THE APPLE-PACKING TRAIN 



F. S. WKLSII, Xcw York City 

 Agriculturist, New York Central Railroad 



When the New York apple grading law 

 was amended by the legislature of 1914 

 15, it seemed desirable that something 

 should be done to acquaint growers and 

 shippers with the changes that had been 

 made, and, with the requirements of the 

 new law. 



After consultation with a number of 

 men interested in the apple industry, it 

 was decided that an effort should be made 

 in this direction by means of an apple 

 packing demonstration train to be op- 

 erated by the New York Central railroad in cooperation with 

 the State Department of Agriculture. A schedule was arranged 

 which would take the train to the important apple-producing 

 sections of the state, and exhibits were planned to illustrate 

 clearly the meaning of the law and to carry information regarding 

 the various phases of apple packing. 



The train consisted of three cars. A baggage car carried bar- 

 rels of fruit properly packed and labeled, closed packages, sten- 

 cils, and models of mechanical graders of various types. The 

 exhibits were so arranged that they could be easily inspected by 

 visitors, who would also have an opportunity to talk at length 

 with attendants in the car. 



The second car was equipped as a lecture hall, with an espe- 

 cially designed screen for showing slides and charts by means of 

 a stereopticon lantern. This car, with seats for approximately 

 one hundred people, also carried a case of models and a series of 

 colored illustrations showing the color requirements for different 

 varieties according to the grades established by the law. 



The third car furnished sleeping and living accommodations for 

 the attendants, who were to make this their home during the three 

 weeks' trip of the train, from August 2 to August 22. 



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