CHINESE SAND PEARS. 257 



pears grown on any of these trees prove to be unfit for 

 market, but any that should be so could be readily utilized 

 by drying them, just as we have recommended the surplus 

 guavas to be treated. 



In handling pears for market it must be borne in mind 

 that they are a delicate fruit, and require tender treatment, 

 a bruise being ruin. They should be picked when fully 

 matured, but before they are ripe, to insure safe carriage. 

 To hasten the ripening process they should be spread on 

 paper or blankets, and covered with the same, in a moist 

 air. To retard the ripening, keep the fruit uncovered in a 

 dry air, and as near 40 temperature as possible. In pack- 

 ing remember that pears absorb odors with great readiness, 

 and therefore always pack them in clean barrels or boxes. 

 Never use "fruit baskets," they are not firm enough; 

 either pack in slat boxes or in barrels with plenty of holes 

 bored in them for ventilation. 



Pears are not elastic like apples, therefore must not be 

 packed down so tightly. When the point of destination 

 is very distant, the sides, top, and bottom of box or barrel 

 should be lined with paper, straw, or some other soft, dry 

 material. 



Separate the different sizes and qualities, just as with 

 oranges or lemons, and place them always on their blossom 

 ends. Pack just tight enough to keep the fruit from mov- 

 ing about. The French gardeners are justly celebrated 

 for their success in packing pears for distant markets, and 

 this is how they do it : 



They pack their pears, carefully picked and handled, in 

 small boxes, covering the sides and bottom with dry moss, 

 or soft, dry paper, as we do oranges, and pack in layers, 

 the largest and primest specimens at the bottom, and fill 

 in the interstices with dry moss or paper. In this way 

 every pear is held firm in its place, and no one pear can 

 press another. 22 



