MANAGEMENT OF FRUIT TREES, &c, 181 



The larger box is two feet long, fourteen inches broad, 

 and the same in depth. The smaller box is one foot nine inches 

 long, one foot broad, and the same deep. These boxes are 

 made of inch deal, and well secured with three iron clamps at 

 each corner ; they have two small iron handles, one at each 

 end, by which they are fastened to the roof of the coach : In 

 these boxes we send melons, currants, pears, peaches, necta- 

 rines, plums, and grapes, packed so as always to have the heavi- 

 est fruit at bottom. The melons are wrapped up in soft paper, 

 the pears, peaches, nectarines, plums, and grapes, are first wrap« 

 ped up in vine leaves, and then in paper. The cherries and 

 currants are packed in a flat tin box, one foot four inches long, 

 ten inches broad, and four deep. 



In packing proceed thus : First put a layer of fine long 



dry moss in the bottom of the tin box, then a layer of currants 

 or cherries, then another layer of moss ; and so on, alternately 

 fruit and moss, until the box is so full, that when the lid is hasp- 

 ed down the fruit may be so firmly packed as to preserve theru 

 from friction. 



Make a layer of fine moss and short soft dry grass, well 

 mixed, in the bottom of the deal box ; then pack in the melons 

 with some of the same, packing it tight in between all the rows, 

 and also between the melons, in the same row, till you have 

 finished the layer ; choosing the fruit as nearly of a size as 

 possible, filling up every interstice with the moss and grass. 

 When the melons are packed, lay a thin layer of moss and grass 

 over them, upon which place the tin box with the currants, 

 packing it firmly all round with moss to prevent it from shaking; 

 then put a thin layer of moss over the box, and pack the pears 

 firmly (but so as not to bruise them) on that layer, in the same 

 manner as the melons ; and so on with the peaches, nectarines^ 

 plums, and lastly, the grapes, filling up the box with moss, that 

 the lid may shut down so tight as to prevent any friction among 

 the fruit. The boxes should have locks, and two keys, which 

 may serve for them all ; each of the persons who pack and un- 

 pack the fruit having a key. 



The moss and grass should always be returned in the 

 boxes, which, with a little addition, will serve the whole season^ 

 being shaken up and well aired after each journev, and keeping 

 it sweet and clean. After the wooden box is locked, it will be 

 necessary to cord it firmly. 



My reason for being so particular on packing of fruit is, 

 that I have known instances of its being totally spoiled in the 

 carriage from improper packings 



