608 



Standardisation of Chip Baskets. 



[Oct 



At times these baskets are used for packing gooseberries, 

 currants and cherries, when a capacity of 200 cu. in. is required 

 to pack 4 lb. of fruit packed level with the top; so that if 

 the standard chip is to carry 4 lb. of these fruit 200 cu. in. 

 should be adopted. For general use, however, it would be 

 more economical to pack strawberries in a basket allowing 

 190 cu. in. for the 3 lb. chip. 



The seven baskets numbered 13 to 19, have capacities vary- 

 ing from 211 cu. in. to 245 cu. in. No. 13 is too small and 

 has in fact a less capacity than the largest of the No. 3 size. 

 No. 14 is a little too small; Nos. 15 and 16 are correct for the 

 bulk of the crop; and Nos. 17, 18 and 19 have an ample 

 margin for all except the lightest weight berries. Generally, 

 however, a capacity of 245-250 cu. in. would be sufficient to 

 allow for the 4 lb. chip and a basket of this size would also 

 carry 5 lb. of gooseberries, currants or cherries. 



Apart from the capacity the variation of dimensions is a 

 matter calling for consideration. For economic stacking and 

 transport the ideal chip is one in which the length is approxi- 

 mately twice the width with a depth slightly less than the 

 bottom width. The adoption of uniform dimensions based on 

 the proportions given would benefit all concerned in transit and 

 distribution. The following tentative dimensions are offered 

 for consideration : — 

 No. 3 size, inside measure — 



Top lljin. X 5Jin. ) 3f in. deep for 190 cu. in. 



Bottom 10 in. X 41 in. ) 3| ,, ,, ,, 200 

 No. 4 size, inside measure — 



Top 12 in. X 6 in. 3J in. deep for 240 cu. in. 



Bottom lOfin. x 5 in. j 4 ,, ,, ,, 250 



Strength is not less important than capacity and dimensions, 

 and it is to be regretted that many of the chips at present in 

 use are too flimsy to afford adequate protection to the contents. 



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