There is a good reason for careful custom regulations, and the exporter should know that they are partly for his protection. For instance, they usually require that a certain number, generally ten per cent, of all packages shall be opened and compared with the shipping list. If these packages, chosen at random, are correct, the consignment is delivered. But if any variation is found, fraud is assumed, and every package is thoroughly examined, usually with more or less damage. It is customary for English and German firms, in the packing of small articles, to use different colored pasteboard boxes, which are often decorated with pictures indicating the contents. For instance, in a large packing case containing a stock of gentlemen's furnishings, all collars will be in boxes of one color, socks in another, cravats in another, etc. The large case is lined with tin, by the way, and after packing, the tin joints are soldered around the top. Here is the English system: First, the small boxes, individualized as much as possible; then heavy wrapping paper, then a tin lining inside of an outer wooden casing, the latter being well made and reinforced with iron straps. Last of all, directions and addresses are stenciled in large, clear block letters. The Germans often use oiled paper between the tin and the inner packages, so that even if the tin is punctured, the oiled paper will resist the sea air, which invariably injures delicate fabrics. The American idea seems to be to put as much as possible in a large, thin box or a poorly bound bale. The European, whose agents study conditions on the ground, knows that much interior transportation in Latin America is packed by pack mule, and therefore uses medium-sized oblong boxes, two of which make a good load. I cannot emphasize too strongly the necessity for careful description of goods to pass them through a custom house with the least inconvenience. Mixed consignments must pay the highest duty assessed against anything found in a lump or poorly described quantity. If you deal in bolts, for instance, you may not merely say _1,000, 3×2×⅜ bolts_, but you should say whether they are cotton, linen, or woolen. They have to know, before they can assess duty. Instead of a ringing peroration about American pluck, progressiveness, and other non-essentials, let me give you some shipping rules, if you are going to have a try for South American trade. Secure shipping list forms beforehand and find out if consular invoices are needed. Pack your goods in small packages, for you will pay freight on metric tons and they are based on cubic measure and not on weight. Pack well, for tons of stuff will probably lie on your cases. Give each package a serial number and describe it by that number, on the shipping forms. If your goods can be damaged by sea water, use tin-lined cases.