MATiKETIXG AXD DISTEIBUTIOjST OF WESTERN MUSKMELONS. 13 



Proper matuniy. — Tlie picking of the melons at tlie proper stage 

 of matmity ^ is important in secm'ing good eating quality. The 

 necessity of allowing melons to mature properly can not be empha- 

 sized too strongly, as the shipping of green melons is probably the 

 quickest way in which to ruin the demand in all markets. Distribu- 

 tors seem to recognize the importance of good eating quahty more 

 keenly than do the growers, and have tried to insist on the inspection 

 of melons before sliipment and the rejection of all immature stock. 

 Shippers and growers must cooperate if the green melon is to be 

 eliminated from the market. 



Inspection. 



Before the 1915 season it had been customary to make all inspec- 

 tions on a sorting platform before loading the crates into cars. It 

 is very difficult, and often impossible, to make a thorough inspection 

 after muskmelons are packed, especially if the melons are wrapped, 

 as the majority are in the Imperial VaUey. 



During the 1915 season certain distributors established a field- 

 inspection system, either as a substitute for or in addition to the 

 platform inspection. Competent, experienced inspectors in the field, 

 keeping a watch over and advising pickers as to the proper stage of 

 maturity and keeping an oversight on packing, have been a great 

 help in the production of better grades. Such field inspection can 

 prevent the improper picking and packing of stock instead of merely 

 rejecting such stock after it is packed, as is the custom with platform 

 inspection. 



Packing. 



Imperial Valley growers can also improve their quality by provid- 

 ing proper packing facilities.^ Many of the packing sheds are of the 

 crudest sort, having rough wooden sorting bins, mth no padding, 

 into which melons are tossed, sometimes from a considerable distance. 

 Padded or canvas-bottomed bins should be provided and melons 

 should be placed in them carefully and not thro^^^l. 



Importance or Quick Handling. 



In an extremely hot climate, like that of the Imperial Valley, where 

 the daily maximum temperature usually exceeds 100° F., musk- 

 melons ripen rapidl}" between the time they are picked and the 

 time they are placed under ice. Undue delay in placing them under 

 ice at the shipping point probably is the most frequent cause of soft 

 and overrij)o melons on the market. The shorter the time between 

 picking and actutdly placing the muskmelons under refrigeration, 

 the more mature they may be allowed to become on the vine. Under 



I See Farmers' Bulletin 707. 



