64 SQUABS FOR PROFIT 



is then securely fastened and a tag is tacked on, bear- 

 ing the name of the shipper plainly written on it. 



Formerly, we were much annoyed by having squabs 

 stolen on the way to market, and were obliged to make 

 several claims against the express company. Lately 

 we have pasted strips of paper on each edge of the box 

 connecting the lid with the sides, so that if any at- 

 tempt is made to remove the lid the paper will be torn. 

 Our consignee is notified of this arrangement before- 

 hand so he can at once call the attention of the express 

 agent to any tampering with the box. 



Use of ice water. — One writer has suggested that a 

 tank of ice water be constantly on hand in which the 

 squabs may be placed after killing each day. We see 

 no advantage in this, and its expense would certainly 

 be objectionable, because even in very large establish- 

 ments the squabs woiild be marketed the same day 

 they are dressed. An objection to the plan is that if 

 they are placed in ice water before the animal heat is 

 extracted they often turn dark. 



Cold storage. — We are informed that one large 

 breeder is experimenting by putting his dressed squabs 

 in cold storage in the summer, when the price is low, 

 and holding them for better prices during December, 

 January and February. We have no doubt the dif- 

 ference in price would pay all charges for refrigera- 

 tion and leave a snug balance, because very often 

 squabs sell during the summer for about 50 cents a 

 pair ; we have received as high as 96 cents during the 

 month of December. Care should be taken if anyone 

 wishes to experiment in thus holding squabs for a bet- 

 ter market, that none but first-class stock and only 

 those which have been carefully dressed with the 

 animal heat promptly extracted are used. 



