174 
VEGETABLE GARDENING 
Very little effort has been made to standardize the size 
of different kinds of packages. It would be necessary, 
of course, to have different sizes of some styles, but the 
whole matter could be easily adjusted. The dimensions 
or capacities of truck barrel hampers, half-barrel ham- 
pers, six-basket carriers or crates and other classes of 
packages should be uniform throughout the country. 
227. Grading. — Careful grading is imperative for dis- 
criminating markets. Uniformity in size, shape, color, 
markings and ripeness counts for more than most grow- 
ers realize. Eighty bushels of tomatoes properly graded 
will bring more money on most markets than 100 bushels 
ungraded. One inferior specimen may repel a dozen 
buyers. 
The number of grades necessarily varies with the 
market and the vegetable to be graded. It is generally 
profitable to make at least three market grades, accord- 
ing to size or other points of merit. The work of grad- 
ing should be most carefully supervised in order that 
the grades established be maintained. Badly damaged 
and very imperfect specimens should be discarded. 
228. Packing. — There are three main considerations in 
the packing of vegetables after they have been cleaned 
and graded and a desirable package selected. 
(1) The appearance of the product must be attractive 
when offered to the public. Attractiveness is secured not 
only by cleaning, grading and using the proper package, 
but the vegetables must be tastefully arranged. It often 
pays to place each specimen in the most careful manner. 
The value of skillful arrangement has been clearly dem- 
onstrated by the California fruit growers. Not only 
should the top layer show to an advantage, but the ar- 
rangement should be pleasing down to the bottom. A 
pleasing appearance may also be secured by lining the 
package with white paper; by using a border or cover of 
laced or fancy colored paper ; by covering with red mos- 
