No. 6. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. "87 



HUN. N. B. CKITCUFIELD, Secretary of Agriculture: It is to uie 

 a great pleasure to be able to meet with you to-day. I am glad 

 to see so many able and practical horticulturists present, and I 

 feel sure that good must result. I have listened with much 

 pleasure and interest to Professors Watts and Surface and Mr. Hies- 

 ter and others, and I know w^e all have heard their remarks with 

 profit. I am not able to say what the Department can do. Our ap- 

 propriation is small and ought to be increased, and with the aid and 

 influence of this Society we may have it increased by the next legisla- 

 ture. 



I know that some varieties of fruits do not do as well as others, 

 and the question of locality and adaptation should be well studied. 

 King, with us is a fall apple and not to be recommended as a good 

 keeper. I can see the importance of such investigation, and think 

 it should be continued. This is a great and wealthy State, and we 

 should call the attention of our legislators to these needs. 



I am interested in your handsome display of fruit which I shall 

 be glad to examine more carefully, if opportunity occurs. I shall 

 also be glad to become a member of your Association. 



MR. CREASY: The question of packages is a very important one, 

 especially for apples. I lost several sales last fall for want of pro- 

 per packages. As to fall apples, I do not consider it safe to plant 

 them for market. There is but a limited demand at that season, 

 and that is usually supplied by farmers. They must be promptly 

 disposed of as they will not keep. Tn my experience, winter apples 

 pay best. 



The CHAIR: On the subject of fruit packages, the Secretary has 

 received a communication from the Department of Agriculture at 

 Washington, D. C, which he will read. 



"Washington, D. C, August 5, 1903. 



"Dear Sir: Perceiving the importance of a definite understanding 

 among producers, dealers and consumers, concerning the size or 

 weight or quality of commercial packages of fruits, vegetables, ber- 

 ries, dairy products and other products of the farm and orchard, and 

 concerning their qualities or grades, this Department would like to 

 ascertain what standardization has been adopted by your Associa- 

 tion. 



