Y6 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS 



MARKETING VEGETABLES. 



Capt. E. HoLLiSTER (of Alton) sends the Secretary the following 

 paper, which was received too late to be read at the meeting : 



From the want of proper care and skill in the preparation and pack- 

 ing of vegetables for market, comes much of the loss and unsatisfactory 

 returns. I may say, nearly all the poor returns may be attributed to this 

 cause alone. The producers or dealers in most branches of industry have 

 their regular established rules ; the object being to offer to the consumer 

 such product in its best condition, and thus to sell it readily. Perishable 

 articles, especially, require this attention, both as to quality and condi- 

 tion ; and by sad experience has this truth been forced into practice. The 

 shippers of game, poultry, eggs, butter, etc., all have their favorite modes 

 of handling, packing, package, etc., as experience has determined. No 

 one will doubt, then, that such perishable produce as vegetables, such 

 as the market gardeners handle, and most early in the season, reaching 

 into summer, must have proper care to insure its preservation in good 

 condition. 



To particularize, let us begin with the earliest, and mostly grown 

 under glass, such as lettuce and radishes. While the season remains cool, 

 and at the first, such may be taken from the soil at any time during the 

 day j but later in the season, such and all other vegetables should be 

 taken at such time as the heat from the sun shall not have caused the 

 leaves to wilt — early in the morning proving the best time. 



The remarks which I make are intended chiefly for the market gar- 

 dener's shipments. 



First, the heads of lettuce or bunches of radishes should be uniform 

 in size, each package containing the same amount. Very early in the 

 season these packages should be close, to prevent any freezing; when 

 danger from frost is past, they should be open for ventilation, to prevent 

 heating or fermentation. 



A basket or crate holding one and a half to two bushels is conven- 

 ient and economical. In larger packages, unless the distance is short, the 

 bulk is too great, heats more easily, is liable to rougher handling, and its 

 own weight will cause it to shrink until it becomes loose, and then it 

 bruises and breaks easily. For long distances, much smaller packages 

 even than the first named are desirable. 



The vegetables, having been cleansed with water slightly warm, 

 assorted, and those needing it neatly and systematically bunched, are to 

 be thoroughly drained of the water, yet not dried so as to wilt. 



The crate should be packed regularly, with moderate pressure of the 

 hand to keep it firm, and the crate filled above the level, so that in put- 

 ting on the cover a slight pressure will be necessary, and when completed 

 it will stand a moderate degree of rough usage and yet remain full. Such 

 packages, when open, will present an inviting appearance, be in good 



