202 POULTRY-CRAFT. 
over those boxes when placed in the baskets; then the basket covers are very 
securely tied with strong twine. The covers furnished with the baskets have 
printed on them the notice, ‘‘Eccs ror Hatcuinc — Handle with care.” 
The consignee’s name and address, plainly written, should be placed on a tag 
attached to the handle of the basket. 
In using the ordinary oblong, flat bottomed, splint baskets, a mat of excelsior 
from one to two inches thick, is spread evenly in the bottom of the basket; 
similar mats are placed around the sides; then the eggs, each carefully 
wrapped in newspaper, or in a wisp of excelsior, are packed in close, and the 
interstices filled with excelsior. If more than one layer of eggs is put in a 
basket, a thin mat of excelsior should be placed between layers. When all 
the eggs are in, cover thein with excelsior to the thickness of several inches; 
sew on a cover of muslin, drawing it tight over the excelsior, and sewing to 
the edges of the basket. Paste on this cover a printed label with description 
of contents, and warning against rough handling, address and tag, as above. 
To pack in grape baskets, use either excelsior, chaff, or cut hay; wrap eggs 
in paper or excelsior, and pack as firmly as possible without crowding too 
much. (The secret of packing eggs to go safely, is to have the package firm 
enough to prevent shifting, yet elastic.enough to protect the eggs from jolts and 
jarring). The bottom, sides, and cover of a grape basket being much 
stronger than of the common splint basket, less packing material is needed 
between the eggs and the sides of the basket. Tie the cover on strongly, and 
label and tag as directed above. Ifa breeder will save his empty fruit baskets 
each year, and ask a few of his neighbors to do the same, he can get baskets 
for several hundred sittings of eggs at no cost beyond the trouble of collecting 
and storing them. : 
eae 
