On Apiarian Societies. 391 



Magazine. I am induced to make this communication, in con- 

 sequence of having been in several gardens, and never, till I 

 came here, having seen it practised. I think it well worthy of a 

 trial, as it is well known to be a desideratum, in large famihes, 

 to obtain a supply of this useful vegetable, in a young state, 

 during as much of the season as possible. 



This method, as far as I can learn, was first practised here by 

 a person of the name of Job, whom I succeeded as gardener. 



The kind of potato cultivated is the Irish red, a very good 

 kind of late potato, and it succeeds well planted in the autumn. 

 To have them ready for use in October, they should be planted 

 about the middle of July. For the principal crop for winter 

 use, the first week in August is the best time for planting. They 

 should be planted on a good rich border, the drier the better. I 

 have generally planted them in rows about 2^ ft. apart, and about 

 1 ft. distant plant from plant. 



It is necessary to place the rows a good distance apart, in or- 

 der to insure good foliage by freely admitting the rays of the 

 sun, as well as a free circulation of air among the leaves, &c. ; 

 as, in my opinion, the quantity as well as the quality of the crop 

 depends much upon a proper attention to this point ; and it pro- 

 bably might be better attained by placing the rows 3 ft. apart. 



Potatoes planted in August will be ready for the table in No- 

 vember ; and will continue good from that time till April, at which 

 time it is easy to have a succession from those planted in the 

 spring. The only extra trouble attendant upon potatoes when 

 planted at this season is, to cover them in winter with leaves, 

 or any other material which will keep out the frost. They must 

 be taken up only as wanted for the table. 



When potatoes are thus managed, any person may insure a 

 supply through the winter, of almost as good a quality as those 

 grown during the summer months. The only difference that I 

 can perceive is, that those planted for the winter are rather 

 more waxy than those raised during the summer ; and with many 

 this would be considered an additional recommendation. 



It is necessary that potatoes intended for the autumn planting 

 should be of a late kind, should be kept in a cool situation till 

 the season of planting, and also be kept as clear as possible 

 from sprouts. 



Castle Hill, Southmoulton, Devon, June 22. 1840. 



Art. XI. On Apiarian Societies. By J. Wighton, Gardener to 

 Lord Stafford, Cossey HalJ, near Norwich. 



Of late years the keeping of bees has fallen into gradual 

 neglect among cottagers. Apiarian societies have recently been 



