t Ocr., 1897.] QUEENSLAND AGRICULTURAL JOURNAL. 291 
yield absolutely correct, but far within the mark, 6 acres of the St. Helena 
land having produced 210 tons or 35 tons per acre, not taking into consideration 
the small unsaleable potatoes which were fed to stock and the quantity 
unavoidably left in the ground after digging. 
Captain Pennefather adds:—“ The cuttings were planted in low ridges 
and covered by a specially made plough. After the plough, a man followed, 
pressing the soil against each cutting with his foot.’ Although no official 
record was taken of the rainfall and temperature during the growing season, 
Captain Pennefather, from private records kept by him, states:—“I must 
premise that the season was abnormally favourable, and at harvest time the 
English potato crop was a partial failure, which will account for the excellent 
price obtained.” It will be observed that Mr. Tardent recommended planting 
on hills for the coast districts, and this is precisely what was done at St. 
Helena with the above result. 
Analysing the report, we find that, roughly, 1553 tons were sold for 
cash at an average price of 49. 9d. per ewt., or £4 15s. per ton, giving a 
return of £788 12s. 6d. for the 12 acres (besides which over 88 tons were 
used for domestic purposes), or in money value £180 10s., making a total 
of £919 2s. 6d. But if the produce of the 6 acres alone had been sold at 
the higher price—viz., £6 10s. per ton—the return may be put at £1,365 for 
210 tons. It should be noted that no manure was used on the land, which 
had been cropped for several years previously with sugar-cane. In addition to 
the crop of tubers, cattle and swine were fed on the vines for several weeks. 
Mr. Tardent will be pleased to know that the champion sweet potato of 
this crop turned the scale at 34 1b. It will thus be seen that, given a good 
season and a good red volcanic soil, not too heavy, the sweet potato will yield 
a return which, at the usual price of 2s. 6d. per cwt., exceeds in money value 
any other ordinary farm crop, excepting coffee. 
