THE EARTH'S BOUNTY 



locality, soil, and seasons all influence them. 

 The most favorable time is when the fruit has 

 attained its full growth and color, which is 

 several days before it is quite ripe. Apples, 

 in fact all fruit, should be handled with the 

 greatest care. The slightest bruise or scratch 

 starts a condition which will develop rot. 



A light extension ladder, a high step-lad- 

 der, and an agile boy are the requisites for pick- 

 ing. When possible, choose a bright, cool 

 day, have the boxes and barrels ready, and 

 press all help into the service. Before allow- 

 ing anyone to pick apples teach them how. 

 Take the apple lightly, turn it slowly, and 

 press upward, so that the stem is severed from 

 the branch and not from the fruit. The stem 

 seems to be nature's seal, which imprisons the 

 life or heart of the fruit. I have no authority 

 for this assertion, except my own observation, 

 but that has convinced me that fruit which re- 

 tains the stem keeps the longest. 



The boy, or whoever may have to do the 

 climbing, should discard shoes, for they are 



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