Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1855-04-14

IRISH PoTAToEs.-rhe culture of this standard
vegeta Bile begnningto be appreciated at the South
Hitherto it has BEN supposed to be only adapte. to
cold climates, and by many thought to be native
of a cold climate. History shows its origin South
America, and Northern culture first brought it to
edible notice. But by judiciouS management, it
produces better here than in colder ATTITUDES.
The first crop should be planted this and the next
month. We have often given method of plant
ing under straw, and from many years of expert
ence, will give additional hints We find that
where potatoes planted thus early under straw,
from the wamth and moisture below, they shoot
quickly, and, the straw being non-conductor, the
tops very liable to be cut off by frost in March,
or even in April. To obviate this, the straw should
be well decomposed, or if fresh straw is used plant
the same as usual, and cover the who lie straw with
a thin coating of earth this will prevent the liabi-
ty of the tops to be frost btten the straw to
decompose quicker and give an astonishing yield of
large mealy potatoes. Leaves from the woods will
answer all the purposes OF straw. Don't be afraid
of covering too deep pile on tile straw and leaves
two feet deep, and the tops will come through. 1t
is not like covering them with earth that deep, for
the tuber is not beyond the influence of light and
air, and moisture will be generated and be retained
by the decomposins vegetable substance. In the
vicinity of tan yards, tan bark may be used
in mulcning potatoes. First, plant the potatoes
quite shallow in mellow, rich earth, and cover the
whole surface, six inches deep, with tan bark. Saw
dust, may also be used i'll the same manner. The
only objection to using bark and Sawdust is, that
they slow of decomposition, that they unfit
the ground for any other crop; whereas the ground
covered with straw leaves increased i'll fertility
for any crop that may be planted afterwards.
When in Mobile, last season, learned from a
gentleman very successful method of raising pota
toes This gentleman lived on the river the
bay, where large quantities Of drift wood and trash
had been accommodating from the floods. He dug
deep trenches and filled them up with the rotten
wood in these. he planted the potatoes and
ed over with the trash, composed of leaves, weeds,
&c The crop of tubers enormous, and of the
very best quality. All of our readers may not have
many trash pile, with a gold mine under
If seed potatoes be an object, would advise to
cut the tubers once in two; cut them at least ten
days before planting and spread them where the
wounds will heal. Next month will be time enough
to plant potatoes in the ground without mulchng.
The hill system should be abandoned in this climate;
it orig mated where they wanted to give all the heat
possible. We want to keep them cool as possible.
Consequently manure the ground with well rotted
manure, turn it deeply under, making the soil very
mellow, and plant the potatoes in the drills, leaving
the whole surface of the ground perfectly level.
When the droughts of June on, the tubers
will be mealy and good; when those planted in hills
and ridges will be watcry and worthless. Remem-
Der, whatever manures applied to Irish potatoes
should be cool. Soil Of the South.