FRUIT-GROWING IN THE UNITED STATES 



461 



to be quite generally adopted. Arsenate of lead is used for the 

 insecticide, taking from 2. 1 , to 4 pounds for each 50 gallons. This 

 at greater or less strength is used at each spraying. 



Harvesting labor is of the transient variety, called "hobo." 

 Some growers pay 12 or 15 cents a barrel ; others pay by the day, 

 from Si. 50 to S2.00 or more, with board, many orchardists being 

 equipped with cheap boarding or lodging houses. 



Some grading of the fruit is practiced, but all qualities can be 

 found throughout this section. A No. 1 apple should be z\ inches 



Fig. 194. Dunn Farm, Chazy, Clinton County, New Y 

 (['holograph by F. E. Welch) 



in diameter and reasonably free from worms, scab, and blemishes 

 of any kind. In packing, the fruit is taken by hand from the sort- 

 ing table, and the top of the barrel is tailed off. The barrel is taken 

 down about 3 inches below the top, and the apples are placed cheeks 

 up, beginning on the outside, making a complete circle. The fruit 

 is brought up just level with the top of the barrel, and is then prop- 

 erly tacked and taken away. The best growers pack this way, 

 although there are other methods in use. 



The fruit is packed immediately after picking, generally in the or- 

 chard, although some growers have a central packing house. When 

 the fruit is packed, it is drawn to the cold-storage house or to the rail- 

 road ; in general, the pack of one day is in storage the following day. 



