FRUIT-PACKING OPERATIONS 61 
in width than the diameter of the barrel, and the rack- 
ing done on this plank. It ought not to be too violent 
because of danger in bruising the fruit. About three 
rackings during the filling-in operation is sufficient. 
Use of the Follower.—This tool is a round piece of 
wood just the size of the head 
of the barrel, lined with felt 
on one side and a hand hold 
on the other (Fig. 47d‘. At 
the last racking operation this 
follower is placed on top and 
held down firmly while the 
apples are being settled. This 
evens up the top of the barrel 
and makes it easier for the 
next process. Each packer is 
provided with one of these 
followers. 
The Tailing Process.—This 
maak is the arranging of the fruit 
A slack barrel from insufficient 02 the filled barrel so as to 
racking. get an even bearing for the 
head. When the last racking 
is done the top layer of apples should come from 2 to 3 
inches from the top of the barrel. The balance of this 
space is then filled in by hand, arranging the fruit with 
the stems up as near as possible in the same manner as the 
facing. The tailing process is the hardest part of the 
entire packing operation. The apples ought to be even 
on top so that when the head is put in, pressure will be 
applied equally on all of the specimens. 
