Grapes from Australia

Experiments have just been made towards solving the problem whether grapes can be sent from Australia to England. They have proved so far successful. This is how it was done: As each bunch was picked from the vine the end of the stalk was bathed in sealing wax, and the fruit was then put into a paper bag and packed in saw dust. The case of grapes was carried to the Fiji Islands on the deck of the steamer Birksgate, and, being opened when the steamer returned to Sydney, the contents were found to be as solid and perfect as when shipped. If grapes will survive the hot weather of the tropics for a month there can be no difficulty in the way of sending them to England.

Source: Isle of Wight Observer 23 April 1892

Picture Source: Australian Grapes – Wikimedia