78 AGRICULTURE OF MAINE. 



principle of cooperation. Do not believe for a minute that you 

 could cooperate broadcast all over the country. Certain condi- 

 tions must receive attention if it is to be successful. There 

 must be a need of cooperation, and a bad one. There must be 

 a cheerful cooperation on the part of the producers. There 

 must be a sufficient production available to w^arrant an establish- 

 ment of an organization in this section. Cooperation is not a 

 cure-all to be attempted on every kind of ground. You don't 

 expect an apple tree to grow in a low sandy valley, but you 

 must have the right conditions to develop efficiency for produc- 

 ing good fruit. You should also have the right conditions 

 to set our your cooperative plans. I have not the time to get 

 acquainted with your circumstances here, but maybe you are 

 not ready for it yet. This can be told only by close observation 

 in this section. 



Let us look for a moment to other conditions. We find the 

 outlook rather dark just now. A crisis calls for judgment and 

 coolness. Move your stock out gradually and move only your 

 good stock, for in a year like this it is almost a crime to flood 

 your market with poor goods. Keep in the closest possible 

 touch with market conditions through dependable agents in the 

 distributive centers and through good trade papers. Develop 

 your home markets and give them good fruit. 



Here are some suggestions, issued last fall by the Office of 

 Markets which I represent. It would be well to remember them, 

 especially in seasons like this. It is strongly urged : 



First. That growers pick and handle the fruit in such con- 

 dition as to insure it against deterioration. 



Second. That growers, associations and operators who use 

 the barrel as a container adopt the standard barrel and uniform 

 grade, and pack the crop in compliance with the standards of 

 the law, branding their packages accordingly. 



Third. That all inferior grades be eliminated from the 

 green-fruit markets, and diverted as far as possible to cider- 

 mills, canneries and evaporators. 



Fourth. That only long-keeping, standard packed varieties 

 be placed in cold storage. 



Fifth. That a special effort be made to fully supply small 

 towns by direct sales for the purpose of securing equitable dis- 

 tribution and avoiding the congestion of large markets. 



