152 



Grading of Fruit, and Vegetables. 



Even shape and uniformity of sample possess a distinct market 

 value, and a medium sized potato having these characteristics, 

 together with good quality, will bring a better return than 

 huge distorted tubers of which size is the only recommendation. 

 If an extra 6d. per bushel or^i per ton can be secured by such 

 care it often means with a good crop sufficient clear gain to 

 more than pay the expenses of cultivation. 



A distinction can be made between the best or earliest turnips 

 and carrots and the ordinary quality or crop in bulk by market- 

 ing the former in bunches, while the latter are sent in bags or 

 baskets. Onions, too, can be graded in several ways, the best 

 being bunched or made into " ropes," while smaller sizes are 

 sold loose, the smallest ranking as pickling onions. It is always 

 advisable to have several sizes, each sample fairly uniform, 

 as some buyers have a preference for medium size bulbs and 

 others for large ones. In selling small quantities by weight the 

 retailers have a difficulty with the largest onions, and usually 

 find the medium size more convenient. If roots are prepared 

 for sale by being thoroughly cleaned it is a great help, and in 

 any case wherever grading is followed all the best qualities 

 should be so treated or the chief part of the labour will be 

 nullified. 



Peas and beans should always be graded. Yet this is seldom 

 done by the grower, and, as with many other vegetables, it is 

 usually left to the retailer. Large, well-filled pods of the former 

 are always in demand, and if the colour is good their value is 

 enhanced. But they are too often gathered without due care, 

 and a number of insufficiently developed pods materially lowers 

 the value of the whole, while reducing future gatherings. Two 

 or three grades of peas can be readily formed, according to the 

 condition of the crop and the varieties, some being much more 

 even croppers than others. In supplying consumers direct daily 

 or at regular intervals, it is now becoming the practice to shell 

 the peas, grade them by means of sieves, and consign to the 

 purchaser in small boxes. Dwarf kidney beans and scarlet 

 runners can be graded by selecting the long, straight, and even 

 pods for the best samples, in smaller quantities, the bulk going 

 for sale in bushel or half-bushel baskets. 



With green vegetables, such as cabbages, savoys, kale and 



