16 
BULLETIX 35, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGEICULTUEE. 
ends up, and the top layer may be " faced," if desired, in the same 
way in which an ordinary crate is packed. A cushion of sawdust 
about 2 inches and not less than 1J inches thick should be placed 
over the top layer to prevent injury to the fruit from pressure of the 
cover. In handling grapes the greatest care should be exercised to 
prevent injury, for unless the berries are in sound condition when 
packed their holding quality is seriously impaired and considerable 
loss from decay is sure to follow. 
The process of sifting the sawdust by hand into the layers of grape 
bunches is rather laborious and some form of mechanical device for 
Fig. 5. — Small drums in a refrigerator car, showing the method of stacking employed. 
accomplishing this work is very desirable, especially when a large 
quantity of fruit is to be packed. Much better results can also be 
secured if the regular packers are assisted by a number of helpers 
who handle the drums and the sawdust (fig. 3). When these opera- 
tions are properly systematized, experienced workmen using equal 
care should be able to pack at a more rapid rate than is possible with 
the 4-basket crate. 
LOADING THE DRUMS IN THE CAR. 
Figure 4 shows an automobile truckload of Emperor grapes packed 
in drums and ready to stack in a refrigerator car. In loading the 
fruit for shipment the drums may be placed in straight rows length- 
wise and across the car. three tiers high. By arranging the drums 
in straight rows the greatest amount of ventilation is secured for 
each package when the fruit is shipped under refrigeration. Only 
