io8 THE BOOK OF MARKET GARDENING 



it is only by the best cultivation, and by marketing the 

 produce in the best possible condition, that profitable 

 returns can be realised. 



Next to fine berries and compact bunches, the 

 "bloom" on Grapes is of considerable selling value as 

 regards all the best qualities, and every care should be 

 exercised to ensure its preservation. In fact, medium- 

 size berries and bunches bearing a dense bloom will 

 often take a higher place than larger samples imperfectly 



Box for Cucumbers. (Osman & Co.) 



coloured, or with the bloom rubbed off by careless 

 handling or bad packing. The chief points are to secure 

 firmness, and to avoid having any covering material 

 directly in contact with the fruit, and for its convenience 

 in aiding these objects the "Baby" basket has come 

 into general use for the best Grapes. This is a shallow 

 tray, sufficiently deep to protect the bunch fully at its 

 widest part (the "shoulders"), and it can be had in 

 various lengths, from 8 inches to 1 8 inches, and in 

 shape either oval, oblong, or square. The best 

 qualities are neat, light, and strong, being usually sold 

 in " nests " or sets of 4 to 6, averaging for the ordinary 

 sizes about Is. each. They are furnished with small 



