142 



through, it, whereas if rain follows immediately after planting, it col- 

 lects in the holes and as likely as not causes the 6ets to rot. 



Distance apart. — The distance at which the sets should be placed apart 

 varies with the nature of the soil and vigour of the kind grown ; in rich 

 soils a greater distance should be allowed than in poor soils. In general, 

 the distances should be 2 \ to 3 feet between the rows, aud 12 to 15 in- 

 ches bet wean the sets in each row, but, as a rule, the greater the dis- 

 tances the better the yield. 



Depth. — The depth to which the sets should be covered also varies 

 somewhat, but 4 to 5 inches in heavy, and 5 to 6 inches in light soils 

 are about the proper depths. 



Subsequent culture. — This consists in keeping the ground free from 

 weeds, earthing up the plants as they advance in growth, and keeping 

 the soil stirred and fine, as the more it is pulverised, the better but 

 taking care not to injure the young roots or tubers. 



Lifting — When the tops are observed to wither from natural decay 

 the crop may he lifted, and this should not be delayed too long, as if so, 

 in this climate the new tubers are apt to vegetate. Choose fine, but ii 

 possible cloudy weather as potatoes should be exposed to light, and 

 specially bright sunshine as little as possible. Exposure to the sun 

 causes the tubers to turn green, and it is well known that the 

 green parts of a potato contain a more or less poisonous principle. 

 After lifting, the potatoes should be stored in a dry airy room or shed, 

 but light should be excluded as much as possible. Potatoes are to often 

 exposed to the light, and when such are cooked they are yellow in ap- 

 pearance and have a decided bitterish flavour, whereas if kept in the 

 dark till required for cooking they would be white and floury. 



Varieties. — The varieties of the Potato are exceedingly numerous, 

 but the kinds to be grown for shipping to northern markets during 

 the winter months are those known as "new potatoes" — the various 

 kinds of Kidney potato — Carters' First Crap. A re-selected stock of 

 the earliest, most prolific and best Kidney in cultivation. Price 5/ per 

 peck (14 lbs), per \ cwt , or bushel 17/6. 



Carters' Improved Early Ashleaf . —The first early White Kidney. 

 Price 4/6 per peck (14 lbs), per \ cwt. or bushel 14/. 



Hyatt's Early Prolific Ashleaf. — This is the variety so largely grown 

 in Cornwall and Jersey as an early Potato for the English market, 

 and it is probably the most certain early-cropping Kidney in commerce. 

 Price 2/6 per peck (141b), per \ cwt. or bushel 8/6. 



Victor (Sharpe). Several seasons' trial have fully comfirmed all that 

 has been said of the Victor Kidney Potato. It is proved to be one of 

 the earliest, most prolific, and best flavoured of all early potatoes. Price 

 3/6 per peck (14 lbs), per \ cwt., or bushel 12/. 



Snowdrop — Of sterling merit, both as to quality and productiveness. 

 One of the handsomest Kidneys grown. Price 3/ per peck (14 lbs.), 

 per -| cwt ; or bnshel, 10/6. 



Early Norther — This variety seems to do well everywhere. Its table 

 qualities connot be excelled, cooking dry and floury, whether baked or 

 boiled. Price 70 cents per peck, $2.25 per bushel. 



Packing, &c. 



The list here given, though a fairly comprehensive one, does not 

 include the names of all the vegetables that might be grown for ship- 



