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THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



Recent investigations regarding loading of cars have been made by the Bureau 

 of Markets, United States Department of Agriculture, and it is from their publica- 

 tion of " Lining and Loading Cars " that a great deal of the information which is to 

 follow has been extracted. 



Fig. 31. Loading potatoes at Ashcroft (original). 



In loading potatoes in cold weather care must be taken to prevent freezing if 

 loss is not to ensue. According to an investigation made by the Bureau of Markets, 

 approximately 75 per cent, of all cars prepared to protect potato shipments in cold 

 weather are lined or loaded incorrectly. 



When cars are being prepared to protect potatoes against freezing in transit 

 it is important to remember that warm air weighs less than cool air. Warm air 

 from the heater therefore rises directly to the ceiling over the heater and there 

 spreads out along the ceiling. If the warm air is not allowed to get down to the 

 floor it will pile up between the potatoes and the ceiling, and the top potatoes will 

 become overheated and blackened at the centre ; at the same time the warm air is 

 kept from the floor of the car and the potatoes may freeze. (Fig. 32.) 



RE NEEDED' 



Fig. 32. Improper method of loading potatoes (after Bureau of Markets, U.S. Bulletin 1091). 



In order to overcome this a complete air-passage the full width of the car must 

 be kept open around the load (Fig. 33), and the following points must be borne in 

 mind : 



(1.) The potatoes must not be close enough to the ceiling to block any part of 

 the circulation. 



