BULLETIN 



U. S. DEPAETMBNT OF AGEICULTUEE. 



CONTAINERS. 



Various kinds and sizes of containers were used in making the 

 experimental shipments of strawberries. Some of the crates that 

 were used are illustrated in figure 2. 



Data obtained indicate that a c]»ate which permits ventilation is 

 necessary for shipping berries by parcel post. The crates which 

 gave the best results were made with slatted sides and bottoms, and 

 were provided with racks or dividers to separate each layer of baskets. 



Fig. 2. — Various sizes and styles of crates used in making experimental shipments of l.erries and cherries. 



Figure 3 shows all parts and the construction of a style of crate that 

 gave satisfaction in experimental shipments. 



The baskets used in these crates were the standard square berry 

 baskets which are smaller at the bottom than at the top. This con- 

 struction allows a circulation of air around each basket of fruit. 

 Experiments were made with crates holding pint baskets as well as 

 with those holding quart baskets. In a few instances the berries in 

 the quart baskets arrived in better condition than those m the pint 

 baskets, but in most cases no difference was noticed. 



In nearly every shipment the berries in the top layer or tier of 

 baskets were softer and had settled more than the berries in the other 

 layer or layers. In the crates which were used the first season that 



