The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1895-07-23
FRUIT DRYER AND POTATO
HOUSE COMBINED.
CONTINUED FROM LAST WEEK I


furniture in the above room should be
removed and stored (Which may be
done under the roof, above the second
story and preparations made for the
reception of the potato crop. Before
removal it may, however, be better, as
a matter of experiment, to cure in the
trays at least a portion of your crop of
potatoes by plan that will be more
fully set forth ct the proper place.
The keeping of sweet potatoes ap-
pears to be but imperfec5ly understood,
Judging from the many failures
Judge Rufin, in an address at the
State Fair at Raleigh, a number of
years ago, advised that farmers write
out their experiments, the unsuccess-
full as we'll as the successful, Ipropose
to follow his advice, detail of. success
full experiments frequently being of
great advantage.
TIME FOR DIGGING.
II is generally admitted that pota-
toes should be dug soon after the vines
are well bitten by frost. But if the
weather Immediately thereafter turn
warm, 1 believe it would be better to
go over the patch and, with a sharp
knife, cut loose the vines from the po-
tatoes at or near the surface of the
ground. If the ends of tie potatoes
stick out of the ground, dirt should be
thrown on them with hoe. When
the weather turns sufficiently cool they
may be dug. In keeping potatoes, 1
regard it as much more difficult to pro
vide against heat than cold, the great
est danger being of injury from a warm
spell in the fall after they have been
dug and housed.
CURING THE POTATOES
In some cases potatoes have been re-
moved directly from the patch and
stored that did well, but it is consid,
cred best to at least partially cure them
before storing.
CURING WITH HEAT.
Curing potatoes with heat is a new
feature, and,sa far as known, originated
with the North Carolina Experiment
Station. Mr.. J. A Thomas, in a com
munication to your paper, published
May 14th last, says:
''I see in Bulletin No. 112 of the N.
@. Experiment Station, that sweet po-
totoes cured in tobacco barn would
keep much better than Cured in the
sun or air"
Nothing is said in the above as to the
degree of heat to be employed, nor the
time ne cessary for curing. I would,
however, suggest from 100 to 130 de-
grees, and two days and nights with
constant heat, as the proper time.
Those desirous Of trying the experiment
should carry the potatoes direct from
the patch to the trays, where they can
treat in accordance with their best
} judgment.
But as all may not construct the
} dry-house in time for use this season,
! will submit
ANOTHER PLAN FOR CURING.
After the potatoes are dug, spread
, some wheat straw, or other litter, on
the ground in the patch, and place the
potatoes thereon. Then cover with
straw SO as to keep them dry in case
of rain. Let them remain thus until
they go through a sweat and dry out,
when they will be ready for storing.
, STORING IN BOXES AND DRY SAND
: The sand may be dried as directed
! for placing between the walls. But a
better plan sEill is to construct a pile
t of dry wood and place the sand there
on, then fire the wood. When the sand
becomes perfectly cold it will be ready
for use.
C0nstructa a suitable number of boxes,
say feet long, 2 feet wide and is
inches deep. A box of this size will
hold about s bushels, and 12 boxes will
y probably be enough for sand purposes.
Before placing the potatoes, a plank
noor, properly supported and easily
- removed, should be constructed above
! the fle, and the flue and openings foI
l ventilation closed to exclude the cold
III First put layer of sand in box. ther
10 fill with potatoes, handling them care
s. fully Sd as not to skin nor bruise them
Is Then put some pieces across the box
put an empty box thereon and fill il
y the same way. A walkway from tn,
y door to the back end, 2 feet wide
Ill should be preserved.
9 Some cool morning, preferably
rs frosty morning, pour dry sand (be sur
rt that it is dry or heat may be gener
rs ated) into the boxes until every crevic
le Is well filed. In order to facilitate tn
llL Dourinp of the sand Il ruor1ld nrohahl,