Culture of the Cherry 



1837 



basket is largely used, although the twenty-pound basket is used to some 

 extent. For the general market, also, the eight-pound basket provides 

 a satisfactory package. The finer varieties of cherries, however, should 

 be placed in smaller packages. Many cherries are shipped in quart boxes 

 in twenty-four- or thirty-two-quart carriers, although very fancy varieties 

 may often be packed to good advantage in the ten-pound box used in 

 1 he West. The latter makes an attractive package if the work is care- 

 fully done. In packing, the bottom layer is faced by placing the fruit 

 in straight rows across the box, the cherries being placed on their sides 

 and the stems drawn up. The box is then filled compactly, nailed, turned 

 over, and the faced side is marked. The extra cost of packing is more 

 than repaid by the increased value of the fruit. The package used 

 is of such importance 



that it will be worth 

 while for the grower 

 to learn beforehand 

 from the commission 

 men the demands of 

 the market that he 

 desires to supply. 



selection of vari- 

 eties 

 The selection of 

 varieties for planting 

 should receive careful 

 consideration. In the 



Fig. 128. — Windsor cherries 



first place, it should be determined whether the fruit is to be grown 

 for home consumption or for commercial purposes. Varieties for the 

 home garden should be confined to those that are high in quality 

 and that have a good succession. By careful selection of varieties it 

 is possible to extend the cherry season through most of the summer. 

 There are many varieties of cherries, but only a few are of known com- 

 mercial value in New York State. The commercial grower should con- 

 fine his attention to these, and should select only those especially adapted 

 to his locality. He should not attempt to grow too many varieties, 

 but should arrange a succession of three to five that may be harvested 

 one after another. A large number of varieties would add to the 

 difficulties of picking and handling and would be harder to dispose of. 

 The following varieties of cherries, arranged approximately in their order 

 of importance, are reported as highly successful in New York State: 

 Montmorency, Richmond, Morello, Tartarian, Napoleon, Spanish, Wood, 

 Windsor, May Duke, Dyehouse, and Large Montmorency. 



