CORK-WOOD /|\ / | \ / | \ / | \ / | \ / | \ / | \ / | \ / | VIRGIN-CORK WOOD / | / / | / / | / /{OF | / STOPPERS {STANDARD | / |{SIZE | / | | / | |/ | /| | / | | / | | / CORK DISKS WASTE / | | / WASTE | / / | / /|\ | / / | \ | / / | \ | / / | \ |/ / \ \ CORK BOARD \ \ \ \CORK DISKS /\ / \ / \ /\ \GRANULATED PACKING / \ MATERIAL / \ / \ CORK \ FLOUR \ | \ | \SPANISH BLACK | NOVELTIES In taking up the processes of manipulation we naturally start from the beginning, but the beginning in this case has a peculiar significance as relating to the whole, for it is apparent to utilize corkwood to the fullest extent its qualities must be studied and the best, used first, so that the beginning of the corkwood industry is peculiar in this fact, that it takes the best part and leaves but scrap, which must be studied carefully to realize the value lost in the first process; therefore, in the manufacture of one article of corkwood it is necessary to make provision for the scrap created, and this is a characteristic of all such establishments. RAW STOCK The baled cork, as received, is our first consideration, for its bulk, being out of all proportion to its value, attracts the attention at once. As in all business where the raw stock is conveyed from a distance and there is a possibility of delay in shipments, a large stock must necessarily be kept on hand, and this feature is very pronounced in and about a “cork factory.” Great piles appear in the open or within large sheds, covering much space, and sometimes in the factory itself. This stock is carefully watched and care taken to keep it large enough to supply all needs for a long time as a shortage in raw material would not only mean no work, but the loss of business, due to the inability to supply first-grade material, for this is the prime factor, the various other grades being compelled to await a favorable market. Appended is a diagram that will give some idea of the utilization of corkwood.