258 MODERN FRUIT MARKETING 



trolley lines, and the various industrial organizations 

 may contribute cups or prizes of various kinds. Some- 

 times individuals will offer cash prizes for a single box 

 or barrel with the understanding that he is to get the 

 package that wins the prize. Such represents a larger 

 sum than the probable commercial value of the package. 

 There are innumerable ways by which a competent man- 

 agement can provide sufficient funds to- cover the 

 awards. Care is taken, however, that the requests for 

 funds do not become so numerous and the sums so large 

 that the business people become disgusted and refuse 

 to contribute. 



Selecting Fruit for Exhibits. Fruit for show pur- 

 poses can best be selected during harvesting time. Extra- 

 fine specimens for plates can be laid to one side during 

 the process of harvesting and given special attention to 

 keep them in good shape. Fruit for boxes or barrels 

 can be set aside and given extra care later. It is neces- 

 sary to handle fruit for show purposes with every pos- 

 sible care. The bloom ought not to be disturbed, and it 

 is unnecessary to state that no bruises, blemishes or 

 marks of any kind are permitted. If gloves could be 

 worn in handling the fruit less injury would result. 



Commercial packs must conform in every way to the 

 requirements of the market. The packages are standard 

 and extra care is taken to make them neat and clean. 

 The grades conform to the laws or customs of the com- 

 munity in which the show is held. In box-packs the 

 apples are all wrapped except the top layer. The man- 

 agement of the show specifies on all such points. If 

 barrels are used the same precautions hold true. A 

 dirty or careless package may spoil the chances for a 



