33 



show his individuality and establish his brand, and, if necessary, he 

 can have his trade brand registered. By care and originality in this 

 part of the work one can easily make several cents difference in the 

 selling price of his fruit. Poor paper, an unsightly brand, careless 

 wrapping, one or all, will conceal the real merit of the fruit and 

 depreciate its value markedly. It is true economy to use a tough 

 glazed paper that will not absorb the juices of any decaying fruit and 

 break, thus spreading the trouble. When using colored paper, or 

 a brand printed in colors, see that the colors are fast, otherwise should 

 moisture be encountered the fruit will be stained and the brand 

 smeary. It is well to have at least two sizes of paper, one for the 

 large pines and one for the small, as an excess of paper about a 

 fruit detracts from its appearance. When paper with printed brand 

 is used, have the brand as nearly as possible in the same position on 

 each fruit ; also see that the fruit is wrapped smoothly and that no 

 unsightly projections, wrinkles, or tears are visible. Place the fruit 

 on its side diagonally at one of the loAver corners of the paper and roll 

 tightly, turning in projecting paper at the bottom and gathering the 

 top with a twist around the crown. 



BOXES. 



There is a standard Red Spanish box used in the trade which is 

 12 by 10J by 3G inches with a partition in the middle. The ends 

 are either solid or paneled five-eighths, 1, or 1^ inches thick. Some of 

 the most progressive packers claim the solid head makes a firmer, 

 neater, and all-round better head; others favor the paneled; so that it 

 is largely a matter of expense and taste. There are other sized crates 

 in use, some even using the standard lemon and standard orange 

 boxes. The station has tried a special box for the Cabezona because 

 of its size, but at present the majority of the trade recognizes only 

 one size of crate, and it is best that all come up to that standard. 

 The only exception would be a special standard crate adopted by all 

 the horticultural societies of the island and made for a special fancy 

 pack. Such a crate for our fancy fruit could be made very effective 

 if properly introduced. Whatever crate used, the packer should see 

 that the lumber is bright and clean. Nothing injures the appearance 

 of a pack more than a dirty, mildewed, imperfect box. To keep the 

 boxes clean there should be plenty of clean, dry storage room, so 

 that the supply for the season can be laid in when prices are best. 

 This is usually some months before the packing season really opens. 

 This supply is rendered even more necessary here in Porto Rico, 

 where the shipping season is so long. A large storage room will 

 permit the making up of boxes at odd times when outdoor work is 

 impossible. 



