MARKETING EGGS FOR HUMAN FOOD 435 



greatest difference was apparent; at that time assorted eggs by 

 the case, guaranteed, brought the following prices in the open 

 market: Whites, 34 cents; browns, 30 cents; mixed bro^\'n and 

 white, 27 cents. The average increase in the selling price of the 

 white eggs over the mixed ones was three and one-quarter cents 

 per dozen. 



If the eggs are cleaned- and graded, the work must be done — 

 and the crating and packing as well — at a regular time, and 

 always with the same care. 



Care in Packing. — The regulation egg case of thirty-dozen 

 capacity is the most economical shipping case for a wholesale 

 trade; but it should be substantially made. If used the second 

 time, it should be renailed before filling, and all old, broken, or 

 flimsy containers replaced by new ones. In packing, a layer of 

 straw or excelsior on the bottom of the case will break the jar by 

 permitting a certain springiness. The eggs should be placed in 

 the fillers small end do^Mi, no large eggs being packed, as they are 

 likely to be broken and spoil the appearance and quality of others. 

 After all are in, a thin layer of hay or straw should be spread 

 over the top under the lid. The lid should be nailed securely at 

 each end, but not in the middle; this leaves room for spring, and 

 often prevents the breaking of many eggs. 



When shipping to a limited trade or to private customers, it 

 maA' be well to use the standard fifteen-dozen case instead of the 

 thirty-dozen. Corrugated pasteboard boxes varying in capacity 

 from one to five dozen, if properly packed, are very satisfactory. 

 Light weight and dural)ility are two important requisites in an 

 egg container. For high-class wholesale or fancy trade, the one- 

 dozen cartons are the most profitable for home grading, and they 

 are a guarantee of the product. The 2x6 cartons (Fig. 197) are 

 the best, being designed to fit the regulation thirty-dozen case. 

 When they are used, it is better to ship in a reinforced case, which 

 can be utilized indefinitely for shipping, being returned to the 

 shipper empty after each trip. Such a case can be locked, and 

 the product will reach the consumer untampered with; hence the 

 guarantee is protected. 



In using the cartons, the guarantee can be printed upon 

 them, together with the name of the farm (Fig. 197) and the 

 producer. Eggs guaranteed in this way should be sealed to guard 

 against any fraudulent subsequent use of the carton for inferior 

 eggs; for in any case, if the seal is broken the guarantee is void. 



