68 AGRICULTURE OF MAINE. 



but I should think that it would also give color to their 

 language ! 



Aly fifth impression was in regard to the work of their co- 

 operative unions. It is certainly responsible in a large degree 

 for their success. It is co-operation all along the line, — buying, 

 handling and selling. They establish, in packing, definite grades, 

 as follows : 



"Extra Fancy — In this grade all apples shall be sound, 

 smooth, free from worms, worm stings, water core, scale, sun 

 damages or diseases of any kind, and of proper shape according 

 to the variety. No apples smaller than 165s shall be allowed 

 in this grade, nor any apples that are of a red variety that are 

 not at least three-fourths red, except that Rome Beauties one- 

 half red will be taken in this grade. Yellow Newtowns, White 

 Winter Pearmains, Grimes Golden, Bellflowers and Winter 

 Bananas will be allowed in this grade, bui no other variety 

 of yellow apples. Winter Bananas and Red Cheek Pippin must 

 show a red cheek." 



"Fancy — In this grade also, all apples must be smooth, sound, 

 free from bruises, blemishes, worms, worm stings, water core, 

 sun damages, or diseases of any kind, and of proper shape ac- 

 cording to the variety. No apples smaller than 165s shall be 

 allowed in this grade, excepting apples of the following varieties, 

 which will be accepted when packed as small as 200 apples to 

 the box : Winesaps, Jonathans and Missouri Pippins when red 

 all over. All apples of red varieties ranging in color from three- 

 fourths red down to one-third red will be included in this 

 grade. All varieties of yellow apples will be allowed in this 

 grade." 



"Grade C. — This grade shall be made up of all merchantable 

 apples not included in the Extra Fancy and Fancy grades. 

 These apples must be sound and free from bruises, worm stings, 

 and other diseases. Skin to be unbroken, but will include mis- 

 shapen apples or apples having a little limb mark or other like 

 defect. This grade will include apples of all colors and as small 

 as 200s, but no smaller. It is optional with the buyer whether 

 this grade is wrapped or not." 



Then they insure that these grades shall be lived up to hy 

 putting the packing of the fruit into the hands of entirely dis- 

 interested parties. Every packing house is in charge of a boss 



