THE HANDLING AND MARKETING OF APPLES. 449 



costing about 12c each. Choice, hand-picked varieties may be placed 

 in these, and they usually bring prices from 15% to 25% above 

 stock packed in barrels, but this form of packing is not as desir- 

 able for commission men to handle. 



How to Gather — For picking apples, light rung ladders are 

 best. The top of the ladder should be brought to a point like an 

 inverted "V," so that it can be easily pushed between the branches. 

 High step-ladders are also good, but they cannot be pushed among 

 the branches so easily as a ladder. Climbing of trees should be 

 avoided as much as possible, as the bark is liable to be injured and 

 the fruit spurs broken. An impromptu ladder may be made by 

 nailing strong slats on a stout pole of suitable length. 



Baskets or Crates — For picking into, a box or basket will do 

 if the fruit is handled carefully. One-half bushel baskets padded 

 with -burlap and provided with an "S" shaped hook are the best. 

 Some prefer a grain sack thrown over the shoulder, the top being 

 kept open by a hoop. 



When the baskets are emptied, the fruit should be gently slid 

 into the crate or barrel. The best and most convenient kind of a 

 crate is one that will hold a bushel. We make ours of elm slats — 

 four on each side — each slat is two inches wide and one-half inch 

 thick. A cleat is put on each corner to strengthen it and nailed 

 securely with clinched nails. The slats are placed about an inch 

 apart. Size of crate, inside measurement, should be 18x155^x8 

 in., which makes one bushel. These crates are strong, convenient, 

 cheap and durable. The fruit is carried in these to the fruit house 

 and kept in them until sorted and emptied into barrels. If the fruit 

 is to be taken quite a distance, it should be carriocT In a spring 

 wagon if possible. 



Picking — The picking of the fruit is an important item. The 

 apples should be gathered^ by slightly twisting the fruit and bend- 

 ing it upward. If pulled ofif, the stem is likely to be broken or 

 pulled out, or the fruit spur injured so that it will not bear next 

 year. 



Many people still believe that winter apples should be piled 

 upon the ground and allowed to sweat a few days before being 

 packed or put into the cellar. This is not necessary though often 

 convenient. Being put in piles, fruit is liable to heat, bruise and 

 decay. 



Packing — In packing, leave two layers at each end of the bar- 

 rel with the stems out. If you wish to secure a good reputation 



