INDIAlVA HORTICULTUKAL SOCIETY. 645 



from Arkansas, large limes from Arizona, excellent apples from Indiana 

 and delicious oranges from California. This accounts largely for the 

 smiles and pleasant faces of the visitors in the Palace, as there are thou- 

 sands of specked apples, peaches, bananas and oranges given away 

 daily to them bj' the generous exhibitors. Two large wine companies 

 of New York State have grape juice "on tap," the revenue from which 

 doubtless largely reimburses them for the expense incurred at the build- 

 ing, as many of the visitors enjoy sampling the juice. 



Exhibits of fruits demonstrate the value and efflcacy of the present 

 cold storage system, which, as has been stated, has attained its high 

 character within the past few years. Through a long line of experiments 

 conducted by individuals, experimental stations, companies and the De- 

 partment of Agriculture, covering many years of work and study, the 

 present system has been pei'fected. So near has it become satisfactory 

 that the fruit men can and are relying on its efficiency. 



By this system the season of fruiting has been lengthened. Formerly 

 perishable fruits lasted from a few days to a fortnight. Now, with proper 

 care, the supply of such may be continued for weeks or months after 

 picking. 



This system avoids overstocking or glutting the market. It materially 

 lessens the danger of a reduction in price, as they can be marketed as the 

 demand may i-equire, which not only protects the grower, but the mer- 

 chant as well. The expense incurred in handling fruits either for fair 

 display or marketing is not exorbitant, in fact, such goods can be han- 

 dled and delivered without materially advancing tlie price to the con- 

 sumer. 



These exhibitions demonstrate the necessity of a proper selection of 

 fruits. They should be sufficiently ripe and of typical color. Over-ripe 

 specimens become mealy, scald more easily and "go down" or decay too 

 soon. Those that are unmatui-ed never color properly and lack much 

 of that characteristic flavor that is so much desired. When the speci- 

 mens are of good size, free from insect ravages, scale and scab, properly 

 matured and colored, they, during storage and after being placed on the 

 tables, properly ripen and color and maintain their good qualities. 



Some diversity of opinion exists relative to the time gathered fruits, 

 such as apples, pears, quinces and apricots, should be placed in the 

 packages for storage. Most men believe that but few days must elapse 

 between picking and storing. Some advocate a sufficient length of time 

 to permit such specimens to shoAv evidences of decay, that would not 

 otherwise keep well. The fruit is usually wrapped in two kinds of 

 paper and packed. The inner wrapper is a tissue or soft one, the other 

 an oiled or parchment paper. The name of the variety of fruit together 

 with the name of the grower and his address is placed inside the inner 

 wrapper. 



In nearly every case, when apples and pears were kept in barrels, 



