SUITABLE SOILS AND MANURES. 21 



CHAPTER VI. 

 SUITABLE SOILS AND MANURES. 



Although, a sandy and loamy soil, and mild climate, 

 are conditions most favorable to the Sweet Potato, yet 

 the wide range in which it is known to flourish, proves 

 that soils of different character will suffice for its profita- 

 ble production; and, it can not.be denied that noble 

 specimens are often grown in various soils, if not cold 

 and heavy ; especially if grown on new lands, well pre- 

 pared, abounding with humus aLd potash. Even light, 

 slaty soils, with warm exposure and suitable manures, 

 will insure remunerative returns. The Fluvanna County 

 lands, that produce the finest Virginia tobacco, are also 

 well adapted to the Sweet Potato. These lands are 

 light, with a moderate proportion of sand. Other soils 

 of Piedmont, Virginia, especially around Charlottesville, 

 produce fine potatoes, which supply the home market at 

 Charlottesville, and some for export. It is a well estab- 

 lished fact as to soil, that a sandy loam is the best, and a 

 stiff clay the worst, for any variety of Sweet Potato. 



The fine, and almost impalpable sand, which covers 

 most of the surface that constitutes the market gar- 

 dening section of Hanover, Va., seldom occurs in other 

 regions, and this peculiarity of soil, that produces the 

 finest of Sweet Potatoes, may not be attainable elsewhere. 

 Still, the best results are often secured in less favored 

 places. 



One of our best cultivators says : "For Sweet Potatoes 

 of any variety, select a light piece of land, in only mod- 

 erately good heart ; give a good dressing of wood-ashes 

 only, and there will be but little doubt of a good crop, 

 if kept clean and well ridged up. This ridging up in 

 Sweet Potato culture, is more important than in the cul- 



