Difficulties in the operation of hot-water bath canning outfits may be avoided if the following rules are observed:

(1) Support the jars on a perforated platform sufficiently to permit the circulation of water under and around the jars.

(2) Have the water cover the tops of the jars by at least one inch.

(3) Count time as soon as the water begins to boil vigorously.

(4) Remove the jars from the water and tighten the covers as soon as the time is up.

Liquid may be lost from the jars during the sterilizing period if the water in the canner does not cover the tops of the jars, if the covers of the jars are adjusted too loosely, or if the platform in the bottom of the canner does not permit the water to circulate underneath. Towels, excelsior, newspapers, hay, and the like, are unsatisfactory for use in the bottoms of hot-water bath outfits. Use a slat or perforated platform.

To open a glass top jar, cut into the rubber with a knife and break the vacuum.

To detect defects in the cover, run the index finger around the rim that conies in contact with the rubber ring.

Selecting Rubber Rings for Home Canning Rubber Rings for the One-Period Cold-Pack Method should be capable of withstanding four hours of sterilization in boiling water without blowing out on partially sealed jars, or one hour under ten pounds of steam pressure.