52 Maine Agricultural Experiment Station. 1917. 



which have been seined and not confined in keeping pounds or 

 allowed to remain in the seine for a sufficient time to rid them- 

 selves of the "red feed." The quality of the fish, in some in- 

 stances, was ascertained by the inspectors intercepting the boats 

 upon their arrival at the factories. 



No attempt was made to make any recommendations for 

 expensive equipment at the sardine factories, or suggest ideas 

 too fastidious for fulfilment but — aside from the proper selection 

 of fish — our recom.mendations have been for convenient and 

 cleanly toilets and dressing rooms, with a supply of soap and 

 clean towels always available. We have strongly urged the dis- 

 continuance of the common drinking cup, although in some cases 

 this advice has not been heeded. 



At the beginning of the packing season, and also when the 

 work of packing was well advanced, samples consisting of from 

 five to ten units to a sample, and covering practically the whole 

 variety of the product of the factories, were obtained ; these 

 samples have been examined at the laboratory and the results 

 have shown a cleanly and attractive product. 



It is with considerable pleasure that the statement is made 

 that the cooperation of the state and federal departments, the 

 excellent inspection which has begun with the National Canners' 

 Association, together with the apparent willingness of the pack- 

 ers themselves, have gone a long way toward producing a prod- 

 uct which can be placed on a parity with the Norwegian or 

 French brands of sardines, and overcoming the prejudice which 

 has existed against the Maine product. 



