408 



CITRUS FRUITS AND THEIR CULTURE. 



picking bag or sack is that the fruit may be jammed or 

 bruised through the sack against the sides and rounds of 

 the ladder or the branches and trunks of the trees. In- 

 jury to the fruit would not occur from this source if 

 careful, conscientious pickers could always be secured, 

 but even then it is difficult to keep from bruising the 

 fruit. Furthermore, there is always a strong tempta- 

 tion to pour the fruit from the picking bag into the field 

 box without removing it from the shoulder. As a matter 

 of fact, under ideal methods of handling the fruit, it should 



never be poured out. 



All things considered, one of 

 the very best picking recep 

 tacles is the wicker work bas- 

 ket Fig. 86 manufactured by 

 the Wakefield Rattan Com- 

 pany, of Boston, Mass. The 

 bottom is of wood and inside 

 it is lined with heavy duck. 

 By means of a stout, broad 

 strap it is slung across the 

 shoulder. Inside it measures 

 131-2 x 151-2 x 73-4 inches. 

 The newer ones have the front 

 higher than the back, which in- 

 creases its capacity, as it dips 

 forward somewhat when filled. 

 The advantage of this basket 

 is that the sides protect the 

 fruit from injury and the fruit 



can be conveniently lifted out with the hands and placed 

 in the field boxes. 



Fig. 86. Wicker-work picking 

 basket. 



