168 HARVESTING AND MARKETING 



second growth, cuts, scab, blight, dry rot or other diseases, 

 insects or mechanical means. The minimum diameter shall 

 be one and one-half inches. In order to allow for variations 

 ■ incident to commercial grading and handling, 5 per cent, by 

 weight of any lot may be under the prescribed size and in 

 addition, 5 per cent, by weight may be below the remaining 

 requirements of this grade. 



The establishing of definite grades for each product is not 

 far distant and will not only be a decided advantage to the 

 buyer but a great help to the producer. 



Packing Supplies. — The packing supplies are not numerous. 

 A few of the most important are crates, wrapping paper, 

 printed labels, cushions and packing tables. As the standardi- 

 zation of products becomes more general, proper packing 

 supplies will be greatly developed and perhaps the number 

 enlarged to conform to the set standard. 



All supplies should be purchased in advance of the harvest- 

 ing time, because when you delay, much grief and disappoint- 

 ment is bound to come. In buying, purchase liberally in 

 order to have plenty of material so that you do not run out 

 in the middle of your harvest. As soon as the supplies arrive, 

 check them over, and measure all of the material to see that 

 it conforms to the standard pack. Do not accept second 

 class material or any substitute from the specification that 

 will break the standard pack. 



The boxes or crates should be nailed together before 

 harvesting time begins, or at least as many as you can store 

 conveniently. See that all crates are nailed securely in order 

 to avoid breakage and consequently damage to the product 

 and loss to the grower. 



A good supply of packing paper is necessary. This is 

 more important in the packing of certain products such as 

 apples, oranges, peaches, tomatoes and a few more than with 

 some other products, and the nature of the crop grown will 

 determine the necessity of this material. Be sure to have 

 the paper cut the proper size because it is more convenient 

 and saves time and labor. The paper used to wrap the 

 product should be of a rather soft texture, with one side 

 somewhat smooth. For the wrapping of certain products 



