75 



decidedly preferred to any other, although it was admitted that 

 the round baskets would carry the fruit better on account of 

 superior ventilation if the crates were only handled properly ; 

 which, unfortunately, is seldom the case for carmen, freight-hands 

 and boatmen belong to the same genus as ''baggage smashers." 

 Moreover it is said that the square or American baskets are 

 more profitable to the grower than the Beecher quarts because 

 they do not hold quite so much, while the round hold a full quart, 

 and if heaped, a little more ; but, it is complained, will bring no 

 better prices than the square quarts. It is said that, in many in- 

 stances, those who buy Beecher*baskets empty them into Ameri- 

 can quarts, thus making the same quantity of fruit bring more 

 money. This feature should be changed, and a quart basket 

 should hold a quart. But those who complain of scant measure 

 should be willing to pay more for the Beecher baskets. The 

 only advantage however, that I could learn they had, was that, 

 in a ^ glut," the Beecher quarts would sell first, the fruit in each 

 case being equally good. There is no deception as the capacity 

 of each basket is well understood. Still it would be far better to 

 have each package just what it purports to be. It is said that 

 the square Delaware quarts, if well filled and rounded up, as all 

 baskets should be to sell well, hold a full quart. But the com- 

 pact, snug fitting, and good carrying qualities of the square 

 baskets, together with their cheapness, will always make them 

 favorites with very many. I find that the large growers in New 

 Jersey and to the southward use them very generally, and that 

 the retail dealers on Sixth Avenue like them as well, if not better, 

 than any other. Delaware baskets, both pints and quarts, can be 

 bought at prices varying from $15 to $20 per 1000 with a dis- 

 count upon large orders. 



It should be said, however, that square pints and thirds are 

 not regarded with much favor in market. The round Whitney 

 veneer cup, holding a third of a quart, is very largely used both 

 for strawberries and raspberries. The package has the advan- 

 tage of cheapness, simplicity and strength, but the lack of venti- 

 lation will prevent it from couiing into general use. Willits & 



