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stalks inside and point downwards. After packing a few layers, 

 rock the case sharply to cause the grapes to settle firmly, and 

 proceed in a like manner until the case is full. The last bunch or 

 bunches should fit in extra tight, the top layer having been carefully 

 laid on the surface, which should stand an inch or so above the 

 side of the case. The lining paper is then folded on top, the lid 

 laid flat, and pressure gently applied with the knee whilst the nails 

 are being driven. Any small empty corner or hollow can be with 

 advantage filled by means of a few berries snipped off by means of 

 the secateurs. 



Nothing in the shape of packing should be placed on the top 

 or among the bunches for the local market. 



For export, cork dust may be well sifted in between the 

 berries, to prevent their touching. The cork dust should be coarse, 

 as if too fine it spoils the appearance of the berries, and works out 

 of the case. 



The grapes should not be over-ripe or sunburnt, but may be 

 exposed to the air for a little time to allow of the skin being 

 toughened a little before packing. 



After the bunches have been spread out for a few hours, each 

 bunch is gone over, and any faulty berries are removed with a pair 

 of scissors. 



Of the tough varieties, the berries of which adhere firmly to 

 the stalk, only the more open bunches are fit to pack for distant 

 markets. 



The amount of cork dust required for packing grapes (a 

 bushel case) varies from 41bs. to 61bs., costing Is. to Is. 6d. Begin 

 with 61bs., and with practice reduce to 41bs. 



Some of the tougher grapes, such as Almeria, Flame Tokay, 

 Emperor, when properly packed in granulated cork, will carry 

 without cool storage to distances of 12 to 14 days' travel from the 

 port of shipment, and open out in excellent condition. 



With good carrying varieties of grapes, suitably packed, an 

 important trade with India, only nine to ten days from our shores, 

 lies within our reach. 



From South Australia, Almeria (White Daria) grapes have 

 for several years been shipped to England, packed with cork dust 

 or jar rah shavings, both materials proving equally suitable for the 

 purpose. 



For some time past, in America, the grape basket has been in- 

 troduced with marked favour. In shape it is similar to the Michigan 

 peach basket, illustrated above, one marked improvement consisting 

 in the substitution of a folding wire handle, instead of the stiff 

 wooden one. This permits of a number of these baskets being 

 packed in a crate. Two sizes are made, viz., five- pound and a ten- 

 pound basket. The ten-pound baskets usually hold only a trifle over 

 eight pounds of fruit, and the five-pound baskets a little over four 



