Collecting Containers For Storing Food

From what has already been said and illustrated in the chapter on storing, a pretty good idea has been given of the kinds of containers desirable for use in this connection. The mistake usually made is to make no attempt to secure the required supply of barrels, boxes, crates and so forth until they are actually needed. It is far better to begin gathering these during the summer; so that one may be sure of having plenty of them, and of being able to select those which are in perfect condition.

An ordinary two-inch auger with which to bore holes in barrels and boxes which are used for storing vegetables or fruits will usually pay for itself each season it is used. The importance of ventilation around the product being stored has already been emphasized. The ordinary packing-case or box, which can be obtained from groceries or dry goods stores, makes a cheap container of convenient size and shape; but, for most things, they should not be used unless a generous number of holes have been bored in the bottoms and sides. Special containers, such as onion crates, vegetable flats, barrels, and so forth, have already been mentioned.