355 



much nailed down frequently spoils them, and also some of the 

 -contents of the box. 



Large readable labels showing the contents of the case may not 

 always save the packages from rough handling, but will do so 

 occasionally. 



AUSTRALIAN FRUIT CASES. 



Much confusion exists as regards the size and shape of fruit 

 cases in the various fruit-growing countries, and perhaps more so in 

 Australia, where, amongst others, the cases illustrated on the plate 

 are used. Although these cases are called " bushel " cases, their 

 contents vary somewhat from the Imperial bushel, which measures 

 2,218 cubic inches. 



No. 1, called the " Half -Case" is used both for oranges and 

 lemons, chiefly in Victoria and New South Wales. The sides consist 

 of four or, better, three battens nailed down with intervals of 

 f to | inch between. Unless the fruit has been sweated and is 

 properly cured, these cases are apt to bruise them, and thus favour 

 decay. Outside measurement, 2,310 cubic inches ; inside measure- 

 ment, 1,856 cubic inches, or 362 cubic inches short of a bushel ; 

 number of cases to 1 ton, shipping measurement of 40 cubic feet, 

 25 cases ; weighs 8|lbs. when made of deal. 



No. 2. The new Tasmanian and Victorian Apple Case. 

 Battens broader and nailed down close together. Outside measure- 

 ment, 3,000 cubic inches ; inside measurement, 2,300 cubic inches ; 

 number of cases to 1 ton, ship measurement, 23 cases. These cases 

 only have four corners, and for that reason are easier to pack. 

 Weighs about lOlbs. when made of Oregon deal, and can be packed 

 crosswise, like bricks, without waste of space. The subdivisions 

 are 10 x 7| x 20in. and 10 x 3| x 20in., both with a central |in. 

 division. 



No. 3. Tasmanian Apple Case. Outside measurement, 3,064 

 cubic inches ; cubical contents, 2,457 cubic inches ; number of cases 

 to 1 ton, ship measurement, 22 cases ; weighs about 13f Ibs. made 

 of deal. 



No. 4. South Australian Export Case, for apples and pears. 

 Outside measurement, 2,757 cubic inches ; cubical contents, 2,208 

 cubic inches, or practically a bushel ; number of cases to 1 ton ship 

 measurement, 21 cases ; weighs 8f Ibs. made of deal. 



No. 5. South Australian Apple and Orange Case. Outside 

 measurement, 3,269 cubic inches ; cubical contents, 2,496 cubic 

 inches ; number of cases to 1 ton, ship measurement, 20 cases ; 

 weighs about lOlbs. made of Oregon. The figure shows at each end 

 on one side of this case two narrow cleats jin. thick, which prevent 

 the cases lying closely together when stacked, and thus promote 

 ventilation through the heap of cases. 



