Grading of Fruit and Vegetables. 



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unripe and ripe fruits, but in the latter case still greater care is 

 needed, and the more tenderly the fruit is handled the better. 



To all the soft fruits, such as plums, cherries, strawberries, and 

 raspberries, the same rule is applicable, and compression or rub- 

 bing by the hand in the act of gathering must also be avoided. 

 It is advisable to employ shallow handle baskets for gathering 

 purposes, and to have the bottom and sides padded with some 

 soft, smooth material which will not impart any lint or hair to 

 the surface of the fruit. 



The time of gathering will depend partly upon the character 

 of the fruit and the objects of the grower. Early apples for 

 cooking are gathered as soon as they are large enough, but late 

 varieties for keeping require to be left on the trees until fully 

 matured. Early pears for eating must be gathered before they 

 are quite ripe, and the earliest dessert apples need the same 

 .attention. Much judgment and experience are requisite in 

 gathering the soft fruits, but as a general rule it is preferable 

 to take them before they reach the last stage of ripeness, though 

 ;they must be sufficiently matured to be in a marketable con- 

 dition. With strawberries several gatherings are necessary, and 

 in the height of the season they should have attention at least 

 twice a day. Raspberries also frequently need daily gathering 

 when the fruit is ripening and the weather is hot. Stone fruits, 

 like plums and cherries, can be gathered when the bulk of the 

 crop is in good condition ; but an early gathering of the most 

 forward fruits is advisable on account of the advantage in 

 market prices. Gooseberries can be dealt with at two different 

 seasons, i.e., when the fruit is green and when it is ripe. The 

 earlier the former can be had of good size, the better the prices ; 

 and in the later stage the fruits should be large, of good colour, 

 and in the best state for eating, but not so advanced as to be in 

 danger of cracking. One general rule is applicable to all fruits, 

 and that is, never, if it can be avoided, gather them when they 

 are wet, especially if they have to be packed for sending a dis- 

 tance. 



In preparation for sorting, the fruits should be taken and 

 carefully spread on a table or bench which may slightly slope 

 to the front, and should be of a convenient height for the packer 

 to stand at. The soft fruits must be conveyed to the sorting 



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