6 PREFACE. 



In investigating this subject with a view to reducing- the uncertainty 

 and the loss, it has been found necessary to take up the entire question 

 of orchard location and cultural treatment, as well as the methods 

 employed in picking, packing, and shipping the fruit, all of these hav- 

 ing important bearing on the durability of the product after it reaches 

 the storage house. Systematic work along these lines was begun in 

 the autumn of 1901 and has been continuous since that time. The 

 problems involved are so complex and varied in view of the large 

 number of varieties now commercially grown and the wide range of 

 climatic and soil conditions involved that accurate and comprehensive 

 generalization of results will require several repetitions of most of the 

 experiments. Certain discoveries of distinct economic importance 

 have been made during the progress of these investigations which 

 appear to render the publication of this preliminary report advisable 

 at this time in order that they may be available for application to the 

 handling of the crop of the current season. 



The investigation referred to has been conducted and this bulletin 

 prepared by Mr. G. Harold Powell, Assistant Pomologist in Charge 

 of Field Investigations, and Mr. S. H. Fulton, Assistant in Pomology, 

 under the direction of Mr. William A. Taylor, Pomologist in Charge 

 of Field Investigations. While the experimental work of the Depart- 

 ment has covered but two seasons, the experience of many of the lead- 

 ing cold-storage men of the country has been drawn upon and freely 

 given. It is therefore believed that the bulletin in its present form 

 affords a safe guide in the matter of winter-apple storage in refriger- 

 ated warehouses. 



G. B. Brackett, 



Pomologist. 



Office of Pomological Investigations, 



Washington, D. c 7 ., May 29, 1903. 



