The Bulletin. 5 



eral important rules that apply to the handling of every kind of produce 

 regardless of market. Cleanliness, neatness and uniformity are three 

 qualities required in the preparation of all kinds of farm produce for 

 securing and holding a select trade that will be profitable. In order to 

 bring about these qualities, it is necessary to give some attention to 

 several points frequently neglected on the farm. One of the most impor- 

 tant of these is the method of growing the crop. 



CULTIVATION. 



The preparation of fruits and vegetables for market really begins 

 with their production. A suitable location should be secured, the land 

 properly prepared, good seed planted, and the resulting crop carefully 

 cultivated. A great deal depends upon this cultivation, for it includes 

 not only the tillage of the soil, but the protection of the growing trees 

 and plants from the attacks of numerous insect and fungous enemies. 



Plants grow, develop and mature their fruit in proportion to the 

 amount of available food at their disposal. The greater part of this 

 food is in the soil, occurring naturally, or supplied by artificial means. 

 It cannot, however, be made use of by the plants until rendered avail- 

 able. This condition is brought about by the combined action of sev- 

 eral agencies, most important of which are light, air and moisture. 

 Tillage promotes the work of these agencies and as a result influences 

 the growth of the plants, thereby affecting the development and quality 

 of the fruits. Poorly fed, badly neglected trees and plants cannot pro- 

 duce marketable fruits. 



Twenty years ago there was little need to fight garden and orchard 

 pests, as the injury caused by them was scarcely appreciable. At the 

 present time, particularly in older sections of the country, it has become 

 necessary to combat these pests in order to grow marketable crops. This 

 marked change, coming in so short a time, and in many instances caus- 

 ing serious loss, has naturally been discouraging, and as a result many 

 growers have been slow to adapt themselves to these new conditions. 

 Although the combating of insect and fungous enemies has without doubt 

 slightly increased the cost of production, the growers who have persist- 

 ently used proper efforts for their control have been uniformly success- 

 ful in raising profitable crops of high-grade fruit and vegetables. 



An examination of any market will show that the well-developed, 

 finely colored, clean and attractive products of the farm bring the highest 

 prices. Care and attention on the part of the grower and the demands 

 of the consumer are responsible for this condition. Careless, indifferent 

 cultivation and the unchecked ravages of different insects and fungi are 

 principally the cause of undersized, poorly colored, diseased and unat- 

 tractive specimens of orchard and garden products. Produce of this kind 

 is usually a glut in the market, for buyers do not want it at any price. 



PICKING. 



Another point frequently receiving too little attention on the farm is 

 the method of harvesting the produce. The proper stage of maturity at 

 which the various fruits and vegetables should be picked depends upon 

 the time required to place the products upon the market. Generally 

 they should be left on the tree or vine no longer than will permit of their 



