Raspberkies and Blaokbeebibs. 



199 



storms, than outside. The plan is open to the same objec- 

 tion regarding flies that was mentioned in the out door drying, how- 

 ever. It is advisable to have as much air passing through the house 

 as possible, hence the door and ventilators are left open. It would 

 seem, however, that by using screen doors and protecting the venti- 

 lators with netting, most of the flies might be excluded. 



Drying with Evaporators. — For a business of any considerable extent, 

 by far the best way of drying is by means of some good evaporator. 

 There are many different makes of these in market, most of which do 

 good work. The hot air machines were first introduced and are still very 

 largely in use. Later steam came to be used and many of the large 

 machines are now fitted for steam heating. These being newer are 



Drying berries in a forcing -house. 



naturally said to be superior, and if they can be operated in connection 

 with a plant where exhaust steam can be utilized, they undoubtedly 

 possess an advantage. One of the points of superiority is the less 

 liability to scorching with steam. From several years' experience with 

 a large hot air machine, however, I do not think this point has 

 much weight, for with any reasonable care no fruit is scorched by 

 either method. The temperature of the stack should run from 160 

 degrees to 180 degrees Fahrenheit. One very essential point in any 

 machine, whatever the make, is a strong draft of air through the stack. 

 The amount of vapor given off by a machine full of hot green fruit is 

 very great, and every possible facility is needed for carrying it away. 

 The difference in the amount of fruit which can be dried in a damp 

 cloudy day and in a bright clear day when the wind is in the northwest, 



