Patent for a "cotton bale provided with a fire-proof covering in the form of a box or casing of sheet metal, and to have the same so applied to the bale in the process of compressing the cotton in forming the bale, that the said covering will of itself form the entire means for holding the bale intact and in its tightly compressed condition, while serving its additional function as a shipping case which will protect the bale of cotton from fire, and from all possible damage incidental to transportation and storage." (Lines 16-27) Includes instructions and illustrations.