THE POTATO IN BRITISH COLUMBIA. 



19 



out most of the alfalfa-crowns. A second ploughing, about 8 inches, is done just 

 before planting. The object of this is to secure a loose, mellow seed-bed. In the 

 case of pasture land it will be 'better to use a disk harrow rather than the ordinary 

 harrow after the plough. The land should be double-disked the first time, lapping 

 half the width of the disk and following the furrows. This should be followed by 

 at least one more disking, after which the field should be thoroughly harrowed. 



In districts where there is an insufficient supply of moisture every possible 

 means should be made use of to conserve what there is. The land should be har- 

 rowed as fast as it is ploughed. 



The importance of thorough preparation of the seed-bed cannot be overempha- 

 sized. Much of the tillage often necessary after planting could be greatly reduced 

 if the land was in proper shape to start with. A quick start and strong early 

 growth mean much in potato-growing. 



Deep ploughing is required for potatoes. If the soil will stand it, it should be 

 ploughed to a depth of at least 6 or 7 inches. Where rand has been ploughed 

 shallower, the depth should be gradually increased. 



Fig. 10. Potatoes sprouted In the light (original), 

 the sprouts witu those in Fig. 11. 



SEED. 



Compare 



Condition of Seed at Planting-time. All possible care must be given potatoes 

 from which seed is to foe selected', from harvesting-time until planting-time comes 

 around again, in order that full vitality of the seed may be conserved and that the 

 tubers may be in first-class condition. The important factor in this regard is that 

 of storage. (Storage, however, is dealt with in another part of this bulletin.) 



If possible, potatoes should be kept from sprouting in the dark before they are 

 planted; however, if it is desirable to obtain extra-early potatoes, then they may be 

 sprouted, but in the light (Fig. 10). Potatoes which are allowed to sprout in the 

 dark take from the tubers plant-food and moisture (Fig. 11) ; these sprouts are 

 usually broken off whm handling the potaNrs. The new shoots which are made when 

 the potato starts to grow in the field have less moisture and less plant-food to draw 

 upon, and therefore do not make as vigorous growth, with the result that a low yield 

 is obtained. 



