48 



sent to market in clean barrels. Empty apple barrels or 

 cracker barrels may be used. 



In the bottom of the packet put a good- layer of cracked 

 ice. A good many times the ice is not cracked as small as 

 it should be. It should be broken into pieces about the size 

 of a hickory nut, so the pieces will work down through the 

 spaces between the birds. After the bottom is covered with 

 ice, put in a layer of squabs, pack down and closely packed 

 but not squeezed together. Over these put another layer 

 of ice and again a layer of birds until within two or three 

 inches of the top. Fill the remaining space with cracked ice 

 and fasten the package. 



Be liberal about using ice, for it is necessary that the birds 

 should be kept cold and the express companies make allow- 

 ance for the weight of the ice in weighing squabs packed in 

 this way. 



If any grain has been found in the crop of a squab as 

 it is being dressed, it should be removed. Cut a very small 

 slit in the breast over the crop and wash out the grain. If 

 a small hose can be used, it is a good plan to use this. 



Before packing the birds, carefully wash all the blood 

 from them and wash the feet and legs until are bright 

 and red. 



If there is a shade of difference in the quality, of the 

 squabs, select the best for the top of the package and take 

 pains that the top layer is very carefully laid in so that it 

 will look nice when the package is opened. 



If there happens to be a number of dark-fleshed or rather 

 light-weight squabs in a killing, these should be packed by 

 themselves and sent on in anticipation of receiving a low 

 price for them. Nothing is gained by putting some poor 



