144 



HOCKINGS' GARDEN MANUAL. 



are the special manures indicated by analysis as parti- 

 cularly required. 



It is propagated during September and October, by 

 suckers or runners, which are planted three feet apart, 

 and the sets eighteen inches distant in the rows. Some 

 growers throw the land up into flat ridges, and plant 

 on the top. 



In the interior, or in districts where a supply of 

 runners or vines are not obtainable, some small roots 

 should be procured, and planted in a well-prepared bed 

 in May, and they will throw up an abundant supply of 

 shoots for transplanting early in spring. If frost is 

 expected, the bed should be strewn with litter dining 

 winter. Care should be taken to secure the best 

 quality, as they deteriorate from bad culture. New 

 varieties may be raised from seed. 



THE YAM. 



The yam requires a very deep, rich, sandy soil, 

 which should be dug at least three feet deep, and well 

 manured if not sufficiently rich. It is propagated by 

 seed or by the crowns of the old roots. They may be 

 planted in September and October, five or six inches 

 deep, and three feet apart each way, placing a stick 

 firmly in the ground by each plant for the young 

 shoots to climb up. When the tops die down the 

 crop is fit to dig. which operation may be performed 

 by opening a trench at one side of the bed. about two 

 feet six inches deep, the whole leugrh of the row, and 

 trenching the bed. By this method the roots may be 

 got out without breaking ; and, if a good dressing of 

 manure is first put on the surface of the bed. this 

 trenching will be a good preparation for the next crop, 

 nothing further being necessary at the planting season 

 than a good surface digging, and setting the seed or 

 crowns as first directed. Some growers recommend 



