442 THE MANGOLD- WURZEL CROP. 



down, so as to become as firm and compact as possible. 

 The sides thus formed admit of the escape of any moisture 

 or heated air from the interior of the heap, while, owing 

 to their construction, the non-conducting property of the 

 air they contain between their own particles is rendered 

 available in protecting the interior from the action of a 

 low temperature outside. It is desirable to use "wattled" 

 hurdles where they can be obtained for the sides common 

 Hake hurdles do equally well for the top. These should 

 be laid on the top of the heap, from the outer hurdles to 

 the ridge, to keep the thatch clear of the roots ; the thatch 

 should be about 4 to 6 inches thick, and be carried down 

 so as to drip clear of the sides. 



This method may appear to involve the use of a few 

 hurdles and a little more straw than the common mode of 

 storing on the ground, with merely a thatch or the addi- 

 tion of a layer of soil. Practically, however, it requires 

 no more per ton of roots covered ; besides which, the straw 

 is quite fit for litter purposes as the heap is opened and 

 consumed. However, the straw used is of little moment 

 compared with the success of the operation, and if the 

 method of storing now described secures those conditions 

 wdiich we know to be necessary for the preservation of 

 vegetable substances, a very small percentage of gain in 

 the condition of the heap will amply repay any extra out- 

 lay for . straw, hurdles, and labour that may have been 

 incurred. 



In growing mangolds for seed, the roots should be selected 

 at the time of lifting them. Symmetry of shape, both ot 

 root and head, should be considered of more importance 

 than extraordinary size, which may be due to exceptional 

 circumstances. The root should be well and equally deve- 

 loped, without forks or lateral roots, and the head should 

 be single, and rise from a narrow neck set on in the centre 

 of the crown of the root. The roots selected should not 



