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The Bulletin. 



ing the potatoes in the ground and still attached to the plant. The 

 potatoes can easily and rapidly be lifted out of the ground, pulled from 

 the vine, placed in suitable baskets or boxes, and carried to the place of 

 packing or storing. No matter what implement used, the chief require- 

 ment in harvesting is to do the work as carefully as possible to avoid 

 injuring the tubers. 



Fig. 16. — Sack L'sed in Maeketing Late Potatoes. 



The grading and packing of sweet potatoes should receive as much 

 thoughtful consideration as that bestowed on the preparation of apples 

 or Irish potatoes for marketing. Small, irregularly-shaped and damaged 

 potatoes should be kept at home. Very large specimens should also be 

 rejected, as their presence does not add to the attractiveness of the pack- 

 age. Each package should contain potatoes of the same variety and of 

 a uniform size, color and general appearance. Medium-size potatoes 

 are usually preferred by the average purchaser. The eleven-peck venti- 

 lated, cloth-covered barrel is the most universally used package for mar- 

 keting this crop. If sweet potato growers for Northern markets would 

 adopt the method of packing their crop in "double-headed" barrels, the 

 potatoes would reach market in better condition and command a higher 

 price. The preferences of these markets have created a demand for the 



