PREFACE FOR a number of years, I have supplied to various shipping interests, of this and other cities, information as to the cubical stowage of various articles the properties of clemical products from the point of view of their possible danger in transport packing and marking legal status of shippers and steamship companies on stowage, and other questions. In the course of this almost daily experience, it has become evident to me that many errors and misapprehensions exist and that great need is felt for a book at once technical and popular, which can be consulted by those interested in the subject. For this reason, I have decided to present in this volume the fruits of my experience, together with data that I have been able to collect from various sources. As in the case with all articles, especially where figures and instructions pertaining to the subject are many, there is bound to be some objection made that I am placing obstacles in the way of many useful and necessary business transactions. I wish to deny this. Accustomed to regard conlillerce as one of the principal branches of our business iife, I yield to no one in my belief that all merchandise must be regarded as a subject of transport. But, side by side with this right, there exists the urgent necessity of so regulating this transport as to avoid accidents. Also that it is of the utmost necessity for those loading vessels to know the exact storage of the merchandise handled, and, for shippers, the proper methods of packing. I shall consider myself fortunate if, in hoverer smll a way, I assist in the attainment of this end. INTRODUCTIONS DURING the past year an increasing number of inquiries have come to the author for infornation as to the number of cubic feet this or that article of merchandise would stow in, and also as to the possible dangers arising from the shipment of various articles. These inquiries have come from steamship companies, stevedores, exporters, ship-brokers, insurance companies and others.......