GRADING FOR PROFIT 87 



growers' profits. That this can be done has been 

 abundantly demonstrated, more especially for fruits in 

 small quantities ; but they are also admirably adapted 

 for flowers, and the lighter vegetables or salads. A 

 wonderful business has been developed in direct com- 

 munication between the producer and consumer in some 

 districts, notably around Wisbech, mainly by the 

 assistance rendered at starting by the Great Eastern 

 Railway Company. Boxes of various sizes are provided 

 at moderate prices, and the Company at first undertook 

 to collect these when packed with farm and garden 

 produce, as well as to convey or deliver them at an 

 inclusive rate from all stations on the line to London, re- 

 gardless of distance but dependent upon weight. Other 

 companies have followed the lead, and provide boxes of 

 similar size, the following being those most in demand 

 with the prices : — 







Inches, 

 length. 



Inches, 

 width. 



Inches, 

 depth. 



Price. 



No. 



I, 



. iof 



x 7i 



x 3 = 



2d. each. 



99 



2, 





x 9 



x 4l = 





99 



3- 



• *5i 



x iof 



x 5 = 



3d- 



99 



4> 



. I6f 



X II| 



x 5i = 



„ 



99 



5, 



. 181 



x 13 



x 6 = 



4id. „ 



99 



6, 



. 2lf 



x 14 



x 7 = 



5id. „ 



These boxes are intended for use once only, and the 

 following conditions are attached, viz. — 



6 6 That the boxes be secured by nails, not by rope or 

 cord." 



"That the produce be conveyed at owner's risk, and 

 the carriage prepaid." 



" That no box shall be of greater weight than 60 lbs." 



The charge is ^d. for 20 lbs. and id. for every 5 lbs. 

 up to 60 lbs., including delivery within the usual limits, 

 but the collection is not undertaken now. 



