398 The Profitable Culture of Vegetables. 



SHALLOTS. The crop is lifted in July, and after being allowed to dry 

 for a few days the bulbs are then divided and cleaned. They are usually 

 consigned to market in autumn, in peck or half-bushel baskets, weighing 

 12lbs. and 24lbs. 



SPINACH. When the plants have made strong growth the largest 

 leaves are picked singly. In this way the plants will yield several times, but 

 care must be taken not to pick them too closely, especially in winter when 

 growth is slow, or the plants will be ruined. During spring and summer 

 many growers wait until the plants are well-grown and then cut them off 

 close to the ground, so securing only one gathering from each sowing but 

 saving much on the labour bill. The leaves are packed in baskets and pads. 

 When open-topped baskets are used the Spinach is covered with leaves or 

 freshly-cut grass, and fastened down with crossed splinths. 



STRAWBERRIES. To be at its best the Strawberry should be put on 

 the market within a few hours of the time it is gathered, whilst it still 

 retains its bloom and brilliant colour. This is only possible where the 

 plantation is within easy distance of the market or of a main line of railway. 

 In such cases gathering begins soon after daybreak, and the fruit arrives on 

 the market while the day is still young. Where it is impossible to secure 

 these conditions the fruit should be gathered and packed when quite dry, 

 and sent to market by a train which will ensure its delivery in the small 

 hours of the following morning. It must always be borne in mind that 

 Strawberries will not, under any circumstances, stand rough handling or 

 long confinement, and their tenderness in this respect is emphasised in a 

 wet season, when they need handling with the greatest care and under dry 

 conditions. Watery fruit which has been packed for a number of hours and 

 subjected to the continuous jolting of a long journey by rail often arrives 

 at the market in a practically worthless condition, by being semi-pulped and 

 mouldy. Forced or forwarded Strawberries and choice fruit from the 

 open beds should be packed in lb. and lib. punnets, or in a single layer in 

 shallow wooden boxes holding lib. In all cases punnetted or boxed fruit 

 should have leaves below and above, as well as between the individual fruit 

 so that none touch ; they should be packed firmly but without crushing, and 

 in such a way that, given fair treatment, there is no chance of movement 

 during the journey. The punnets should be packed in stout wooden boxes, 

 specially made for the purpose ; these are fitted with shelves and each hold 

 from one to three dozen punnets, the lid being tied on with string. These 

 boxes have to be provided by the grower, are returnable, and with care will 

 last for several years. The next-best fruit from the field should go in chip 

 baskets holding any given weight from 3lb. to 6lb. according to the custom 

 of the market or the desire of the salesman. Large quantities are sent to 

 market in peck baskets holding 12lbs., but for fruit of good quality this is 

 too heavy a weight to go in one package, and peck baskets should be re- 

 served for second quality fruit and clearings, especially as chips are so 

 cheap and convenient. 





