250 Success with Small Fruits. 



habit of shipping produce, the names of merchants that uniformly have 

 made the best returns. Moreover, it is often well, if one has considerable 

 fruit, to ship to two or more parties, and compare prices. The homely 

 proverb hinting that it is not wise to put all our eggs in one basket, is 

 sound. 



FRUIT PACKAGES. 



After some years of experience and observation, I am led to market 

 my strawberries in square, quart baskets, and round pints, and raspber- 

 ries in half-pints ; although pints answer equally well for a firm raspberry, 

 like the Cuthbert or Brandywine. 



If I were shipping long distances, I would prefer baskets of which the 

 round Beecher quarts and pints are the types. Such packages occupy too 

 much space, however, to be forwarded in refrigerators. I think berries 

 remain in good condition longer in this circular, open basket than in any 

 other. Of the crate, it is sufficient to say that it should be light, 

 strong, and so constructed as to permit free circulation of air. Few of the 

 square " quart baskets " hold a quart. Indeed, there are but few honest 

 baskets in the market; and the fact has come to be so well recognized that 

 they are now sold by the " basket," the majority being aware that they are 

 simply packages of fruit. I think there should be a change in this respect, 

 and that the several packages should hold a full quart, pint, etc. Square 

 quarts fill a crate compactly, requiring the least amount of space ; there is 

 no chance for the baskets to upset, and when the crate is opened, there is 

 a continuous surface of fruit, which is very attractive. Very large, showy 

 strawberries appear best, however, in round baskets. If my market were 

 a near one, I would plan to dispose of the bulk of my crop in round pints, 

 since they could be used for strawberries, the firmer raspberries, and 

 blackberries. Thus one stock and style of baskets would last throughout 

 the whole season. 



A little good taste bestowed upon the appearance of a fruit package 

 often adds several cents per pound or quart to the price received, and thus 

 it comes that the brand of certain growers is sought after in the market. 

 A few green leaves, judiciously placed, cost nothing, but may catch the 

 eye and secure a fancy price. 



After much inquiry in the market, however, I am led to the conclusion 

 that the size, quality, and appearance of the fruit count for far more than 

 all other considerations combined. 



