370 "^HE KITCHEN GARDEN. [May 
or three plants will be suflBcieut in each; they are not so tenacious 
of a particular soil as either melons or cucumbers, but will grow 
freely in any dry and tolerably rich ground; they are to be sown 
at the same time as directed for sowing melons and cucumbers in 
the open ground, and should be kept constantly clean and free from 
weeds. 
The various kinds of gourds, which are more cultivated for orna- 
ment than use, may be sown where they can be trained to trellises, 
fences, walls, or to cover arbours. 
When you intend to cultivate either melons, cucumbers, squashes, 
pumpkins, or the like kinds, on a large or extensive scale, you can 
prepare the ground with a plough, which will save much labour; 
and also, afterwards, as the weeds advance, plough and harrow 
between the plants till they begin to run, after which, the hoe must 
be used* 
Sweet Potatoes, 
The Convolvulus batatas, or sweet potato, is a native of both 
Indies, also of China, Cochin-china, &c. But it is affirmed that it 
was unknown in the Philippine and Molucca islands before the 
Spaniards brought it there. In Amboina, Banda, Ternate, &c., the 
inhabitants add Castela to the name, as having received it from the 
Castilians or Spaniards. It was first brought into Spain from the 
West-Indies, or Spanish Main, and was there cultivated long be- 
fore the Solanum tuberosum, or common potato, was known in 
Europe. 
The sweet potato requires a Very light, sandy, and tolerably 
rich soil to bring it to good perfection. The time to plant it in 
the middle states is the first ten days in May, or more generally 
it is planted about the eighth or tenth of the month. It is remarked 
that the earlier and more forward crops are always most produc- 
tive and best for eating; and several people to accomplish this end, 
first sprout them in hot-beds, and then plant them out in the fol- 
lowing manner. 
The ground being first well pulverized by ploughing and har- 
rowing, &c. is afterwards laid out by the plough in squares of 
four or five feet each, and at the intersections of the scores or fur- 
rows, hills are made, in the manner directed for melons and cucum- 
bers, in page S68; into each of these, one or two good sets are 
planted, and covered about an inch deep, or a little better; as they 
advance in growth the hills are enlarged by drawing the earth up 
around them with a hoe; or, by first cross ploughing the ground, 
harrow it with a very narrow harrow, and then finishing and round- 
ing the hills with a broad hoe. They ought to be kept constantly 
free from weeds, and the frequent enlargement of the hills will 
encourage the growth and increase the number of roots. 
W^hen they are cultivated upon a small scale in gardens, all this 
work may be performed with a spade and hoe. 
