132 THE CANADIAN HOIITICULTUIIIST. 



SWEET POTATO CULTUEE AT THE NORTH. 



Many suppose that sweet potatoes cannot be grown in New England. 

 I 'think tliey are in error ; certainly they are as to some parts and soils, 

 for I have known of others growing them ; and as the potato bugs are so 

 troublesome to the Irish potato, perhaps some farmer reader would like to 

 know how to do it. 



Plants. — If only a small patch is to be raised, plants are best obtained 

 of those who grow and advertise them for sale ; or they can be grown in 

 the following way : Early ia spring, according to latitude and season, 

 put the potatoes in a hot-bed ; if of large size, split lengthwise, laying the 

 fiat sides down close together ; cover with about two inches of fine rich 

 mold, the richer the better. When the plants show above ground, add 

 another inch of tine soil. Water with warm water as occasion requires ; 

 protect the bed on cold nights, and give air and sunshine to make them 

 hardy. When wanted for setting, uncover the potatoes and pull off the 

 best slips, and recover to let all others improve. 



Soil axd Planting. — A warm, sandy soil with a good exposure is 

 best, although heavier soils, if rich and exposed to the sun with protection 

 from the cold will answer well. Mark the rows, which had best run north 

 and south, 3i feet apart ; on these marks S2)read liberally, good bam 

 manure, and then from each way turn a furrow over the manure to form 

 a ridge eight or ten inches high, the base of which should not be disturbed 

 by the operation, and should be not lass than one foot wide ; the top, when 

 finished, three or four inches broad on which to set the plants. As soon 

 as danger of frost is past, set the plants 15 or 18 inches apart in rows thus 

 prepared ; set the slips down to the first leaf pressing the soil close to 

 them, especially around the roots. Moist weather is best for setting, but 

 Bet at any time, well watered and shaded, they do nearly as well, some- 

 times better. 



A close, hard bottom to the i*ow induces the tubers to grow " chubby," 

 less long and slim ; for this purpose strips of sod are laid in the bottom, 

 whei-e only a few are grown as in the garden. Manure does not injure 

 the sweet potato, as it often does the Irish, but for abundant production it 

 should be used freely. After culture consists in keeping down weeds with 

 hoe or rake, and hauling the soil upward to the plants. Keep the tops in 

 a line on the top of the ridge, and free from taking root, admitting the sun 

 to warm the ground. 



Gathering. — If a few are desired before the crop is ripe, you can run 

 the linger down beside the vine, and when a lai'ge tuber is felt, detach it 

 and replace the soil, leaving the rest to grow. Alight frost kills the vines. 

 Now is the time for gathering • select th<3 first clear, dry day, and turn 

 them out with the digger, first cutting and removing the vines ; a sythe 

 will answer for cutting these. Dig in the forenoon, and allow two or three 

 iiours to dry, with full exposure to sun and air ; handle very carefully so 

 ■as not to bruise or otherwise mar them. For preserving for late fall or 

 winter use, provide suitable boxes or barrels, and take them to the field, 

 -having sufficient fine cut straw or chaff to pack or fill all interstices and 



