Modes of continuing Young Potatoes through the Year. 49 



possible, to place it in such a situation, that the vegetating 

 power, being prevented from exerting itself upwards, so as 

 to form stem and leaves, should be employed in throwing 

 out roots only, with their appendages. This, for example, 

 may, to a certain degree, be effected, by laying up potatoes 

 between strata of sand. In the corner of a shed, or other 

 sheltered place, or in the cellar, spread a layer of sand, and 

 upon this put some potatoes ; cover them with sand, upon 

 which place potatoes, then sand again, and so on, alternately, 

 till you have formed your pile of the height and dimension, 

 you designed. The top is closed with sand. The strata of 

 sand may be two or three inches deep. In such a pile, 

 the potatoes will emit roots and tubers, or in other words, 

 will yield a young produce : and I am not aware, that there 

 is any difference between the several parts of the pile ; but 

 the growing process seems to go on equally, near the top, 

 in the middle, and at the bottom. Leaves and stems are not 

 seen any where. It is only full grown and ripe potatoes, 

 that are fit for this experiment, and such, in which vegetation 

 is not impaired, by premature sprouting. Particular care, 

 therefore, must be taken, to have a proper supply for the 

 purpose. The old potatoes must be piled according to the 

 time, when the young ones are wanted. These will be 

 ready in December, if the pile be formed in August, and 

 thus one month will correspond with the other. There can 

 be no difficulty in admitting, that one sort of potatoe may 

 be better suited to this operation, than another ; and expe- 

 rience will soon point out that, which may be best calculated 

 for it. I have heard the Crnoble recommended ; but it is 

 probable, that other varieties may be equally fit for this 

 vol. in. H 



Mo. Bot. Garden 



1897. 



