WEST MICHIGAN FRUIT GROWERS' SOCIETY. 153 



where the cocoons are spun, in which they pass the chrysalis state. Various 

 methods have been in use to trap and destroy the worms and prevent their 

 hatching. Within a few years experiments have been made with the use of 

 Paris green, by spraying the trees immediately after the blossoms fall, while 

 the apple is very small. This should be repeated in ten days. One pound 

 of Paris green mixed with 80 gallons of water is the mixture used. A force 

 pump is necessary to spray the trees. The saving of fruit exceeds the 

 expense. If every fruit grower understood the effect of spraying his trees, 

 and all joined in the work, it seems to me we might drive this pest from 

 our orchards. 



PACKING AND SHIPMENT OF APPLES. 



J. 0. Gould, of Paw Paw, who has been engaged in shipping apples and 

 had large experience, was called upon to give a short talk upon picking, pack- 

 ing, and storing apples. He said he had had the best results by following a 

 few simple rules. The apples should be ripe on the tree before picking. 

 They should then be gathered before they drop or are blown off by the wind. 

 It requires some experience and observation to know just when any one 

 variety is ripe and ready to gather. If picked too soon they will wilt, destroy- 

 ing somewhat the crisp and the flavor of the apple. If left on the tree too 

 long they drop or are blown off, causing loss. Autumn apples come into 

 condition for picking all through the autumn season. Winter apples of 

 different varieties do not all ripen at one time. Some varieties ripen quite 

 early while other varieties should remain on the tree much later. Some varie- 

 ties will drop off much more readily than others. Apples growing on slender 

 twigs will hang much better than those growing on stout, short limbs. All 

 these points the intelligent grower will understand by careful observation. 

 He should study the habits of each kind of fruit grown by him. When any 

 variety of apple is ripe and ready for gathering, place the fruit in barrels and 

 put them into a dry, cool place and let them remain standing on end until 

 ready for shipping. Then empty them on straw or hay, and sort and repack 

 in some barrels, putting in only perfect apples. Care should be used not to 

 mix varieties. Place only one kind in each barrel and see that they are 

 marked on the head of each barrel the true name of the variety. In this 

 manner you can first ship or sell the varieties that will not keep a long time, 

 and retain the good keepers later if desired. Care should be used in handling 

 apples, to prevent bruising. The stems should always remain on the apples. 

 Never draw your apples to market loose in the wagon-box. They should 

 be placed in barrels before leaving the orchard. Very much loss comes by 

 improper handling and carelessness in picking. I ship to some special mar- 

 ket and usually know beforehand what I am to have. Find a good market 

 and ship only good apples. You will then get best prices. 



E. G. Buel agreed with the last speaker in manner of picking, but thought 

 September 25 to October 10 the most favorable time for such work. His 

 method for repacking is to place the apples on a table covered with blankets, 

 then sort and repack. I have picked, packed and shipped apples immediately, 

 and have kept tliem in barrels for some time, then repacked, sometimes head- 

 ing up and shipping soon ; have sometimes kept them several weeks after 

 they had been repacked. I prefer the latter method. I head them when 

 ready to ship. The average farmer is not an adept in handling and selling 



