94 AGRICULTURE OF MAINE. 



In order that the present large losses of potatoes may be 

 eliminated and that conditions in the potato growing industry- 

 may be bettered in general, growers should exercise more care 

 in the digging and handling of their tubers and work towards 

 the establishment and strict observance of grades. 



The ofifice of rural organization of the United States Depart- 

 ment of Agriculture, while it does not make specific recom- 

 mendations for the adoption of standard grades, does, however, 

 for the assistance of those interested in bringing about stand- 

 ardization, suggest that two regular, and perhaps a special 

 grade for extra fancy potatoes, would meet the market needs. 



It is suggested that specifications for the No. i grade should 

 be drawn to make it as good and attractive in appearance as is 

 reasonable and practicable. These specifications should practi- 

 cally eliminate potatoes damaged by frost, sunburn, blight, com- 

 mon scab, dry rot, decay, second growth, cuts, bruises, dirt, 

 also undersized or coarse stock. The minimum and maximum 

 sizes for No. i and No. 2 grades are still a subject for careful 

 investigation, discussion and demonstration. However, a mini- 

 mum of about two inches is maintained for grade No. i in a 

 number of early or new potato sections, and the commonly dis- 

 cussed minimum for this grade is from one and seven-eighths 

 to two inches. The minimum diameter for a long variety 

 should be, probably, a little smaller than for a round one. Since 

 it is practically impossible in grading any perishable products, 

 commercially, to secure a perfect grade, reasonable tolerances 

 should be allowed. The No. 2 grade should include the better 

 of the remaining potatoes. 



The studies of the market specialists of the department indi- 

 cate that there is an unnecessary diversity in the containers for 

 potatoes in use. These now range from the one-bushel ham- 

 pers, for the early Florida crop, to double-headed barrels. The 

 two-bushel 1200-pound burlap bag is suggested as. perhaps, the 

 most satisfactory container for general use. The lack of 

 proper grading and packing, the specialists say, causes a large 

 part of the marketing difficulties now experienced in the potato 

 trade. 



As a higher standard of grading is advantageous and insures 

 higher prices. I would cite as an exami)]e the success of the 



