The potato crop is one of the important crops of our country. In many homes these vegetables are served daily. To supply such a demand there are thousands of acres of potatoes grown every year. The potato field in this view is in Minnesota, a state where, for several years, there were more potatoes grown than in any other state. Two methods of harvesting are being used here. The machines uncover the hills and bring the potatoes to the surface. Pickers follow and gather them into baskets or sacks. On the right the old method of digging potatoes with a hand fork is being used. Later these potatoes will be shipped to places where there are not enough raised to supply the people. In many other parts of our country potatoes are raised. Wisconsin grows a large crop.

Maine raises so fine a quality that they are sold to other states as "seed." By aid of irrigation the Plateau States grow splendid crops. The early Irish potato crop of Florida is worth millions of dollars. There the cop is harvested in the early spring. In Georgia, Alabama, and neighboring states potatoes are harvesting in June. In the northern parts of Maine and Minnesota they are dug in September or later. Why are the harvesting dates so different? Explorers found potatoes in both North and South America at an early date. Sir Walter Raleigh is said to have taken them to Ireland. Today they are raised in most European countries. Europe also raises a coarser variety as food for their cows and pigs. In what climate do potatoes grow best?