96 AFTER CULTURE. 



quiescent state, they are more easily injured by the dryr jss of th 

 atmosphere into whicji they are to be removed, and which it is neces- 

 sary they should be able to bear without' shrivelling; as in a moist 

 atmosphere they are apt to become mildewed and mouldy ; therefore, 

 it is best about the end of September to cover the stems and some 

 distance round with earth and littery dung, about six inches thick, so 

 as to protect the crown of the tuber from injury by the early frosts ; 

 and allow them to remain in the ground till November, when they 

 must be taken up and spread singly in a dry open shed for a few days, 

 not allowing the sun to shine upon them, and turned occasionally 

 during this period, so that they may be dried gradually ; as, if dried 

 too quickly, they shrivel, or too slowly, they become rotten. 



When sufficiently dry, clear away the earth from them, and place 

 them in a dry under-ground cellar, where the frost is not likely to 

 reach them ; and these should be examined throughout the winter 

 from time to time, and if there be the least symptom of damp upon 

 the tubers, they should be carefully wiped with a dry cloth, and 

 receive almost daily attention. Should you not have the convenience 

 of such a cellar, you must store them in a pit in the garden, which 

 must be prepared in a dry spot, and be of sufficient capacity to hold 

 all your tubers. Having dug the pit, cover the bottom with dry 

 ashes, then pile the roots thereon, tier upon tier, so as to form a ridge ; 

 then cover them with plenty of straw, and form a ridga of earth over 

 them of the thickness of twelve or fourteen inches. 



