236 MISSOURI STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



FRUIT PACKAGES. 



E. T. HOLLISTER. 



I have said so much upon this subject of fruit packages that any- 

 thing I can say now will be but a repetition of what I have said before. 

 Neat, new, nice-looking packages, and those that are best adapted to 

 the market in which you expect to sell your goods, are the kind to use 

 most profitably. First inquire in your market what package is most 

 used, then get a good one, for a great deal depends upon a neat pack- 

 age. A third bushel box is too small for pears. I have always recom- 

 mended the California style of box for pears. It is of a size and shape 

 that you can pack well. I mean what they call the bushel box, though 

 it holds only about seven-eighths of a bushel. However, in our market 

 we use the third bushel boxes for pears. For re-shipping mature 

 peaches, we use the peck basket. In Michigan they put four peck 

 baskets in a crate. They have also used a handle basket, properly a 

 grape basket, for peaches. 



Mr. Eobards — What size packages would you use for strawberries 

 for long shipment? 



Mr. Hollister — The 24-quart case — full size dry-measure quarts. 

 These wine quarts are made to swindle somebody. 



Sec. Goodman — One year I sold to a man who required me to use 

 the small quarts. 



Mr. Hollister — Another point: always get your box-material in 

 time to let the boxes thoroughly dry before you use them. If you use 

 wet packages, they will heat. The dry box will absorb the moisture 

 from a crushed or bruised berry, and prevent it from injuring other 

 berries. 



Wild goose plums in quart boxes, in 24-quart cases, carry better 

 than in any other shape. 



Prof. Clark— Some use grape baskets for plums. 



Mr. Hollister — It is a very good package. 



Sec. Goodman — What do you think of a shallow box with only one 

 layer for fine peaches ? 



Mr. Hollister — I have used it but little. Compartment boxes, like 

 egg cases, are used for extra fine peaches. I have had very little ex- 

 perience with wrapped peaches. Fully matured peaches will perhaps 

 come in better shape in that way, but I have not had enough experience 

 with it to recommend it. Some growers in Arkansas have used the egg 

 shipping cases. 



