PACKING AND MARKETING THE CROP. 



105 



are safely and easily handled in this manner. In general 

 shape and construction they are very much like the crate 

 illustrated in Figure 9. 



3. Fancy peaches are put up in pony baskets and 

 crated. This will enable the dealer to display the fruit 

 without disturbing it from the condition in which it was 

 placed in the packing-house. Pears are also put up in 

 the same manner. The expense, of course, is greater than 

 that incurred in packing these fruits in barrel or bushel 

 crates, but the attractive looks given to the fruit will, in 

 most instances, warrant an increase in price, which will 

 compensate for the extra trouble and expense. 



4. Currants are generally shipped in quart strawberry 

 baskets. Cherries are sent to market in 10-pound grape 

 baskets; while choice plums find their way into the 

 markets in both the quart and 5-pound grape baskets. 

 The inferior grades of plums are sent out in kegs and half- 

 barrels. 



5. Vegetables are shipped in all kinds of shapes. Pota- 

 toes, peas, etc., are packed in boxes, barrels, baskets and 

 bags. Onions are generally sent in crates, while beets, 

 carrots, turnips and other root crops reach the market in 

 boxes and barrels. 



6. It is a misfortune, however, that the law does not 

 regulate in all States the standard sizes and styles of 

 packages in which fruits and vegetables are sent to the 

 market, so that the buyer would know just how much he 

 is buying, but it is now in most sections of the country 

 mostly guess work. 



7. The quality and the condition of the fruit or vege- 

 tables when they reach the market are of prime impor- 

 tance. Poor grades and bad condition will surely lose 

 * customers, while first-class crops, neatly and honestly 



packed, will gradually grow in favor and demand. Ex- 

 cept in those instances where the customer becomes 



