THE GRAPE VINE. II3 



is passed through holes previously prepared on each side 

 of the main stem of the bunch and tied underneath. 

 The bunch is thus fixed so that it can neither slip down 

 the slanting board nor roU about. 



When more than one bunch is set up, the grape-board 

 must be of proportionate length. But it is not desirable 

 to have them longer at any time than will hold three to 

 four bunches, with sufficient space between each to let 

 them be properly inspected. 



It is always best to fix the bunches just as they are 

 cut from the vines, always laying them on their flattest 

 side. In doing this it is never desirable to lift a bunch 

 after it is laid on the board, for it cannot be easily done 

 without more or less disturbing the bloom of the grape. 

 When all are fixed in their places, fit what I shall call the 

 exhibition platform into a square box just wide enough to 

 take it in, and deep enough to clear the fruit when the lid 

 is screwed on. Then put a couple of screws through the 

 box from the outside into the back board of the platform, 

 and they cannot move. In conveying them, care must 

 be taken to keep the box level, and not to jolt it severely. 



PACKING GKAPES. 



The packing of grapes to be sent long distances by rail 

 and other conveyances requires to be carefully managed. 

 There are many ways of packing them. I have seen 

 each bunch laid on a thick stiff sheet of paper and 

 folded up sufficiently tight to prevent the bunch from 

 moving about in the paper. They are then packed 

 closely in boxes sufficiently deep to admit a layer of 

 paper-shavings under and over them, so that when the 

 lid of the box is fastened down each parcel was held 



H 



