Spreading the fruit The drying racks are prepared by placing a layer of hessian on the bottom tier, to catch any berries that fall off the bunches. The bunches of dipped Sultanas are spread on the tiers of wire netting to dry. They reduce weight by about 80% in a week of hot, dry weather. Notice that Max has lifted the bottom wire by raising the support battern, so the tin can emptied onto the wire netting. They systematically work their way up each bay, filling as they lower each battern into it's correct place. Racks were traditionally built with roofs, but these gradually fell from favour because it seldom rains, and also it is difficult to secure the iron to the top of the rack and still allow all the tiers to be used. You can see where an October storm has removed some sheets of iron, just above Max's head.

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