38 The Bulletin. 



crates holding from six to eight bunches. Another method practiced in 



preparing this crop for market is to trim the plants in the field and 



pack, without washing or bunching, into flat box crates, as shown in 



Fig. 25. Note how each plant is firmly and closely packed, with the 



stems all one way. This latter method is the one most universally 



employed in preparing and marketing Eastern and Southern-grown 



celery. It is just as important that the grading and packing of this 



crop be done carefully as it is in the preparation of any other farm 



product for market. 



RADISHES. 



This crop is grown almost entirely for the early spring market. The 

 main point to be observed in the cultivation is to keep the plants grow- 

 ing continuously, as any check in their growth will cause the roots to 

 become tough and stringy. In order for them to be salable they must 

 be crisp, solid and not oversized. 



Eadishes are usually tied in bunches of about twelve and packed in 

 either half-barrel veneer hampers, as used for shipping lettuce, or in 

 ventilated barrels. The markets seem to be pretty equally divided as 

 to the preference of packages. On account of the perishable nature of 

 the plant, it is advisable in warm weather to put in two or three layers 

 of ice when packing. This tends to prevent decay and keeps the roots 

 fresh and crisp. 



