. Bulletin of the Department of Agriculture. Agriculture; Agriculture. 14 BULLETIN 797, U. S. DEPAETMENT OF AGRICULTURE. on the moisture present and the eifect of the sun on the bulbs. Some varieties, and young bulbs especially, burn in a few hours and conse- quently must not be left exposed for any length of time. In the Virginia fields the narcissus bulbs are plowed out, the 18- inch bed being split, one-half being turned each way. The furrow slice is then raked with a tined hoe, to pull out the bulbs. We are informed that since the war the Netherlands also has resorted to a 10-inch plo
. Bulletin of the Department of Agriculture. Agriculture; Agriculture. 14 BULLETIN 797, U. S. DEPAETMENT OF AGRICULTURE. on the moisture present and the eifect of the sun on the bulbs. Some varieties, and young bulbs especially, burn in a few hours and conse- quently must not be left exposed for any length of time. In the Virginia fields the narcissus bulbs are plowed out, the 18- inch bed being split, one-half being turned each way. The furrow slice is then raked with a tined hoe, to pull out the bulbs. We are informed that since the war the Netherlands also has resorted to a 10-inch plow for digging, as in planting. There is no doubt that narcissi, especially the larger sizes, can be successfully harvested by machinery. In the department's operations a potato digger was em- ployed one year, with rather poor success, though the writers do not feel satisfied that it received a thorough trial. The operation of planting unquestion- ably will have to be so adjusted as to per- mit digging by ma- chinery in comniercial operations. Various suggestions have been made, but thus far experience has approved no process of harvesting bulbs with machines. It is understood, of course, that the use of machinery in dig- ging will necessarily change the method of planting, and virtually the entire scheme of operation. Both stationary and tractor engines have been suggested for power and a potato digger and plow operated by horses have been tried, but thus far nothing has been definitely decided for or against any power method. STORING AND CURING. Bulbs are stored and cured in specially constructed houses arranged with a view of getting the maximum of ventilation. The buildings are usually large and roomy, with doors (preferably in part of glass) reaching from ceiling to floor and occupying half of their walls. The interior arrangement of these houses varies. Sometimes they are equipped with stationary shelves a foot or more apart and about 3 to 4 feet wide, extending from floor
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