2l6 



Bulletin 132. 



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i:&J 



<1 



c^ 



10 



windows, and with a number of ventilators. 

 The greatest difficulty with these houses is that 

 they rot down rapidly, and they may give some 

 trouble with moisture. They are inexpensive, 

 however, and the cost of construction is only 

 about $125. It may be suggested that in con- 

 structing root houses or storage houses of any 

 kind the fundamental principles involved relative 

 to the purpose of the structure should be con- 

 stantly considered. To continue its vitality, 

 succulence, and crispness, celery must continue 

 in the jstorage house a very slow growth, — a 

 growth sufficient to establish the roots in th^ 

 soil and to complete the development of the inner 

 leaves. Thorough freezing is fatal, but the low- 

 est temperature at which freezing will not take 

 place is most desirable. Not only does this tem- 

 perature hold the plant in the desired condition of 

 greatly suspended activities, but it renders next 

 to impossible the growth of injurious fungi which 

 would speedily wdlt and rot it. In order, then, 

 to approach the temperature sought, the house 

 should be so snugly constructed as to provide 

 against freezing. Again, it should be so pro- 

 vided with ventilating appliances that at any time 

 advantage might be taken of any cold intervals 

 to rapidly and effectually chill the house, after 

 which it might be securely closed for a warmer 

 period ; and with this enclosed lower tempera- 

 ture remain for a time at a point more nearly 

 that desired. 



In Figs, 57 and 58 is shown one of the most 

 improved root houses which I have seen in oper- 

 ation, and the photograph here reproduced was 

 taken on the premises of Abrani Franke, Ironde- 

 quoit. With the usual excavation of eighteen 

 inches or two feet, this structure has a brick 

 foundation, and the roof is well provided 



