REPORT OF BUREAU OF INSrECTION. I I9 



place on the market any other product than the unsweetened 

 fruit, but it is believed that by using syrup or sugar, a greater 

 demand will be created for the product and a much larger profit 

 realized. 



Sardine Factories: This industry, which means a great deal 

 to the State of Maine, and regarding which we made rather a 

 comprehensive report last year, has come in for its share of 

 attention in the inspection work of the past season. 



We have fortunately secured the cooperation of the United 

 States Department for our investigations, and have also wel- 

 comed the inauguration of rather an elaborate system of inspec- 

 tion by the National Canners' Association, financed by the pack- 

 ers themselves, which — on the whole — has been productive of 

 wonderful results. 



Early in the season an informal conference was held with the 

 director of the National Canners' Association, and rules and 

 regulations satisfactory to the Association and this department 

 were agreed upon. We feel sure that the results have been 

 pleasing to all concerned. 



A special investigation, during the early spring months, was 

 made in regard to the habits and methods of the fishermen in 

 securing the fish furnished the factories. This work was carried 

 on in compliance with the regulations promulgated by the Can- 

 ners'Association, to the efifect that fish shall not be packed which 

 have been seined and not confined in keeping pounds or allowed 

 to remain in the seines for a sufficient time to rid themselves of 

 the "red feed." The quality of the fish, in some instances, was 

 ascertained by the inspectors intercepting the boats upon their 

 arrival at the factories. 



As stated last year, we did not attempt to make any recom- 

 mendations for expensive equipment at the .sardine factories, 

 or suggest ideas too fastidious for fulfilment ; but — aside from 

 the proper selection of fish — our recommendations have been 

 for convenient and cleanly toilets and dressing rooms, with a 

 supply of soap and clean towels always available. We have 

 .strongly urged the discontinuance of the common drinking cup, 

 although in some cases this advice has not been heeded. 



At the beginning of the packing season, and also when the 

 work of packing was well advanced, samples consisting of from 

 five to ten units to a sample, and covering practically the whole 



