314 The Canadian Horticulturist. 



HOW TO PACK APPLES. 



Messrs. Pancoast & North, commission merchants of Philadelphia, speak 

 favorably concerning the prospect for the sale of api)les this fall. As soon as 

 the markets are clear of peaches and pears, and stock of firmer quality comes 

 forward, high prices are expected. Even now desirable apples, carefully packed, 

 range from $2.50 to $3.25 per barrel for such varieties as Duchess of Oldenburg, 

 Alexander, Gravcnstein, Maiden's Blush, 20 Oz., Black Detroit and King. 

 They also give the following suggestions and directions for packing apples, 

 which, just at this season, will be of especial interest to our readers : 



Two barrels of apples of the first grade sell quicker and for more nionoy than a three 

 barrel mixture of thtse two barrels with anotlier barrel of the second grade. It pays better to 

 market only the rinest fruit in the best possible shape. 



Apples for marketing should be picked from the tree by hand and handled gently ; all 

 that fall should be discarded, even if they do not show any Inuise at the time. Discard 

 everything specked, or in any way faulty or imperfect. Pack in the best new barrels ; 

 don't use poor barrels. Marketable apples will bring higher prices enough in neat, iirst- 

 class barrels to more than pay the ditl'erence in cost. See that the barrels are made of 

 well-seasoned wood, both heads and staves, so that they will not warp and the heads come 

 out in transportation. 



Remove one head of the barrel ; select uniform, fair average apples (not the largest) 

 and hand jiack them, stem down around the edge of the barrel ; then another row inside 

 the first, and so on until the head is nicely covered close and tight, so they will not shift ; 

 then put in about a half bushel more and shake the barrel carefully, so as not to disturb 

 the facing, then add another half bushel and shake as before, and so on until the barrel is 

 filled. It is important to shake the barrel five or six times while being filled to settle 

 the apples into the closest space, to prevent further settling in 8hii)ment. Let the apples 

 come up to the top of the chime, lay the head on, lean over the barrel, bear your weight 

 on the head and shake until every apple is fixed into a shiftless place ; then use the press 

 to gently crowd the head down to its place, and nail securely. 



Turn the barrel over and mark the kind of apples, the growers name and initials, and 

 brand Extra, Choice, Prime or Xs, to suit the grade. 



GoosEBFRRiES — The great drawback to the successful raising of gooseberries 

 in this country is mildew. It is quite possible, however, to furnish conditions 

 under which the plant may flourish e(iually as well as in more favorabltt 

 localitie.s. For instance, we know that the gooseberry delights in a moist, rich 

 and cool soil, which we are able to furnish by deep [lowing, heavy manuring, 

 and mulching the soil thoroughly. To afford protection from the sun, partial 

 shade and a northern location may be chosen ; the northern side of a barn or 

 oiher building, or even of a board fence, is a great advantage in location. The 

 center of the bush may be kept open by careful pruning, so that light and air 

 can be admitted freely. Whilst it is not always possible to avoid mildew, 

 especially in seasons when the weather is so favorable to its development, there 

 are many painstaking gardeners who are very successful in growing English 

 varieties which, it is almost impossible to raise, under ordinary circumstances, in 

 this trying climate. The best fertilizing material that we have yet found for the 

 gooseberry, is well-rotted cow manure, ai>plie(l liberal!)- and well mixed with the 

 soil. — Orchard and Cardeii. 



