226 



must be looked upon as a field crop rather than a 

 horticultural crop. 



Rich, moist soils are necessary for the proper 

 growth of this crop. It rarely does well on the 

 poor upland soils that dry out early in the 

 season. They should be harvested with the stems 

 attached, when well colored and before heavy 

 frosts, if they are to be stored for winter use. 

 Stored as already described for winter squashes they 

 can be kept throughout the winter months without 

 difficulty. 



Various varieties are popular in different local- 

 ities. The Large Cheese is generally preferred for 

 canning and holds well in storage. The selection 

 of varieties, especially for home use, depends very 

 largely upon location and personal tastes. 



SWEET POTATO 



The sweet potato finds its most favorable Condi- 

 tions of soil and climate south of the area in which 

 the white or Irish potato thrives best. Both as a 

 stock food and a food for human consumption, its 

 value is very much higher than the Irish potato, 

 which makes this plant one of unusual economic 

 importance. The sweet potato is consumed almost 

 to the exclusion of Irish potatoes in the South, 

 while the honors are shared very extensively 

 throughout the northern markets. Large quanti- 

 ties are now being canned and they promise to also 

 become an important source of commercial alcohol. 

 This plant requires high temperatures and an abun- 

 dance of sunshine. Heavy rainfalls are desirable 

 during the growing period, but become decidedly 

 detrimental when the crop is maturing. 



