1904.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 38. 1G9 



The vegetable box in use tlirouiihoiit the State for pota- 

 toes, beets and similar garden truck has been considerably 

 tested for apples. We have used it ourselves to some extent, 

 but do not consider it suitable. This box is 18 inches 

 s(]uare and 8 inches deep, thus having a capacity of 2,592 

 cubic inches, or considerably more than a standard bushel 

 (United States standard bushel contains 2,150.42 cubic 

 inches). The ends of this box are of |-incli lumber, and 

 the sides, top and bottom of J-inch stuff. 



The box most used and recommended by large apple ship- 

 pers is represented in our collection by samples bought from 

 a New York manufacturer. This is the box which we have 

 chiefly used, and which we prefer. The inside dimensions 

 are 10 by 11 by 20 inches, thus giving a capacity of 2,200 

 cubic inches, — very nearly the exact measure of the stand- 

 ard bushel. It weighs a trifle over 50 pounds, filled. The 

 ends are of |-inch stufi", and the sides, top and bottom of |- 

 inch stuft". It will be seen that the sides, top and bottom 

 are very light, thus allowing a considerable spring. There 

 is a difterence of opinion among shippers as to whether this 

 elasticity is desirable, or objectionable. Some favor it 

 strongl}?^ ; others insist that a perfectly rigid box is better. 

 Our own opinion is that the rigid box is better for long ship- 

 ments, as, for example, to Europe; but that the box with 

 plenty of spring is better for near-by markets. 



Another box, having exactly the same interior dimensions, 

 is manufiictured in Wisconsin, and is represented in our col- 

 lection by a sample. We have not used this box, but are 

 pleased with its appearance. It is better made and more at- 

 tractive than the New York box, just described. The ends 

 are of |-inch stuff, the top and bottom are of |-inch stuff, 

 and on the sides at each corner is a strip of |-inch lumber, 

 about 2| inches wide. This holds in place a sheet of thin 

 veneer, which forms the principal portion of the side. The 

 box is lio;ht and strono-, as well as o-ood lookino;. 



These boxes can all be bought in the knock-down, and 

 made up at home. The price is about $15 per hundred. 



Another box, used in Ontario, Can., is very well made 

 and attractive, but too expensive for the domestic trade. It 



