266 Fruit-growing in Arid Regions 



should come to meeting on the smallest size allowed in 

 a good pack. 



Pears should be carefully picked and handled to avoid 

 bruising. Bruises do not show early, but after the fruit 

 is ripe, decay starts quickly in the injured spots. The 

 fruit should be picked with perfect stems and without de- 

 stroying spurs. It should not be allowed to stand in the 

 sun or warm storage, as this shortens its life in cold- 

 storage; and, although it may be mature enough to ripen 

 well in cold-storage, fruit may wilt if handled carelessly. 

 It is best for the grower to harvest and market the pear 

 crop as promptly as possible and let the buyer take the 

 responsibility of ripening it. 



Picking Plums 



Plums are picked before they are really considered 

 eating-ripe. Many of the red plums of the American 

 and Japanese types will ripen well when picked green and 

 will color well off the tree. As a rule, however, it is well 

 to leave the fruit on the tree as long as possible, especially 

 the fancier plums supplied to the fruit-stand trade. 

 The varieties commonly known as prunes carry very 

 well after they are really ripe. 



Like a peach, a plum picked after the flesh feels elastic 

 to the touch will ripen well in storage or in transit. Plums 

 picked for jelly are best taken rather green. 



