REPORT OF STATE HORTICULTURIST. /I 



ders it more difficult for honest men to conduct a legitimate 

 business. Indeed this fraud in the apple business became so 

 serious in Canada that it necessitated the passing of the Fruit 

 Marks Act, now merged in the Inspection and Sale Act, which 

 has done much to correct some of the grosser evils." 



The aim of cooperation is to bring fruit products as directly 

 as possible from producer to consumer. 



To encourage the best methods of production. 



To encourage honesty in grading and packing fruit. 



To enable a number of small growers to establish a com- 

 mercial standing. 



Cooperation does not exist enduringly without friendship,, 

 mutual devotion, and faithfulness. 



When taking up the cooperative movement in Nova Scotia 

 it was a very common remark that farmers or fruit growers 

 would not work together to accomplish anything. But the 

 Annapolis Valley farmers have shown verv^ clearly that such is 

 not the case with them. 



This cooperative movement was organized in the year 1907 

 by a few of the most up-to-date fruit growers in the town of 

 Berwick, right in the heart of the fruit producing district. The 

 method of handling the fruit product prior to this date was not 

 in the best interests of the fruit growers, consequently not 

 appreciated by them. 



The European commission houses had their agents stationed 

 all through the fruit district during the shipping season. Their 

 agents had sub-agents at nearly every railway station. 



The farmer would pack his apples at home and on an ap- 

 pointed day would haul them to the station where the sub-agent 

 would make up a carload and forward it according to his imme- 

 diate superior's orders. Then an array of charges began piling 

 up, really startling in their ingenuity. 



In 1907 a few of the most up-to-date and energetic farmers 

 in Berwick made up their minds, however, that in cooperation 

 alone was to be found a cure for the state of affairs which then 

 existed. The product of their orchards was increasing year by 

 year and they realized that there were only two ways in which 

 they could give proper attention to the packing and grading of 

 their fruit. 



