The first operation, that is, the first thing done with the corkwood, is
the sorting. This is becoming more important as the uses of cork
increase, as various grades can be used for so many particular things
now, without the necessity of being called a by-product; but the
principal divisions are: superfine, fine, common and coarse.
These of course are now extended to many classes, and is resulting in
careful scrutiny of the shipments and stock, the sorter becoming an
expert, and an increasing factor in the business. His knowledge not only
including the grades of corkwood, but the uses to which the various
grades may be put so that waste is avoided and the full value gotten out
of all.