92 The Sweet Potato 



distance of the plants apart may be found by running 

 the marker across the rows. 



An important operation to be watched is the proper 

 setting out of the plants after they have been drawn 

 from the seed-bed. It is a common custom throughout 

 the sweet potato region to set just before a rain or as 

 soon thereafter as the land will permit. It is essential 

 to have the roots in contact with moisture, and the soil 

 packed firmly around the plants. If the ground is not 

 wet, it may be necessary to haul water to the field and 

 pour about one-half pint around each plant. 



In the area where irrigation is practiced, the plants 

 may be set and the water turned on which will insure 

 the growth of practically all the plants. 



Setting the plants in the field. 



When only an acre or two is grown for home use, 

 hand-planting will answer the purpose and is probably 

 more economical. A trowel and dibble may be used to 

 open and pack the earth around the roots ; after the roots 

 of the plants are thrust into the hole in the ridge, the 

 earth should be pressed firmly around them. For 

 hand-planting, plants are dropped ahead of the setters, 

 boys and girls being very useful for this work. 



Setting out one acre by hand is considered a good 

 day's work for one man. A part of the undesirable 

 work by hand may be avoided by the use of tongs. 

 After the plants have been dropped on the rows, the 

 root may be clamped with the jaws of the tongs and 

 thrust into the ground. This saves the bending of the 

 back and is practically as fast as the hand work. The 

 tongs should be of wood and about 3 feet in length ; the 

 jaws of the tongs should be made by sawing out a por- 



