46 CITRUS CULTURE IN CALIFORNIA. 



the surplus moisture escapes and the rind becomes tough and 

 pliable; many unseen imperfections, such as slight bruises, 

 etc., will develop into spots and permit a more certain selec- 

 tion of the perfect fruit for market. When the weather is too 

 cool the oranges do not sweat naturally ; they are then covered 

 with blankets, etc. During the sweating process the fruit 

 should be carefully examined from time to time; the doors 

 should always be kept shut, and a current of air should not be 

 allowed to pass through the room. In three or four days a 

 slightly sticky appearance will be noticed on the rind ; then 

 the fruit is wiped dry and put into boxes, filling them half 

 full, and are left in the room until dry; then they are ready 

 for packing. They should be in such a condition that when 

 they are packed they will not become loose, so that every time 

 the car shakes they will knock one against the other ; this is 

 the great secret of loss in fruit, especially when shipped to the 

 eastern market. 



POINTS IN PACKING. 



The fruit should be carefully assorted as to size and color. 

 Small and large oranges should never be put into the same 

 box. The wrapper should be careful to reject every bruised 

 or otherwise injured orange. The packer should be careful 

 not to put different varieties in the same box in packing. 

 The oranges should be placed one by one, closely together in 

 layers, so that there can be no sliding or rolling of the fruit in 

 the box. The top layer should project not less than one half 

 inch nor more than three quarters of an inch above the side 

 of the box, so that the top, when nailed on, should hold the 

 layers firmly in their places, even after there has been some 

 shrinkage of the fruit. 



WRAPPING. 



The fruit paper used for wrapping should contain as little 

 oil as possible, so that it will readily absorb and throw off 

 moisture. Wrapping oranges is regarded by many as being 

 useless and unnecessary. Experience has taught the orange 

 growers in the last few years that it is better in every way to 

 wrap the fruit, for it carries better, especially when the fruit is 

 to be transported a considerable distance by rail. 



