an experiment made in the garden of the
Horticultural Society, that sets taken from the points of the tubers,
and planted early in the season, yielded at the rate of upwards of three
tons per acre more produce than was obtained from employing the opposite
end of the tubers. In a plantation made a month afterwards, the
difference was much less, but still in favor of the point, or top end,
of the Potato."--_Thomp._

With regard to the quantity of seed per acre, great diversity of opinion
exists among cultivators. Much, of course, depends on the variety, as
some sorts not only have more numerous eyes, but more luxuriant and
stronger plants, than others. Of such varieties, a much less quantity
will be required than of those of an opposite character. From a series
of experiments carefully made for the purpose of ascertaining the amount
of seed most profitable for an acre, it was found that from six to eight
bushels, if planted in hills, answered better than more: for, when too
much seed was used, there were many small tubers; and where the tubers
had been divided into very small parts, or single eyes, the plants were
more feeble, and the yield less in number and weight, though usually of
larger size.

_Methods of Planting and Cultivation._--Potatoes are usually planted
either in hills or ridges; the former method being the more common in
this country. If planted in hills, they should be made from three feet
to three and a half apart; the distance to be regulated by the habit of
the variety under cultivation. If in ridges or drills, they may be made
from two and a half to three feet apart; although some of the earlier
and smaller kinds may be successfully grown at eighteen or twenty
inches.

"Of sets formed by the division of an average-sized tuber into four
parts, three may be allowed a hill; or, if planted in drills, the sets
may be placed from seven to twelve inches asunder,--the distance to be
regulated by the habit or size of the plant. On light, warm land, the
sets should be covered about four inches in depth; but in wet, cold
soil, three inches will be sufficient.

"As soon as the plants are fairly above the surface, hoeing and
surface-stirring should be commenced. The earth should gradually be
drawn about the hills, or along the ridges, at each successive hoeing,
and every encouragement given to the side-roots to extend themselves:
for nearly at their extremities the tubers are formed; so that deeply
stirring th