Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1872-05-29
Culture OF Potatoes.

Nultuit VI ulutUtN.
1t is three hundred years since the potato
was FIRST introduced into general use, and it is
now cultivated wherever civilization extends.
IL is estimated that l50,000,000 bushels are
annually consumed in the United States for
food alone, and vast quantities are used in the
manufacture Of starch which is employed in
s,iiiening cotton CLOTH calicocs, &C. in the
cotton iactori,s
Raising potatoes is as profitable an en-
ploymeut as can be resorted TO by the farm.
ers Of Massachusetts, Vermont and New
Hampshire, as the starch mills of those States
will purchase millions of bushels at from
thirty to forty cents per bushe Thus, if a
man can raise 5000 bushels he can make it
paying crop. The time is coming when
northern farmers will not attempt to raise
corn, wheat, &c, but will purchase them from
the west, the great granary Of the world, and
content themselves with raising potatoes, to-
bacco, aud vegetables Of various kinds. The
root crops are surely the most profitable in
New. England. Various are the opinions in
regard to the best method Of cultvlting 20.
tatoes. Some select small seed potatoes, aud
contest that they produce as large a crop as
large sized ones cut up into eyes. Others de-
clare that the largest potatoes produce in
their turn larger roots and it seems to us that
this is the most reasonable conclusion, aud
that small potatoes are only fit to feed to
stock.
Large potatoes should be cut into four or
FIVE pieces at the most, and then allowed to
become a little dry or calloused before plant
ing. If small seed are used, the sprout end
! e. the end furthest from the stem, should
be cut Of, because if all the eyes are allowed
to grow, they cannot make large hill Of pc.
tatoes, as there is not vitality enough in them.
There will be many stalks, but few seed
If it is possible. always plant the potatoes
desired for the table upon new land; it will
produce seed Of much better flavor and size.
Grass land is next best, and it should be
plowed in the autumn, or as early in the
spring as is convenient.
Stable manure has tendency to induce
disease, and to deteriorate the flavor of the
potato, but the crop may be greatly increased
by adding ashes, lime and salt to the soil
All vegetable and mineral manures are very
desirable. A rich calcareous soil that is un.
dcrdrained is the best for raising healthy
crop Of good favored potatoes
In planting potatoes very early in the sea
son, it is essential to prepare the seed at least
week before it is to be planted, and spread
them thinly to dry where they will not become
chilled thus treated an incrustation of the
juices takes place. and this prevents the de.
cay Of the eyes should the season prove rainy
and cold.
The best time to plant seed in northern
ATTITUDES is about the middle of April, for the
earlier in the season that the potato gets a
start the more likely is it to escape the drouth
of summer and the attacks of the potato bug
and other unfavorable influences. In plant.
ing early in the season, place the seed at least
SIX inches below the soil them if the frost
should kill the tops, it will not injure the
eyes, and they will soon start again. Plant
the hills eighteen inches apart, and the rows
three feet and half distant, and as soon a,
the sprouts are about four inches high, rur
the cultivator close to and between them
the next time cultivate deep, and encourage
the growth Of the tubers by making the col
very fine, The third time take care not to
hill them up so high that the rain will not
touch the potatoes; and after this keep down
the weeds with hoe. OF the various kinds
that Breese of Vermont has produced the
Peerless is decidedly the best the tubers are
very large, pure white flesh, aud very fine
favored
Breese's Prolific is only ct for feeding to
cattle, or making into starch. Early Rose
if planted in good soil, rarely fails to give
satisfaction. 1t ripens in less than three
months, yields well, and is of good quality.
If planted April LIST, in good location, it
will be ready for the table by the middle OF
June. King of the Earlies is a few days
ahead Of the Early Rose, but does not equal
it in size or quality. o. s. IN Country
EenfleLnnll