MARKETING SOUTHERN-GROWN SWEET POTATOES. 21 
the sides. Very little bulge is possible in properly constructed hamp- 
ers. Cloth or burlap topped barrels should De packed with a mod- 
erately rounding bulge approximately 1£ inches high at the center. 
FACING. 
An orderly arrangement of the sweet potatoes in topping a pack- 
age adds to its attractiveness and is not considered an objectionable 
practice by the trade if the top layer is truly representative of the 
quality throughout the package. In facing crates an effort should 
be made to place most of the potatoes with their longest diameter 
parallel to the sides of the crate. In hampers, round-stave baskets, 
and barrels most of the potatoes should be at right angles to the rim 
of the package. Systematic facing is not possible to the extent that 
it is practiced with more uniform products, like apples, and the main 
purpose of the packer should be to make the top of the package 
smooth and compact, so that in addition to improving appearance 
the pressure of tne lid or head will be evenly distributed to reduce 
bruising. 
Fig. 8.— The same quantity of sweet potatoes tightly and loosely packed. Note the bulge on the 
lidded crate. 
MARKING PACKAGES. 
The net-weight amendment to section 8 of the Federal food and 
drugs act provides that food in package form shall be deemed to be 
misbranded unless the quantity of the contents is plainly and con- 
spicuously marked on the outside of the package in terms of weight, 
measure, or numerical count. Sweet potatoes, shipped in interstate 
or foreign commerce, or offered for sale in the District of Columbia or 
Territories of the United States, are subject to the provision of this 
act if they are in package form. The usual method of showing quan- 
tity, as required by this act, is to stencil or stamp the package with the 
words "Net contents one bushel," or whatever represents the quan- 
tity of the contents of the package. Requests for interpretations of 
this act and for any additional information regarding it should be 
addressed to the Bureau of Chemistry, Department of Agriculture. 
Washington, D. C. 
In addition to marking the quantity on a package as required by 
law, the quality should be shown. If the potatoes have been graded 
according to the recommended United States grades, a stencil or rub- 
