Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1868-06-18
agricultural department.
From the Raleigh Sentinel.

rtom uie h<heigh oeuuheh
DRIED FRUIT.
Within the last two years this business
has increased until it has become, in many
sections, leading branch of trade, and has
been found to be very profitable. The high
tax imposed upon the distillation of fruit
has had tendency to increase the business.
Again, the work is easy-the greater part
of it being done by women and children.
Since this is comparatively new busl.
ness in many sections, and one that should
be increased, we propose giving few prac-
tical suggestion as to the best plan OF dry
ing, packing, shipping, etc. We begin with
Peeled Peaches.-To make these the most
saleable, the fruit should be taken from the
trees before it becomes perfectly ripe and
mellow-iust as soon as they begin to
"blush, unless this is done they will dry
dark in color, which is the great objection,
and leaves them always without quotable
price. They should be sliced as fine as a
little care and attention will allow. Quar-
ters are considered large size for peeled
peaches, and consequently not as saleable
as if sliced finer.
Unpeeled Peaches should also be selected
from fruit not too ripe on the trees. They
should be cut into halues only, as quarters
and mixed never bring as good price,
while they are really more trouble to pre-
pare. 1t is always best to select the lar
gest peaches for good ''unpeeled halves
Dried Apples.-select sound fruit, not
too ripe. Be careful to pare them elean.-
Let there be no specks of the skin on any
part, and above all, be sure that they are
we'll eored. Dried apples coming to market
with specks of skin, cores and seed still on,
never meet ready sale at market price
"Sliced" apples always pay for the addi-
tional trouble; but where this is not done,
let the above, as to cleanliness, be observed.
This done, and dried of bright color, they
will always sell readily for good price.
Dried Cherries, with seed in, always
sell. They should be carefully picked when
ripe, thoroughly dried, and kept clean as
possible. ''Seedless" cherries belong to
the most fancy of domestic dried fruit, and
always find a ready market at good prices.
They require to be carefully dried without
being burned, and packed in their natural
state. If mixed with molasses or "doctor-
ed" in any way, it is detected at once, and
have to be sold at very reduced prices.
Dried Plums should be handled in the
same manner Us cherries.
Dried Blaekberries have recently become
quite a staple, and in many sections the
best paying crop that grows. When ripe
they should be nicely dried (not buyned)
before packing. If packed before thor
oughly dried they breed worms, become
mouldy, and lead to general dissatisfaction.
Dried Raspberraes always bring better
price than blackberries, and should be han
died the same way.
Elder6e77ies are not worth the trouble
of drying and shipping.
Ounces and Pears, cut fine, thoroughly
peeled and cored nice, bring fair prices. :.
The above, we think, affords the main
ideas as to curing the different fruits. We
now come to most important instruction
for shippers, packers and buyers, which is
the grading and packing of the different
descriptions.
Never mix different qualities in the same
package, as it is always discovered, and the
price will be based upon the poorest quail
ty in the barrel or bag. Barrels are much
preferable to bags for shipping. Let there
be distinguishing mark upon each pack
age of the different grades. Letall barrels
be carefully and correctly tared, with each
tare marked on side Of barrel, as we'll as on
the head. If the above directions are close
ly followed, the fruit will class with the
best grades and the increase in price over
poor, mixed and carelessly packed fruit will
amply pay for the extra trouble. This ap-
plies to almost everything that is sent to
market. 1t matters not how dull an article
may be, when of good quality and in good
order, it will not fail to bring highest mar
ket prices. Then remember this, and pack
all goods in neat order; mark plain dvec-
tions on every package, with name of arti-
Gle, weight, tare or count, and forward in
voice of what, how, and when shipments are
made.
We beg to state that we shall endeavor
to make speciality Of selling all kinds Of
dried fruit during the coming season, and
claim that our advantages are equal to any
other market; but if desired We will ship to
Liverpool, London, or elsewhere.
We will furnish, at manufacturers prices,
any or all of the latest and best improved
peelers.
All letters of inquiry will be promptly
answered, and the best possible information
furnished.
j. B. HUNTER, & CO.,
Portsmouth, Va.
INFLUENCE OF THE MOON ON PLANTS.