VEGETABLES OR FOOD CROPS 



251 



The ground must be manured, but not too heavily, as that, it is 

 considered, may conduce to disease. The following manure mix- 

 ture is recommended : 5 Ib. superphosphate, 2 Ib. sulphate of 

 ammonia, 3 Ib. kainit ; apply 3 oz. of the mixture per yard of each 

 row. The best time for planting varies according to district, but 

 usually from September to November, and March to May will be 

 found the most satisfactory periods for planting in Ceylon. It is, 

 of course, needless to attempt growing potatoes successfully under 

 4,000 ft. elevation. New potatoes may be expected to be fit for 

 consumption in about 3 months from the time of planting. 



A FINE POTATO FIELD. ALBION ESTATE, CEYLON. 



Propagation is effected by means of " sets" (tubers), these being 

 planted 3 or 4 in. below the surface at distances of about 9 in. 

 in rows, the latter being about 18 in. apart. Needless perhaps to 

 say, a crop should not be grown for successive seasons in the same 

 ground. The larvae of the potato-moth, which has been imported 

 into India with seed potatoes, have become a troublesome pest 

 there, and seed potatoes arriving here from India have conse- 

 quently to be treated in the fumigatorium at Colombo. 



VARIETIES. The following have been found among the most success- 

 ful in the neighbourhood of Xmvara Eliya : " Sutton's Abundance," 

 "Satisfaction." "Ringleader," " Nonsuch." and "Ideal." 



