Ladders

There are two general types of picking ladders, the rung and

the step ladders. For large trees the rung ladders are the best. They

may be obtained in lengths to suit the height of the tree. Lengths of

more than twenty-two or twenty-four feet become too heavy and clumsy

to handle, even when made of pine, which is the best material as it is

light and strong for its weight. In very old, high trees extension

rung ladders are sometimes used. They are also useful for interior

work but are heavy to handle. Rung ladders cost from ten to twenty

cents a running foot. Step ladders are useful only on young and small

trees. The two styles, the three (Japanese) and four legged, are both

quite satisfactory where one can reach the fruit from them.



Receptacles for picking usually hold about half a bushel. Both baskets

and bags are used, some preferring one and some the other, and a

choice between them is merely a matter of personal preference. There

is a little less liability of bruising the apples in bags than in

baskets, but the latter are more convenient in some ways. Fruit should

never be thrown or dropped into a basket but always handled carefully.

Some varieties, as McIntosh, show almost every finger mark and

literally require handling with gloves.