no THE BOOK OF MARKET GARDENING 



Figs are best in small shallow boxes that will hold 

 from 12 to 1 8 in a single layer with sufficient packing 

 material to keep them firm. Large numbers are sent from 

 South Europe, and from the Sussex fig-gardens (West 

 Tarring), to the London and other markets packed in this 

 way. The gathering must, however, as already remarked, 

 be well in advance of the ripening. 



Cucumbers can be conveniently packed in shallow 

 wooden trays that will take (with the packing) a dozen 

 to eighteen full-size fruits. As regards the early forced 

 cucumbers, we have found this plan to be far the best, 

 as the fruits are all in single layers, and they travel more 

 safely than when in bulk. The fruit is easily rubbed, 

 bruised, or scratched, unless due care be exercised, and 

 any such defects detract seriously from its value at a 

 time when good prices must be had to bring the grower 

 any profit. Wood-wool covered with paper makes a 

 good bedding. When more abundant and cheaper 

 several dozens can be packed in one basket or box, but 

 it is never advisable to have many layers. 



Tomatoes are packed in a great many ways, baskets, 

 boxes, and crates being employed for home-grown and 

 imported produce. All the finest samples and early 

 fruits should be packed in layers, either in shallow boxes 

 or baskets that will hold a single layer each, or packing 

 material with paper must be used to separate the layers. 

 The fruits require much care, as one or two damaged 

 specimens in a package will materially lessen the value 

 of the whole. Over-ripe samples should never be 

 packed with others, however fine and bright they may 

 be ; it is only courting disaster. As with all other 

 fruits, firmness is the great consideration, and wood- 

 wool with paper affords the most efficient means of secur- 

 ing this end. 



