112 HARVESTING, STORING, AND MARKETING 



York, and Michigan are sent to market in September, and a 

 few late sorts are available in October (Fig. 45) . 



Elberta, the main crop peach in all sections other than Cali- 

 fornia, is available from about the middle of July until late 

 September. 



Harvesting begins with pruning, spraying, fertilizing, thin- 

 ning, and general orchard care. The actual picking and pack- 

 ing represent but final acts of an enterprise that has been in 

 process since the pruner went forth to prune. 



Packages and other supplies should be ordered as soon as 

 a reasonable idea of the extent of the crop can be determined. 

 Delay in ordering usually means increased costs and may 

 mean much difficulty in securing the packages on time. 



Operations : 



L Picking the fruit. 



2. Selecting packages. 



3. Packing. 



4. Loading cars. 



5. Storing. 



6. Canning and drying. 



7. Marketing through cooperative agencies. 



1. Picking the Fruit. Picking at the proper stage of ma- 

 turity is of very great importance in the harvesting of the 

 crop. The fruit which carries the finest color with large size 

 and still reaches the consumer in sound condition commands 

 a premium. With competition from producing sections so 

 keen, it is in many seasons the only kind of fruit that will sell 

 at a profit. 



Peaches should be picked when just mature enough to 

 reach market in firm condition, but ready for consumption. 

 This means that if the market is near by the fruit may be left 

 longer on the trees than if a day or more must be spent in 

 transit. 



