FRUIT STORAGE II9 



has recently made public his observations of this form 

 of storage in the comparatively new country cf Okla- 

 homa.* His descriptions and notes are of so much 

 general interest, that I will copy them here : 



"Storing potatoes, sweet potatoes, turnips, and beets in 

 pits over winter is practiced in Oklahoma and the surround- 

 ing states to a considerable extent and with widely varying 

 degrees of success. Some men keep their root crops over 

 winter in pits, with a. loss of not more than one per cent, 

 while others lose their entire crop. There are many condi- 

 tions that will contribute to the loss, and sometimes it is quite 

 difficult to meet all the conditions required for successful 

 storage in pits. 



" The condition of the crop to be stored is of prime impor- 

 tance. It should be matured, free from decay, cuts, bruises, 

 sun-scald, and the effects of frost. Sweet potatoes are very 

 susceptible to the effects of frost and other injuries. Potatoes 

 should be carefully sorted before they are placed in the pits 

 for winter. All tubers that are not in good condition should 

 be thrown out. It is best to place the crop in storage as soon 

 as dug. The best results are had when the potatoes are kept 

 a little moist and not allowed to dry in the open air. 



"The conditions for storage required by any crop are 

 about the same, whether these conditions be furnished by 

 cellars, storerooms, or pits. The material used in the con- 

 struction of pits, however, is of a very different character from 

 that used in other storerooms, and is more dependent on its 

 character and surroundings for its utility. The pits should be 

 so located that they will be partially or entirely shaded from 

 the sun. This is almost necessary to maintain a low, even 

 temperature. The best position is among trees or on the 

 north side of a building. Excessive moisture can be avoided 

 by giving good drainage. Sloping land with an open subsoil 

 is the best, but any kind of soil is good if it is well drained 

 so the water will not seep into the pit. If a desirable location 



» Country Gentleman, 66 : 276. 1901. 



