1904.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — Xo. 33. Kill 



The V('g(!ta,bl(' box in use throughout the State torj)ot;i- 

 toes, beets and similar garden truck has been considerably 

 tested for ap[)les. We have used it ourselves to some extent, 

 but do not consider it suitable. This box is 18 inches 

 s(juare and 8 inches deep, thus having a capacity of 2,51)2 

 cubic inches, or considerably more than a standard bushel 

 (United States standard bushel contains 2,150.42 cubic 

 inches). The ends of this box are of |-inch lumber, and 

 the sides, top and bottom of J-inch stuff. 



The box most used and recommended b}^ large apple ship- 

 pers is re[)resented in our collection by samples bought from 

 a New York manufacturer. This is the box which we have 

 chiefly used, and which we prefer. The inside dimensions 

 are 10 by 11 by 20 inches, thus giving a ca})acity of 2,200 

 cubic inches, — very nearh^ the exact measure of the stand- 

 .ard bushel. It Aveighs a trifle over 50 pounds, tilled. The 

 ends are of |-inch stufl", and the sides, top and l)()ttom of |- 

 inch stufl*. It will be seen that the sides, to}) and bottom 

 are very light, thus allowing a considerable spring. There 

 is a dirt'erence of opinion among shippers as to whether this 

 elasticity is desirable, or objectionable. Some favor it 

 strongly ; others insist that a perfectly rigid box is better. 

 Our own opinion is that the rigid box is better for longshi})- 

 ments, as, for cxann)le, to Europe ; but that the box with 

 plenty of spring is better for near-by markets. 



Another box, having exactl}' the same interior dimensions, 

 is manufactured in Wisconsin, and is rei)resented in our col- 

 lection by a sample. Wg have not used this box, but are 

 })leased with its appearance. It is better made and more at- 

 tractive than the New York box, just described. The ends 

 are of |-inch stuff", the top and bottom are of |-inch stuff", 

 and on the sides at each corner is a strip of |-inch lumber, 

 about 2i inches wide. This holds in place a sheet of thin 

 veneer, which forms the principal portion of the side. The 

 box is light and strong, as well as good looking. 



These boxes can all be bought in the knock-down, and 

 made up at home. The price is about |15 per hundred. 



Another box, used in Ontario, Can., is very well made 

 and attractive, but too expensive for the domestic trade. It 



