646 



Journal of Agriculture. 



[10 Nov., 1908. 



Shipping Victorian Honey in Bulk. 



Taking into account tlie extra cost in Victoria of jars, labour, and 

 packing cases as compared with that in Europe, the greater risk of 

 damage and loss, and higher freight on honey sent from here in glass 

 as compared with bulk, and the unsatisfactory appearance of the honey 

 on arrival, shipping in retail packages reduces the returns too much. 

 For shipping in bulk the ordinary 60- lb. honey tin, or rather the same 

 tin with only 56 lbs. in it would be the most suitable. The cases con- 

 taining two tins each should have a division, as in a fruit-case, to 

 strengthen the sides, which should be of somewhat stouter material than 

 used for kerosene cases. Around each end of the case a thin iron band 

 should be nailed to prevent the heads from splitting or the bottoms from 

 being forced out by the weight of the tins. Instead of lever tops or 

 soldering down, a screw cap soldered on after the tin is filled and with 

 a disc of very thin tin inserted between the cap and the tin would be 



-\A ul I apiary of J 00 COLONIES. 



preferable. In this way the tin is hermetically sealed till it reaches its- 

 destmation. On sampling the cap is unscrewed and the disc cut through. 

 The cap can then be screwed on again to keep out dust, &c. A package 

 similar to this, is in general use in America. 



Honey from Jamaica and other places, intended for manufacturing 

 purposes, is shipped in barrels which hold 2 cwt. or more. This 

 style of package is recommended by importers for darker grades of Vic- 

 torian honey. There is, however, a considerable difference in the price 

 of barrels, and the nature of the wood used in their construction. As 

 barrels leak through the pores of the wood if not waxed inside, this kind 

 of package does not .seem suitable for our requirements. 



If It is intended to place honey upon European markets in retail glass 

 packages it should be forwarded from here in bulk and the bottling and; 

 labelling arranged to be done at its destination. 



