Knoxville weekly chronicle. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1870-1875, 1874-02-25
8poNrille Sgeeklg Chronicle,
WEDNESDAY,, FEBRUARY 25, 1874.
FIELD AND FARM.
IRISH Potatoes.

We learn from Col. killebrow, of the Bureau
of Agriculture that he has raised four hundred
bushels of potatoes on an acre and quarter OF
land which he sold at dollar and hail nush-
cl Ii would be nice problem for q young I'In-
or TO solve to make out the clear proLt 10 the
producer of this crop, which gave siA Auhufcu
dollars for the cultivation ana usC OF EHc SNIS
and q fourth of land for ninety or one huhuIeu
DAYS IRISH potatoes are sometimes grown IN
thTee months: but in some years ana seasons, II
takes longer But il does not occupy so large Il
part of the growing months that no other crop
can be made on the same surface. IL Moulu DC
easy 10 name dozen that may follow potatoes
10 sdvoutaCp Instead of considering what shall
succeed n large yield of these tubers, let us en-
Guire into the best ways and means of raising
them. Potatoes are naturally gross feeders and
do best on fresh, loose, moist, cool soil, one half
or more of the ashes obtained when the tubes,
vines leaf and roots are burnt is pure potash. 10
some eXtentammouia and soda Will peTiorme the
office of potash in organizing starch IN the pota-
10 and wood in the stems Of toe plants out 70
obtain nice mealy potatoes, stable manure with
its ammonia is not so good rs wood ashes rs q
fertilizer. But land-piaster ana common saIt
are beneficial when added to either ashes or
stable manure, for this or any other garGen crop.
If sound Irish potatoes are worth having as sl
from oak, popular, and hickory are worth hity
cents q hushel 70 make them. PhosphorIc acid
combined with potash and lime plays an lmpor-
t2nt part in forming a lage crop OF sound pCtat-
toes Commercial fertilizers called superphos-
application to potatoes urnips and all other root
crops Col. killebrew used super-phosphates OF
his fine crop: placing a little loose dirt between
the seed and the strong fertilizer One may apply
200 pounds TO the half acre of potatoes to ad-
vantage The fertilizer Is not OF uniform
strength and value. Open a good turroU Tor
manure and seed, and cover both rather deep
with the turning pillow. 4 tne-tooth small har-
row. or one horse cultvator, will do good work
to subdue weeds, mellow the surface and prepare
il for mulching with forest leaves or straw. The
ground needs some protection Of this Kind IN
our sunny climate, to preserve low Uniform
Temperature adapted to the natural wants Of this
plant from the Andes, up to near the snow line.
1t will not stand frost, does it like hot or dry
weather and soil Its roots and tubcrs delight
in cool damn shade; while its green leaves and
vines demand sunshine like other plants. One
eve bud, or plant Gin a.place l. enough, and
these should be some eight or ten inches apart IL
the row. 1t requires considerable labor with the
pillow TO prepare ground just right for premium
crop Of potatoes. The deeper the earth is stirred
the better it is to hold water, and all other plant
food In 1000 pounds Of potatoes when ready
10 cook for the table there are go pounds of air
and wates Gardening and farming consists in
knowing how TO transform air and water into
solid food, and such articles cotton, hemp,
lax and tobacco 20 the best advantage. Il al
ways takes something to make something; and
il IS useful to know precisely what nature de
rnands to torn 800 bushels of potatoes an acre.
Our common school education will be defective
until knowledge of this kind Is taught TO all
who know enough to eat a potato, or pOne of
bread. 1t is within the recollection Of the writer
when 300 bushels Of Irsh-potatoes grown on an
acre, and sold for thirty dollars, 40 cents q
a bushel paid the farmer very WE'LL Union and
American