134 FAKM-GAEDENING AND SEED-GROWING. 



after-culture is only to cultivate and hoe to keep free from 

 weeds. Various devices have been invented for "dig- 

 ging " potatoes, but with the early ones at least, the spade 

 or digging-fork is the best. Considerable loss is sustained 

 sometimes by the ravages of the " grub," which gnaws 

 the surface of the tubers, thus disfiguring them, and 

 totally unfitting them for marketing. 



A good dressing of shell-lime or ashes has a tendency 

 to destroy these pests, as well as being otherwise beneficial 

 to the crop. 



Always plant perfect seed, the largest and best that can 

 be had. Cut so as to leave two good eyes to a piece. 

 There is much diversity of opinion on this point, as well 

 as to what length of time a potato should be cut before 

 planting, but I prefer the plan mentioned, and at such time 

 as may be convenient, within a fortnight of the proposed 

 time of planting. 



VarictlCSi The varieties of potatoes are numerous, and 

 new ones are being constantly added. Many varieties 

 have only local reputations, and even the Early Rose, so 

 widely disseminated, and such a general favorite, fails en- 

 tirely with some growers ; hence, the only proper plan for 

 a grower to determine which is the best/br himself, is to 

 try a few of the leading sorts. 



In growing potatoes for seed, care should be taken to 

 have every variety true to name, to use only perfect seed 

 in planting, and to grow them in new soil if possible. 



They should be perfectly ripe before digging, taken up 

 when dry, and stored in pits or elsewhere away from frost 

 until wanted, but avoid warm cellars, which may cause the 

 tubers to sprout and injure them for seed. 



RADISHES. 



These vegetables are sold in immense quantities in all 

 markets, and many are grown in the Southern States and 



