THE VEGETABLE GARDEN 355 



weight will be greater if the temperature of the house is carried too 

 high. If the potatoes are not mature when dug from the field the loss 

 from shrinkage may be as much as 15 per cent, and immature stock 

 should be marketed early in the winter. 



Marketing During Winter Months. "For marketing from out- 

 side pits it is desirable to have the quantity stored in one pit small 

 enough to permit of all being removed at one time. The potatoes 

 may be removed from outdoor cellars as desired. In marketing from 

 heated storage nouses the potatoes should not be disturbed until they 

 are barreled or crated, and then they should be placed directly upon 

 the market and sold without delay. When snipping during cold 

 weather the barrels should at least be lined with paper, and a covering 

 of heavy brown paper over the outside of the barrels will form a safe- 

 guard. If the potatoes are shipped in carload lots during the winter 

 the cars should be either of the regular refrigerator type or felt lined. 



Varieties. Of the large number of varieties of the sweet potato 

 there are not more than ten that are now of great commercial impor- 

 tance in the United States. For the markets that require a dry, 

 mealy-fleshed potato those varieties belonging to the Jersey group are 

 suitable. For the southern trade and where a moist-fleshed potato is 

 desired those commonly designated as yams are in demand. Among 

 the Jerseys that are extensively grown are the Big-Stem Jersey, the 

 Yellow Jersey and the Red Jersey. The principal varieties of the 

 yam group are the Southern Queen, the Pumpkin Yam, the Georgia, 

 the Florida, and the Red Bermuda. Of the varieties mentioned there 

 are a large number of special strains, known under many local names. 

 In the selection of varieties for home use one must be governed 

 largely by locality. As a rule those of the Jersey group will thrive 

 farther north than those of the so-called yam types. For market 

 purposes the particular variety or strain grown in the vicinity should 

 first be selected, and afterward other varieties may be experimented 

 with in a small way. (F. B. 255, 295, 324; Tuskegee E. S. 2, 10, 17; 

 Ariz. E. S. 86; N. Mex. E. S. 70; S. Car. E. S. 5, 136; S. Dak. 

 E. S. 91.) 



SWISS CHARD. 



The part eaten is not the root, but the midrib of the leaf which is 

 prepared much the same as asparagus. The flavor is distinct from 

 that of the ordinary beet root. Give the same culture as required for 

 beets. The soil should be richer. In the fall cover with straw. This 

 will aid an early growth and help blanch the stems. This is a very 

 valuable plant and should be cultivated more extensively. 



THYME. 



The leaves are used for seasoning, and a tea is also made there- 

 from for nervous headache. 



TOMATOES. 



Because of the tropical origin of the tomato it requires a long 

 season for its growth and development, and on this account it is 

 necessary in the Northern States, in order to secure paying crops, to 

 resort to methods which lengthen the growing season. It is much 

 easier for the gardener to accomplish this while the plant is small 



