14 
BULLETIN 1412, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGEICULTTJBE 
should be tight and the top layer high enough to hold the cover 
slightly above the rim of the hamper after wiring. 
PACKING IN THE FLAT CRATE 
Lettuce in the flat crate is packed usually in two layers, each con- 
sisting of 12 heads. The bottom layer of heads is placed with the 
stems down and the top layer with the steins up. In case the heads 
are too small to make a tight pack with 24 heads, each layer may 
consist of 15 or more, or 4 to 6 may be placed between the two layers. 
The crates should be well filled, and when lidded should show a 
bulge of about 1 inch. 
PACKING IN THE LARGE CRATE 
The large crate used in the western lettuce sections is lined with 
heavy oiled paper before packing. Two or four pieces of paper are 
Pig. 9. — Arrangement of heads in the large lettuce crate, with ice between layers 
used, so placed as to lap over at the top and bottom, completely 
inclosing the contents after the crated is filled. The lettuce is packed 
in three layers, stems uppermost, each layer consisting of 12 to 20 
heads or more, according to the size. A shovelful of finely crushed 
ice is placed between each two layers, using 20 to 30 pounds in each 
crate. The pack should be tight and the package well filled so that 
the cover slats will bulge about 1 inch. 
CARE REQUIRED IN HANDLING 
Rough handling during the harvesting, grading, or packing opera- 
tions usually causes severe injury to the heads, breaking or crushing 
the leaves and providing an opportunity for decay to set in. Aside 
from the probability of decay developing, a mechanically injured 
head presents a poor appearance, and therefore is likely to sell for 
less money. Lettuce is a delicate commodity, and requires the ut- 
most care in all handling operations. Containers when filled with 
