14 THE CANNING OF PEAS. 



solution of this density but which will float in a solution having a 

 specific gravity of 1.070. The third grade consists of the peas which 

 will sink in the latter solution. Figures 3 and 4 show how the three 

 grades of peas are separated by this means. A machine has been de- 

 vised to remove the peas from the top and bottom of these solutions 

 so that their separation is automatic and continuous. 



The principle involved in the separation of peas into grades for 

 quality is not new, having long been applied to the selection of seeds. 



Fie. 3. Testing the peas in a salt solution for quality. 



It was tried for grading peas for several years without success, be- 

 cause solutions having the proper density were not obtained and the 

 necessary working apparatus was not available. On May 27, 1894, a 

 patent was granted on a device for grading peas, which has since 

 been improved so as to work very well. 



The grading of peas for quality is as sharp and clear as that for 

 size. The lightest weight peas are the finest, being even in quality, 

 succulent, and tender. The heaviest peas are the poorest, being 

 uneven in quality, hard, overripe, and of bad color. The middle- 



