S4 



Instead of* packing the apples wrapped in tissne only, m the case of 

 •everal bushels that have recently arrived in London by the S. S. 

 Wakood, a quantity of asbestos or a preparation of thirf substance has 

 been used. The fruits were wrapped in tissue as formerly, and after- 

 wards embedded in the asbestos, each fruit beino- perfectly sur- 

 rounded by ibis substance. Upon unpacking the case, the asbestos 

 appeared lo he caked, but it was ^^asily broken up, and then appeared 

 almost like flour. We shculd su} po;e, therefore, that the fruits would 

 be air tight under such conditions, and this will account for the fact 

 that as we saw them they were perfectly sound, and in excellent condi- 

 tion, although fi\e months had elapsed since they were packed in the 

 boxes. The apples were grown by Mr. J. R. Warren, Mount Alexan- 

 der Orchard, Harcourt, and Mr. J. M. Ely, Rosehill Gardens, Har- 

 court, both large Victorian fruit growers. They were packed and 

 brought to this country under the direction of Mr. Geo. Pontin, Church 

 House, Yapton, Sussex. The apples were gathered and packed previous 

 to May 5th last, but owing to some objection, we believe, on the part of 

 the steamship companies, there was a delay of two months or more 

 before shipment, and even then they travelled by the Gape route. The 

 companies, naturally perhaps, object to the introduction of a new sys- 

 tem of packing fruits that may render unnecessary the cool chamberf 

 that have cost so much money to provide. But such objections will, 

 no doubt, be overcome, and if a syndicate be formed, as is now propos- 

 ed, the system will be given a conclusive trial. The new system should 

 it answer to expectations, will possess several advantages. The fruit 

 may then be stored in the hold of the ship, and the freight per bushel- 

 ease will be 6d. instead of 3s. 9d. ; but as the packing material will dis- 

 place a quantity^ of the fruits in each package, it may be well for present 

 purposes to describe the future freight of the fruit as Is. per bushel. 



It must be remembered also that the asbestos is a valuable material 

 in England, and it will be sold here to as much advantage as will the 

 apples. The result will be that the asbestos and fruit would be brought 

 to England for less money than is now paid for the fruits alone. The 

 apples will travel as well or better, and it is thought they may be pre- 

 served after arrival here for weeks if necessary, providing ttiat the cases 

 be not opened in the meantime. And beyond the other considerations, 

 it is hoped also that Victorian Pears by this system may be placed on 

 the English market without much risk of loss by decay. — (Gardeners' 

 Chronicle:) 



— ^ o 



COMPOSITION OF BANANAS AND PLANTAIN FRUITS. * 



The changes that take place in the banana fruit during the suc- 

 cessive stages of its growth and ripening are described by Dr. Warden 

 in the Diet. Econ. Prod, of India, Vol. V., p. 301:- 



" The composition of the banana at different stages of maturity has 

 been investigated by Ricciardi. The green fruit contains over 12 per 



* Extract from Bulletin of Miscellaneous Information, Royal GardeiiA, 

 Kew, August, 1894, pages 305—310. 



