a seed piece at each interval. When the machine is 

 employed the seed pieces must be of a uniform size and each piece 

 must have the desired number of eyes, for a single piece is dropped 

 by the machine each time. The depth of planting should vary with 

 the season and the character of the soil, and should range from 3 or 

 4 to 5 inches. On very heavy, retentive soils 3 inches will be suffi- 

 ciently deep, while on light and looser soils 4 or even 5 inches is 



FIG. 127. Planting potatoes with the two-man machine 



not too deep. Early plantings should be deeper than those made 

 later in the season, as it is desirable that the plants shall not 

 appear above the ground until all danger of hard freezing is past. 

 The depth of planting should also be considered in connection with 

 the style of cultivation to be given. If the ridge system is to be 

 followed, the seed may be planted shallower than when flat culture 

 is to be practiced. 



Method of cultivation. Notwithstanding the fact that repeated 

 experiments made by experiment stations and by practical growers 

 have demonstrated that flat or level cultivation is the ideal method 

 for potatoes, many growers still adhere to the plan of growing 



