164 On the Composition and Nutritive Properties of Swedes, 
It is well known that roots which are quite immature do not 
keep for any length of time ; and over-ripe roots also enter readily 
into decomposition when kept in heaps for a short period. 
Swedes intended to be kept during the winter, therefore, 
should not be pulled up when they are still in an actively growing 
state, nor should the drawing of the crop from the land be 
delayed until the roots have become over-ripe. In both cases 
the roots, when put up into heaps, are sure to become rotten in a 
short time. 
Probably the best period of pulling a crop of swedes and 
stacking the topped bulbs is when active growth has ceased, 
when the tops for the greater part have withered away, and when 
the bulbous roots have not yet arrived at full maturity. If the 
roots are intended to be kept until March or April, they should 
be pulled when rather under-ripe, but not too immature, topped 
and then clamped. Late-sown swedes, in mild winters, are 
better left growing in the field, for they may be moulded up 
to guard them against frost, or they may be pulled up and, 
without taking off the tops, thrown into an open shallow trench 
and loosely covered with soil. The question which naturally 
suggests itself is, Which is the best plan of preserving or in- 
creasing the nutritive qualities of roots ? 
At my request, my friend and former pupil, Mr. James W. 
Kimber, of Tubney Warren, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, some years 
ago kindly assisted me in carrying out some experiments for 
testing the keeping qualities of swedes, treated during winter in 
different ways. 
Experiments on Keeping Swedes in various Ways 
through Winter. 
The swedes on which the following experiments were tried f 
were planted late in June, and escaped the mildew which 
attacked the earlier sown crops. They were in a growing state 
up to the 19th of November, when a severe frost set in for 
a few days. Mild weather again ensued, and after allowing 
several days for the plants to recover themselves, Mr. Kimber 
sent me, on the 30th November, 6 average bulbs for analysis. 
1. On the same day, two heaps of 6 cwts. each of swedes, 
topped and cleaned in the ordinary way, were covered with 
earth on the top of a light coating of straw. 
2. Another quantity of swedes was pulled, and, with the tops 
left on, was thrown into a shallow trench and covered with earth. 
3. A number of roots were moulded up as they stood in the field. 
4. Another quantity was left standing untouched. 
Mr. Kimber selected for trial a field of young swedes sown late 
