GROWING CROPS FOR SUCCULENCE 73 



the least carelessness here represents some loss in 

 winter. In doing effective packing, keep the outer 

 edges a little higher than the center, but keep 

 tramping and packing all the time. This will force 

 the air out as the rilling process goes on. 



PRESERVING ROOT CROPS IN PITS 



Many, in their desire to have roots safely stored 

 for winter, overdo the matter. They like to make 

 as short a job of it as possible, and as soon as the 

 crop can be dug, the roots are placed in a heap, 

 covered with straw and then enough earth is put 

 on them to prevent freezing in the severest winter 

 weather. This is a great mistake, and many pits 

 are lost because of this overprotection. It is very 

 desirable to avoid storing large quantities of roots 

 in the cellars of dwelling houses. Consequently, 

 where no separate storage place is available, pitting 

 outside is the best plan. 



Gather the roots after they have been dug and 

 sufficient time has elapsed to allow them to dry off. 

 Place in oblong heaps in a high spot in the field so 

 that good drainage is possible, cover with straw 

 and a few inches of earth so that moderate frost 

 and the slight freeze of early winter will not injure 

 the roots, and dig a trench around the base of the pit 

 so that water will not stand. Where the water rises 

 near the surface during the wet period, it is best 

 to place the roots on the top of the ground, as sug- 

 gested above. However, if there is good drainage 

 there is no reason why an excavation cannot be 

 made 6 feet wide and about a foot deep, and as long 

 as necessary. Begin by carefully stacking the roots, 

 filling the first 2 feet of the trench. This will form 



