7o THE BOOK OF MARKET GARDENING 



is of urgent importance, and the grower has to secure 

 this with the requisite size, and yet avoid that degree 

 of ripeness when the fruits become soft to the touch. 

 Moderately firm, brightly-coloured, even-shaped, and 

 medium-sized fruits are those which pay the tomato 

 grower best, and he must select the time of gathering in 

 accordance with these characters. 



Cucumbers of the dark-skinned type should have a 

 good " bloom " on the surface when gathered, but with 

 the lighter green forms of the Telegraph type the points 

 are full average size and even shape, which also apply 

 to the others as well. In any case a Cucumber should 

 be really green, not yellow or blanched, it must be 

 quickly grown, and as fresh as possible. 



Whenever fruits are not gathered direct into the 

 baskets or boxes in which they are to be sent to market, 

 special baskets should be provided for the purpose. 

 The most convenient form is that with a handle over 

 the centre, so that it can be readily carried or suspended 

 as required. It should be shallow, the depth depending 

 upon the kind of fruit and its size ; the bottom and sides 

 should be well padded with some elastic material, which 

 must be covered with a substance having a smooth sur- 

 face, so that the fruits placed in it may not be rubbed ; 

 it should be readily removable for cleaning as necessary. 

 In dealing with all the choicest and most tender fruits 

 this trouble is well repaid, especially when crops are 

 short and prices high. 



Flowers grown for cutting all require to be gathered 

 before they are fully expanded, and many are best cut 

 when in the bud stage, or, in any case, when they are 

 not more than half open. If properly shaded from the 

 sun, and transferred at once to a cool, rather dark shed, 

 or one with a northern aspect, the stems being placed in 

 vessels of water, most flowers will keep well for some 

 hours, and be in excellent condition for packing even 



