The Van Buren press., 1898-12-24
THEORANGEPACKERS
By Z. s. Thacher


A GOOD many eyes turned toward
II the wide door OF the packing house
as girls straight figure paused mo-
ment on the threshold before entering
The scene within seemed attractive
Ii was so busy. and. in effect, SO quiet,
in spite Of the continual noise of ham
mers. mailing up the full boxes, and the
various sounds incidental TO moving
fruit about as the work progressed
Everyone was steadily at work and nc
one seemed in doubt what TO do next
The shade was inviting, too, after a
walk under the strong California sun,
and the great building was well provd-
ed with generous openings under lis
far-projeeting roof, and was spacious
enough, not only to avoid the crowding
of work and material, but also to allow
q free movement of air.
The newcomer WAS pleased, and her
desire TO take a hand was quiekened.
She was stranger there, yet she
seemed TO feel no discomfort at the
attention which her arrival had awak-
ened Her goud-tempered poise was so
apparent that her credentials were at
once accepted. She was used to NOV
ing through life without much dispute
over the right of way, and was blessed
with the tact that comes from unafect-
ed confidence
She readily discovered the manager,
moving about among the bins and boxes,
saving a quiet word here and there or
pointing 10 some needed Encouragement
of the solid-looking but transient
stacks Of fruit or of empties. She went
10 him without hesitation, and asked fer
work.
The man looked mp and recognized
good material at glance.
"Can you pack?"
81 reckon ] can. but / never did"
'You won't earn very much nj first. 4"
'All right. lei me try; ] should like to
learn
As she spoke she looked keenly at the
rows of girls sitting beside The bins
into which the various spouts from the
grader were delivering the several sizes.
AT once she picked uui the better work
ers, and get a notion Of the mechanical
Herve and swing that told of exact and
rapid work
There was rhythm in the motions of
good packer. The paper came up from
the pile OF sheets with the regularity of
Il balance wheel and fell upon the
orange in The other hand with an air Of
knowing where il belonged The wrap.
ping seemed 10 do itself, and the noxt
yellow subject WAS taking its treatmeri
almost before the former had settled IT,
self into precise position IN the box
The process had been adopted by tht
automatic nerves Of the packer. and re.
quired no other attention from he,
than an occasional replenishment Of
will in the effort al continual increase
ui speed Her thoughts were free ar0
evidently ranging wide
Il like that" said the girl; "can J
begin now?'
Yes" said the manager, smiling al
her spirit; take that third bin. You
can hang your hat and pail over Wonder
I'll be round 10 show you pretty snun. >
il ne time she was al her seat be
side he bin. with an empty box in pos.
zion before her. had fitted a rubber cot
OF her left thumb. and was experiment.
ing aided by frequent glanees al hel
neighbors, on the proper movements
L. make the sheets rise singiy and
spread wide 10 cover the fruit; and size
had placed some rows of oranges in hel
box before the manager came 10 show
her how
She laughed as he made her take them
on again. and explained how each size
Is packed after q regular pattern, by
which a certain number fills the box
without need Of counting A few more
hints of method. supplemented by 81
occusiunul visit and comment. pui her
ir the position. in Q half-day's time ui
knowing pretty well how the work is
done. and seeking only to gain in speed
a. performance
This endeavof. the pursuit Of al ideal