few would suffice.  Here, then, on the best plan, we begin with sets most carefully selected, to insure true typical form and colour, and these are, some six weeks or so before planting time, put in shallow boxes or baskets, one layer deep, to sprout in full daylight, but quite safe from frost.  In the first instance a number of sprouts appear, and a large proportion are rubbed off.  The object of the cultivator is to secure two or three stout, short shoots of a green or purple colour; the long white threads that are often produced in the store being regarded as useless.  When large sets are employed, they are allowed to make three or four stout shoots, and at the time of planting—­not before—­these sets are cut so as to leave to each large piece only one or two good sprouts or sprits.  As for the smaller sets that are not to be divided, it is common practice to cut a small piece off each of these at the time of planting to facilitate the decay of the tuber when it has accomplished its work, for having nourished the first growth the sooner it disappears the better.  Thus, with a little extra trouble, sound tubers have been prepared for planting, and the main reasons for taking this extra trouble are doubtless fully apparent.  The best seed possible is wanted and the most suitable soil; these two items forming the first chapter.  By sprouting the seed time is gained, which is equivalent to a lengthening of the season.  By limiting the number of shoots an excess of foliage is prevented.  Where the shoots are crowded the tubers will not be crowded, a few strong shaws with all their leaves exposed to the air and light being capable of producing better results than a large number contending for air and light that are insufficient for them all.  And finally, by cutting the sets, whether to divide them, or simply to hasten their decay, we insure that they will not reappear with the young crop as useless, ugly things.

==Distances for Planting==.—­The distance at which the sets are planted is of importance, for a crop too crowded will be of little value.  But the ground must be properly filled.  By wasting only a small space in each breadth, or in the spaces between the sets, the total crop will be many bushels short of the possible quantity.  The guiding principle must be to allow to each plant ample room to spread, and absorb the air and sunshine, in accordance with the character of the sort and the condition of the soil.  A considerable proportion of the losses from disease may be traced to overcrowding in the first instance; the tangled haulm being rendered weak through want of air, and then becoming loaded with water, and in contact with wet ground, the disease has made havoc where, had the management been founded on sound principles, there might have been a vigorous healthy growth.  If a doubt arises, it is safer to allow too much rather than too little space, and in this respect the exhibition growers are very liberal.  They often place the rows of strong-growing varieties