50 Modes of continuing Young Potatoes through the Year. 



use, or even superior. The produce, which is raised by this 

 method, is, however, not spoken of, as very good : the young 

 potatoes are generally of a loose texture, watery, and of 

 indifferent flavour. This may, perhaps, be accounted for, 

 from the want of suitable nourishment, that would give them 

 proper consistency and quality. The sand can contribute 

 little, or nothing, towards it ; and the young roots and tubers 

 must be almost entirely fed from the juice and substance of 

 the old. To this cause the defect, adverted to, appears to be 

 referable. If art could throw in any thing, to supply what 

 is wanting, good young potatoes might possibly be obtained. 

 What occurs as the most likely means to accomplish this 

 end, seems to be the application of a proper soil, or com- 

 post, in which the old potatoes might be imbedded, before 

 the layer of sand is put upon them. Thence, I conceive, 

 sufficient nourishment might be derived, for the due forma- 

 tion of the young tubers. As I only speak of this expedient, 

 by way of speculation, without having as yet had an oppor- 

 tunity of trying it, in practice, I will not presume to lay 

 down any directions for the proceedings to be adopted. 

 Experience will soon afford the necessary instruction. If I 

 were to make the experiment, I should proceed thus : put a 

 layer of sand on the ground, as before directed, and upon 

 this, the earth, or compost, two inches thick, in which the 

 old potatoes should be bedded. When thus lodged, throw 

 upon them a stratum of sand, on which lay again the earth, 

 or compost ; plant the potatoes in it, cover them with sand ; 

 and in this manner go on, making couch after couch, till 

 the intended pile is completed.* 



* Since I wrote the above, it is come to my knowledge, that young potatoes 



