66 THE COLD STORAGE OF APPLES 



lem is for the individual to settle. That cold storage of some 

 form is profitable is readily recognized. We have had in recent 

 years fruits of all kinds out of season and at prices within the 

 reach of most people. The economic problem is not to secure 

 a high price for a small quantity but an average price for a 

 large quantity. 



Not many years since v\^e depended almost entirely upon the 

 house cellar for tiding over a glutted market, and when there 

 was a slump on the market much of the produce rotted in the 

 hands of the producer. A certain few, however, even then 

 solved the problem by proper handling, packing, ventilating 

 their cellars, etc. ; and they invariably received fair returns for 

 so doing. New methods of storage have developed rapidly 

 within a short time. At present every city of note has its 

 commercial cold-storage plant and producers as well as com- 

 mission men are offered equal opportunities for rental. Apples, 

 for example, are stored usually for about the following rates: 

 Ten cents per barrel per month, or for the season, from Sep- 

 tember until May first, 35 to 50 cents. The rate after that 

 time is 10 cents per barrel per month or fractional part 

 thereof. 



The advantages of storage near markets are in being able to 

 sell at short notice and in having one's fruit well cared for. 

 This is worth consideration by all growers. Not all cold- 

 storage houses are successful in giving good results. This 

 may be the fault of the company in not keeping a regular 

 temperature, etc., due to poorly constructed buildings or un- 

 skilled labor ; but it may be due to lack of proper attention in 

 picking, packing, etc., before the fruit reaches the plant. One 

 must understand that cold storage will simply retard and not 

 prevent entirely the spread of decay. Therefore, if the fruit 

 is in prime condition on entering, it is likely to come out in 

 proportionally as good condition. Cold storage never makes 

 an ill-shaped apple shapely, an unsound fruit sound, a wormy 

 apple perfect, or a pale, sickly, immature fruit bright colored. 

 The apple cannot be expected to increase in size, or escape 

 the consequences of the rough, careless treatment it perchance 

 may have received before going in. It is for the interest ot 

 both parties concerned to get good results. 



