64 



qualities can usually be obtained from one crop, and it generally pays 

 best to sell in two or three grades, only those rejected in the selecting 

 process being disposed of in bulk. Even when large crops from old 

 orchard trees are being dealt with, a lew dozens of the finest fruits 

 carefully packed will help to raise the total returns considerably. 



Stone fruits may be selected in various trades. Plums for cook- 

 ing can thus be sorted into two or three grades, the largest fruit 

 commanding the best market. A good medium size is in demand for 

 bottling, and the smaller sizes are utilised in ordinary cooking or 

 preserving. Dessert plums and cherries are readily graduated on the 

 same method, the finest in boxes or small packages and the others in 

 bulk. 



Soft fruits, such as strawberries and raspberries, are worthy of 

 equal care, the former being sorted into at least two grades and 

 sometimes into more. The best arc placed in punnets, the next in 

 small boxes, and a third grade can be sold in boxes or baskets holding 

 from 61b. to 12 lb. Raspberries may be conveniently divided into two 

 qualities whenever a special sale can be commanded for the best fruits 

 either in punnets or small boxes. 



Nearly oil other fruits also admit of some grading, even though 

 it be only to the extent of excluding defective and malformed speci- 

 mens ; the results yield a satisfactory reward for the labour and expense. 



The benefits derivable from careful and systematic grading are 

 by no means confined to fruits, as vegetables also afford considerable 

 encouragement to those who strive to make the most of them in the 

 same direction. Especially is this the case with root crops, though 

 in a general way the sorting adopted is of a very rough character. 

 Potatoes, for example, are usually picked up in three sizes, the large 

 tubers for sale, the seconds or sets, and the small tubers to be used 

 as food for stock. The large size should be again sorted into two or 

 three grades ; it is with them as with apples, a comparatively small 

 proportion of coarse irregular tubers spoils the appearance of a large 

 consignment. Even shape and uniformity of sample possess a distinct 

 market value, and a medium sized potato having these characteristics, 

 together with good quality, will bring a better return than huge 

 distorted tubers of which size is the only recommendation. If an 

 extra Bd. per bushel or £1 per ton can be secured by such care it 

 often means, with a good crop, sutlicieitt clear gain to more than pay 

 the expenses of cultivation. 



A distinction can be made between the besl or earliest turnips 

 and carrots and the ordinary quality or crop in bulk, by marketing 

 the former in bunches, while the latter are sent in bags or baskets. 

 Unions, too, can be graded in several ways, the best being bunched or 

 made into "ropes," while smaller sizes are sold loose, the smallest 

 ranking as pickling onions, it is always advisable to have several 

 sizes, each sample fairly uniform, as some buyers have a preference for 

 medium sized bulbs and others for large ones. In selling small 

 quantities by weighl the retailers have a difficulty with the largest 

 onions, and usually find a medium size more convenient. If roots are 

 prepared for sale l>\ being thoroughly cleaned it is a great help, and 

 in any case wherever grading is followed all the best qualities should 

 be so treated or the chief part of the labour will be nullified. 



