METHODS OF PACKING 109 



handles at each end, so that they can be readily lifted in 

 or out of a larger basket or box without touching the 

 grapes. The baskets can thus be placed direct in 

 fruiterers' windows without unpacking, and the fruit is 

 seen to the best advantage in all respects. Such 

 packages must be charged or returned in every case. 



The method of packing is simple, but requires some 

 practice to perform in a satisfactory manner. The bottom 

 and sides of the basket may be covered with the finest 

 wood-wool, over which must be placed a sheet of the 

 stoutest smooth tissue-paper. Upon this the bunches 

 are laid with the points to the centre and the stalk at the 

 sides, where they are secured by string. When closely 

 packed as only the skilled hand can do the work, without 

 crushing or rubbing, no other tying is needed, as the 

 bunches fix each other, but they must be laid direct in 

 their places, and not shifted several times, or the results 

 will be deplorable in bloom damage. The basket is then 

 placed in another only just large enough to take it, and it 

 must be secured to this firmly at each end so that there 

 may be no danger of moving on the journey. Sometimes 

 string is crossed backwards and forwards over the inner 

 basket, for further security, and a sheet of paper placed 

 over all as a protection from dust. The outer basket must 

 be strong and furnished with a good lid, upon the upper 

 side of which large conspicuous labels are placed to 

 prevent any danger of the package being turned* upside 

 down. Grapes of inferior quality to be sold at low 

 prices are packed in shallow boxes or baskets, with care 

 to prevent crushing, but in such cases it is not possible 

 to protect the bloom very much. 



Melons travel well in baskets or boxes when plenty 

 of wood-wool is used to secure firmness, and covered 

 with tissue paper. But they should lie in single layers, 

 and the lids must close on to the packing, so that the 

 fruits will not be bruised by any movement in transit. 



