MARCH:| FARMER’S CALENDAR. 19

of which turns in the dung, and ofthat the quantity ought to be the greatest possible to be spared. The land is usually kept upon the ridge.

Potators.—These, ona large scale, are an ob- ject to a farmer only on two accounts; namely, in case of a large pig-stock, or for sale, an advanta- geous market being at hand.

Giving them to cattle raw, I take to be one of those gross absurdities sanctioned only by custom orwhim, both whichare mighty powers inhusban- dry. Itmusthowever be allowed, that where there are conveniencies, for either steaming or baking potatoes, they are excellent bread for animals of every species, and with good hay, will make capl- tal beef, either with or without corn. That they are an exhausting crop, is proved by the immense quantity of manure they require, even on soils of tolerable fertility. Where no large quantities of this root are in request, it is best cultivated on borders, or vacant spots, of which every farm, Sreat or small, affords some. These are generally in sufficient heart without manure.

Potatoes are cultivated in various Ways, and planted from February to May; but the early planting belongs either to the mere garden cul- ture, or to that which is nearly similar, the rais- ing of early stock for the London market. In the field culture, the earliest seed season is the middle of March, for warm fertile soils, and the following month, or early in the succeeding, for cold and infertile. They are very successfully dibbled upon grass land, with or without dung. Dig up the turf, and turning in the dung, dibble

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