The Development of the Fruit Export Trade. 53 



I reported ou several occasions tlie success attending the carriage 

 of pears packed in shallow cases or trays^ which I regard as the ideal 

 package for them in preference to the ordinary apple box. The instance 

 of a Tasmanian consignment of 420 trays of pears ex Medic sent in 

 this way may be repeated. The pears — twelve varieties — were packed 

 in shallow cases containing only one layer of fi'uit. After packing and 

 the cases closed, three were placed together, and held in this way by 

 cleats nailed on the sides. They were shipped in this manner and 

 arrived in perfect condition. Each tray or shallow case would not 

 contain half an ordinary case of fruit, so that the prices realised as 

 indicated would be very profitable to the shippers. — 

 306 trays Bon Cure 



10 6 



.. 10 6 



Both from Adelaide and Tasmania previous consignments of pears 

 sent in these shallow cases arrived in good condition. Packed in this 

 way, and placed on board ship sound and unblemished, and carried 

 at a temperature of fi'om 36 deg. to 40 deg., I am satisfied that the 

 finest dessert pears grown in Victoria can be landed in London in 

 sound condition, and realise profitable prices for growers. If sufiicient 

 consignments were forwarded it would be possible to have a portion 

 of the chamber bulk-headed off so as to carry the fruit at a lower 

 temperature than the apples if necessary. 



The class of shallow case referred to has also proved to be a suit- 

 able package for grapes, a single layer of bunches packed in cork-dust 

 being j)laced on them. This has been proved by some small con- 

 signments sent from Adelaide, and an occasional few cases from 

 Victoria. The temperature should be the same as that required for 

 pears, and the two fruits could be sent in the same chamber. By 

 adopting this system a good outlet for pears and grapes at profitable 

 prices to growers could be developed and eventually it is possible 

 very considerable shipments might be made. The varieties of grapes 

 generally shipped from Victoria are Doradillo and Raisin des Dames. 

 From Adelaide a variety called White Daria is frequently sent. Sjjain 

 ships enormous quantities of grapes to Great Britain of the Almeria* 

 variety from the end of August to the middle of November. These 

 are in barrels packed in cork-dust. 



To ship on a larger scale efforts should be made to secure a 

 reduction on present rate of freights, which are too high altogether. 

 It should be possible to have fruit carried for 3s. per case, and if this 

 were done the shipping companies would benefit by receiving larger 

 shipments. 



* We learn that the cuttings of the Almeria and Alicante grapes imported from Spain have struck 

 successfully at the Burnley Horticultural Gardens. Local growers will, no doubt, be pleased to learn 

 this since these two varieties are chiefly used in the Spanish export trade —Ed. Joiirnal. 



