446 PACKING, MARKING, SHIPPING, ETC. 



with bunches, parts of bunches, then single grapes, 

 but with a stem, so that all space is occupied, and the 

 fruit projects from the top, from a quarter to half 

 an inch. Turn over the paper used in lining, nail the 

 cover-points down, reverse the box, and paste a label, stat- 

 ing the variety of the grape, on the cover that was not 

 opened. 



Fruit-Rooms. A fruit-room is a structure set apart 

 exclusively for the preservation of fruit. Its great requi- 

 sites are, perfect security from moisture or dampness, ex- 

 clusion from light, and a uniform temperature. If these 

 points are obtained, no matter where, how, or of what 

 material the fruit-room be constructed. It may be built 

 of stone, brick, clay, or wood, above or below ground, as 

 circumstances or taste may dictate. 



A good, dry, and cool cellar is as good a place for 

 keeping fruit as can be provided ; but the great objection 

 to cellars used for other purposes is, that currents of air 

 are frequently admitted, and too much light, by which the 

 temperature is changed, decay promoted, or the fruits dried 

 and shriveled. There are, also, other objects that un- 

 avoidably saturate the air more or less with moisture. 



Where a fruit-room is built on the surface of the ground, 

 it should be on the ice-house principle of double walls and 

 doors, to prevent access of either heat or cold from with- 

 out. A good cellar or cave, built in a dry, sandy, or 

 gravelly bank, or side-hill, will answer every purpose. 

 The walls may be of stone, brick, or timber ; the roof should 

 be thick, with a slope sufficient to throw off water freely, 

 and the earth about should also be so graded, that water 

 will flow away as fast as it falls. Provision may be made 

 for lighting and ventilating in the roof, and the door or 

 doors should be double. 



The interior should be fitted up with shelves and bins, 

 with places for barrels or other articles, in which fruits 

 are packed. 



