20 AGRICULTURE OF MAINE. 



which the Pomological Society has accomphshed the past sea- 

 son is getting an adjustment with the railroads of the state on 

 the transportation of empty apple barrels from the manufac- 

 turers to the orchardists. In one instance, where the freight 

 on barrels from loading station to destination was nine cents 

 in 191 5, it was four cents in 1916. When the matter was pre- 

 sented to the managers of the railroads they were very willing 

 to meet the request and granted all that was asked. By the 

 use of the question box we hope to have all the questions of 

 orcharding and growing small fruit thoroughly discussed and 

 all are urged to participate in the discussion. 



MARKET NEWS SERVICE. 



J. C. Gilbert, Assistant in Market Surveys, Office of Markets 

 and Rural Organization, U. S. Department of Agriculture. 



W^ell planned production and careful preparation of per- 

 ishable farm products is of great importance in successful mar- 

 keting. The value of these factors, however, is entirely de- 

 pendent on the choice of a good market. Quality and appear- 

 ance alone will not sell products. The haphazard choice of 

 markets can only result in loss to the shipper. Consistent 

 efficiency in marketing can be achieved only through the elimi- 

 nation of chance in the choice of markets to as great an extent 

 as possible. This is particularly true of perishables. The find- 

 ing of a profitable market is the most important part in all 

 distribution. 



Ideal conditions would be those in which all parties con- 

 cerned are familiar with all of the market factors. To supply 

 this would require the getting of information as to the amounts 

 of the various products ready for market in all producing 

 areas ; the amounts on the way to market and their destinations 

 from day to day ; the existing supply and demand in all mar- 

 kets, together with their normal consuming power ; and back 

 of it all, the conditions in the producing areas likely to affect 

 present and subsequent production. 



