PACKAGES FOR VEGETABLES 



81 



points by reference to some that are employed in various 

 sections of the country. Certain ideals are to be borne in 

 mind. The first is that it shall be strong and shall protect 

 the contents well. Most of the containers in use are strong, 

 but this does not necessarily mean that they give good protec- 

 tion. The New Jersey tomato crate is not readily broken and 

 protects well from some bumps. However, it does not protect 

 the fruit from its own weight. The six-basket carrier is 

 exceedingly useful for tomatoes, being strong and amply 

 shielding fruits from any injury. It is especially useful for 

 the early season when prices are high and even for the later 

 pickings it may be employed for that part of the crop which 

 is for table use. Crates which have made a trip north laden 

 with peaches may be often bought for five cents each com- 

 plete, but should not be accepted unless they are fresh and 

 clean. 



Appearance. 



The next point to be considered is the appearance of the 

 package. This is the chief factor in procuring the first at- 

 tention which precedes every sale. A favorable appearance 

 secures further attention for the goods and disposes the 

 buyer in the proper direction. An unfavorable impression 

 turns the buyer's attention away, and he does not really con- 

 sider the merits of the offering. Clean, bright wood and 

 good workmanship are essential to a good appearance. 

 Packages which have been bought in advance must be prop- 

 erly protected if this appearance is to be maintained until 

 the market is reached. Ten days' exposure to the weather 

 is sufficient to destroy every appearance of newness and 

 freshness. 



Our next ideal is that the "package shall present its con- 

 tents attractively. The standard Boston bushel box (approxi- 

 mately 18x18x8"), with its large top, shows a broad sur- 

 face of nicely packed tomatoes. At the same time, it avoids 

 heavy pressure on the bottom layers. The box is packed top 

 first, Avith the bottom open. The Buffalo tomato box is even 

 better, being of about half the size and the same general 

 proportions. The large sizes of the Diamond market basket, 



