67 
294 Fruit, Gathering and Storing. Fruit gathering is a pro- 
cess which requires much attention, more especially the tender 
kinds of Pears; for on the amount of care exercised in this 
process will depend, in no small degree, the length of time they 
will keep in perfection. Where many sorts are to be gathered, 
at one period, time will scarcely permit their being brought, one 
sort at a time, to the fruit room, and there placed in single layers, 
as would otherwise be desirable. To meet circumstances, and 
to save time, place on an ordinary handbarrow, several hand 
baskets, each with a little hay in the bottom; and place the 
fruit in layers, with cap paper between each layer of fruit. 
Three layers in thickness may in this manner be carried with 
safety, provided it be done with steadiness of hand and foot. 
As well as on the care in gathering fruit, much depends on 
the suitableness of the fruit room, for success in preserving it 
in the most perfect state, and for the greatest length of time. 
This room should have a northern aspect ; this will greatly 
assist in preserving an uniform temperature, which is of the very 
first importance. It should never descend quite to the freezing 
point — 32 degrees ; nor rise above 45 degrees. This equable 
temperature is the most easily obtained by choosing, as we have 
said, a northern aspect, and sinking the Hoor about three feet 
below the surface of the earth about the room. As well as 
excess of temperature, excess of moisture must be avoided. A 
brick floor is found to answer exceedingly well, provided the 
bricks are well burned. If, however, the earth below the floor 
be damp, it can, in no way that we know of, be so advan- 
tageously regulated as by first paving the floor with pebbles, 
before the bricks are laid. This we have practised, with 
admirable effect, for cottage floors and domestic offices. If 
an accumulation of water takes place, in consequence of the 
sinking below the ordinary water level, a drain must be laid 
near to the building, making it, at the least, a foot deeper than 
the floor of the room. These advantages may not be every 
where attainable, but it is not the less important that they be 
stated, in order that each horticulturist may make as near ap- 
proach to them as circumstances will permit. No injury can 
be inflicted by holding up the best model for imitation. 
The shelves may be made of narrow bars, or solid boards, 
using white deal or other scentless wood ; red deal is objecfion- 
274. ACCTARICM. 
