32 



THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



HARVESTING. 



The time of harvesting is influenced by weather conditions and the kind of 

 potatoes grown. Potatoes, except those for the early market, should be left in the 

 ground until the tops are (thoroughly dead, if possible. Where potatoes are to be 

 saved for seed it may be profitable to dig when potatoes are slightly immature. The 

 weather should be dry and cool at harvesting-time. 



There are three methods of harvesting: (1) Hand-digging; (2) potato or common 

 plough; (3) potato-diggers (Fig. 25). 



iHand^d'igging is used in small areas, in early potatoes, and in rough land. A 

 four-tined potato-fork, an ordinary six-tined fork, or a six-tined fork with tines bent 

 half-way are best. The person digging usually takes two rows at a time, and throws 

 the potatoes together in the space between the two rows. Care should be taken in 

 order to bruise as few potatoes as possible. 



Fig. 25. Potato-digger in operation (courtesy of Ironage Canadian Machinery Company). 



Digging by ploughs is not to be recommended, as this cuts or injures many of 

 the tubers, and many potatoes are covered up with soil. Where a large area is to 

 be dug a machine-dagger is essential. There are several types of machine-diggers on 

 the market. The one commonly used in this country has a steel nose which runs 

 under the row and lifts potatoes and soil over a carrier-chain, which separates 

 tubers from the soil (Fig. 26). Another type of digger less commonly used has a 

 revolving frame with forks which dig into the ground at right angles to the row 

 (Fig. 27). Potatoes and soil are thrown on top of the ground. 



Potatoes should not be left on the ground overnight, for fear of frost or rain. 



If potatoes are affected with late blight it is advisable to leave them on the 

 ground as long as possible, because the diseased tubers will show signs of rot before 

 they have to be taken up on account of frost, and they need not be picked up at all. 

 The healthy tubers should be put in a cool, well-ventilated cellar. 



