26 



The Bulletin. 



As a rule, the main crop of potatoes is not dug until the vines die, but 

 for early marketing the tubers are lifted as soon as they reach a salable 

 size. In harvesting large areas, where improved machinery can be 

 handled, a "potato digger" is frequently used ; for small areas, or under 

 conditions not favorable for the use of machines, the four-tined fork 

 or potato "hook" is probably the most satisfactory implement to use, 

 though many growers prefer and use a hoe or ordinary plow for doing 

 this work. No matter what tool used, potatoes should be dug and han- 

 dled carefully. This is particularly important with. the early crop on 

 account of the tender, immature condition of the skin. 



Potatoes should be graded and packed as soon as possible after being 

 dug, for if exposed too much to the sun the tubers will become soft and 

 the skin turn green. Grading and packing may be done in the field as 

 the potatoes are lifted, or they may be taken to the packing shed or 

 storage house and there prepared for market. This crop requires as 

 careful and uniform grading as any other farm product. The tubers 

 should be sorted, according to size, into first and second grades, all 

 scabby, second growth and injured specimens rejected, and the different 

 varieties kept separate. 



mi— 



A. As They Reached Market. B. Exposed for Sale. 



Fig. 14. — Potatoes in Standard Barrel. 



Early potatoes are usually shipped in ventilated barrels with burlap 

 covers, as shown in Fig. 14. In some sections this crop is packed in 

 double-headed barrels, the same as apples. Fig. 15 shows potatoes packed 

 in this way as they reached market. Before filling, see that the bottom 

 and hoops are securely fastened in place. During the process of packing,, 

 the barrel should be shaken frequently to settle the potatoes and make 



