VEGETABLE GABDENING 55 



on gas pipe. Use about six tacks to each cylin- 

 der. 



Next have your tinner make an "Enf older" of 

 light, galvanized sheet iron, No. 29, as follows : 



Bend two strips of sheet-iron in form of half 

 cylinders, so that when placed with concave "sides 

 towards each other they will form a complete cylin- 

 der. The proper size of strips is five and one 

 quarter inches wide, and eighteen inches long. 

 These will form a tube in two parts, three and one- 

 half inches in diameter. Attach light hinges by 

 riveting them inside of the half tubes, in such way 

 that the two halves can be easily opened or closed. 



For use, gather the leaves and stems of the 

 celery in left hand, then with open cylinder in 

 right hand, press the open face close against the 

 plant, and as it is closed encircle the plant. Now 

 drop the blanching tube over enfolding cylinder 

 and all, and then withdraw the enfolding cylinder 

 and the plant is snugly placed within the blanch- 

 ing cylinder. 



It is easily and quickly done. 



The blanching will usually require about eight 

 to twelve days, when the celery is ready for the 

 table, or it may be allowed to remain in the tubes 

 until wanted. 



If weather is hot when blanching, place muslin 

 screens, supported by stakes, about three feet 

 above the ground, where blanchers are being used ; 

 otherwise sometimes there will be sun-scald. 



After putting on blanching tubes, water only by 

 allowing the nozzle of hose to lie on the ground. 

 Do not spray over the celery while in tubes, though 

 rain will do no harm. 



