Duggar on Storage Pits 



229 



and thus engender decay. An investigation by Duggar* 

 into the causes of the rotting of celery in storage showed 

 that the disease is associated largely with poor and 

 damp houses. His remarks on this phase of the sub- 

 ject will apply to field cellars in general, and they are 

 therefore copied here. 



After describing the old-fashioned, sod-covered, post- supported 

 house, as shown in Fig. 55, Duggar proceeds : ^^The greatest difS.- 

 culty with these houses is that they rot down rapidly, and they may- 

 give some trouble with moisture. They are inexpensive, however. 

 It may be suggested that 

 in constructing root houses 

 or storage houses of any 

 kind the fundamental prin- 

 ciples involved relative to 

 the purpose of the struc- 

 ture should be constantly 

 considered. To continue 

 its vitality, succulence and 

 crispness, celery must con- 

 tinue in the storage house 

 a very slow growth — a 



Fig. 57. Interior of a model storage pit. 



growth sufficient to establish the roots in the soil and to complete 

 the development of the inner leaves. Thorough freezing is fatal, 

 but the lowest temperature at which freezing will not take place is 

 most desirable. Not only does this temperature hold the plant in 

 the desired condition of greatly suspended activities, but it renders 

 next to impossible the growth of injurious fungi, which would 

 speedily wilt and rot it. In order, then, to approach the tempera- 

 ture sought, the house should be so snugly constructed as to pro- 

 vide against freezing. Again, it should be so provided with ven- 

 tilating appliances that at any time advantage might be taken of 

 any cold intervals to rapidly and effectually chill the house, after 

 which it might be securely closed for a warmer period ; and with 



*BuU. 132, ComeUExp. Sta. 



