62 
CULTURE OF THE POTATOE. 
A fter pruning, go over the trees, and thin out all the small berries 
lor tarts and other purposes, leaving the finest for table use. 
Propagation.— Most people are aware that they strike readily 
from cuttings. The best time for planting these is September. 
Trim off with the knife all the buds upon that part of the cutting 
which goes into the ground, leaving only four buds at the upper part 
of each, to form the tree. When these cuttings have grown one sea¬ 
son, take them all up, and cut off all the roots about half way down 
that part of the cutting which was in the ground; the part thus 
cleared of roots will form a lengthy stem to the tree, but take care 
to leave sufficient roots for the growth of the plant, and plant it again 
very shallow. Head each cutting in at a bud that will lead the plants 
erect. The four buds at the top will form a pretty head. 
I think it indispensable that the cuttings should be taken up at 
the end of the first year, or that part of each which is beneath the 
soil will not swell, hut will remain for many years the same thick¬ 
ness as when planted. Is this for want of light and air ? 
The advantages derived from the forementioned method of treating 
gooseberry trees are, 
1st, A better choice of the wood which ought to be cut away be¬ 
cause it is then in full bearing. 
2nd. A great quantity of fruit is obtained for use without any dis¬ 
advantage to the trees. 
o 
3rd. The branches being thick set and close are a shelter from the 
injurious effects of late spring frosts, which often, in one night, des¬ 
troy most or all the hopes of the cultivator. 
ARTICLE V.—CULTURE OF THE POTATOE, 
BY SOLANUM TUBEROSUM. 
I know of no vegetable, generally considered, (wheat excepted) 
more valuable to the inhabitants of Britain than the potatoe. The 
easy culture, speedy production, and the many ways in which it may 
be applied for the benefit of man, justly entitle it to a place in the 
first rank of cultivated vegetables. In a retrospect of the last thirty 
years, the most indubitable evidence presents itself of the astonish¬ 
ing effects produced by the culture of the potatoe. Many, very ma¬ 
ny acres of land that formerly were not considered worth the labour 
required for their cultivation, have been increased in value to a great 
amount. In most cases, potatoes have been the principal crop for 
bringing such land to its present improved state. In places remote 
