118 CELEET. 



the length of the Celery. Some loose earth is left 

 on the bottom of the trench, which it is always bet- 

 ter to make where there is a natural fall for the 

 water to run off, especially on clay ground. The 

 Celery is carried to the edge of the trench, and, be- 

 ginning at the upper or higher end, is placed in an 

 upright position, closely packed together, until the 

 whole trench is filled. As the weather grows colder 

 the earth is drawn from either side toward the Cel- 

 ery, and when the covering is entirely finished, it 

 looks like a single row of Celery banked up. 



The Celery-tops should be dry when packed away 

 in trenches, otherwise it may rot badly. The bleach- 

 ing process will be hastened by pressing some fine 

 earth in along side of the stalks at the time of stow- 

 ing the crop away. The tops are preserved by cov- 

 ering them with long manure, salt hay, or any other 

 litter, provided it is put on in sufiicient quantity. 



The boards recommended as a protection for the 

 young plants from the sun can be made use of for 

 this purpose ; they will be found serviceable. The 

 front of such a pit or trench can at all times be 

 opened with but little trouble, even in very cqld or 

 inclement weather. 



This is by far the best method for keeping Celery 

 during the Winter with which I am familiar, and 

 market-gardeners near New York have very gen- 

 erally adopted it. In case the bleaching goes on too 

 slowly in cold weather, it may be quickened by re- 

 moving the top covering and pouring a stream of 

 tepid water into the trench, to moisten the roots. 

 The hay, manure, or boards, should then be imme- 



