SEl^'ENTEENTH ANNUAL MEETING. 157 



a distinct "crown" on the fruit. When the last tier is in. the 

 apples should come just flush with the ends, or very slightly 

 above them, and at the center should be from an inch to an 

 inch and a half above the edge of the box. This means that 

 when the covers are nailed on, there will be a bulg^e in both 

 top and bottom of one-half to three-fourths of an inch. The 

 spring of the covers will then hold each apple tightly in place, 

 and automatically take up any slack which may be due to 

 shrinkage. Besides this it adds to the attractiveness of the 

 package, since it impresses the buyer with the thought that 

 he is getting generous measure. 



Small cleats are used over the cover at each end in nailing 

 it on. in order to prevent splitting and to prevent the thin 

 hoards from pulling over the heads of the nails. A nailing 

 press is commonly used to put on the covers, which trues 

 them up and holds them securely in place while they are 

 being nailed. 



The customary price for packing all but the smaller sizes 

 of apples is five cents a box, and a good packer will put up 

 thirty-five to fifty boxes or even more in a ten-hour day. 



This splendid address occupied the time until the noon,: 

 recess, which was taken at 12.30. 



