PRESKRVIN(i FRUIT. 



121 



that there are improved methods of preserving it 

 when gathered, will be readily adaiitted by all who 

 wish to have it in perfection. This is a necessary 

 part of the knowledge of those who have the charge 

 of the fruit room; and as the author has had much 

 experience in this particular of the gardener's busi- 

 ness, he has to offer a few directions thereon, which 

 he trusts will be acceptable, especially to his young 

 readers. 



All summer fruit should be gathered in the cool 

 of the morning. They are then more juicy, and 

 higher flavoured. If gathered in the heat of the day, 

 they are vapid, and not half so refreshing to the 

 palate as when gathered before the sun has much 

 power. 



Fruit baskets should be made of any light mate- 

 rial, chip or wicker-work, either round or square, 

 with cross handles ; and with rims about two and a 

 half inches deep. There should be one for each kind 

 of fruit, and covered within with vine leaves to re- 

 ceive them singly, as gathered. This refers to all 

 fruit which are gathered from the tree on the day 

 they are to be used ; such as early apples, pears, plums, 

 peaches, &c. Some kinds show when they are ripe 

 by the colour and transparency ; some by their scent, 

 but most of them by the ease with which they quit 

 their hold of the tree. Handling them to judge of 

 their ripeness is a bad custom ; because the least 

 pressure of the thumb and fingers is sure to injure 

 both the appearance and quality. Almost all kinds 

 ripen unequally : the firstlings must be picked as 



