BEET. 53 



frosted, as in that case they would be very liable to rot. 

 Twist the tops off by hand, and no further preparation is 

 necessary to fit them for market, as beets sold in bulk are 

 never washed. They may be marketed in bulk at any 

 time during ^the summer when the leaves begin to 

 dry away, and from thence until the following May. 

 Stored beets, especially towards spring, will start to 

 grow, hence, when they are then marketed, the sprouts 

 must be removed, and at the same stroke of the hand 

 remove all fibrous roots, which will add much to their 

 appearance. 



Gathering and Storing. This process is the same 

 whether intended for market or for seed, except, in the 

 latter case, instead of wringing off the tops they must be 

 cut with a knife, being careful to avoid destroying the 

 heart or center germ, as it is this which produces the main 

 stalk and best seed. Particular care should also be exer- 

 cised lest they become in the least frosted, for they must 

 be kept quite late in spring, before setting them out. 

 Whether intended for market or for seed, select a dry 

 day, pull the beets, laying them in rows, and cut or wring 

 off the tops, as the case may require. 



Handle carefully, and put them away as directed in the 

 chapter on " Storing for Winter," except such as may be 

 required for fall sales, which may be placed in heaps on 

 the surface of the ground, and temporarily covered with 

 leaves and earth. 



Seed, Great pains should be taken in selecting to re- 

 serve only such as possess the peculiar marks which dis- 

 tinguish the variety. The foliage of beets will assist in a 

 great measure to make selections, hence it is well to go 

 over the bed, and remove all that show any signs of im- 

 purity, before the main crop is pulled. To assist in mak- 

 ing this selection, I have described the foliage of the lead- 

 ing varieties. Having pulled and topped the roots as 

 above directed, make the selection for seed before they are 



