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" Under this heading we may include ' Condition ' — that is, condition on arrival 

 at destination, which, of course, is due to condition on leaving and packing (the 

 latter we shall speak of later). This is all-important. The choicest fruit, out of 

 condition, is of small value. 



" It is a point, moreover, on which few suggestions of value can be given — 

 what will and what will not stand the journey, etc., being matters which experience 

 only can teach, coupled with careful observation. 



" Here again direct communication from the distributor would be a great gain. 



" We may remark, however, that neither very green fruit nor fruit almost ripe 

 — that is just ripe — should be packed. 



" The former meets a bad market because of its appearance ; the latter is almost 

 sure to be bruised and ' chippy,' and also sells at a low price. 



" "We now come to 'Packing.' 



" It is not likely that the ' barrel ' can be improved upon as a package, though 

 the barrel itself may. 



" We hear of a ventilated barrel recently invented in America, which, if all said 

 of it is borne out in practical experience, bidsfair to supercede the present close one. 



" There is only one thing perhaps which may prove an objection. We refer, 

 however, to its peculiar feature, fearing that the free passage of the air through it 

 may cause shrivelling of its contents when kept in it for any lengthy time, and as 

 this point is more for the retailer to decide it would not show till, say, the next 

 season, so that growers may find it useful not to ship all their early consignments 

 in this new package — should it come into use — until they are satisfied as to this 

 possible objection; Honesty of packing, that is, ' the same quality throughout,' 

 cannot be too strongly urged. The grower who persistently — yea, occasionally — 

 transgresses this rule, will have cause to repent his folly. We observed a strong 

 case in point only last month. The apples of a well known shipper were badly 

 topped. A high price was paid, not only because of the top, but because of the 

 brand which usually ensured good packing. On finding out their condition below 

 the confidence of the buyer in that brand was thus rudely shaken, and he will not 

 be inclined to bid for the next lot shown. This is only one case in many, but it 

 shows the necessity of always packing honestly — for confidence is a guarantee of price. 



" We know an English grower who, with eveiy package, sends a small printed 

 ticket affixed, ■('yhich runs 'This fruit is packed, as far as is practicable, the same 

 throughout,' his name following ; the result being — tardy, perhaps, but sure — that 

 wherever his goods are marketed a good price is secured. Of course, the packing 

 bears out the label. Some of our Canadian friends may emulate this idea, though 

 with a brand instead of label, and where due care is taken we believe whoever does 

 will not find it labour in vain. 



" Another thing is the ' grading ' of the fruit. This should not be over done, 

 but where the quantity of any one variety admits of it, a judicious selection of sizes 

 and colours will be to the advantage of the exporter. 



" Each lot should be distinguished by the brand, and so advised on consign- 

 ment note. 



"Another point of great importance is ' tight' packing. This doubtless most 

 growers are aware of, yet we must urge it again, as some either do not know or do 

 not practice it. 



"We remember a small lot of apples sent by a private party from New York 

 to our care. No doubt the fruit must be crushed (so thought the sender), so when 

 opened the barrels were but three parts full, and fit for little but the manure heap. 

 Even with consignments of experienced shippers do the hateful ' slacks ' appear, 

 which tell so severely on the average returns. We presume that hydraulic presses 

 are the best means for forcing the bottoms of the barrels into their places, but where 

 they are not available we have no doubt that the ingenuity of the Canadian farmer 

 will devise the means on being acquainted with the necessity. 



" We now come to our last head, on which we shall have little to say. 



