CELERY. 63 



put above this point the celery is apt to 

 decay at the heart, as the loss of full half 

 a crop has often taught to its cultivators. 

 Before banking, the soil between the rows 

 should either be cultivated or hand-hoed, 

 to destroy any weeds that may be grow- 

 ing. This should only be done on a clear 

 day, for otherwise the soil is apt to be too 

 damp, and if any of it comes in contact 

 with the heart will produce decay. This 

 decay commences at the heart leaves, and 

 may be known by their appearing as if 

 dipped in dirty water. From the leaves it 

 extends downward as far as the root, and 

 the loss of the whole plant ensues. 



The second banking is done when the 

 heart has grown up even with the outside 

 leaves, and should then be done so that 

 the whole plant is banked to a height of 



