320 THE APPLE 



The number of boxes per car will also vary with these conditions. 

 Where the standard-size boxes are used, from 500 to 800 will be 

 required, and for half-size boxes twice as many. Summer and early- 

 fall apples must be handled carefully when sent a considerable dis- 

 tance. Where refrigerator cars are used and icing is necessary the 

 car should be loaded as quickly as possible to prevent its becoming 

 heated, and thus reduce the ice bill. Heated fruit should never be 

 placed in an iced car, for it will sweat and thus raise the tempera- 

 ture of the car. Fruit should be gradually chilled before loading. 



Fig. 145. An Avery truck 

 Loaded with apples on the way to market 



All boxes must be laid on their sides and never on the top or 

 bottom. Cleats are nailed to the floor of the car to hold each row 

 of boxes in place. Formerly every layer of boxes was firmly 

 cleated, but good results have been obtained from cleating only 

 the bottom layer and every third layer. The fruit should be loaded 

 so as to prevent shifting. The two halves of the car should be 

 firmly braced. If the cars are to cross the mountains during severe 

 weather, they should be lined with paper to prevent freezing. 



Consignments on commission. The most common way to dispose 

 of fruit is to consign it to a commission man. Shipping tags with 

 the consignee's and consignor's names and addresses should be 



