The Bulletin. 



35 



necessary in order that the package reach market in a well filled condi- 

 tion, for beans usually dry and shrink somewhat, especially when shipped 

 long distances. Fig. 23 shows a hamper of beans as it reached the 

 market. 



TOMATOES. 



When the tomato is grown as a truck crop, pickings should be made two 

 or three times a week. If the fruits are to be shipped some distance 

 they should be gathered as soon as the first coloring appears. For home 

 markets the fruits can be allowed to ripen upon the vines. In harvest- 

 ing, each fruit should be carefully picked, without stem, and taken to 

 the packing shed in small baskets or other suitable receptacles, to avoid 

 as much as possible any bruises or injury to the skin. In packing, only 



Fig. 24. — Tomatoes Packed in Six-basket Carrier. 



sound, perfect fruits should be used, each package containing as nearly 

 as possible fruits of the same size and color throughout. All deformed, 

 bruised or otherwise damaged specimens should be rejected. For long- 

 distance shipments, each individual fruit should be wrapped in thin, 

 pliable brown or white paper and packed in the six-basket carrier (Fig. 

 24) so universally used in the shipment of peaches. For nearby ship- 

 ment, or the local market, the fruit may be packed in either the Dela- 

 ware or Michigan type of baskets. 



BEETS. 



When grown for the early market, beets usually sell to good advantage. 

 The roots are pulled while quite young, when about two and a half 

 inches in diameter. They are tied in bunches of from four to six and the 

 tops cut back about one-half. If very dirty, the roots may be washed, 

 but they should not be packed until perfectly dry. There seems to be 

 quite a diversified opinion regarding the most desirable type of package 

 to use in marketing this crop. Some markets seem to prefer ventilated 

 barrels ; others want the bushel slat crate, and again others prefer either 

 the half bushel or half barrel veneer hamper. Growers should inquire 



