88 THE BOOK OF MARKET GARDENING 



We have used these boxes extensivelyjfor some years, 

 and have proved them to be very satisfactory, the 

 smaller sizes for fruits, and the larger ones for flowers 

 or light vegetables of a choice character. The stipula- 

 tion that nails only shall be employed is objectionable, 

 and we have not found that the companies are very 

 strict about enforcing the regulation, provided the lids 

 are nailed on (and this is necessary) ; but tying with 

 stout string also is a protection that has proved 

 advisable. Nos. I and 2 are the least liable to be 

 damaged, being comparatively stronger than the others, 

 and when the produce is well packed they can be safely 

 sent long distances, provided ordinary care be exercised 

 by the railway servants. 



Numerous firms of box-makers throughout the country 

 make a special feature of their business in the production 

 of boxes for farmers and market gardeners, so that such 

 packages can be obtained in any desired size and strength 

 at moderate prices. But where the amount of produce 

 is very large growers have found it profitable to make 

 their own boxes, either by employing men in wet time 

 and during the winter months, or by utilising some of 

 the up-to-date machinery constructed for box-making. 

 Much can be said in favour of the former method, as 

 there is nothing elaborate in the construction of the 

 boxes usually required. Any intelligent handy man can 

 soon master the few details, and it is a great advantage 

 both to employer and man to have regular work avail- 

 able at all bad times. This, of course, especially applies 

 where the crops are chiefly grown in the open ground ; 

 when there is a large area under glass the labour is not 

 affected to the same extent by weather conditions, and 

 the employment of machinery is then advisable if it can 

 be kept in use sufficiently. Excellent and ingenious 

 machines are now sold by several firms, which can turn 

 out large numbers of well-made boxes in a few hours. 



