The Canadian Horticulturist. 257 



together. Then cut two bottom pieces S}{ inches wide, ^i of an inch thick and 

 173^ inches long. Nail them on with edges flush with the sides. There will 

 be ^ of an inch space open in the centre ; this space is to let the hand board 

 of another box enter. Hand or centre pieces should be 6 inches wide, ^2 inch 

 thick and 16^2 inches long. In the centre of this board and one inch in the 

 clear below the upper edge cut a neat, well-finished hand hole. One inch each 

 side of the hole drive a three inch wire nail and counter sink them }{ of an 

 inch. These nails are to keep the centre piece from splitting. Nail this hand 

 board in the centre of the box, directly over the open space in the bottom, and 

 let its edge set up above the ends ^i of an inch. The edge enters the bottom 

 of next box when set upon it. If the boxes are bound at the corners with strips 

 of zinc 4 inches long and }i of an inch wide they will last much longer. They 

 should be made all of the same material and all of the same thickness, so that 

 when finished they will all be the same weight. Give them two coats of paint 

 and stencil name on them. 



These boxes if well made, will last at least twenty years. I have some of 

 them that have been in use every season for twenty-five years and are in fair 

 condition yet. They hold half bushel each, a peck on each side ; and when 

 evened over at the top they sit over each other without bruising. 

 Their advantages are as follows : 



I St. They are my own invention and not patented, so that all may have 

 the benefit of them. 



2nd. They are light and have a hand hole in the centre so they are 

 almost as easy to handle as baskets. 



3rd. A double row of them fits into the ordinary wagon box, and makes 

 a compact load without wasting room. 



4th. They can be loaded over each other seven or eight boxes high, and 

 they will ride safely, so that a full load of fifty bushels can easily be put on a 

 market wagon. 



5th. The fruit is divided into peck lots, making it very convenient to 

 handle at the market, either in small or large quantities ; there is almost no 

 pressure or weight to bruise or injure the fruit. Those boxes will be found very 

 useful for nearly all kinds of fruit and vegetables. 



(To be continued.) 

 St. Mar^s, Ont. S. H. Mitchell. 



The North Star Currant is noted as a free, healthy grower. At Maple- 

 hurst this currant is just now bearing its first fruit, and we consider it too small 

 to be of any value. The market wants a large-sized berry, and small ones 

 bring a low price. Its vigor of growth is the one merit of this variety. 



