THE VEGETABLE GARDEN 237 



Several of the annual crops can be matured much earlier in the 

 spring if they are planted in the autumn and protected during 

 tne winter, Plants of this kind can often be protected by means 

 of boards set at an angle on the north side of the row instead of on 

 the south. A mulch of manure, straw, or leaves forms a good 

 protection, but care should be taken that the mulch does not contain 

 seeds of any kind or serious trouble will attend the further cultiva- 

 tion of the crop. Plants are like animals in that they require air, 

 and care should be exercised in putting on the winter covering not 

 to smother them. Coarse, loose materials are better for a winter 

 covering than fine, easily compacted substances. (F. B. 255.) 



HARVESTING, PACKING AND SHIPPING. 



As a rule the crop should be harvested just before it reaches 

 maturity. The time for this depends somewhat upon the distance 

 from the market and the method of shipment. Remember that 

 it costs just as much freight for a package of poor goods as for the 

 best, and while there is a market for good produce, poor stuff not 

 only does not bring good prices, but reacts upon the superior article, 

 reducing its price. It is, therefore, poor policy to ship inferior 

 goods. Inspect and assort rigorously, retaining all doubtful prod' 

 uct for canning, or to be otherwise disposed of. Better lose it 

 entirely than send it to market to undermine the good. Learn what 

 kind of package the market you are selling in prefers. Provide 

 that package, and pack the goods securely and honestly. Be sure 

 the package is full. Not only is this more honest, but your, produce 

 will arrive upon the market in better condition if this is done. Have 

 the goods in each package as near the same size as possible, and as 

 near the same degree of ripeness. Do not make the error of placing 

 the best on top. Remember that every package is examined by the 

 buyer until he learns whether you are honest or not, and this prac- 

 tice fools no one, and only serves to make the buyer wary of your 

 goods. Pack neatly in a neat clean package. Nail it up securely, 

 stencil your name and post office, and the name of the consignee 

 upon it, and ship as promptly, and by the most direct route possible. 

 Notify the consignee promptly of the shipment in order that he 

 may know it is on the way, and have a chance to provide for its 

 reception and disposal. The shipment of perishable goods by 

 freight in refrigerator cars is preferable. Very early in the season 

 ventilated cars may give satisfaction. Except with a few packages 

 of very early vegetables or fruits, express shipments will not, as a 

 rule, be found profitable. Not only will the charges be four or five 

 fold, but the packages are handled so often, and so roughly, that 

 they invariably reach their destination in poor condition. Besides 

 this, there is no assurance as to the temperature being kept low, 

 and a low temperature, while in transit, is essential to the arrival of 

 your produce upon the market in good condition. 



Careftil selection, packing and shipping cannot be too strongly 

 urged. Upon the intelligence and care with which this is done, 

 depends, largely, the success of the shipper. Remember that after 

 leaving your hands, and before reaching the consumer, these perish- 



