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of cartage, time, and material used in repairs outbalance the 

 difference. 



The lower price goods packed in second-hand cases invariably 

 fetch whenever compared with the same grade goods packed in new 

 cases is in itself sufficient to stamp this class of package as costly 

 to the grower, who often, moreover, is given cause to repent having 

 used them when new blights and pests carried as spores, eggs, or 

 larvae in the cracks and crevices of the timber, invade his garden. 



Honesty in packing is a cardinal rule which should on no 

 occasion be departed from, and especially on a glutted market is 

 the grower made aware of it. The glaring fraud of topping inferior 

 fruit and rubbish with picked specimens is, as a rule, so noticeable 

 that it passes comprehension that some should still persist in it. 



When packing it is permissible to double face the case, bottom 

 and top. A layer of fruit is carefully set at the bottom ; these, for 

 the sake of uniformity, show the same side. Over these fruit of the 

 same grade and type is used as a superstructure, and a top layer of 

 even fruit also facing the same way is set, when the cover is gently 

 pressed down and nailed. The case is then ready to be branded and 

 despatched. 



It very frequently happens that in order to test the packing the 

 dealers open the cases sideways, or on the bottom end ; and even 

 often, when a large parcel comes under the hammer, one or two 

 cases, picked out at random, are tipped on the table exposed to 

 view, and stand as a sample of the whole lot. 



For long-distance shipping, it stands to reason that nothing 

 but first-class fruit will pay for freight, packing, for shrinkage due 

 to natural causes, and other incidental changes. 



HOW TO PACK. 



In connection with this important question, the experience of 

 fruit-growers and of those engaged in the trade will be of value. 



In America, where the art of packing has been brought up to 

 a high standard, the bulk of the apple and pear exporting trade is 

 done in kegs or barrels of standard size. These are double-faced, 

 bottom and top. This facing is done by selecting fruit of uniform 

 grade and placing them in concentric rows. About two tiers should 

 be faced, the rings of one tier breaking joints with those of 

 another. The stem end is turned towards the end of the barrel. 



In filling, the barrel is lightly shaken every now and again to 

 settle the fruit firmly. When filled, the apples should stand half 

 an inch to an inch or so above the chine, and they are pressed down 

 gently by the cover, which is then nailed securely. If the package 

 is lined, and if the fruits are wrapped with paper, the spring of 

 the paper itself will take up the slack and will keep the fruit in 

 place. 



For the fancy export trade, an improved if more costly system 

 of packing has been used with striking success. It consists of a 



