SWEET POTATOES 429 



in large bins in buildings which are partly or entirely aboveground. 

 Some growers, however, use banked buildings or cellars with good 

 results. The bins should be so arranged that there is a distance of 

 from 15 to 1 8 inches between the slats forming the sides of the 

 bin and the outside wall of the building. The outside wall should 

 be made as nearly frost proof as possible. The construction some- 

 times employed for the walls is that of the ice house at the North. 

 Any precaution of this kind tends to lessen the danger of loss and 

 the necessity for artificial heating. When the building is made of 



FIG. 164. Harvesting sweet potatoes 



matched or batten lumber with paper inside, it is customary to use 

 a heater of some kind to maintain an even temperature. During 

 the time the potatoes are being carried from the field to the storage 

 house it is the custom to keep the interior at a high temperature 

 so as to drive as much moisture as possible out of the potatoes. If 

 the house can be held at from 85 to 90 F. at this period it is 

 considered very desirable. After the lapse of ten days or two weeks 

 the temperature is gradually lowered to about 55 F. If prop- 

 perly treated, sweet potatoes can be held from the harvest in 

 October until it is time to dispose of them in the market or until 

 bedding time in April. 



