POTATO — RADISH — RHUBARB 



493 



to two or three eyes, leaving as much tuber as possible with each piece. 

 From 7 to 10 bushels of potatoes are required to plant an acre. 



For a very early crop in the garden, tubers are sometimes sprouted 

 in the cellar. When the sprouts are 4 to 6 inches high, the tubers 

 are carefully planted. It is essential that the sprouts are not broken 

 in the handling. In this practice, also, the tubers are first cut into 

 large pieces, so that they will not dry out too much. 



The staple remedy for the potato bug is Paris green, 2 pounds or 

 more of poison to 150 to 200 gallons of water, with a little lime (see 

 page 193). For the blight, spray with bordeaux mixture, and spray 

 thoroughly. Bordeaux mixture will also keep away the flea beetle 

 to a large extent. 



Radish (Plate XXV). — In all parts of the country the radish is 

 popular as a side-dish, being used as an appetizer and for its decora- 

 tive character. It is a poor product, however, if 

 misshapen, wormy, or tough. 



Radishes should be grown quickly in order to 

 have them at their best. They become tough 

 and woody if grown slowly or allowed to stay in 

 the ground too long. A light soil, well enriched, 

 will grow most of the early varieties to table size 

 in three to five weeks. To have a supply through 

 the early months, sowings should be made every 

 two weeks. For spring use, the French Breakfast 

 is still a standard variety (Fig. 313). 



For summer, the large white or gray varieties 

 are best. The winter varieties may be sown in 

 September, harvested before severe frosts, and 

 stored in sand in a cool cellar. When they are to 

 be used, if thrown into cold water for a short time 

 they will regain their crispness. 



Sow radishes thickly in drills, 12 to 18 inches apart. 



313. French Breakfast 

 and olive-shaped 

 radishes. 



Thin as needed. 



Rhubarb, or Pie plant. — A strong perennial herb, to be grown in a 

 bed or row by itself at one end or side of the garden. It is a heavy 

 feeder (Fig. 190). 



