Gathering And Packing Prunes

Prunes iutended for shipping green sbould always be picked in baskets be"ore fully ripe and carefully graded into sizes. For evaporating gather when thoroughly ripe by picking them or shaking trees, going ovef the orehard several times as they mature. If gathered by shaking, spread sheets under ;rees, which should be emptied into baskets, handling fruit carefully to avoid breaking the skins. If skins are jroken, prunes will drip in drying. Grade into tbree sizes to insure nni'ormity in drying and remove leaves, tvvigs, decaying fruit, etc. Grade agaiu after they are through sweatiug to sizes ndioating nnraber of dried prunes to ;he pound. Before packing many growers "gloss" or "finish" prunes witb jlycerin, etc, to improve appearauce acd prevent their sticking together. Vluch fruit is packed in sacks, though t will pay better to pack iu boxes, as 'ruit looks better and does not lose