ON GATHrrJXG A^'D STORING FRUIT. 41)1 



earth and raarl, mixed with straw, which is preferable to ordinary brickworlc, 

 botn oecause of its being a worse conductor of heat, and being much cheaper 

 where clay is at hand, the double foundation being formed of rubble-work. 



1508. These walls are pierced with six apertures about two feet from the- 

 ground, three in the external, and three in the inner walls ; these openings 

 in the external walls, one at each side, and one in fi-ont, opening from without ; 

 these of the internal walls, which are opposite to them, opening within, being 

 in two halves. 



1509. In frosty weather these openings are closed with straw packed between 

 the openings. The opening in front is the entrance which ascends by two cteps 

 to the second door, raised 20 inches above the soil. When the fruit is about 

 to be stored, it is a good practice to paper up all the joints through which the 

 air may penetrate. 



15 10. The ceiling B is composed of a bed of moss between laths. This 

 ceiling is surmounted by a roof of straw or haum, at least two feet thick. In 

 this roof the dormer window C permits of the loft being turned to use. The 

 flooring may be boarded, or of asphalt : the walls should have a thin lining 

 of deal, up to the ceiling, every precaution being taken to exclude the external 

 air, and, above all, moisture. 



151 1. A row of shelving commencing about two feet fi-om the floor, runs up 

 to the ceiling, the shelves being about 12 inches apart, and about 30 inches- 

 wide. These shelves are formed of deal, with ledges of half-inch stuff fixed 

 on them to keep the fruit in its place. In order to be able to see the whole 

 fruit on each shelf at a glance, they are placed at an angle of 45°, the angle 

 gradually decreasing until it reaches below the level of the eye, when the shelves 

 are placed horizontally. In order that the air may circulate freely between the- 

 shelves and the wall, a space is left behind each of the slips disposed in 

 gradients. As to those placed horizontally, the same end is attained by fillets- 

 half an inch thick, and sufficiently apart for the purpose. Those several 

 shelves fixed against the wainscoting by brackets, are sustained in front by 

 posts placed five feet apart, with cross- rails placed at proper angles to support 

 the shelves. 



15 1 2. In the centre of the house is a table 10 feot long and 40 inches broad, 

 with a clear space all round : above this table are shelves, with edgings lik& 

 the side-shelves, to receive the fruit for storing ; and under the table aro 

 drawers for the most choice fruit. 



15 1 3. As the fruits arrive, they are disposed on the table, which is spread 

 with dry moss ; each sort of fruit being separately placed, the spotted or 

 bruised fruit being carefully separated. During the next two or three days, 

 the sound fruits arc exposed here until they lose their superfluous moisture. 

 After these few days they are spread upon their shelves, each shelf being 

 j)reviously covered with dry moss or cotton, and the fruit carefully wiped with 

 a soft flannel (an operation of very doubtful utility, inasmuch as it destroys 

 the bloom), ranging them so that each fruit is separated from the other. 

 The fruit all disposed of, the doors ai-e left open during fine days. In about 



