442 FIELD CROPS FOR THE COTTON-BELT 



ing toward the top to shed water. Each stack is usually 

 capped with grass to protect the nuts. 



550. Picking. Peanuts should not be picked from 

 the vines until the pods have become dry and the peas 



FIG. 75. Laborer building a stack of peanut vines, showing method 

 used. Completed stacks in background. 



firm. A better grade of peanuts will be secured if picking 

 is deferred until late autumn. The greater part of the 

 crop is picked by hand. Machines are in use for picking 

 peanuts. They are profitable where the crop is grown 

 extensively. Most machines have a tendency to crack a 

 certain amount of the pods. 



The picked pods should not be exposed to dampness as 

 to do so discolors them and reduces their market value. 



