114 JOHNSON & STOKES 
grown quite extensively in some parts of the South for 
shipment to Northern markets during January and February. 
To prepare it for market the leaves are cut before the 
seed stalk appears, and after washing are barrelled or crated 
for shipment. Growers receive from $1.50 to $2.50 per 
barrel in Philadelphia and New York in the winter and 
spring. Where accessible to market, spinach is a profitable 
crop. 
Blight is the main enemy. The remedy is removal to 
another soil. 
Of spinach there are many types; some smooth and some 
with savoy or wrinkled leaves. The property of standing a 
long time before going to seed is desirable, especially when 
sown in the spring, as it increases the length of the cutting 
season. 
At the North a slight protection of litter or straw is 
necessary in winter. South of latitude of Washington no 
protection is needed. Spinach is cut even when frozen; in 
fact, at any time when there is no snow on the ground. By 
throwing it into cold water it quickly thaws, and affords a 
palatable and healthful food in midwinter. The dead or 
yellow leaves should be removed before sending it to mar- 
ket, and if carefully prepared it has an attractive green ap- 
pearance during cold weather when other vegetables are 
scarce. The winter crop is larger than any other, but much 
is also grown for spring sales. It is admirably adapted to 
farm culture. 
THE SWEET POTATO. 
The cultivation of the sweet potato affords profitable 
employment to thousands of American farmers. It is pre- 
eminently a farmer's crop, on account of the ground space 
occupied. It demands a light or sandy soil, well drained 
and well manured. It has wonderful drouth-resisting quali- 
