106 THE BOOK OF MARKET GARDENING 



varieties of Gooseberries, but all can understand a large 

 ripe fruit of attractive appearance. 



The small boxes already mentioned have been utilised 

 for Currants and Gooseberries, as well as for Straw- 

 berries and Raspberries, with satisfactory results, pro- 

 vided the fruits were 

 of sufficiently good 

 quality to pay for 

 the trouble of pack- 

 ing. The smallest 

 size in use holds 

 about 4 lb. of Cur- 

 rants or three quarts 

 of Gooseberries, and 

 lining the box with 

 paper is usually suffi- 

 cient, making sure 



Square Willow Baby-Baskets. that the whole is firm 



(Osman & Co.) when ^ M ^ fixed 



on. Vine leaves or Strawberry leaves are useful for 

 finishing off the top, and the fruits should be filled in 

 evenly so that no large spaces are left, all damaged or 

 over-ripe fruits being rigidly excluded. 



When forwarded in bulk, the peck baskets commonly 

 employed have much in their favour ; the tops being 

 contracted to form a narrow mouth, serve to protect the 

 contents and are also convenient for covering with 

 paper, which is tied securely round the rim. They will 

 take 12 lb. of Strawberries and other small fruits, 

 or about 14 lb. of Plums, and as these fruits in 

 such quantity are liable to be overheated in closed 

 boxes, the spaces in the wicker-work of the baskets 

 provide for a degree of ventilation which keeps that in 

 check. There is apt to be some irregularity in the 

 size and weight of these baskets, except those from the 

 best makers, and this defect often causes the sender 



