ree and a half to four and a half tons of the green
fruit are required to make one of the dried; these three varieties,
however, being large, meaty, and a firm pulp, do not require more than
from three to three and a half tons of the green fruit to produce one
ton of dried, and are, therefore, the most profitable for drying; they
also command better values in the market. The grapes are sufficiently
dried when, on being rolled between the thumb and finger, no moisture
exudes, and also when the stems are found to be dry and brittle, so
that they can be separated readily from the berries. After the grapes
have reached the proper state of dryness, they are taken in boxes or
sacks to the packing house, where they are stemmed and cleaned, after
which they are packed in white cotton sacks, holding from fifty to
seventy-five pounds each, and when marked are ready for shipment.

The stemming and cleaning of the dried grapes is done by special
machines designed for that purpose, which leaves the fruit in a
bright, clean condition attractive to purchasers. These machines are
at present built only by James Porteous, Fresno, and are operated
either by hand or power. The cost of a stemmer and cleaner complete is
$80, f. o. b. cars at Fresno. Where several producers can do so, it
would be advisable to club together and get the machine in this way.
Much extra expense could be avoided and one set of machinery would
serve several vineyards, possibly an entire district where time was
not a great object; or some one person in a district could purchase an
outfit and do the work by contract, going from place to place. The
capacity of the stemmer and cleaner is from five to eight tons per
day, when the grapes are in proper condition; and the cost or charge
for stemming, cleaning, sacking, and sewing up the sacks is from four
to five dollars per ton when the producer furnishes the sacks. Good
cotton sacks, holding about seventy-five pounds, cost from eight to
ten cents each, including the necessary twine. Last year dried grapes
were generally sold for cash, f. o. b., but it is probable that other
markets could be secured by selling on consignment.

As to the advisability of such a course, each producer must himself be
the judge. It is, however, quite certain that until consumers have an
opportunity to try this product, the sales will necessarily be more or
less limited, unless vigorously pushed by merchants and others
interested in extending