372 



THE GARDENER'S ASSISTANT. 



durable and serviceable forms of packages that 

 can be used. That this is recognized generally 

 is proved by the adoption of baskets in several 

 branches of public service, notably in the Post- 

 Office, for parcels. The only difficulty is that 

 they are too expensive to be included in the 

 price of the fruit, and in consequence there is 

 all the trouble of providing for the return of 

 " empties " and the risk of loss, which in large 

 businesses is a serious matter. The ordinary 

 round baskets — bushels, half -bushels, sieves, and 



half -sieves — are objectionable, since the most 

 careful system of covering the fruit always 

 leaves the upper layers exposed to some damage. 

 The more delicate soft -skinned Apples and 

 Pears are especially liable to injury when sent 

 in such baskets, and it is one reason why large 

 quantities of British hardy fruits present such 

 a poor appearance in the markets. The baskets 

 cannot be packed economically as regards space, 

 and they are awkward for carrying about. The 

 " flats ", as the rectangular baskets with lids are 



Fig. 1138.— Crates with Fruit in flat handle-baskets. 



usually termed, are much more serviceable, and 

 these in different sizes are valuable for garden 

 use. If two or three gradations are employed, 

 they are readily returned when empty in " nest " 

 fashion. 



The handle-baskets that are now so largely 

 used for Grapes (fig. 1136) are almost indis- 

 pensable, as in no form can this fruit be so 

 satisfactorily forwarded by rail. We shall have 

 to refer to this more particularly when describ- 

 ing the methods of packing suitable to special 

 fruits, but it may be said now that these baskets 

 are obtainable in several forms, either open or 

 with lids. One make of the latter type, in which 

 the lid is formed in one piece with a slit in the 

 centre, so that it can be placed over the handle, 

 fitting it tightly, is a distinct improvement on 

 the older style, affording more protection to the 

 fruit. These baskets are also used for the best 

 Tomatoes (fig. 1137), and smaller sizes for 

 Plums and Strawberries, but their price is 

 against the extension of their use for other 



fruits. No doubt if strong, neat, tasteful baskets 

 could be produced at lower prices, there would 

 soon be a large demand for fruit in this form, 

 because the baskets themselves are so serviceable. 

 Cases or Crates. — When numbers of small 

 packages of choice fruits are being dealt with, it 

 is a material advantage if they can be packed 

 together in well-designed cases or crates. The 

 risk of damage or loss is diminished, as it is 

 more easy to ensure a few large collective 

 packages like this being duly cared for in transit 

 than a much larger number of separate small 

 ones. The chief disadvantage is the additional 

 weight, which increases the cost of carriage 

 greatly. Such cases must, therefore, be of con- 

 siderable size, and can only be employed with a 

 prospect of profit for the earliest, the finest, and 

 the most valuable fruits. Grapes, Peaches, 

 Nectarines, the choicest ripe Plums and Straw- 

 berries, and the best ripe Pears or Dessert 

 Apples, may be thus provided for with advan- 

 tage to the grower. 



