22 BULLETIN 35, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



The gross weights of 50 drums packed by shipper A varied from 

 48 to 54 pounds, this variation being almost entirely due to differ- 

 ences in the net weights of the grapes contained in the packages. 

 The drums packed by shipper D also varied widely in the net 

 weight of the fruit. There was a variation ranging from 19 to 28 

 pounds of grapes, and the uncertainty regarding the actual quantity 

 of fruit contained in each package rendered fair bidding on the part 

 of buyers at the auction sales very difficult. The contents of drums 

 of several of the other brands also varied considerably, as no real 

 effort was made to pack a uniform quantity of grapes, the net weights 

 ranging from 22 to 30 pounds. Each drum packed by shipper B 

 contained 35 pounds net, the proper quantity of grapes being weighed 

 out for each packer. The importance of having each drum contain 

 a definite quantity of grapes (which can be indicated by a proper 

 mark) should be clearly understood. Buyers after purchasing the 

 drums were severe in their criticism of those brands which showed a 

 varying weight of fruit. 



IMPORTANCE OF CAREFUL GRADING. 



In addition to the inequality in the contents of the drums, the lack 

 of proper grading before packing was a source of criticism by 

 buyers. The fruit was frequently not uniform in color and most of 

 the drums contained bunches of all sizes, small straggling ones being 

 placed side by side with large clusters. If the best results and high- 

 est prices are to be realized packers must give special attention to 

 careful grading, and it is strongly recommended that the grapes be 

 graded for uniformity of color as well as for the size of the bunches. 

 It is a great mistake to pack loose, straggling bunches with the finer 

 fruit. The value of careful attention to this part of the work is 

 shown in the pack of shipper B, who kept the large bunches sep- 

 arate and marked them " Fancy clusters." The auction price for 

 this grade ranged from $4.20 to $5 per drum, a difference of $1 to 

 $1.50 per drum above the regular price. The common method of 

 selling these grapes in all of the large markets will probably be by 

 auction, the quality of the fruit being determined by the inspection 

 of sample drums. It should be remembered, therefore, that one or 

 two small, poor bunches among the grapes shown as samples will 

 have a considerable effect upon the price offered for the whole lot, 

 for unless the fruit is of uniform quality the price will be discounted. 



AUCTION SALES OF CALIFORNIA STORAGE GRAPES. 



At the auction sales of the California fruit the grapes are emptied 

 out on small tables for inspection, usually two drums being opened 

 from every lot of 50 or 100 listed for sale. The fruit buyers make 



