STORING FRUITS 121 



cool place, providing they were first spread out as already 

 advised. It is, however, preferable to have them on shelves in 

 single layers, for they can then be examined conveniently and 

 damaged or decayed ones removed. Special trays are now made 

 for the purpose of storing Apples, and they are very convenient, 

 for quite a large number of fruits can be arranged in a small 

 space. They are made for placing one on top of another, but in 

 such a way that there is space between each tray. It is not a 

 difficult matter to make a tall frame into which shallow boxes 

 or trays will fit. 



Pears are best stored in single layers, and the flavour is better 

 if they are kept somewhat warmer than Apples. Very late Pears 

 are not, I think, of much value to amateurs, for under the best 

 conditions their flavour deteriorates. 



Grapes may be left on the Vine until quite late in autumn. 

 If it is found necessary to store them, they should be cut, each 

 with about 6 inches of stem. The stem is placed in the neck of 

 a bottle of water, and the bottles are fixed at an angle of about 

 45, in a special framework, or by other simpler means, so that 

 the bunches of Grapes hang clear. If in a room facing north, 

 some Grapes, such, for example, as Alicante and Lady Downes, 

 can be kept for many weeks. 



Although such fruits as Cherry, Strawberry, Plum and 

 Gooseberry cannot be stored, a succession is obtainable by plant- 

 ing in different aspects : those on a north border or against a 

 north wall will provide a supply of fruits weeks later than those 

 planted in a warm position. 



It is unwise to store Apples on a shelf 

 covered with hay or straw 



