3G BEOOM-COEN AND BEOOMS. 



around the bale lengthwise, to hold the cross wires in 

 place. Figure 11 shows a bale as commonly finished. 

 This method of baling was more practised a few years 

 ago than at present, it now being rare that bales reach 

 the eastern markets with laths at the corners, or with 

 end-wires. Four or five wires around the bale, in one 

 direction, are sufficient to keep the whole in proper shape, 

 provided the brush is properly lapped in the interior, and 

 the buts placed evenly at the ends. If a bale thus made 

 up is well pressed, it *will reach its destination in good 

 shape. Bales of the size above stated should, if properly 

 packed, contain at least 300 Ibs., and it is better for 

 them to run a little over than to fall short of this weight. 

 "While bales of this size store better in the freight cars, 

 and are the most desirable in the market, those as 

 small as 150 Ibs. are frequently sent, and sometimes they 

 weigh as much as 450 Ibs. 



While the inferior, or crooked brush, should never be 

 put in the same bale with the better quality, it is custo- 

 mary to select some of the best and straightest brush to 

 give the outside of the bale a neat appearance. 



It being of great importance to keep the ends of the 

 bale square and smooth, the brush should be handed to 

 the packer in small lots, the buts of which have been 

 evened by striking them down upon a table or other 

 smooth surface, and the one who places the brush in the 

 box of the press, should take care to keep the buts up 

 close against the ends of the box. 



Bale the crooked brush by itself, and sell is as second 

 quality. Eecollect that a few crooked heads will injure 

 the sale, and reduce the price of a whole bale otherwise 

 of the best quality. A large amount of the best straight 

 brush with the crooked, will not increase its market value, 

 and the preliminary sorting, whether on the tables or 

 at the scraper, should be entrusted to a faithful hand. 



