1920.] Winter Storage of Potatoes, &c. 



619 



such traffic must be distinctly consigned " For agricultural 

 use in the United Kingdom." 



The information given here is not intended to act as a sub- 

 stitute for inquiries at the railway station, but as an aid to 

 such inquiries. 



The proper storage of vegetables adds greatly to the value of 



an allotment or cottage garden. Cultivators should plant 



„ , TT . . varieties suitable for winter use and 

 The Winter , , , , , 

 Storage of choose for late summer sowing such crops 



_ . . , as beet, carrot and turnip, which will 



Potatoes and other .. ' . 1 a X7 



. . weather tiie winter in the ground. \ ege- 



8 " tables which cannot be left should be 



harvested in good time and laid up in the proper way and 

 during the right weather. Some should be stored dry, w 7 hile 

 others must be kept under such conditions as will check 

 growth and at the same time prevent loss of moisture. 



It is of the greatest importance to observe favourable con- 

 ditions for the storage of potatoes, which are liable to w r astage 

 from four principal causes: — 



1. Sweating and heating, due to insufficient ventilation: 



2. Rotting, due to wet: 



3. Injury from frost, due to insufficient protection: 



i. Decay, caused by disease existing in the tubers at the 

 time of storage. 



Potatoes also deteriorate through sprouting and are liable to 

 damage by rats and mice. 



Where large quantities of potatoes have to be stored, a 



clamp " or " grave must be made, but for small quantities 

 a cool, dry, frost-proof shed will be sufficient. In the shed the 

 potatoes are spread in layers on the floor, and may be placed on 

 a bed of straw or bracken. The layers of potatoes must not 

 be more than 2 J feet deep, lest heating and sprouting should 

 ensue. After storage, an inspection should be made and any 

 diseased specimens removed. The buildings should be rat- 

 and-mouse-proof. Due care should be taken to exclude light 

 by covering the potatoes with straw, litter or sacking, and the 

 store-room should be ventilated periodically. In the absence 

 of a suitable shed, quantities of less than one ton of potatoes 

 may be stored in a " clamp." For small quantities the 

 clamps should be in the shape of a cone built as high as 

 possible, and w r ell covered with as straight straw as can be 

 obtained. Moderate amounts for household use may be stored 

 in thick bags and kept in the larder. A sprinkling of quick- 



