56 



In Autumn, or when the stalks become so far dried that the 

 roots cease to grow, dig these up carefully, so that the potatoes 

 growing on the same plant may be saved by themselves ; for it 

 may happen that each distinct plant may produce a sort differ- 

 ent from the rest. The bulbs, or roots, of the first year, will 

 be very small. In the next spring choosing a piece of rich 

 ground, plant each sort in a hill by itself The product of this 

 year will furnish bulbs big enough to be boiled. And this will 

 be the time for selecting the best. Many sorts may not de' 

 serve any further attention; but some maybe of excellent qual- 

 ities, as to time of ripening, texture, flavour and productive- 

 ness. Their several qualities should be carefully noted , and 

 again be separately preserved, and planted another year ; when 

 they will probably have attained all the perfection of which 

 their natures admit. 



Lancashire, a western county of England, as well as Ireland, 

 is distinguished for producing good potatoes. Ireland is remark- 

 able for the moisture of its climate ; and the western is more 

 moist than the eastern coast of England. Both are many de- 

 grees farther norlh than Massachusetts; and are exempt from 

 the burning heats and droughts of our summers. These circum- 

 stances suggest the propriet}^ of our planting potatoes on moist 

 and cool grounds ; thus assimilated, in some measure, to the soils 

 of Ireland and Lancashire. 



VIII. PLOUGHS AND PLOUGHING. 



Some ploughs are of easier draught, and make better work, 

 than others ; and some oxen draw or plough extremely well 

 without a driver. The design of ploughing matches is to attain 

 all possible perfection in both. The premiums, therefore, un- 

 der this head, will be confined to efficient ploughs of easiest 

 draught, drawn each by one yoke of oxen without a driver, 

 ploughing one quarter of an acre, and turning the best furrow, 

 at least five inches deep, and in the shortest time compatible 

 with a continuance of the labour to complete the ploughing of 

 an acre, if that were required. 



For the best plough, team and work, - fifteen dollars. 



For the second best, . . - - twelve dollars. 



For the third best, _ - . - eight dollars. 



