STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 75 



in no case would co-operation affect in any way the importance 

 of the general principle of State regulation. 



STORAGE. 



From the little town of Vassalboro there are shipped annually 

 5,000 to 10,000 barrels of apples and similar amounts from Win- 

 throp, Monmouth, and other stations along the line of the rail- 

 roads. This fruit comes in lots of from 10 to 500 or 1,000 barrels 

 each, and is shipped at various times, in various ways, and at 

 various prices. Many farmers have no facilities for storage and 

 too often accept the first offer received for the crop and rush it 

 on to the market at a sacrifice ; others store in warm cellars or 

 other improper places and lose much from deterioration and 

 decay. In any case, the unnecessary middle-man comes in for 

 his share of the profit — and we may be sure it is not a small 

 share. The gist of the whole matter may be given in one homely 

 phrase : Don't pay the other fellow for doing what you should 

 do yourself. 



Now by the establishment of cold-storage houses at frequent 

 shipping points, the growers themselves may take advantage of 

 the inevitable rise in prices as the season advances. If they 

 can not agree on terms for co-operative shipments, which it is 

 most desirable they should do if possible, they can at least erect 

 storage plants, engage a competent man to take charge, and make 

 a pro rata assessment for its maintenance. 



Fruit for storage should be graded in the orchard, and only 

 the best grade put into refrigeration and that without delay. 

 The lower grades will not pay for the time and extra cost of 

 holding ; for it should be remembered that fruit is not improved 

 by cold storage. If it is in prime condition on entering the 

 refrigerator it will be likely to come out in proportionately as 

 good condition, but if defective on going in, it will be equally as 

 bad, and will "go to pieces" very quickly, on coming out. 



SHIPPING. 



In the transportation of fruits it goes without saying that the 

 larger quantities will be able to command better rates, better 

 facilities, and more immediate attention than will small, isolated 

 lots. In the case of car loads intended for shipment to England, 

 from any point in the State, the only handling received is in 



