32 HARVESTING, STORING, AND MARKETING 



load which he brings in. The balance of the load is estimated according 

 to the findings of the sample. This avoids running small lots through 

 the sizers, recording them, and clearing the machines before starting 

 with a different lot, thus saving considerable time and increasing the 

 output of the packing crew. 



Returns are usually made on the pool basis, a pool extending 

 through all or part of the season, being made for each variety, grade, and 

 size. A grower receives the net price after packing charges are deducted, 

 constituting the average price for the pooling period for the variety, 

 grade, and size in question. The accounts cannot be completely cleaned 

 up until the season is over, but advances are made to the grower in the 

 meantime, only a small balance remaining at the 'close of the season. 



Instead of pooling the fruit, that owned by each grower may be sold 

 separately and returns made on his own product. 



Although the packed fruit is usually sold by the association, it may 

 be sold by the grower. In any event he pays all the costs. Packing 

 costs are determined by taking the total cost of labor, supplies, depre- 

 ciation of buildings and equipment, insurance, and interest on invest- 

 ment, and prorating them on the basis of the quantity of fruit brought 

 to the packing house by each, grower. The charge is thus made against 

 unpacked rather than packed fruit. This is fair, since packing costs are 

 as high on 100 bushels of tree-run fruit which sort out 50 bushels of 

 culls and low-grade fmit, as on 100 bushels which pack up 70 bushels or 

 more of high-grade fruit. This plan also stimulates the growing of 

 good fruit and the keeping of poor stuff away from the packing house. 



It is evident that volume is a very essential factor for successful 

 •cooperative effort. Packing costs decrease very rapidly in every detail 

 with increase in volume. 



Requirements for a Good Packing House, Such a packing 

 house should have adequate facilities for receiving fruit 

 without keeping the drivers waiting to unload, and for ac- 

 cumulating a reasonable supply to pack when the weather 

 prevents hauling. It must be well lighted over the sizers 

 and packing tables and efficiently arranged for handling the 

 fruit. Conveyors should be installed for carrying culls out 

 of the way, for transporting empty packages, and for moving 

 the packed fruit. Storage space should be provided for at 

 least part of the season's supply of packages and for holding 

 the packed fruit until a carload is ready, unless the fruit 



