to break. By placing something on the under side 

 for it to rest upon prevents them from breaking. 



Under no circumstances shake the dirt out. It 

 is better that it should adhere to the tubers if it 

 will; it helps to keep the tubers from drying out 

 during the winter and acts as a brace to them in the 

 handling. Let them dry off for a day or so, then 

 store away in the basement for the winter with a 

 covering of dry dirt. 



In sections that are frostless and have no freezing 

 weather, the treatment is altogether different. Let 

 the tops die down as much as possible if you can 

 before taking them up. Cut them back to within 

 ten inches of the ground. As the stalks are hollow, 

 this leaves an opening into which the water from 

 the winter rains can readily run down to the base of 

 the inside of the stalk, and unless it can very readily 

 seep out will rot the base of the stalk where the 

 buds are located, causing much damage and often 

 times the loss of the entire clump. Tie a thick piece 

 of paper or anything that will turn the water, over 

 these openings. 



Take them up in the manner already described, 

 leaving all the dirt on that will adhere to them, 

 select a shady place under a tree, shrub or anywhere 

 out of the way, just so it is cool and shady. Care- 

 fully place them in such a manner that you can work 

 fine dirt in and all around them, no farther up 

 around the stalks than to cover the tubers nicely. 

 The winter rains will not do any harm but will be 

 a benefit. It is highly important that there be no 

 vacant places left in and around the clumps as it 

 makes a harboring place for injurious insects and 

 may cause fungus growth to appear on the tubers 



17 



