CHAPTER XVIII 



POTATOES 



Potatoes are not difficult to grow, but skill in 

 choosing the seed and handling the crop makes a 

 big difference in the results. For a long time people 

 grew potatoes and were usually satisfied to get a 

 fair crop. They did not bother to compare methods 

 and results with others. They had new ground to 

 plant, and were, therefore, quite free from the 

 Colorado beetle (potato bug) and the blights, which 

 make potato growing more of a problem to-day. 



Of late years, however, the papers sent out by 

 experts have aroused the attention of thoughtful 

 farmers, and they are studying the methods and 

 results of those who produce large crops, in order 

 to improve and increase their own production. 



Early Potatoes 



Varieties. — There are several varieties of the 

 potato, well represented by the Rose, the Cobbler, 

 and the Delaware, which are known as early potatoes. 

 They are hardy, quick-growing sorts, which with- 

 stand cold well and may be planted soon after the 



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