BUREAU OF MARKETS. 439 



Niagara Falls, Rome, Binghaiiiton, and Elmira, N. Y. These studies 

 have been followed by ad\ isory aid in improving conditions. 



In cooperation with the Lynchburg Chamber of Commerce and the 

 Virginia »Bureau of Markets an exteiuled city marketing survey was 

 made at Lynchburg, Va. Outgoing and incoming shipments of food 

 prodncis of the past year were tabidated to ascertain what crops 

 should be raised in greater abundance locally in order to make the 

 county more nearly self-supporting. A study was made of the local 

 public markets, and detailed advice was given for feasible market 

 improvements. 



MARKET ENGINEERING WORK. 



Investigations relating to the construction of various kinds of pub- 

 lic markets and wholesale terminal produce markets have been con- 

 tinued throughout the year. Suggested rough plans and estimates 

 for market buildings, varying in detail and completeness, were pre- 

 l)ared for the following cities : Roanoke and Norfolk, Va. ; Winston- 

 Balem, N. C. ; Butler and Wilkes-Barre, Pa. ; and Niagara Falls, 

 N. Y. 



Work has been continued upon the preparation of standard model 

 plans for various types of public markets and produce terminals. 

 Designs have been completed for steel, timber, and concrete sheds 

 for farmers' markets and for a knockdown structural steel shelter 

 for protection in connection with a retail curb market. An im- 

 proved Jayout for an inclosed retail public market building has been 

 finished in which special attention has been given to the proper 

 handling of live poultry and fish. In connection wnth the work on 

 terminal markets, an efficient plan for a wholesale produce rail ter- 

 minal, combined with a layout for a wholesale farmers' market, has 

 been prepared, the general principles of which must be adopted 

 eventually if our cities are greatly to improve their marketing facili- 

 ties. Original designs of a refrigerated display and storage counter 

 for meats and fish, and of a sanitary and attractive fruit and vege- 

 table counter, for public markets, have been made, and units are 

 being built to be tested under practical conditions. All the city 

 marketing work is under the direction of Mr. G. V. Branch. 



MARKETING BY PARCEL POST AND EXPRESS. 



The general aim of the parcel-post work, conducted by Mr. L. B. 

 Flohr and his assistants, has been to ascertain, analyze, and classify 

 the factors that operate for or against the successful marketing 

 by parcel post or express of farm produce from producers direct to 

 consumers; to determine definitely the limitations of direct market- 

 ing, both from physical and economic standpoints; and to give useful 

 information to interested persons. 



Experimental shipments of a M'ide variety of commodities have 

 been continued. They have demonstrated that in nearly every case 

 the success of a shipment depends on the quality of the product 

 shipped, the type of container, and the care used in packing. The 

 value of a commodity in proportion to its weight, and the price which 



