

SQUASHES 419 



to provide slatted racks arranged one above the other, on which 

 a single layer of squashes can be placed, as shown in figure 156. 

 The racks should not be attached to the outside wall but should 

 be built so that there will be a narrow passage between them and 

 the outside wall. A convenient width for the racks which have a 

 passageway on each side is from 5 to 6 feet ; those which have 

 a passageway on one side only should not be over 3^- feet wide. 

 The slats can be made of I X 3 inch material placed 2 or 3 inches 

 apart. As the squashes are brought from the field they are care- 

 fully laid on these slats. As soon as one tier of racks is filled, the 

 one next above is loaded, and 

 so on until the house is filled. 



Squashes intended for stor- 

 age should be allowed to lie in 

 the field as long as possible, 

 but should not be exposed to 

 severe frosts or freezing. At 

 harvest time the fruits should FlG> I5?> Summer croo kneck 



be carefully removed from the 



vines with the stems attached and placed in wagons on straw or 

 leaves. If the wagons have springs, so much the better. The 

 most careful handling possible should characterize every operation 

 connected with the storage of the squash. The ventilation of the 

 storage house should be adjusted to maintain a temperature of from 

 40 to 45 F. To meet the severe conditions of midwinter, the house 

 should be provided with artificial heat in addition to tight-fitting 

 ventilators, so that the temperature of the building will never fall be- 

 low 38 F. A moist, close atmosphere is detrimental to the fruits. 



Marketing. The summer squash is usually marketed in baskets 

 similar to those used in the shipment of lettuce. Tall baskets hold- 

 ing about a half barrel and made like the Delaware peach basket 

 are the common receptacles. The pie pumpkin, or Canada Crook- 

 neck squash, is chiefly a fruit for local consumption and is seldom 

 transported long distances. The winter squash of the maxima type, 

 represented by the Hubbard, Boston Marrow, etc., is, however, 

 a commodity which will bear and justify long-distance shipments. 

 These squashes are usually packed in ventilated barrels covered 

 with burlap. 



