390 
Packing Grapes. 
Grapes do not all carry or keep well. Those late kinds with a 
tough skin and firm flesh and with a pedicel that breaks clean off 
the bunch instead of tearing off the berry, are the best for 
shipping. 
The bunches of grapes having been snipped off the vines with 
as little handling as possible, are carefully laid in baskets, and 
taken to the packing shed. It is preferable to pick them in clear, 
dry weather, and in the cool of the morning. When packing in 
the large cases, which are first lined with clean white paper, com- 
mence by packing the bunches firmly and neatly together, stalks 
inside and point downwards. After packing a few layers, rock 
the case sharply to cause the grapes to settle firmly, and proceed 
in a like manner until the case is full. The last bunch or bunches 
should fit in extra tight, the top layer having been carefully laid 
on the surface, which should stand an ineh or so above the side 
of the case. The lining paper is then folded on top, the lid laid 
flat, and pressure gently applied with the knee whilst the nails are 
being driven. Any small empty corner or hollow can with advantage 
be filled by means of a few berries snipped off by the scissors. 
Nothing in the shape of packing should be placed on the top 
or among the bunches for the local market. Growers within easy 
carting distance of the market take their fruit in open cases lined 
with paper, full loads being carted by means of an extra decking 
made of loose boards fitting on the lorry frame or on the spring cart. 
Grapes thus delivered to market look fresher and command a much 
better price than similar grapes nailed down and carted or railed 
to market. 
For export, cork dust is well sifte] in between the berries. 
The cork dust should be coarse, as, if too fine, it spoils the appear- 
ance of the berries, and works out of the case. 
The grapes should not be over-ripe or sunburnt, but may be 
exposed to the air for a little time to allow of the skin being 
toughtened a little before packing. 
After the bunches have been spread out for a few hours, each 
bunch is gone over, and faulty berries are removed with a pair of 
SC1SSOrs. 
Of the tough varieties, the berries of which adhere firmly to 
the stalk, only the more open bunches are fit to pack for distant 
markets, 
The amount of cork dust required for packing grapes (a bushel 
ease) varies from 4lbs. to 6lbs. Begin with 6 lbs., and with practice 
reduce to 4lbs. 
Some of the tougher grapes, such as Almeria, Flame Tokay, 
Emperor, when properly packed in grannlated cork, will carry 
without cool storage to distances of 12 to 14 days’ travel from the 
port of shipment, and open out in excellent condition. 
