T022 



Apple Packing. 



[JAN., 



Barrel Packing (Figs, i, 2, 3): — In Fig. i the fruits have been 

 poured into the barrel, which has not even been filled. The 

 packing materials consist of a little crumpled paper and straw. 

 (The straw is quite unnecessary up the side of a barrel ; it is 

 only required for the head and tail.) Although this particular 

 package had only travelled a short distance to the show, much 

 of the fruit had already been damaged by bruising. What 

 value would such a sample have on the open market ? The 

 fruit is bruised, the package only three parts full. If the grower 

 and his packer could hear the remarks passed by retail buyers on 

 a sample of this description they would never pack like it again. 



The barrel in Fig. 2 has a better appearance than that shown 

 in Fig. I and is fuU. The fruits, however, are not packed 

 tightly and are bound to bruise as they are rattled about by 

 the rail and market porters. Besides, the appearance would 

 have been greatly improved by an ample lining of white paper. 



Fig. 3 shows a well-packed barrel. Nothing could look 

 better. It is full. The fruits hold each other tightly together 

 and cannot bruise. The grading is good. The apples look 

 attractive as they are packed on their cheek and not eye up ; 

 they are shown off by means of ample white paper. 



Bushel Packing. (Fig. 4) . — The principles underlying packing 

 in bushels are very similar to those for barrels, but Fig. 4 

 illustrates how easily a good pack can be spoilt. The hay has 

 been used to counteract slack packing, but its use completely 

 destroys the appearance of the sample, and down goes the 

 market value in consequence. 



Box Packing (Figs. 5, 6, 7). — Unfortimately the cost of non- 

 returnable apple boxes at the present time restricts this system 

 of packing to high-quality samples. Nevertheless, as an 

 effective means of displaying the fruit, and of giving the buyer 

 the fuU quantity of fruit to which he is entitled, this form of 

 package is admirable. No doubt, when timber becomes 

 cheaper, this package wiU again come to the fore. 



Success in box packing depends very largely on perfect 

 grading and tight packing — to obtain the latter the minimum 

 of packing materials (woodwool and paper) should be used. 



Fig. 5 shows a box of Lord Derby's packed properly. 



Fig. 6 shows some fine Allington Pippins, but the box is only 

 half full owing to the amount of paper which has been used. 

 If the apples are very choice, it is sufiicient for the box to be 

 packed on exactly the same principle as Fig. 5, but with each 

 apple wrapped in absorbent tissue paper. 



Fig. 7 shows inferior packing, which is slack, and with the 

 lining paper used carelessly. 



