148 THE POTATO 



with soil, beginning at the bottom and piling it toward 

 the apex; 2 or 3 inches thick will be sufficient near 

 the top with the straw, and 6 or 7 inches at the base. 

 Finish the surface off by patting it with the spade so 



FIG. 46 — STORING POTATOES IN PITS 

 Useful in climates where the winter is not severe. 



that it will turn rain. Dig a channel all around the 

 pile, using this soil for the covering. The bottom of 

 this channel should be below the floor of the pile, and 

 have an outlet to let off water, thus insuring a dry bot- 

 tom for the pile. Leave the ridge of the pile open to 

 permit the moisture to escape when the potatoes 

 " sweat." If it is desired to hold the potatoes in these 



