Markets and Marketing. 175 



quantities of fruit in a very limited time. Another idea in advance of this 

 plan is found in the use of the refrigerator car; as in the former case, you 

 have the handling of your own fruit to load, and can see that each jiackage is 

 stowed right side up. I trust some discussion will be brought out at our 

 meeting on this subject, by those practically acquainted with all the require- 

 ments. 



The peach crop is one of large importance to the rapily growing North 

 and Northwest, to which we are to look for our markets — for, with good No. 1 

 fruit, honestly packed, our markets have not been over-supplied for some 

 years. In this direction there is rooni at the top of the horticultural ladder. 

 The varieties one should grow must be determined by the locality, and the 

 markets to supply. 



In the Southern part of Illinois, Alton district, for a continuous supply 

 from the earliest to the end of the season begin with Alexander, Beatrice, 

 Hale (very limited number), Mountain Rose, Eeeve's Favorite, Crawford's 

 Late, Old Mixon Free, Stump, White Heath Cling (limited). Smock, Bileyus' 

 October. 



For long shipments by rail the one-third bushel box seems best adapted, 

 protecting the fruit from pillage and from being bruised. When the load- 

 ing in cars can be controlled, I jjrefer a box with six laths to cover; the heads 

 used for this box are five by eight inches; then, instead of one lath to cover 

 of say seven and a half inches use two of three inches, leaving a space be- 

 tween for show and ventilation; when the loading has to be done by the 

 average expressman, make your box nearly tight, and as strong as wood and 

 iron will do it. Peaches were sent in car-lots, in good condition in peck 

 baskets, a trip of thirty-six hours, into Minnesota, while in smaller lots, by 

 usual express, and shorter distance, they invariably arrived in bad order, 

 though specially packed for such shipment. 



The best condition of the fruit for shipment is only acquired by practice. 

 As a rule, much of it is packed too green and hard. When such is the case 

 it will not ripen, but rots very quickly. A fully matured peach, not soft, is in 

 the best condition for transit, and should be uniform in size, as nearly as pos- 

 sible. Never wedge in the little ones to make them tight in the box, rather 

 leave the space for ventilation: yet the boxes must be filled, and when nailed 

 up, so firmly packed as not to shake in the box. When loading into the car, 

 have strips of boards or lath placed between each layer, and see that the car 

 has proper ventilation. For short distances, by rail, the peck peach basket is 

 a favorite, and good fruit ahyays sells to advantage thus packed. The peaches 

 may be riper for such markets and go safely in such packages, provided the 

 baskets are full and rounded up, then covered with tarleton, which some- 

 times is thought to heighten the color of the peach; this to be securely sewed 

 to the basket, then over all a cover or cross tops to prevent bruising when 

 iiandled. 



Time will not permit, or I should enumerate all fruits and vegetables, the 

 nianner of packing, etc. I will mention the grape as one very likely to be 



