io8 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [lo Feb., 191 2 



THE SHIPMENT OF GRAPES AND OTHER SOFT 



FRUITS. 



F. de Castella, G over 71m ent Viticulturist, and E. Me eking. Senior 

 Fruit Inspector. 



The shipments of soft fruits from this State by the Somerset and 

 other vessels during the past two seasons, and also the shipments forwarded 

 from South and Western Australia during the same period, have demon- 

 strated beyond doubt that, provided certain conditions are complied with, 

 all classes of soft fruits may be successfully exported. It is therefore 

 considered that the following points in connexion with the handling, 

 transportation, and other details of preparing these fruits for export will 

 be of value to growers and exporters. 



Condition and Maturity of Fruit. 



It is essential to ship only varieties of proved carrying power. If 

 from irrigated vines or trees, the final watering should have been given 

 some weeks before time of shipment. In the case of grapes this watering 

 should not be later than ist January. Grapes or fruits from recently- 

 irrigated vines or trees will not carry well. 



In the absence of up-to-date pre-cooling and transport arrangements 

 in this State, picking peaches, pears, or plums on the unripe side is 

 recommended, since slightly unripe peaches and plums carry better than 

 those picked quite ripe. Grapes, in particular, ripen but little after 

 picking — far less than most other fruits. They should, therefore, although 

 not quite ripe, be nearly so, before picking ; otherwise, on arrival at their 

 destination, though sound, they will be of poor quality. 



Packages (Sizes, Marking, etc.). 



Any shape of package may legally be used, provided the nett weight 

 or number of fruits be legibly stamped thereon. In addition to the 

 weight or number, the name or registered brand of the grower or exporter, 

 the name of the State, the word "Australia," and the name and variety 

 of the fruit should be also stamped or stencilled on cases. The variety 

 of fruit need not be shown in full, but may, with advantage, be 

 abbreviated; for example, "Dora" for " Doradillo " grapes; " B. 

 Bosc " for " Beurre Bosc " pears; " Dia " for "Diamond" plums; 

 " Yorks " for " Early York " peaches. The following are the different 

 sizes recommended for the various kinds of fruit : — 



Grafts: — The cases used by West Australian shippers are recom- 

 mended. These are made in two sizes. Larger size: — 22| in. x 13I in. 

 x 7 in.; nett capacity 28 lbs. grapes. Smaller size: — 26| in. x 13I in. 

 x 5 in. ; nett capacity 25 lbs. grapes. Cases should be lined with white 

 or coloured lining paper, cut to size, not only on account of appearance, 

 but also to prevent loss of cork through cracks, joints, etc. 



Peaches, Pears and Plums: — These should be packed in trays 

 measuring 18 in. x 14 in. x 2\ in. Three of these trays cleated or hoop- 

 ironed together make a standard bushel. 



