2eo FRUIT AND ITS CULTIVATION. 



CHAPTER VI. 



Storage of Fruit. 



THE gathering and storing of fruit so that it can be made 

 the most of, and kept in the best possible condition 

 for winter use, are of great importance. With regard to 

 Apples and Pears, it is a common error to gather late 

 sorts too soon, while early sorts are not gathered soon 

 enough. Most of the early dessert Apples and Pears lose 

 their brisk flavour as soon as they become fully ripe, and 

 soon after they commence to go sleepy, and then rotten. 

 Unless late varieties are allowed to hang until they have 

 become fully matured they never get their proper flavour, 

 and they often shrivel in keeping. 



How to Ascertain when Fit to Gather. All the fruit 

 on one tree is never ready for gathering on the same day ; 

 two, and sometimes three, pickings are necessary to get 

 them in the best condition. This is more especially the 

 case with the earlier varieties than it is with the late ones. 

 The practised eye can see at once which are likely to be 

 ready; and if these come off easily with a gentle pull, lift- 

 ing the fruit upwards at the same time, they are ready ; 

 but if not, they are left for a few more days. Apples are 

 very often attacked by the grubs of the Codlin Moth, 

 which causes them to fall; or rough winds may blow 

 many down ; neither of these causes should be taken as a 

 sign that they are ready for gathering. These may all 

 be used, or sold, without loss, which is far better than 

 storing them with sound fruit. A few fruit of the best 

 is better than a large quantity of inferior quality. 



The Fruit Store. -A good position to store' apples in is a 

 moist, cool place, such as a cellar, with a temperature of 



