File:The field and garden vegetables of America (Page 33) (6002635390).jpg

CHINESE POTATO, OR JAPANESE YAM.
33
Propagation and Cultivation. — The
Chinese Potato requires a very deep,
light, rather sandy, and tolerably rich
soil ; and this should be thoroughly
stirred to the depth of at least two feet.
No fresh manure should be used, but
fine, well-decomposed compost applied,
and deeply as well as very thoroughly
incorporated with the soil ; avoiding
however, if possible, its direct contact
with the growing roots. It is pro-
pagated either by small roots ; by the
top or neck of the large roots, cut off
to the length of five or six inches ; or
by the small bulbs, or tubers, which the
plants produce in considerable numbers
on the stem, in the axils of the leaves.
These should be planted the last of
April, or as soon as the ground is in
good working condition. Lay out the
land in raised ridges two feet and a
half or three feet asunder ; and on the
summit set the bulbs, or tubers, with
the ■ point or shoot upwards, eight or
ten inches apart ; and cover about an
inch deep. Cultivate in the usual man-
ner during the summer; and late in
autumn, after the tops are dead, and
just before the closing-up of the ground,
take up the roots, dry them a short
time in the sun, and store them in the
cellar for use. The roots are perfectly
hardy, and will sustain no injury from
the coldest winter, if left unprotected
in the open ground. During the se-