FRUIT-PACKING OPERATIONS vie 
rangement for putting on the tops or covers of the 
boxes. There are a number of different types of presses 
on the market, but the essential principle of all 
of them is some kind of a lever arrangement which will 
catch the boxes on the ends and not exert any pressure 
on the fruit except what is required to spring the pieces 
of wood used for cov- 
ers. If these catches 
ean be worked auto- 
matically by the foot, 
they will be much 
more convenient be- 
cause it leaves both 
hands free to fit the 
top and do the nail- 
ing. These presses 
can be made by any 
carpenter, or they can 
be purchased from 
package _— supply 
houses. Along with Fig. 71—A HOME-MADE BOX 
each press is used NAILING PRESS 
what is known as a 
‘Nail Stripper’? (Fig. 72). This is a device for holding 
the nails in a convenient way for nailing. Fine wires 
are so arranged that the nails are caught by the head 
and hang loose so the nailer can easily grasp them. 
Rules in Packing.—Where cooperative organizations 
do the packing, the grower is not allowed to do anything 
but pick and grade the fruit. In some instances the fruit 
is picked by ihe owner and carried direct to the packing- 
house where experts grade and place the fruit in the 
