198 HORTICULTURE, FORESTRY, FLORICULTURE 



in each case. Colored manila tagboard is used for this purpose, size 

 17^2x11 inches or IQ^xlO 1 /^ inches, according to the box. The 

 approximate cost of this paper should be $7.50 per thousand sheets. 

 It can be purchased from any wholesale dealer in paper. 



Wrapping-Paper '. Most of the growers in the west wrap every 

 apple. It takes but little more time to do this, and the wrapper 

 adds greatly to the character of the pack. A wrapped apple packs 

 more easily and firmly than an unwrapped apple. The wrapper acts 

 as a cushion to prevent bruising and also checks the spread of disease 

 from one apple to another. In addition, a box of wrapped apples 

 conveys an impression of greater carefulness. 



The wrapping-paper used in the west is a light manila, smooth 

 on one side and rough on the other, the rough side being placed 

 next to the apple. Often the wrapping sheets are stamped with the 

 brand of the individual or association which handles the fruit. In 

 New York this paper can be purchased of dealers in fruit-growers' 

 supplies, or it can be secured at a wholesale paper store. The size of 

 the wrapper will vary somewhat according to the size of the apple. 

 For the medium and larger apples 10x10 inches is a good size; for 

 the smaller apples 8x10 inches. If one is handling apples of differ- 

 ent sizes, it is well to have both sizes of wrapping-paper on hand. 

 The cost of this paper should be about 4^ or 5 cents per pound, or 

 about 35 cents per thousand sheets. 



To wrap an apple attractively and quickly is a matter of prac- 

 tice, and the knack is soon attained. The packer stands at the table 

 so that he can pick up an apple with one hand and place it in the box 

 with the other. The wrapping-paper is held in a hod which hangs 

 on the side of the box. To pick up a sheet of wrapping-paper easily, 

 the packer wears a rubber stole on the thumb or middle finger. 

 These rubber stoles can be purchased at almost any drug-store. With 

 the left hand the packer reaches for a sheet of paper; at the same 

 time with the right hand he picks up an apple. The apple is thrown 

 gently into the center of the paper, which is held in the palm of the 

 left hand. With the right hand the packer draws in the corners of 

 the paper, and then with a slight rolling motion completes the wrap- 

 ping, and in so doing leaves the apple in the left hand in the proper 

 position to pack in the box. The operation, however, being an indi- 

 vidual matter, will differ somewhat with each packer. In every case 

 the object should be to make a neat and attractive wrap and do it 

 quickly. 



Packing-Table. A convenient packing-table can be easily built 

 by any grower. The bed of the table is 3 x 4 feet, covered by a 

 double layer of canvas. In order to enable the packer to shake off 

 quickly any dirt or leaves which may gather, the top layer is fastened 

 at one end only. Each end of the table is extended about one foot 

 on which to rest one end of the box. As a rest for the other end a 

 board projecting about one foot at the side is fastened to the bottom 

 of the bed. These supports for the boxes are built at alternate 

 corners of the table. Shelves on which to place wrapping-paper, 

 lining paper, or layer paper are often built beneath the table. 



