74 NEBRASKA STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY 



The Chairman: If there is no objection we will call for Mr. 

 Merril's paper "Packing and Grading Apples" at this time, as he 

 would like to be at the judging of the fruit at the auditorium this 

 ulternoon. I wish at this time to call to the attention of the members, 

 tliat we should have a committee on resolutions. The chair will 

 entertain a motion for a committee on resolutions. Some of our 

 older members have passed away and we oho u Id give them notice 

 any way. 



Mr. Williams: I move that the chair appoint such a committee 

 on resolutions. Seconded. Carried. 



Committee appointed as follows: Mr. Williams, Mr. Yager, and 

 Mr. Henderson. 



PACKING AXD GRADING APPLES. 



By Prof. F. S. Merril, Manliattan, Kansas. 



The subject of packing and grading apples is one that should 

 demand the interest and attention of nearly every fruit grower in 

 the Middle West. 



Through the activities of the State Experiment Stations and 

 Horticultural Societies, a greater interest has been aroused in proper 

 orchard management; careful anl systematic pruning, thorough spray- 

 ing and cultural methods. These have brought about the production 

 of a better grade of fruit, which in itself is a sufficient return for 

 the increased cost of production. 



But these are only the beginning, for the fruit once raised 

 must be sold. Other things being equal the article which is placed 

 on the market in the most attractive package will demand the highest 

 price, and the readiest sale. 



This tact has long been realized, by the manufacturers of the 

 staple articles of food and also by the Citrus fruit growers. The 

 average consumer buys fruit more on its looks or attractiveness than 

 because of its quality. He has come to associate the straight even 

 rows and uniform layers with high quality, jiist as he also associates 

 the less attractive package with slip shod cultural methods, and 

 careless handling. 



The apple box meets the needs of the growers of the best fruit. 

 Its advantages over the barrel are many. First the barrel does not 

 tend to careful grading, but does tend to encourage carelessness and 

 dishonesty. 



Second: The fruit ships Letter in boxes than in barrels, as the 

 apples are more firmly packed, and the pressure is decreased and 

 better distributed. 



Third: The box is a more convenient article for sale, especially 

 for the small family. 



Fourth: The fruit will keep better in a box. 



