POTATO — RADISH — RHUBARB 493 
to two or three eyes, leaving as much tuber as possible with each piece. 
From 7 to 10 bushels of potatoes are required to plant an acre. 
For a very early crop in the garden, tubers are sometimes sprouted 
in the cellar. When the sprouts are 4 to 6 inches high, the tubers 
are carefully planted. It is essential that the sprouts are not broken 
in the handling. In this practice, also, the tubers are first cut into 
large pieces, so that they will not dry out too much. 
The staple remedy for the potato bug is Paris green, 2 pounds or 
more of poison to 150 to 200 gallons of water, with a little lime (see 
page 193). For the blight, spray with bordeaux mixture, and spray 
thoroughly. Bordeaux mixture will also keep away the flea beetle 
to a large extent. 
Radish (Plate XXV).— In all parts of the country the radish is 
popular as a side-dish, being used as an appetizer and for its decora- 
tive character. It is a poor product, however, if 
misshapen, wormy, or tough. 
Radishes should be grown quickly in order to 
have them at their best. They become tough 
and woody if grown slowly or allowed to stay in 
the ground too long. A light soil, well enriched, 
will grow most of the early varieties to table size 
in three to five weeks. To have a supply through 
the early months, sowings should be made every 
two weeks. For spring use, the French Breakfast 
is still a standard variety (Fig. 313). 
For summer, the large white or gray varieties 
are best. The winter varieties may be sown in 
September, harvested before severe frosts, and 
stored in sand in a cool cellar. When they are to 313 French Breakfast 
be used, if thrown into cold water for a short time and  olive-shaped 
they will regain their crispness. radishes. 
Sow radishes thickly in drills, 12 to 18 inches apart. Thin as needed. 
Rhubarb, or Pie plant. — A strong perennial herb, to be grown ina 
bed or row by itself at one end or side of the garden. It is a heavy 
feeder (Fig. 190). 
