Potato Development. 



349 



methods at the Manor Farm, Ham. Cutting out each eye and 

 potting was commenced at the beginning of April, though in 

 ordinary circumstances it might be begun earlier. Two reasons 

 led to this — first, the eyes were backward ; and, second, it was 

 thought desirable not to be too early for fear of spring frosts 

 after they were transplanted into the field. No large buildings 

 or sheds were available, so an outdoor camp had to be devised. 

 A piece of ground was levelled and the pots were placed in 

 ranges about ten pots wide with narrow pathways between. 

 Some loose mould was spread over the ground, and 3-in. pots 

 were set in this as closely as possible to one another. The 

 north sides and the ends were made of walls of straw about 

 4 ft. 6 in. high, but on the south side only about 2 ft. 6 in., so as 

 to admit sun. A range of 4 in. by 3 in. stakes was set up the 

 middle, standing about 3 ft. above ground. Along this was 

 stretched a stout wire. Cross strands of wire were run from 

 side to side over the middle row of piles, and these were at- 

 tached at either side to a row of piles about 15 in. high, so that 

 when the covers were put on they had a good shoot to clear the 

 rainfall. The sheets were 12 ft. wide, and were fitted with rings so 

 that they were easy to furl. In sunny weather it is well to admit 

 all possible sunshine, and a ready means of furling and covering 

 is desirable. 



Having put down the pots, into which small pieces of crocks 

 were placed, and set up the shelter, cutting was commenced. At 

 the same time earth was finely sifted and placed in the pots, 

 after being mixed with a small quantity of superp hosphateof 

 lime. As fast as the sets were cut they were sprinkled with 

 slaked lime, and straightway potted. With such small sets it is 

 advisable to place the eye upwards. The pots were nearly 

 filled, and the earth very lightly pressed ; a hole was opened 

 with a knife and the set put in ; subsequently a little loose 

 mould was sprinkled over to fill the pots. 



Beyond regulating the cover night and morning, little atten- 

 tion is needed beyond an occasional light watering, just sufficient 

 to maintain a slight moisture, which is largely regulated by the 

 power of the sun. 



The planting out was done as the plants became big enough. 

 A good tilth was prepared in an ordinary field, and lines were 



