96 AFTER CULTURE. 
quiescent state, they are more easily injured by the dryr „*,ss of tha 
atmosphere into which they are to be removed, and which it is neces¬ 
sary they should be able to bear without shrivelling; as in a moist 
atmosphere they are apt to become mildewed and mouldy; therefore, 
it is best about the end of September to cover the stems and some 
distance round with earth and littery dung, about six inches thick, so 
as to protect the crown of the tuber from injury by the early frosts; 
and allow them to remain in the ground till November, when they 
must be taken up and spread singly in a dry open shed for a few days, 
not allowing the sun to shine upon them, and turned occasionally 
during this period, so that they may be dried gradually; as, if dried 
too quickly, they shrivel, or too slowly, they become rotten. 
When sufficiently dry, clear away the earth from them, and place 
them in a dry under-ground cellar, where the frost is not likely to 
reach them; and these should be examined throughout the winter 
from time to time, and if there be the least symptom of damp upon 
the tubers, they should be carefully wiped with a dry cloth, and 
receive almost daily attention. Should you not have the convenience 
of such a cellar, you must store them in a pit in the garden, which 
must be prepared in a dry spot, and be of sufficient capacity to hold 
all your tubers. Having dug the pit, cover the bottom with dry 
ashes, then pile the roots thereon, tier upon tier, so as to form a ridge; 
then cover them with plenty of straw, and form a ridge of earth over 
them of the thickness of twelve or fourteen inches. 
