284 THE APPLE 



by one of the grading machines. No difference was discovered in 

 the shape of the apples until the packers began to complain that 

 the boxes were too full. Upon investigation it was found that the 

 driver had just commenced hauling apples from a different section 

 of the orchard. This led to a careful examination of the apples, 

 which showed the cause. After adjusting the machine so as to 

 make a slight reduction in the cheek-to-cheek measurements, the 

 packing was resumed and no further trouble experienced. 



The style of pack also affects the cheek-to-cheek dimensions 

 of the pack containing a given number of apples. Another diffi- 

 culty in establishing standard measurements is the many different 

 shapes and sizes of the packages used, all of which are standard- 

 ized to some extent in one or more districts. In the Western apple- 

 producing states alone there are several different boxes used, the 

 cubical contents being different in each case. Two which are used 

 more than any other are the Standard, a box ioA X nix 18 in., 

 and the Special, a box 10x11x20 in. The parcel post has 

 opened a new field to the grower — that of shipping fruit in paper 

 containers, of which there are many makes and sizes. 



The tier rating of apples, namely, 3-tier, 3} -tier, 4-tier, 4^-tier, 

 and 5-tier, which was used to considerable extent, proved unsatis- 

 factory from both the grower's and the buyer's viewpoint. It has 

 been gradually dropped by the associations and growers, and now 

 the number of apples in a box is stamped on the box end, together 

 with the grade, the variety, and the grower's name. 



When the apple buyer is familiar with the size of the package, 

 and is given the number of apples which are systematically packed 

 in it, he knows without seeing them what their size is. 



From the foregoing it is clear that it is impossible, on account 

 of the numerous general shape differences and irregularities exist- 

 ing not only between apples of different varieties but between 

 those of the same variety, to establish size measurements which 

 are capable of more than occasional application. There are many 

 angles to the size problem of apples alone, to say nothing of 

 peaches, pears, etc. What the market demands is a uniform size 

 and grade of fruit, systematically packed so that it will not be 

 damaged in shipment, and so that it will present an attractive and 

 tempting appearance when opened. 



