GATHERING AND PACKING. 133 



wrapping the various grades of oranges. This paper can 

 usually be obtained from the nearest store, but always at 

 Jacksonville, as can also the boxes for packing. These 

 last contain two cubic feet, inside measurement, with a 

 middle division. They are delivered to the purchaser un- 

 made, the various pieces being put up in bundles, ready 

 for nailing together. 



In making these up, one side, rather than the top, should 

 be left off for greater convenience in packing the fruit, 

 which should be in layers close together, so they will 

 not shake about. The top layer should project from 

 a half inch to an inch above the box, so that when 

 the side is nailed on, it will press down firmly, tighten the 

 whole box, and prevent jarring, even after the fruit has 

 shrunk, as it will inevitably before reaching a distant 

 market. 



Be extremely careful to throw aside every specked or 

 defective orange; two or three in a box may ruin the 

 whole lot. 



Let the oranges in every box be, as nearly as possible, 

 of uniform size, color, and texture. 



The number of oranges should always be plainly 

 marked on the box, and each shipper should have his 

 own stencil brand, by which his fruit may be known at 

 a glance. 



When he has made a reputation for good packing and a 

 uniform quality of fruit, as marked on the boxes, he will 

 then find no difficulty in obtaining the best prices for his 

 crop, as his brand will be sought for and picked out by 

 those who are willing to pay for honest fruit. 



It would be useless to attempt to give here the proper 

 marks for the various grades of oranges, as these are often 

 changed, and personal inquiry at the time of shipping will 

 elicit all necessary information on this point. 



