to one of the lower corners of the sack. An iron ring is attached 

 to tlie month to which is snapped tlie strap. Tlie sack is suspended 

 from the picker's shoulder ])y means of the strap. This sort of 

 device allows the picker to use both hands. Having the sack 

 easily detachable the picker can gently empty the contents into the 

 barrel without injury to the fruit. Early apples and all soft fruits, 

 such as pears, plums and peaches, should be picked in baskets and 

 taken directly to the packing room for sorting. 



Grading is ahsolutehj essential. — The grain merchant cannot 

 afford to place ungraded wheat on the market ; neither can the fruit 

 grower afford to mix Xo. 2 with ]N"o. 1 apples in the same package. 

 It does not pay the fruit grower to place on the market mixed 

 grades of apples. Whether he is shipping apples or strawberries, 

 the same principle applies. The price is fixed by the smallest fruit 

 in the package rather than by the largest. An even grade, whether 

 of small, medium or large size, is more attractive to the purchaser 

 than one containing many sizes. The grading of the fruit is an 

 important- piece of work. Very few persons can do it satisfactorily. 

 It is not mechanical work, but work that requires quick judgment, a 

 keen eye and a conscience. Fruit can best be graded in the packing 

 house. This is particularly true of the tender types of fruits. In 

 apple orchards where the yield is heavy the work may be done on 

 movable grading tables in the orchard. Some packers pour tlie 

 picked apples on the ground and sort from thence directly into the 

 barrels. The best w^ork can 1)6 done where the best facilities are 

 offered. Make-shift methods usually result in unsatisfactory and 

 uncertain grades. A tempting display of produce attracts buyers 

 and develops a market. The market is best maintained by practicing 

 strictly honest methods. Fruit in the center of the package should 

 be as good as that on the surface. 



The Ijest goods are done up in miiall packages. — The purchaser is 

 usually willing to pay for an attractive package and the selling 

 qualities of the fruit are greatly increased thereby. As a general 

 principle, the finer the quality of fruit the smaller should be the 

 package. Staple articles and standard varieties are shipped in bulk, 

 but " fine goods are done up in small packages." The barrel is the 



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