Handling the Crop 303 



i 



system in most western districts and under this plan, 

 large expensive packing-houses are practicable. The in- 

 dividual grower, however, commonly uses a lean-to shed 

 or small frame apple house frequently constructed with 

 a concrete basement. Enough space is usually provided 

 in the packing-house for storing a considerable quantity 

 of loose fruit which may be packed out in inclement 

 weather. 



Orchard carriers. 



In the boxed apple regions, the orchardist usually dis- 

 tributes loose boxes under the trees throughout the or- 

 chard so that the picker is not obliged to carry the fruit 

 away from the base of the tree. Lug boxes, made of 

 heavier lumber and slightly larger than the ordinary* apple 

 box, have met with some favor as orchard carriers. As a 

 matter of economy, however, the western grower ordinarily 

 prefers to use the standard northwest box as an orchard 

 carrier, later using the same box as a package for the 

 graded fruit. 



Low-wheeled orchard wagons are employed in haul- 

 ing the loose boxes to the packing-shed. 



Sorting and packing the boxed apples.- 



The operation of sorting is logically divided into sizing 

 and grading for color, quality and freedom from blemishes. 

 As has been stated, the barrel apple crop has thus far 

 largely been packed out according to grades based on 

 size, although in some regions distinction is made between 

 the first and second grade according to color and quality, 

 and freedom from blemishes. 

 • In the West, three standard grades are recognized and 



