396 



The Principles of Fruit-growing 



fruits may be expected to carry thousands of miles without 

 perceptible injury. When opened, their aroma is such that 

 no well-bred consumer can resist the temptation of a 



$o\\o* Twt KX\,<U\ T.tt 



FIG. 161. The three tiers or layers of the 2x2 diamond pack. 



good price. Ordinary fruits, however, are not worth 

 this care. 



It is important that all fruit should be packed very 

 snug, especially that which is to be shipped any distance 

 in barrels or other large packages. Fruit that is ' 'slack" 

 when it reaches the market is nearly always injured, and 

 sells as second- or third-quality product. This slacking or 

 shaking in barrels may be prevented by using fruits not 

 over-ripe, by careful attention to grading, so that all the 

 specimens are of uniform maturity, by keeping the product 

 cool after it is packed, and especially by placing the fruits 

 in the package by hand. Barrels of 

 apples and pears should ordinarily be 

 filled about an inch above the chine, 

 and the fruit should be pressed in with 

 a screw- or lever-press until the head 

 comes into place. If the fruits are 



FIG. 162. End view of < , i i 



Fig. 161. wrapped in paper, or if the package is 



