PROCEEDINGS OF THE FARMERS' CLUB. 299 



deoderize night-soil is charcoal dust. The next best is prepared muck. 

 The next, any fine, dry mold, such as the scrapings of roadsides or fence- 

 corners. ' It should be thoroughly mixed, frequently stirred, and remain in 

 compost some months before using. There is no better manure than well- 

 prepared night-soil; there is none that will give more unsatisfactory 

 results used in a raw state. At the price at which it is usually obtainable 

 it is also a very cheap manure. It is cheap at five dollars for a horse-cart 

 load, and at that price will bear transportation two or three miles. 



Mr. Wm. S. Carpenter.— Barley sprouts is an excellent article used as a 

 top-dressing. I am looking out for fertilizers. There is a great quantity 

 of spoilt salt fish now in this market, the barrels weighing two hundred 

 pounds, and selling at from twenty-five to fifty cents per barrel. 



Prof Mapes.— I should think the barley sprouts a good manure, but the 

 spoilt salt fish is nearly worthless. 



Cultivation of the Potato. 



Mr. D. A. Bulkeley.— No other crop that the farmer raises has received 

 so little attention as that of the potato. Until within a few years it was 

 thought the potato patch must be in some out of the way, place, and on 

 land^'not fit for any other crop, and quite enough was supposed to be done 

 to the potatoes when the ground was plowed and the seed, such as could not 

 be sold in the market, or fit for the table at home, was put in the ground, 

 without much hoeing, or other attention till harvest, and then a full crop 

 expected,— not so with any other crop. The best seed is selected,— care 

 and attention are bestowed till safely harvested. 



Except bread and meat, there is no other article of food that comes into 

 more general use than the potato, or is of more importance,— for it is found 

 daily on the table of all, from the king to the peasant, and in a large 

 portion fills the place of bread, meat, pies and cakes; all animals and the 

 feathered tribe are fond of them, either cooked or raw. I cannot see why 

 the potato is not deserving of more attention. 



In the cultivation of the potato, the first requisite is good seed,— dis- 

 eased or run-out seed makes poor returns, however good the soil, cultiva- 

 tion or season. 



Sward newly broken up, of old meadows or pasture, is much the best for 

 potatoes if dry, always avoiding wet, cold clay soils. If manure is used, 

 spread it on top before plowing and turn ituuder; then it will not affect the 

 potato to cause rot, as by putting in the hill or spreading on the top of the 



furrows. 



Horse manure is the best, that from cattle next, while hog manure is 

 worthless, as it causes the potato to grow to vines. When the land is dry, 

 furrows can be made with a small plow three to three and one-half feet 

 apart, and the seed dropped at eighteen to twenty-six inches, with two 

 pieces to each hill, and a small handful of dry wood ashes, and cover with 

 the plow or hoe. 



I plant the seed as it is given me, except the very small ones, using 

 none smaller than a hen's egg, and cut once only and rolling them imme- 

 diately in plaster, which dries up the new cut and prevents the juice trum 



