346 QUEENSLAND AGRICULTURAL JOURNAL. {1 Nov., 1902. 
“ As the raisins are taken off the trays, some of the berries on the bunches 
will be dry enough, and a few will not be sufficiently cured. To remove the 
moist,snes would destroy the appearance of the cluster, and to leave it out 
longer would shrivel the dry ones; hence the sweat box. The moisture is 
diffused through the box, some being absorbed by the dry raisins, and the stems 
also taking their share, and are thus rendered tough and pliable and easily 
manipulated when packing. __ 
“The most convenient mode of packing is by the use of a metal tray, 
corresponding in size to a layer of raisins and having a loose bottom. The 
raisins are placed in the preliminary packing tray with the face of the cluster 
downward, which gives the surface a level appearance and prevents the exposure 
of the stems. When the bottom of the packing tray has been covered, which 
should always be with perfectly shaped berries and bunches, the tray is filled 
to the requisite weight of 5 lb. ‘'he contents of the tray are then pressed 
sufficiently to pack the raisins firmly together, but not with such force as to 
break the skin, causing the jelly to exude and consequent early sugaring. 
“After being pressed they are transferred to the boxes, during which 
process the paper is wrapped round each layer. The paper is placed on the 
top of the tray of raisins, and a sheet of steel the exact width of the tray is 
placed above the paper and the whole reversed. The sheet of steel serves to 
hold the raisins in place until the layer is put in the box, when the steel ig 
withdrawn and the layer drops into the box face upwards.” 
The standard box of California raisins is 20 lb. weight, containing four 
layers of 5 lb. each. 
HOW TO SLIDE A LOG EASILY. 
Mr. J. Wilson, of Howdonville, Beerburrum, sends the following suggestion 
for lifting the front of a log to enable it to be easily skidded :—Two pieces of 
iron of the shape shown in the illustration, and 3-inch thick, are attached to 
the ends of an old trace chain. A knot is tied in the chain to keep the centre 
true. The dogs are then driven into the log at each side. Then, with the axe, 
a chip is taken out of each side of the front end of the log, as shown, to admit 
the chain. As the horse pulls, the end of the log will rise clear of the ground 
and slide with ease. 
