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opened would display a broad array of fruit, only one breadth of 

 stuff (11 inches) need be used, which would be cut from waste, 

 effecting a saving in quality of timber and in the time required in 

 manipulating lesser widths, also in nails and time consumed 

 driving; further, in time and material taken in making the three 

 .additional cases required to hold a ton of fruit according to Tas- 

 manian dimensions. If necessary 5|-inch wide timber could be 

 used in making both full and half size cases, the ends of the full- 

 sized cases being held together by metallic dowells." 



Mr. Grapes also suggests turning the central division with the 

 grain of wood at right angles with the grain of the end pieces, thus 

 absolutely preventing the splitting of packages by rough handling 

 and spilling the contents. 



The depth of the half-case (5| inches) closely approaches the 

 depth (5f inches) of the Calif ornian fresh peach, plum, and apricot 

 package, and their grape case of 5 inches in depth. The depth of 

 the quarter-case of 12| inches varies but ^ inch from the standard 

 Californian cherry box, with a depth of 3 inches, and would be 

 found very suitable for packing the more tender berries. 



Whatever shape of package is used the cases should be clean, 

 and neatly branded at one end with the name of the fruit, the 

 grower's address, and the weight or the number of fruits the case 

 contains. 



Experiments have been arranged by this Department to test 

 the value of shea-oak (Gasuarina) and other suitable local timber 

 for case-making, and it is hoped that the cost of fruit packages 

 to the growers may thus be reduced. Several of our most enter- 

 prising growers have already tested red gum and other timber, but 

 as a rule these cases have been found heavier than deal, more easily 

 split when driving nails, and it is not yet demonstrated whether 

 they will stand slinging and rough usage as does the softer and 

 more yielding deal. 



RULES FOR EXHIBITIONS AND JUDGING. 



In regard to exhibition and judging of fruit at our shows, 

 little or no method seems to direct either horticultural societies, 

 exhibitors, or judges. Chaos, confusion, and arbitrary choice govern 

 the whole arrangement and judging, and the public, instead of 

 deriving instruction from the display, go away in no way benefited 

 by the educational purpose of the show. 



In order to bring method into the management of fruit shows, 

 and as a guide to the judges, I give here a set of rules culled from 

 the codes of three prominent American horticultural societies, viz., 



