367 



s.s. Wakood, a quantity of abestos or a preparation of this sub- 

 stance has been used. The fruits were wrapped in tissue as 

 formerly, and afterwards embedded in the asbestos, each fruit 

 being perfectly surrounded by this substance. Upon unpacking 

 the case, the asbestos appeared to be caked, but it was easily broken 

 up, and then appeared almost like flour. We should suppose, 

 therefore, that the fruits would be air-tight under such conditions, 

 and this will account for the fact that as we saw them they were 

 perfectly sound, and in excellent condition, although five months 

 had elapsed since they were packed in the boxes. The apples were 

 grown by J. R. Warren, Mount Alexander Orchard, Harcourt, and 

 Mr. J . M. Ely, Rosehill Gardens, Harcourt, both large Victorian 

 fruit growers. They were packed and brought to this country 

 under the direction of Mr. George Pontin, Church House, Yapton, 

 Sussex. The apples .were gathered and packed previous to May 5 

 last, but owing to some objection, we believe on the part of the 

 steamship companies, there was a delay of two months or more 

 before shipment, and even then they travelled by the Cape route. 

 The companies, naturally perhaps, object to the introduction of a 

 new system of packing fruits that may render unnecessary the cool 

 chambers that have cost so much money to provide. But such 

 objections will, no doubt, be overcome, and if a syndicate be formed, 

 as is now proposed, the system will be given a conclusive trial. The 

 new system, should it answer to expectations, will possess several 

 advantages. The fruit may then be stored in the hold of the ship, 

 and the freight per bushel-case will be (5d. instead of 3s. 9d. ; but 

 as the packing material will displace a quantity of the fruits in each 

 package, it may be well for present purposes to describe the future 

 freight of the fruit as Is. per bushel. It must be remembered also 

 that the asbestos is a valuable material in England, and it will be 

 sold here to as much advantage as will the apples. The result will 

 be that the asbestos and fruit would be brought to England for less 

 money than is now paid for the fruits alone. The apples will travel 

 .as well or better, and it is thought they may be preserved after 

 arrival here for weeks if necessary, providing that the cases be not 

 opened in the meantime. And beyond the other considerations, it 

 is hoped also that Victorian pears by this system may be placed on 

 the English market without much risk of loss by decay." 



Under the name of the " Sutherland Process of Packing," a 

 good deal was said a couple of years ago. The process is an 

 adaptation of principles of packing which experience had 

 demonstrated as favourable for the long keeping of fruit. 



It consists of wrapping each fruit excepting grapes in 

 tissue paper, and packing them carefully in a case lined with a bag 

 of tough-waxed paper, with folding flaps on the top. After the 

 fruits are securely packed, these flaps are folded over and sealed by 

 means of a hot iron run along the folded edges. An air-tight bag 

 is thus secured, over which the head of the box is nailed down. In 

 this way, the precipitated moisture from outside, which is condensed 

 into droplets in the cool chambers, does not come into contact with 



