144 Lessons in Fruit Growing. 



parts, hence the color of the latter is a test of the thorough- 

 ness of the work. Applications of Bordeaux uiixture dur- 

 ing summer for other diseases are also beneficial in prevent- 

 ing anthracnose. 



208. Harvesting and packing. The fruit of the grape 

 does not improve in quality after it is removed from the 

 vine, hence it should not be gathered until as mature as it 

 will become in the climate in which it is grown. 



The fruit should be picked only when dry. The picker 

 should take the cluster by the stem, cutting it off with a 

 pair of shears and placing it in the picking tray with the 

 least possible touching of the fruit (16). 



The grapes should be removed directly from the picking 

 tray to the market package, all imi^erfect berries being 

 taken off in the meantime. Grapes are commonly packed 

 in the so-called '' Climax" basket, which is made of vari- 

 ous styles and sizes (Fig. 25). In packing, the greatest 

 care should be used to keep the fruit clean and fresh, to 

 prevent the bunches from being broken and to preserve 

 the bloom. 



Grapes intended for long keeping should be stored in a 

 moderately dry apartment in which the temperature is 

 uniform and rather low. The grapes should be as nearly 

 as possible of the temperature of the room when placed in 

 it. Ventilation should be given only on dry days and 

 when the outside temperature differs little from that of the 

 room. 



209. Winter protection of the grape vine is essential in 

 climates having severe winters. This is accomplished by 

 laying the pruned vine upon the ground and covering it 

 with soil, straw or corn stalks. The former is most com- 

 monly used, as it is cheapest, and does not attract mice. 



