FRUIT-PACKING OPERATIONS 



61 



in width than the diameter of the barrel, and the rack- 

 ing done on this plank. It ought not to be too violent 

 because of danger in bruising the fruit. About three 

 rackings during the filling-in operation is sufficient. 

 Use of the Follower. This tool is a round piece of 



wood just the size of the head 



of the barrel, lined with felt 

 on one side and a hand hold 

 on the other (Fig. 47 J). At 

 the last racking operation this 

 follower is placed on top and 

 held down firmly while the 

 apples are being settled. This 

 evens up the top of the barrel 

 and makes it easier for the 

 next process. Each packer is 

 provided with one of these 

 followers. 



The Tailing Process. This 

 is the arranging of the fruit 

 on the filled barrel so as to 

 get an even bearing for the 

 head. "When the last racking 



is done the top layer of apples should come from 2 to 3 

 inches from the top of the barrel. The balance of this 

 space is then filled in by hand, arranging the fruit with 

 the stems up as near as possible in the same manner as the 

 facing. The tailing process is the hardest part of the 

 entire packing operation. The apples ought to be even 

 on top so that when the head is put in, pressure will be 

 applied equally on all of the specimens. 



Fig. 48. 



A slack barrel from insufficient 

 racking. 



