38 HARVESTING, STORING, AND MARKETING 



dence of care in preparing the package for market. The size of the 

 paper varies with the size of the fruit. Wraps for the largest apples 

 are 12 by 12 or 14 by 14 inches; for apples running 64 to 80 to the 

 box, 11 by 11 inches; 88 to 113, 10 by 10 inches; 125 to 180, 9 by 9 

 inches, for smaller sizes 8 by 8 inches, though such sizes are some- 

 times packed without wrappers. The wraps may be stamped with 

 the brand or trade mark. Oiled wraps are largely used for varieties 

 that are to be stored, as indicated under "Storage Scald.'' 



Stamps — After the fruit is packed, the name of the variety, the grade, the 

 number of apples in the box, and the minimum net weight are 

 stamped in purple ink on the end of the box above the label. 

 Assorted stamps will be needed for these purposes. Stamping 

 machines that ink themselves are used in some packing houses. 



Labels — of different colors depending on the grade of the fruit are com- 

 monly used. Blue for Extra Fancy, pink for Fancy, and white for 

 C grade are standard colors. These labels have been worked out 

 in simple and attractive designs and combinations. They are pasted 

 on the ends of the box, and are of such size as to leave about a 

 %-inch space at the top for the stamping. A high grade of paste 

 is used. As a matter of economy, many labels are now put on 

 before the boxes are made up. 



(3) Wrapping the Apple: No two persons wrap an apple in 

 exactly the same manner. It should be kept in mind that, since 

 the whole process has to occur with every apple packed, it is 

 vital that every unnecessary motion be eliminated. This calls 

 for much practice and precision. When the operation is com- 

 pleted, the loose ends of the paper should be folded neatly 

 under the apple as it lies in the box. See Figs. 16 and 17. 



The diagonal pack (Fig. 18) is commonly used, because it 

 is easier to pack, the fruit fits snugly together, the finished pack 

 remains tight longer, and there is less danger of bruising. In 

 this style of pack the apples are always placed in spaces be- 

 tween apples rather than directly over or against them. It 

 will be found possible by packing the fruit either on the side 

 or end to use the diagonal pack in nearly all cases. The 2-2 or 

 3-2 diagonal packs will take most commercial sizes of fruit. 

 The largest sizes may have to be packed 2-1, and the small 

 sizes 3-3. Diagrams in Farmers^ Bulletin 1457 illustrate types 



