CULTURAL DIRECTIONS 



441 



power of reproduction, and this difference is often recog- 

 nized in the charges made by plant dealers. In the far 

 South, where the summers are very long, so that cuttings 

 may be made with freedom after the plants begin to vine, 

 an acre in the field may produce enough plants for i to 

 4 acres, although too severe pruning will reduce the 

 yield on the propagating area. Plants from cuttings 

 are said to produce the best seed. Whatever the size of 



FIG. lOI. FRAMES FOR GROWING SWEET POTATO PLANTS 



tubers selected, they should be handled with extreme 

 care to prevent bruising and injury and kept as directed 

 in the notes on storage (637). Freedom from disease is 

 especially important. 



630. Propagation.— Sweet potatoes are usually propa- 

 gated by means of "slips," also known as "sets" and 

 "draws." The tubers are first bedded in fine soil, with 

 proper heat and moisture. The potatoes sprout and 

 produce rooted plants, which are removed and planted 

 in the field after all danger of frost has passed. 



