42 



Potato Growing in Essex. 



[Apr., 



Clamping. — This is work that requires careful attention. 

 The bottom of the clamp should be about four feet wide and 

 not more than from three to four inches deep. The side of a* 

 potato clamp should be made as steep as possible, and the 

 clamp brought to a sharp point at the top. As the clamp is 

 formed it should be covered with dry wheat straw, well 

 straightened out, and packed tightly about six inches deep. 

 The clamp should be earthed up at once if possible — while the 

 straw is dry. If this is done, with about seven inches of earth, 

 there will be little risk from frost, always taking care that the 

 trench outside the clamp is about six inches deeper than the 

 bottom of the potato clamp in order that the potatoes will lie 

 quite dry. It is essential when earthing up the clamp to place 

 a straw ventilation on the toj), at least every six feet. This 

 will let any heat out of the clamp and the potatoes will keep 

 very much better. 



