10 
able soil, is difficult to eradicate. Enough tubers, as a rule, are left 
each year to continue the crop ; hence it is wise to set apart a per- 
manent paddock for it, or the odd corners of a farm, or waste places 
of little value for other crops may be used for growing artichokes. 
“ The plant is extremely hardy ; it resists frost and drought. 
Whilst the best crops are raised on good mellow loam, profitable 
yields are secured on stiff clay lands, light sandy or gravelly soils. The 
land is best suited where the drainage is good ; in fact, any soil 
suitable for potatoes will answer for artichokes. It is a crop that re- 
quires little attention when it is established. 
“The soil needs thorough cultivation. It should be deeply 
ploughed about May or June. During the winter it may be harrowed 
occasionally, lightly reploughed about September, and well manured 
as if for sweet potatoes. The tubers are then planted by dropping 
them into furrows 3 ft. apart, with a space of 2 ft. between the tubers. 
If the sets are small, plant whole, while large ones may be cut. Cover 
by turning a furrow over them. About 4 cwt. of tubers will plant an 
acre. 
'* The crop matures in five months. Should rain fall immediate- 
ly after planting, the harrow maj'' be run over the land to fine the 
surface. This should be repeated when the plants are about 4 in. 
high. It checks evaporation, destroys, weeds, qnd will not injure the 
crop. Later on, the cultivator should be kept moving between the 
rows about once a month. 
“ When the crop flowers and the tops droop and die, about April 
or May, it is ready for harvesting. The average yield will be from 
7 to 8 tons per acre.” 
“Two varieties were tested at Hawkesbuiy College, and gave 
the following results : — 
Jerusalem White ... ... 9 t° ns 1 cwt> P er acre * 
Jerusalem Pink ... . . 6 tons 16 cwt. per acre. 
“ For feeding pigs it is best to turn them into the crop to root 
out the tubers. It must be remembered that, where it is desired to 
continue the crop, the pigs should be removed before all the tubers 
are eaten. 
“ Few foods are more relished by pigs. The tuber in the raw 
state is very nutritious, more especially for pregnant sows, and also 
sows reduced in weight and condition after suckling and weaning 
big litters. 
“ This class of food acts as a diuretic, or promotes a healthy 
action of the kidneys in secreting urine ; it relieves constipation and 
stimulates liver function. One acre will support twenty sows from 
four to six months. Young growing pigs evidence considerable 
growth on being fed with them for a short period. The exercise 
obtained in harvesting or rooting up the tubers has a beneficial 
influence. It is especially notable that artichokes are very digestible. 
