292 



HARVESTING AND MARKETING 



The extent to which the netting is developed is more important 

 than the absolute amount of netting in determining whether a 

 given specimen shall be graded as a No. 2 or a cull. Melons in 

 which the netting is very poorly developed, as well as those without 

 any netting, should be classed as culls. Cracked or over-ripe 

 specimens must be graded as culls even though of fine quality, 

 for they would be likely to spoil before reaching the consumer. 

 Gem melons having the characteristic netting of the four grades 

 above mentioned are illustrated in Figs. 174 and 175. 



Packing. — The subject of packages has already been discussed. 

 From a market standpoint, the proper placing of the specimens 

 in the package is fully as important as the use of the right kind 



mn 



\ 



Fig. 17G. — Flats of f;inc\' tomatoes, properl\' packed. 



of package, for, unless properly packed, vegetables shipped to 

 distant markets are likely to arrive in deplorable condition. In 

 the first place, the vegetables must be cool when placed in the 

 packages, so that the danger of heating in transit will be reduced 

 as much as possible. As already mentioned, the packages used in 

 hot weather should be provided with ample ventilation. In the 

 case of products in which the individual specimens are large and 

 easily subject to injury, each specimen should be so placed in 

 the package that it will remain in its exact position until the 

 package reaches the market. This state of affairs can be secured 

 only by placing each specimen by hand and packing firmly, yet 

 not so tightly that any of the specimens will be bruised. In the 

 case of products in which the individual specimens are smaller 



