CHAPTER XI 



FRUIT EXHIBITS AND JUDGING 



The educational values in fruit exhibits, both to the grower 

 and the general public, are very great. Such exhibits afford an 

 opportunity to study varieties and to compare their merits 

 for various sections. They offer a stimulus to growers to im- 

 prove quality as a result of the rivalry between' them, and, in 

 case of commercial exhibits, to improve methods of packing. 

 Progressive growers may be noted at any good exhibit taking 

 keen interest in the fruit on display. 



The publicity or advertising values in creditable exhibitions 

 are very great. Fruit that is well grown and displayed with 

 good taste and judgment carries an appeal to which the public 

 is very susceptible. 



Operations: 



1. Selecting fruit for exhibit. 



2. Setting up the exhibit. 



3. Judging fruit. 



1. Selecting Fruit for Exhibit. The j&rst essential is to 

 grow good fruit. The matter thus reverts at once to those 

 factors that constitute good orchard management. Pruning, 

 spraying, and proper soil management all play an important, 

 part. Thinning may be of especial importance in promoting 

 size and color. 



When the time comes to pick the fruit, handle it with ex- 

 treme care. Pick several times the quantity that will be ex- 

 hibited in order to give a wide choice and to allow for losses 

 in handling. The experienced exhibitor will often pick several 

 bushels of his best fruit in order to select from it a few plates. 



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