34 THE NATURE AND CULTIVATION OF COFFEE. 



passed tlirougli cylinders or sieves made of perforated 

 zinc or wire, by which it is separated into different 

 sizes, the pea-berry, which is nearly round, being 

 separated by a peculiar rolling motion, either in the 

 sieves or by hand labour in baskets. The coffee is 

 now packed either in bags containing 1 cwt. each, or 

 in cases containing about 2-| cwts., or in casks con- 

 taining 6 to 10 cwts., and is shipped. Of the modes 

 of package, casks are undoubtedly preferable ; but as 

 these are not always obtainable, cases are frequently 

 used. Bags should only be used for inferior coffee, 

 triage, etc., as it is much more liable to damage in 

 bags than in cases or casks. Triage is the broken 

 coffee, with which commonly all the very small and 

 discoloured coffee is also mixed. It is of importance 

 that the wood of which the cases or casks are made 

 should be well seasoned, and it is advisable to char 

 them slightly inside by burning straw or shavings 

 inside them, the object being to prevent any contami- 

 nation of the coffee by the oil or gum in the wood. 



