70 
PACKAGES. 
The Presipent.—The next question is “ Should Raspberries be sold in pint baskets?” 
The Secrerary.—I have had no experience in pint baskets for raspberries, but I have 
noticed that in the New York market raspberries are sold in pints and as small measures 
as thirds or half pints. That seems a good deal of wood for a very small amount of fruit, 
but I think that in a quart box too many raspberries are put together ; they pack very 
close and you get more than a quart of raspberries in a quart measure it seems to me. If 
the basket were not quite so deep it would be an advantage, and for that reason I think 
the pint would be better. 
Mr. Oraic.—The pint basket is growing in favor in Chicago and other western 
markets. 
Mr. Morron.—I am in favor of a shallow basket as ripe raspberries break down 
more easily than strawberries, and even in the latter with some varieties we are bothered in 
the same way. 
Mr. Race—The fact that one has no guarantee of fruit reaching its destination in 
good condition has a bad effect upon the demand. It is impossible in any of our smaller 
towns to get a basket of peaches delivered. 1 had some experience in that way last year 
when getting peaches from the secretary. Could there not be some light cover devised 
that would protect us from pilfering ? 
The Secretary.—I do not think that applies so much to crates in which we ship 
small fruits as to peaches, which we cover with leno. 
Mr. Race.—I know we would get many more plums and peaches if we knew we 
could get such packages as I suggest. As it is we know there is a very great risk, as the 
express companies tell us it is difficult to deliver a consignment in good shape to a 
private individual, because it is supposed that the latter is not so likely to complain as a 
large dealer. As soon as [ let them know I was a director of this Association they 
stopped the pilfering at once. 
Mr. Bucxe.—The best way would be to ship by weight and if there is any differ- 
ence when they are delivered let the express company bear the damage. 
A Memser.—I sent some peaches from Winona toa friend in Hamilton last fall and 
the next morning when he got them there were two of the worst looking baskets of trash 
you ever saw. 
Mr. Race.—There would bea large increase in the demand for fruit from my locality 
if there was any assurance that fruit shipped to us by express would be delivered in any- 
thing like proper condition. 
A MemsBer.—lf the baskets were fixed in the way you suggest would the consumers 
pay extra for the fruit—the extra cost ? 
Mr. Race.—The additional expense would be very small; you would only have to 
add a little more to the price of the fruit, and I know the people up north would be will- 
ing to pay a little more if there was any assurance of the fruit reaching them in good 
condition. 
The Secretary.—A wooden cover could be had for about a cent a basket, which 
could be wired down, in addition to the leno covering. 
Mr. Ciine.—I have had fruit stolen even from baskets with wooden covers wired on, 
Mr. Wetuineton.—There is no doubt this is a matter which should be taken up and 
some measures adopted to remedy it. Iam in the habit of having sent to me in Toronto 
from my own place some choice specimens and I do not think that in any case has the 
package ever reached me in the condition in which it was dispatched. Some of the best 
clusters of grapes would be taken out of a basket and the same applies to peaches. A 
man who wants two baskets must have three sent him to make sure he will get the 
quantity he desires. 
