THE ORCHARD.

New Zealand Journal of Agriculture, Volume XXX, Issue 4, 20 April 1925, Page 272

THE ORCHARD.

STORAGE. All fruit appears to be maturing earlier than usual this season, and by the time these notes appear there will be only a few late varieties of pip-fruit ' to gather. As a general rule all fruit not intended -for disposal immediately it has been gathered should be placed in cool ■storage if it is desired to keep it until after July or August. Sturmers, Rokewoods, Tasmas, and Lord Wolseleys will keep fairly well in ordinary storage, providing, of course, that, they are left in a cool place. All fruit intended for keeping for any length of time should be free from blemish and skin-punctures. BRANDING OF CASES FOR THE LOCAL MARKET. It may be somewhat late in the season to give advice on branding cases for market. However, after the experience of inspection at the various markets during the past few months a few suggestions may benefit some who are as yet ignorant of the best methods to follow. Many growers act against their own interests through not placing on the ends of the case a few more particulars. One often comes across cases with only marks such as “ K 147 —1st Grade,” or “ L 6782nd Grade.” There is nothing to indicate what is contained in the case, whether apples or pears, or what variety. Buyers are left to find out for themselves, and the auctioneers are at a disadvantage. It is the grower who suffers every time when he fails to give a clear indication as to the value and quality of his fruit. It means very little extra trouble to give a few particulars on the case, either by means of a rubber stamp or a stencil. This facilitates selling, and -often means better prices, and is altogether more satisfactory. The minimum particulars stamped on cases should be (1), the consignee’s initials, (2) the consignor’s registered number, and (3) the variety and size of the fruit. These are best grouped at the top, in the middle, and at the bottom respectively. ■ . 1 ■ . CULTIVATION. .' The close of the picking season is a good time for ploughing the -orchard. . If cover-crops have been grown' and these have not made sufficient growth the work may be delayed until a later period. All •soils derive considerable benefit by being turned up to the winter frosts. When ploughing at this period provision should be made for the free drainage of water away from the trees. This is best done by .turning the soil up to the trees and leaving a furrow down the centre

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