42 State Horticultural Society. 



packing- has begun. First, he packs himself internally ; then all pockets 

 are packed, and they are sometimes inadequate. Then he packs that 

 little shirt waist full also; then that precious storehouse or hiding place 

 of his is resorted to with careful steps and watchful eyes, that none may 

 discover his hidden treasure or ask him to share his precious spoils. 



In my experience of many years packing and handling apples, I 

 think I can safely say that I succeeded best and gave better satisfaction 

 in the business when from lo to 15 years of age than at any other time, 

 because the packer and consumer were both well satisfied with results. 

 But I suppose I am expected to treat of handling and packing apples for 

 the market, although our worthy Secretary did .not limit me. 



In packing apples, if they could be properly handled and delivered in 

 good condition, I would prefer to pack in a house, as you there have a 

 cool, dry place to work, a good level floor, and can keep your barrels or 

 boxes much nicer ; but the delay in unloading, and the time lost in re- 

 handling the fruit has made it necessary to pack large crops in the or- 

 chards ; though apples can be gathered, put in wagons and hauled quite 

 a distance and be delivered in good condition. First, have a clean 

 wagon bed ; then pick the apples carefully, throwing out known culls ; 

 put carefully in wagon, and when ready to move out on the road, cover 

 with a sheet to keep out heat and dust; drive carefully, and the apples 

 will arrive at the packing house in good condition. 



In packing in orchards, have plenty of baskets, ladders, tables, bar- 

 rels and such things as are needed. Use just as many men as you can 

 work to advantage ; some good, careful ones with ladders to pick from the 

 tops of the trees, and some from the ground. Have a hook on each 

 basket, so that it may be swung from a limb or the rung of the ladder, 

 convenient to the picker. Have a good man, or men, at the cull table, 

 who knows just what you want packed and how to pack. If working 

 many hands, it is well to have one or two to carry the apples from the 

 pickers to the packers, replacing the full baskets with empties, so that 

 the pickers lose no time in climbing out of the trees or off the ladders. 



The packing should be done to suit trade or conditions. If they are 

 sold as No. I, they should be made to grade No. i. If for cold storage, 

 they, of course, should be of that grade ; but if they are for immediate 

 consumption many apples may be used that will not do for storage. 

 Above all else, put up an honest package ; let it be faced with an average 

 quality of the contents of the barrel and packed honestly all the way 

 through. Fill the barrels just a little above the top, having shaken them 

 several times during the filling to thoroughly settle them ; then roll out 

 for the header and begin anew. As fast as they are packed they should 



