30 AGRICULTURE OF MAINE. 



leave no doubt as to the desirability of the changes. Then 

 willingness to assist the farmer in his production and other 

 activities indicates this. We need a more comprehensive or- 

 ganization of transportation companies for the continuous 

 carriage of products from points of origin in producing centers 

 to terminal markets and points of consumption, including 

 probably more general privileges of diversion or reconsignment 

 from terminal markets to other points. Refrigerator-car con- 

 struction deserves careful investigation, as there is very general 

 complaint from shippers and receivers as to the bad condition 

 which frequently prevails when cars are received. 



The demonstrated economies and reduction in deterioration 

 and waste due to precooling at production points leave no doubt 

 but that we should urge a far more general introduction of 

 precooling practices. Present demurrage regulations are sucM 

 that even in times of distress and car famine refrigerated, 

 heated, or ventilated cars are retained for purely storage pur- 

 poses on side tracks at terminal points when they should (be 

 rolling back for new loadings. This practice is necessary in 

 part at present, due to insufficient terminal storage facilities. 



In connection with transportation studies there will also be 

 made a study of storage problems, beginning with refrigera- 

 tion and cellar storage in the home, intended to promote family 

 buying in larger quantities and extending through the practica- 

 bility of local cold storage at shipping points and in smaller 

 markets, as well as at the large terminals. Investigations tend- 

 ing to a just and equitable distribution of refrigerator and 

 other cars in times of need are also desirable, as well as a study 

 of the efficiency and utility of iced pick-up car and other special 

 services. 



The opportunities for developing trolley freight service from 

 near by producing sections have not been utilized to the extent 

 that they deserve. Work in this direction is also projected. 



Careless car and train handling are responsible for large 

 aggregate injury to perishable products. A particular case ha.- 

 come to my attention in which 800 baskets of grapes in a single 

 car received in the Cincinnati market were so badly smashed 

 as to require repacking. The railroads are at the mercy of 

 their employees in this matter and are deserving of assistance 

 in educating their employees and interesting them in the econo- 

 mies of more careful handling. 



