THE CULTURE OF THE POTATO. 51 



with them. They are best lifted as dry as possible, 

 and care taken to remove every tuber from the soil, 

 even the smallest, as if left in the ground these are 

 only a source of trouble the following season. 



Potatoes may be kept in boxes or barrels, or even 

 in sacks for a time, provided they can be stored in a 

 cool, dark place indoors where they will be safe from 

 frost. Failing facilities for thus storing potatoes, the 

 only alternative is to place them in a pit " pie " or 



y/////////// 



FIG. 6. Section of Potato Pit. 



1. Straw covering on potatoes. 



2. Soil. 



3. Wisps of straw for ventilation. 



4 and 5. Trenches from which soil covering has been taken. 



" clamp " out of doors. In pitting, remove a few 

 inches of soil and make a level, firm bottom for the 

 pit ; on this build up the potatoes to form either a 

 cone or a wedge-shaped ridge about 30 to 34 inches 

 broad at the base ; cover the potatoes evenly about 

 6 inches deep with clean, dry straw, and on the top 

 of this place 3 inches of soil, beating it fairly firm 

 with the spade. Leave a portion at the top without 

 soil for a time to provide ventilation, or introduce 

 wisps of straw for the purpose. (See Fig. 6.) 



