SECTION XX 

 Grading and Packing Fruit 



The grading and packing of fruit, it may be said without fear of con- 

 tradiction, are becoming more important matters for the grower every year. 



No one who takes a walk round any fruit market during the home- 

 fruit season can doubt that very much yet remains to be learnt, and more 

 to be practised, before the goal of perfection comes into sight. In the 

 case of apples and pears, and the better sorts of plums, careful grading 



Fig. 328. Apples in Flat Basket with Lid. Packed with fine wood wool 



into "firsts", "seconds", and "thirds", and the putting of all "specks" by 

 themselves is essential if anything near the upper ranges of price is to 

 be reached. The " firsts" will pay for tasty setting up. The cherries, gages, 

 and pears of our French neighbours are splendid examples of what taste 

 and skill can accomplish in setting fruit off to advantage. It is wonderful 

 what a little paper, wood wool, and deft fingers can do, and how ready 

 the public are to pay for it (fig. 328). Then, as to packages, a steady, 

 silent revolution is taking place in regard to these also. Time was when 

 Hessle pears were brought to Co vent Garden from Fulham in load " baskets" 

 holding 4 bus. each! 



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