being tied. The tying is done with one-fourth-inch pink tape provided for this purpose, and the bunches are either wrapped separately in paper, or packed in crates that are lined with heavy paper. The crates hold 4 to 6 dozen for first grade, 7 to 9 dozen for second grade, and more than 9 dozen for culls. Throughout the process of cleaning and packing

the celery should be kept as cool as possible, and the water should be well drained from it before wrapping in paper or packing in boxes,

Sanitary Considerations in Marketing Celery.Very little attention has been given to the sanitary requirements of celery growing and marketing.

FIG. 53-DEVICE FOR BUNCHING CELERY

Thumb screws at right permit setting the box at any width for different sizes of celery. Tightening strap is provided for foot pressure. Spool of tape on revolving spindle is suspended overhead

Growers, shippers, and dealers all lose sight of the fact that the edible portion of celery is constantly exposed to the contaminating effects of dirty wagons, cars, and dusty markets. It is essential that celery should be washed in pure water in order that it may be free from disease germs. Any germ,

White Plume celery, washed, bunched, and wrapped in paper before being placed in crate. Note enormous size

such as that producing typhoid fever, which is usually present in impure water may be readily carried into the digestive system with the celery. The packing-house and its surroundings should be kept clean and all trimmings or other refuse removed before decomposition begins.

Keeping Celery Fresh While Exposed for Sale.Celery exposed on the market for sale loses its freshness rapidly, and to overcome this many of the growers who market locally supply their dealers with a device intended to keep the celery fresh.

--24

-24"

FIG. 55-DEVICE FOR DISPLAYING CELERY ON RETAIL MARKET

This device, which is illustrated in Fig. 55, consists of a shallow pan of galvanized iron together with a framework for holding the celery in an upright position. About an inch of water is kept in the bottom of the pan, which aids in keeping the celery in good condition until used. These holders can be of neat design, and if placed in a prominent part of the retail store they show the celery to the best advantage.

CHAPTER XIV

Varieties of Celery

CELERY is listed in the seed trade catalogues under 75 or 100 varietal names, many of which, however, are synonymous. Fully 85 per cent. of the commercial crop grown in this country is of the self-blanching type, particularly Golden Selfblanching and White Plume. The varieties that do not have the self-blanching character are perhaps a little more hardy and disease-resistant. The selfblanching character is a sort of albinism acquired by breeding and selection and has resulted, to a limited degree at least, in the constitutional weakening of the plant. The self-blanching tendency is of so great advantage in a commercial variety that the growers are willing to sacrifice a part of the hardiness in order to secure a plant that will blanch readily.

Self-blanching Varieties.-White Plume is a rapid growing variety; height 20 to 24 inches; stems long, slender, broadened at base; foliage light green, spreading; inner stems and leaves pale green or white; blanches easily; ready for market early.

Golden Self-blanching.-Rather slow growing at first; somewhat dwarf, 14 to 20 inches in height; stems short, thick, and golden yellow color, easily blanching to a rich creamy white; foliage abundant,