68 THE WONDERFUL HOUSE THAT JACK HAS 



spores. The same thing is true in keeping fresh fruit, 

 and for this reason it should always be kept covered in 

 a cool place. If some of the fruit purchased is found to 

 be partly decayed, it should at once be removed from 

 the rest, as mold spores spread rapidly to the sound 

 fruit. 



To prevent the spreading of mold spores, oranges, 

 lemons, and other fruits are frequently wrapped in 

 light paper before shipment. Wiping the skin off oc- 

 casionally with a cloth aids in the preservation of some 

 fruits, because this removes the mold spores. Per- 

 haps, when we have seen the old apple woman pol- 

 ishing her wares, we may have thought it was simply 

 to make them more attractive ; but she knows it also 

 helps to prevent decay. Fruit that is found to be 

 too green for present use will usually ripen and become 

 wholesome, if kept for a time. 



Because of its cost and health-giving qualities, fruit 

 should not be allowed to waste. We should cherish 

 it as a most helpful building ally, and one that will 

 greatly assist the body in getting the most good from 

 other foods rich in the necessary building and fuel 

 materials. It is excellent for desserts, especially when 

 eaten in place of the rich pastry and cake in common 

 use. It satisfies the craving for sweets without crowd- 

 ing the already filled stomach with bulky foods from 

 which our digestive organs cannot readily separate the 

 nutriment. 



