VOLUME VAKIATION OF BOTTLED FOODS. ( 
round, square, or oval, and the necks long and conical or cylindrical, 
or short and cylindrical. The type of shoulder shown in these figures, 
while of minor significance in some cases, is important in others and 
illustrates the type to which the data reported in this bulletin apply. 
It is intended that the results be applicable to the simplest and most 
prevalent types of bottles used for food purposes. 
"GOOD COMMERCIAL PRACTICE" IN BOTTLING. 
In considering the specifications which should be met by a com- 
mercial practice considered to be " good," the demands of the con- 
sumer and the law, as well as the ability of the bottler to meet the 
requirements, have been taken into account. Because of the trans- 
parency of the bottle, the bottler attempts to cater to the demands of 
the consumer that the bottle be as full as practicable, considering the 
necessary head space. When the bottler receives a shipment of 
bottles which are over capacity, he hesitates to fill the bottles with a 
larger quantity without changing the quantity of contents declaration 
on the label. On the other hand, when bottles which are under 
capacity are received the law demands that the contents declaration 
be changed to make the statement correct. If the true capacity of 
the bottle to the usual filling point differs only slightly from that 
desired, there is a possibility of making a slight increase or decrease 
in the height of fill. This change in the height of fill necessitates 
instructing a number of employees who have been trained to fill to 
a certain height. It also requires a change in the setting of filling 
machines if such are used. A further inconvenience is suffered by 
the necessity for the determination of the proper height of fill. A 
material change in height of fill, therefore, can be regarded only as 
a temporary expedient. It will be suffered by the manufacturer 
only long enough to permit him to give proper instructions to the 
bottle manufacturer from whom he makes his purchases. While 
readjustments are taking place, it is not considered that the bottler 
has yet attained conditions of good commercial practice. 
It is evident that the first step of the bottler in eliminating his 
difficulties with respect to the variation in capacity of the bottles 
he receives is to make definite specifications in his orders. The law 
requires that the quantity of liquids shall be declared by volume. The 
height to which the bottler fills his bottles can be varied slightly, 
but to meet the demands of the law and the public he is required to 
demand of the bottle manufacturer a bottle with a definite capacity 
at a height of fill which will satisfy the public. This condition can 
be attained by inserting in the specifications in his orders the require- 
ment that the bottle have a specified capacity at a definite height of 
fill. This is considered the first condition of good commercial 
practice. 
