442 PACKING, MARKING, SHIPPING, ETC. 



np, can sometimes be scarcely given away, thereby caus- 

 ing dissatisfaction to the shipper on account of poor re- 

 turns, and disgust to the receiver, because they have had 

 to sacrifice it, when a little pains taken with the article 

 would have caused a different result. Nothing is gained 

 in packing fruit, etc. (which is sold by the package), in 

 short packages, that is for barrels to be less than flour-bar- 

 rel size, or baskets to hold twelve or fourteen quarts, 

 when they should hold half a bushel, or in boxes less than 

 measure intended. If fruit is too ripe or soft to pack in 

 full-size packages, pack in those of half or even quarter- 

 size, but by all means give full measure, and try to pack 

 your packages so tight that, upon arrival, they will open 

 full and not look as though there was not enough of the 

 article to fill them. Besides fruit, etc., will come a longer 

 distance and arrive in far better order, by being packed 

 full, even to slight jamming, than if packed loose. With 

 the rough and severe handling, that all packages get more 

 or less, the articles are very likely to be badly bruised in 

 coming. All packages should be neat and clean ; and bar- 

 rels, boxes, and crates sold with the articles should, if pos- 

 sible, be new, as the package helps show the contents to 

 better advantage, and will sell the better from the evident 

 pains bestowed upon it. 



"Marking. Always mark each package plainly and 

 neat, with the name or initials of consignor, and the net 

 weight or count of contents of each. 



"Shipping. All perishable fruits, such as peaches, plums, 

 berries, etc., should be sent by the quickest conveyance. 

 Receipts should be taken from transportation compa- 

 nies. Advices, with a full and correct invoice, should be 

 sent by mail. A duplicate invoice should be put in one 

 of the packages, marked Bill. There is nothing so vexa- 

 tious to a commission house, as the receipt of consign- 

 ments not properly or distinctly marked, and no advices of 

 the same. 



