13 



The colour should be high, and it will be noted that colour is scored higher 

 than any other point in commercial packages. 



Under uniformity we expect fruit to be as even in colour, size, shape, 

 and condition as it is possible to get. This is the foundation of successful 

 grading. Moreover, in every respect, the fruit in the lower layers should be 

 the same as those in the top rows. AVe are very glad to see that this rule 

 is now very generally recognized in British Columbia, and it was extremely 

 rare in this past season to find a box of apples that was not equally as good 

 in the lower layers as it was in the top. 



Freedom from blemishes is important in boxes, though it does not receive 

 quite as high a score as in plate exhibits, and a slightly greater amount of 

 blemishes is allowed. 



Quality, for which 15 points is allowed, is taken into consideration only 

 when two varieties are in competition. In single-variety entry quality is rated 

 full points for all entries. When varieties compete, quality refers to commer- 

 cial quality, market preference, and includes keeping quality and range of 

 season as well. 



Package and Packing (3 points). The box should be of spruce rather than 

 pine or other inferior woods; in all dimensions should be correct standard 

 size, evenly cut. and with single-piece ends, sides, tops, and bottoms. In finish- 

 ing, we expect it to be planed on the inside and the ends on both sides ; proper 

 cleats; properly nailed; put together to make a strong, attractive package. 

 The wood must be clean. It is preferable not to have the brand exposed in 

 box exhibits. 



II fit/lit at Knds (4 points). The bulge must slope gently to both ends, at 

 which the fruit must be only about ^ inch above each end. This is sufficient 

 to provide tightness when the cover is nailed on. Lower ends may go slack, 

 while, if higher, the fruit will be bruised by the cover. 



I-'iillnt'Nx or Bulge is allowed 4 points, which does not fully emphasize its 

 importance. Boxes of peaches should be full up to the cover, but with no 

 bulge. Plums and prunes packed in four-basket plum-crates should have a 

 bulge of about % inch. Apple-boxes should have a total bulge, top and bottom, 

 of 1*4 to 1% inches. As small as 1 inch may be satisfactory on the very 

 tight packs, while 1% inches is none too much on the open packs. Too great 

 a bulge causes too much bruising, and too small a bulge means a light-weight 

 box, and one that will not carry well. Pears require a heavy bulge, between 

 2 and 2% inches total, top and bottom, on account of the great shrinkage of 

 pears in shipment. 



Solidity or Compactness (5 points). The pack must be firm and solid, so 

 that the fruits are immovable in any direction. Full weight is expected. 



Attractiveness and Style of Pack (5 points). As packed, the box must be 

 attractive, the wrapping smooth and even, with no torn papers ; the general 

 impression to be one of evenness, neatness, and uniformity. Of the three styles 

 of packs, only the " diagonal " should be awarded a prize. " Square " or 

 " offset " packs should be disqualified. A change of pack in the lower layers 

 should also be disqualified. The pack must be regular and it must be the 

 correct pack for the shape and size of the fruit. 



Alic/tnticnt (4 points). The rows of apples, across, along, and diagonally, 

 must be in perfect alignment. This is the final evidence of skilful grading 

 and packing. Proper alignment greatly increases the attractiveness of the 

 packs. 



PREPARATION OF FRUIT FOR EXHIBITION. 



The actual selection and preparation of fruit for exhibition is a matter 

 in which a man should learn by experience. Actual practice and the results 



