406 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIEIY. 



merly they were ruined by protracted drouth. Having: properly pre- 

 pared our soils by deep cultivation and proper fertilization, let us se- 

 lect such varieties as our location and the demands of the market 

 require. I have found that only by trial on my own soil could I de- 

 termine their value to me. I have been an earnest advocate of quality 

 in fruits, but I must say to the man who is growing fruits for market : 

 Grow what the market demands, which is large, showy fruit. Quality 

 has given place to good looks. I cite you the Keiffer pear and the 

 Ben Davis apple, which have been sold the past fall for more money 

 than many choice varieties. Therefore the commercial grower must 

 be governed in his choice of varieties by the demands of the market 

 and the adaptation of the fruit to his own soil. 



The sale of fruit in our markets is dependent upon certain condi- 

 tions which may be classed under four heads : First, the character of 

 the fruit offered ; second, the kind of package used ; third, proper 

 grading and packing; and, fourth, the condition in which it is received. 

 The first of these conditions must be supplied by and is dependent 

 upon the producer. If he has first-class fruit to put on the market, 

 the main point is secured, provided that the other conditions are com- 

 plied with. One of the most disturbing elements in the marketing of 

 fruit, particularly small fruits, is the fraud practiced in using small 

 packages of every description. 



Believing that we cannot expect any material increase in the sell- 

 ing price of our fruits so long as we persist in our present methods, I 

 can but recommend for your consideration these several points which 

 I have presented. 



1. Improved methods in culture, resulting in improved quality. 



2. Standard packages, established by law, suitable for each class^ 

 of fruit. 



3. Proper grading of fruit, all below a given grade liable to seiz- 

 ure and confiscation. 



4. Organized effort through state and local organization to se- 

 cure reasonable and proper charges by transportation companies and 

 canners. — Walter F. Taber, in Orange Judd Farmer. 



WASTEFUL MARKETING. 



Losses suffered by the present methods of selling farm produce 

 are not always well understood by the farmer. The fact is, there are 

 other things besides the middlemen to cause shrinkage in his returns. 

 There is much actual waste chargeable to the present system, or rather 



