PREPARATION OF POULTRY PRODUCTS 327 



eggs that are so long that they project above the filler are almost 

 sure to be broken, because the board between the layers of eggs is 

 less elastic and because, when the lower layer is covered, it is not 

 possible to adapt short eggs in one layer to long ones in the one 

 below. Eggs that are too long for the fillers should not be packed 

 in them. A distinction should, however, be made between a long 

 egg of ordinary width which cannot be placed so that its end will 

 not project from its compartment, and a long, narrow egg which 

 will fit diagonally into the compartment. Of eggs that are too wide 

 for the compartments, as many may be used as can be put in with- 

 out danger to those in adjacent compartments. Provided the shell 

 is strong, an egg of suitable size need not be discarded for any of 

 the common eccentricities of shape, as corrugated shell or marked 

 departure from the oval form. 



In a general way the size of the compartment in the standard 

 egg box and case regulates the size in grading choice eggs. Eggs 

 weighing from twenty-five to twenty-eight ounces to the dozen will 

 fit into the fillers with very few to discard because too large or too 

 small. Eggs weighing more than twenty-eight ounces to the dozen 

 will have a larger proportion of those too large for the fillers. Eggs 

 weighing less than twenty-five ounces to the dozen will contain 

 many so small that when packed the compartments seem only half 

 or two thirds full. Small eggs never show to poorer advantage than 

 when packed in this manner. 



Egg cases and boxes. The standard wholesale package for eggs 

 is a light wooden box, or case, with two compartments, each hold- 

 ing fifteen dozen eggs, — thirty dozen to the case. Cases of simi- 

 lar construction holding thirty-six dozen are also used, but not so 

 extensively. In general trade the cases are sometimes returnable 

 and sometimes sold with the eggs. Both producers and collectors 

 making regular shipments of strictly fresh eggs often use more 

 substantial cases, always returnable, marked with their own stencil, 

 and such cases are sometimes painted a distinctive color. For ship- 

 ment by ordinary express, they are safer than the light trade case, 

 though the latter is as good or better for carload lots and for storage. 



For retailing eggs in original packages smaller cases are used. 

 Where a consumer uses considerable quantities, but less than a case 

 weekly, — say from fifteen to twenty dozen, — the poultry keeper 



