98 MADRAS FISHERIES BULLETIN VOL. XIII, 



130. (10) Observation, Lacqucriug, and Storing. — From the pro- 

 cessing room the cans are removed to an observation room ; in 

 temperate climates this is warmed to say 80" or 90"' F. so as to 

 promote bacterial growth and thus detect any defective cans. 

 The cans are placed on racks, tables, etc., in rows for the ready 

 detection and removal of blown cans, and kept there for a week 

 or so. Meanwhile, since the cans are greasy and dirty it is 

 customary to have them cleaned while in this room ; plenty of saw- 

 dust or paddy husk, cloths, whiting, etc., are needed, and when the 

 cans are clean and bright it is well to lacquer them to prevent 

 rust. At Beypore a transparent lacquer is used which is found 

 eflficacious in preventing rust ; but if a coloured lacquer is to be 

 used for permanent colouring it would be well to apply it here ; 

 such coloured lacquer is applied by dipping the cans, held by a 

 convenient forceps with pointed grips, into the coloured spirit 

 lacquer, and placing them on spiked frames where they rapidly 

 dry ; the points prevent the sticking of the cans to their supports 

 and thus losing lacquer and causing unsightly patches. From the 

 observation room the lacquered or finished cans are moved to the 

 store and thence as, required, to the labelling and despatching 

 room. 



