TREATMENT OF POTATOES. 213 



the practice of cutting up at the ground and stocking, 

 prevails. This is done after the kernel has become glazed, 

 yielding but little juice when broken open, and when the 

 leaves have begun to turn, but are still green. This 

 practice saves labor, and adds to the quantity of fodder, 

 and preserves its nutritive qualities better. 



747. Potatoes should usually be dug in October. They 

 may be thrown out by a furrow of the common plough, 

 or with the spade or hoe, but the eight-pronged manure 

 fork is better than either. They are liable to be injured 

 by lying in the sun after they are dug, and if exposed to 

 its direct rays are apt to lose their mealiness. But if kept 

 in the shade until they are put into the cellar, they 

 continue mealy much longer. 



748. If the tuber of the potato while growing is exposed 

 to the light and air by lying near or on the surface, it 

 becomes disagreeable to the taste, green and waxy, and 

 sometimes even poisonous, and when cooked will be found 

 to be soggy. The effect produced on potatoes lying in the 

 sun after digging is a little like this, though much less in 

 degree, perhaps, on account of the shorter time they arc 

 exposed. But seed potatoes may be exposed to the sun 

 before planting with great benefit. 



749. The harvesting of turnips should be commenced 

 in the early part of November. The Swede or ruta-baga, 

 may be lifted out of the ground, the tops cut and the roots 

 stored in a cool, airy cellar. The tap-root may be cut 

 off to prevent sprouting in the cellar. 



750. Carrots may remain in the ground till the late 

 hard frosts, or till the early part of November. They 

 may first be topped in the ground by running a sharp 

 hoe or knife, (Fig. 40,) along the rows, and then may be 

 raised with the common hand-fork, or a deep furrow may 



