Labor Problem of Harvestimg a Large Apple and Pear Crop. 91 



meetings, raise the question as to the best methods of quickly and 

 cheaply picking an apple and pear crop. 



Through the horticultural societies this question can be discussed, 

 and details worked out by the best business talent in the societies on 

 business lines that will appeal to the majority of the growers, so that 

 each may take advantage of the best System in the conduct of harvesting 

 a large apple and pear crop. 



To secure apple pickers, I quote the methods of a large apple grower 

 in West Virginia: "When he could estimate the number of pickers he 

 would require, he advertised in the local papers that pickers were 

 wanted, also sent hangers to all the local stores in his county that 

 pickers were wanted, and requested those who desired to pick to make 

 application. Three times the number required made application. In order 

 to hold the best of these applicants, certain rules and regulations were 

 adopted covering the conduct of the pickers. Some of the more hilarious 

 spirits obiected to the rules, and at once were discharged, and others 

 taken in their places. 



"This enforcement of discipline at the beginning had an excellent 

 effect. The pickers retained were divided into squads under competent 

 foremen. The pickers were responsible to the foreman, and each foreman 

 was responsible for the work of his squad to the manager. Each foreman 

 was furnished with written Instructions in regard to the picking, which 

 they were to follow. The pickers were paid for their work by the hour." 



That rules and regulations as to how apples should be picked, and a 

 strict enforcement of the same, are necessary, where a large number of 

 pickers are employed, is evident. It is useless to grow and mature a 

 large crop of apples and at gathering time have them carelessly picked 

 and bruised to lessen their value in shipping a long distance to market. 

 Nearly all apples and pears grown in the Northwest Pacific states have to 

 seek a market in the East, or in Europe, hence the greatest care in 

 gathering and packing to get to the long distant markets in the best of 

 condition must always be considered. 



