306 I'he Sweet Potato 



pits of banks. The potatoes can be cured in the out- 

 door cellar, and it is easier to get them when wanted for 

 the table or for market. A good type of outdoor cellar 

 can be made as follows : Set a line of posts to form the 

 center supports and on these posts put a ridgepole. 

 Against the ridgepole place one end of planks, poles, or 

 slabs, with their opposite ends resting on the ground on 

 either side. The ends of the inclosure are boarded up, 

 a door being provided in one end. The structure is 

 covered with sod to a thickness of 5 or 6 inches. It is a 

 good plan to put a ventilator through the top and to 

 leave two or three openings in the sides near the ground. 

 Provision should be made to close all these openings 

 during cold or wet weather. By placing a small stove in 

 the storage cellar the potatoes can be cured in the way 

 that has been described for the storage 'house. The 

 potatoes are usually piled on a layer of straw, leaves, or 

 pine needles placed on the ground. A better method is 

 to build a slat floor a few inches from the ground and 

 pile the potatoes on the floor. This floor will allow the 

 circulation of air under the potatoes, which will aid in 

 curing them." 



