The farmer and mechanic. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 18??-19??, 1903-08-04
The Handling OF Raw Cotton.
EARViE JORDAN.

There IS one important feature III con
nection with our great money staple crop
which the producers OF the South largely
lose sight Of and that Is, the proper hand
hing OF the staple from the field to the
factory. Some of the heaviest losses on
cotton are often times due to careless and
indifferent methods employed IN picking,
ginning, baling and housing before the
staple is thrown upon the market for
sale
Here, then, is a question that invites the
serious consideration OF farmers engaged
III the production Ct cotton. The progress
sive farmer can readily figure the cost Of
growing and marketing his crop, and tax
ing that cost from the price at which the
staple was sols the difference represents
the net gain or loss. But the charges
against the producer do not stop with
the delivery of his staple in the local
market but continues on each bale until
it has safely landed under the roof of the
spinner, whether the factory be locate /
III this country or IN Europe. We read
lily understand that the price OH delivery
made by the spinner must have deducted
from it all legitimate charges for trans
pCrtation and handling en- route, IN addi-
ton to the cost OF production and pack
irg INTO understandable condition In ad-
djtion TO this we also understand that the
cost OF covering. baggng and ties on each
hale IS net loss to the producers. not
withstanding the fact that producers are
oftcntimes lead to believe they are paid
tOr such covering.
SOME ITEMS OF DAMAGE
The first item of loss is presented when
we pick our cotton green and wet and
put it on the market in such condition.
The buyers at once realize the condition
of the staple, and deduct from its pur
chase price a sufficiency to protect them
selves and the spinners on that score
The next item, close akin to the former
Is when farmers allow their cotton to be
picked careles~ly, allowing trash, sane
and different grades of cotton to be mixed
! in the same bale. The buyer always fixes
the price based upon the worst part 81
/ the sample and also deducts a certain
/ proportion for trash and sand.
! Therefore, to chech these losses, cot
ton should be picked only when dry OF
dried after picking. and great care SHOULD
be exercised IN trying to keep the staple
as far as possible, free from trash, sane
! and stain. In other words, farmers ShOulC
exercise more care in protecting so val
/ as those named above. while the staple /
being gathered from the fields and stored
OH the farm. This same degree of care
should be exercised In hauling the cottoI
! to the ginnery and IN its delivery from
the ginnery to the local market Ever.
bale of cotton should have at least nine
yards of baggng to cover the staple full.
and six bands to hold the staple and GOV
ering firmly together.
In fixing tine price on cotton IN Liver
pool the European spinners allow TN
Liverpool brokers to deduct from the
price 80 pounds for bagglng and ties
From the spinners' price, in addition t,
this deduction of 80 pounds, termet
"tare" there IS also deducted a certain
percentage for loss in weight through tn
two items of moisture and sand. There /
then deducted the cost Of compressag ge
and freight. both By rail and ocean Th
price after these deductions are made t.
the large buyers. who figure off from tha
the cost of handling buying, warehous
age, insurance, etc, is made to the farm,
erS.