62 THE BOOK OF MARKET GARDENING 



with those collected some hours later, and the results 

 were conspicuously in favour of the first named, despite 

 the longer period which had elapsed from the time of 

 removal from the ground. 



Freshness is therefore of the highest importance, but it 

 must not be secured by neglect of other considerations. 

 For instance, it is not advisable to gather crops in a wet 

 state, particularly if they have to remain packed in boxes 

 or baskets during a long journey. In the warmer part 

 of the year, soft fruit or vegetable produce heats 

 rapidly, and the decomposition induced soon renders it 

 unfit for sale or consumption. But it is not only the wet 

 state arising from rain which has to be avoided, but in 

 clear weather on some heavy, cold soils the dews have 

 quite as much effect in early morning. When the 

 produce is to be sold the same morning or during the 

 early part of the day, this may be really helpful ; but if 

 the packages have to remain unopened until the 

 following day, it is a disadvantage and should be avoided 

 where possible. 



Cleanliness is another important consideration in the 

 gathering, apart from any attention that may be given 

 afterwards. The inclusion of rubbish of any kind, 

 decayed or defective leaves, and soil-spattered samples, 

 all assist in lowering the value of the other portion of 

 the produce. As regards fruits, too, if the defective 

 or diseased specimens that possess no saleable value are 

 excluded at the time of gathering it reduces the after 

 labour of sorting, and does not damage the better 

 samples, as contact with damaged fruit is apt to do. 



Care in handling garden produce applies more especially 

 to fruits which are most easily injured by rough treat- 

 ment, the slightest bruise even in hard Apples and Pears 

 soon manifesting the effect in disfiguring marks and 

 decayed tissue. Such defects quickly become visible, 

 and fine fruits may be reduced to the price of third-class 



