It is important to plan so that whatever may be needed will be ready for use. For home canning, glass jars are more satisfactory than tin. All types of jars which seal readily may be used. Those having glass tops are much more satisfactory than those with screw caps. The new "Victory" jar is to be preferred to all others, having a wide mouth, glass top, and no curves.

Tests For Jars

Jars should be tested before they are used. With glass top, fit cover to jar. If top rocks when tapped it should not be used on that jar. If the wire clamp is either too tight or too loose it should be taken off and bent until it goes into place with a light snap. All sharp edges on top and jar should be filed or scraped off. With screw-top jars, screw the top on lightly without the rubber. If thumb nail can be inserted between top and jar, the cover is defective. If the edge is only slightly uneven it can be bent so that it is usable. Put on the rubber, and screw top on tightly, and then pull the rubber out. If the rubber returns to place, the top does not fit properly, and should not be used on that jar.

Tests For Rubbers

Buy new rubbers every year, as they deteriorate from one season to another. A good rubber will return to its original size when stretched. When pinched it does not crease. It should fit the neck of the jar snugly, and be fairly wide and thick. It is cheaper to discard a doubtful rubber than to lose a jar of canned goods.

Preparation For The Cold-Pack Method

There are certain essentials for the successful canning of fruits or vegetables. These include clean, fresh materials, perfect containers, good rubber rings, heating for sufficient time to insure preservation, and air-tight sealing. These essentials must be secured in any method of canning.