284 CULTURE OF THE GRAPE. 



the bunches will be liable to shrivel too much by this 

 method ; but in our cold, close fruit-room, they will keep 

 very well in this way. More space is required by this 

 plan than is desirable to give; and, as boxes answer 

 every purpose, they will be best when there is a consid- 

 erable quantity of fruit. Shallow wooden boxes suffi- 

 ciently deep to contain but a single layer of grapes are 

 best. A layer of glazed cotton-wadding or of paper, or 

 of cork-dust or wheat-bran or rice-chaff, may be placed 

 in the bottom of the box. I incline to think that clean 

 and perfectly dry sand would be better still. This might 

 be sifted in after the fruit is placed away in the room. 

 But it is not essential to use either one of these materials. 

 The fruit as it is cut in the vineyard should be at once 

 packed closely, so that there shall be but one handling. 

 Every appearance of imperfection or decay should be cut 

 away. 



The boxes should then be placed in a cool, dry room 

 for a day or two, with the covers off, to allow all perspira- 

 tion and moisture to pass off. Then shut down the 

 covers, and set the boxes away in the fruit-room until 

 wanted for use. It may be necessary to examine the 

 fruit occasionally, and remove any signs of decay. It is 

 best, however, to keep the grapes as close, and as little 



