THE FRUIT GROWERS GUIDE. 



the foliage shows signs of drying up round the edges the mistake is made of concluding 

 that its work is done. Such is not the case, for whilst there is any portion of green 

 leaf left, it is capable of doing something towards perfecting the fruit. 



EXHIBITING GRAPES. 



In setting-up grapes iu competition for prizes at shows, they are not always 

 displayed to the best advantage. Promoters of fruit shows should name the size of 

 boards upon which the grapes are to be exhibited. A "regulation" size is somewhat 

 difficult to determine, owing to the difference in the size of the bunches, but some 

 well-defined standard of setting-up should be insisted upon. The bunches should rest 

 on a slanting board (angle, about 45) of such length and breadth as to have a clear 

 margin all round and between them, this board to be covered with cotton wadding, 



Fig. 93. EXHIBITION GRAVE STAND. 



Fig. 94. PREPARING BOARD. FOR 

 EXHIBITION GRAPE STAND. 



and over this a sheet of soft white paper. Each bunch should be cut with not less 

 than 1 inch of the shoot on each side of its stem, and secured with a piece of soft string 

 or narrow tape passed through a hole near the top of a back perpendicular board, and 

 fastened there. A piece of soft tape worked with great care between the berries near 

 the middle of the bunch with a long needle, passing each end of the tape through holes 

 previously prepared on each side of the main stem of the bunch, and tied underneath 

 (the shoulder also if needed), will prevent its moving. Each bunch is best set up just 

 as cut, always laying it on its flattest side. Never lift a bunch after it is laid on the 

 board, nor handle it in any way. Place the bunch in a box just wide enough to 

 take in the stand, and deep enough to clear the fruit when the lid is screwed on ; then 

 put a couple of screws through the box from the outside into the back board of the 



