FORTY-FIRST ANNUAL REPORT. 79 



one and another to fill the space between the first and second. The rows 

 can then be finished angling across the box. For the four and one-half 

 tier place an apple in each lower corner and one in the center of the 

 box. Then place in the next row in the spaces left by those in the first 

 one. The rows can then be finished by angling across the box. A sheet 

 of paper should be placed between each layer of apples and the box filled 

 with the same size fruit. 



Slightly thinner apples should be used at the ends of the box than 

 in the middle. The ends should be just flush with the top and the middle 

 raised about one to one and one-half inches. If not the right height one 

 or two layers can be laid upon the side. A press should be provided to 

 hold the covere in jjlace while nailing. 



As has been said there seems to exist a prejudice against eastern box 

 apples. Unless one wishes to follow up his trade year after year it 

 would be useless to try selling box apples. Without any doubt a large 

 part of this prejudice is due to non-uniformity, size and shape of pack- 

 ages, difi'erences in sorting and difl'erent methods of packing and mark- 

 ing. Each box should be marked with the name of the grower, name of 

 variety, initials of packers and number of tier. This can be done either 

 with stencil and rubber stamps or by pasting lithograph label upon box. 



It never pays a fruit grower to give short measures. Unless the fruit 

 growers of Michigan can succeed in establishing uniformity in putting 

 up their fruit they will be handicapped in putting their fruit upon the 

 general market in boxes. 



Of course, one can establish retail trade of his own by selecting some 

 town within easy shipping distance and supply his customers with their 

 fruit each year. We have tried this plan for three yeai*s and have been 

 fairly well pleased with the results. The average cost of supplying cus- 

 tomers in this way is about the same as when handled by commission 

 men. If one expects to hold any first class trade, whether packed in 

 boxes or barrels, the packages must be so marked that they can be easily 

 recognized and the growers gimrantee such that any defect in packing 

 or quality will be adjusted without loss to the buyer. 



DISCUSSION. 



President Farrand — There are those who are for and others against 

 the box packing of apples in Michigan. We want to get all the informa- 

 tion we can on the subject, and now is the time. Let us have it out. 



A Member — What size boxes do you use? 



Mr, Bullock — I do not remember the exact dimensions — about ll^s 

 by 11% by 18%— the standard size box made. 



Question — About 2,100 cubic inches? 



Mr. Bullock — 1 think it is 2,250 inches. 



A Member — I should like to know how much you allow for heap 

 measure ? 



Mr. Bullock — The box holds a full bushel by weight — I do not know 

 about the heap measure — I do not think anything is allowed for that. 



Mr. Howe — I do not care to enter into the discussion of the methods 

 of packing at this time, for our time is limited, but I would like to make 

 this request, that I may have the privilege of selecting an expert box 

 packer from the west to present a paper at the annual meeting of the 



