GRADING FOR PROFIT 99 



though on the score of cheapness, growers are often 

 tempted to use samples that are quite unfit for the 

 purpose. Adequate strength is the first consideration, 

 after that lightness and neatness, and then the question 

 of price demands attention. But on the latter point the 

 careful avoidance of waste will often provide all the 

 difference between a low price and a much higher one. 

 Exact measurement of the length required for each 

 package, and cutting this off before the work of tying 

 begins, ensures an economy that amounts to a consider- 

 able gain in a large business. For the small size boxes 

 any ordinary stout string suffices, but for the larger 

 sizes when packed with heavy fruits it is advisable to 

 use cord. The best and cheapest we have tried is 

 Manilla, in 2, 3, or 4 ply strengths, in proportion to what 

 it is required to secure. 



Large boxes of extra strength, on which the lids are 

 firmly hinged, with some form of fastening in front 

 that can be relied upon to serve its purpose, may not 

 need cording. It is wise in such cases to provide either 

 metal or rope handles at the sides in order that the 

 boxes can be readily lifted. String is also used for 

 hampers to secure the lids, and sometimes to tie on the 

 covering of open baskets. But for the latter, sticks are 

 mostly preferred, either stout willow, split hazel, or 

 some other strong and flexible wood, crossed in the 

 centre and passed through the sides. 



In bunching flowers of all kinds only soft material 

 that will not bruise the stems should be employed. 

 Raffia stands pre-eminent for the purpose, as it is tough, 

 soft, and pliable, it is also obtainable in excellent quality 

 at moderate prices. A neat green-tinted material of 

 similar texture termed Raffiatape has come into use for 

 tying flowers to sticks more particularly ; it is incon- 

 spicuous, and that is a recommendation in such work. 

 Some soft kinds of string are useful for large and heavy 



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